Is Antelope Canyon Part of the Grand Canyon?
A common question, among travelers, is whether Antelope Canyon is part of the Grand Canyon. We often view stunning photographs of Antelope Canyon, as well as the Grand Canyon, and sometimes they seem to overlap or be interchangeable.
Actually, they are separate areas, even though there are some similar, overlapping attributes. Let us first compare their similarities and what they both have in common.
Both Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon are located within the Colorado Plateau. This is a high desert region in the Southwest United States. The Colorado Plateau is an area that stretches over four states, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. This area, also nicknamed Red Rock Country includes 8 National Parks and 18 National Monuments and other protected areas managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Forest Service.
There are similarities found within many of these parks, such as vibrant colors, unusual rock formations, varied elevations and strata, and flora and fauna. There are also distinct features, some of which are mainly only found in one of the parks or areas.
Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon are both located in Northern Arizona, both part of the Colorado Plateau, and both at a similar latitude. But they are quite different in scope, size, elevation, and appearance. The Grand Canyon is truly grand! It is vast. And its panoramic vistas make it seem even larger than it is, since it seems impossible to ever see the end of the canyon. Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon, often providing the visitors with the ability to touch both sides at the same time while standing at the bottom. It does not offer sweeping views of unending landscape. Rather, it provides a beautiful array of colors and forms that dazzle the imagination and delight the eyes. It is a twisting, winding passageway through water-carved rocks. It is intimate and full of personality. It is just large enough for visitors to walk through comfortably. It is misunderstood. It is not part of the Grand Canyon, or Zion or Bryce. It is its own place. It is wholly located on the Navajo Reservation. While it is related to other areas of the Colorado Plateau, it is unlike any other location within the region.
Antelope Canyon is located just outside of Page, Arizona. Visitors must purchase tickets for a specific date and time. Tour companies must be Navajo owned, and all guides are Navajo. Different Navajo families own and operate tours to different sections of the slot canyon. Travelers cannot visit and explore on their own, but must be part of an organized tour. Most walking tours inside the slot canyon last about one hour.
It is the most beautiful slot canyon anywhere on Earth. It is not uncommon to find a photo of Antelope Canyon that is labeled the “Grand Canyon.” This frequent mistake is usually caused by someone trying to find the most beautiful Grand Canyon photo, who accidentally finds a photo of Antelope Canyon to use.
Photography is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Antelope Canyon. In fact, the most expensive photograph ever sold was Peter Lik’s “Phantom” which was taken at Antelope Canyon. He was one of the pioneers in putting Antelope Canyon on the list for many future visitors. While his photography of the slot canyon is famous and breathtaking, many visitors have found that they can also take amazing photos in this inspiring location. Most visitors now use newer phones to take the dramatic shots, and of course share them with their friends and family through social media. This has helped to build the popularity of Antelope Canyon.
Photography is one of the biggest draws for visitors to Antelope Canyon. In fact, the most expensive photograph ever sold was Peter Lik’s “Phantom” which was taken at Antelope Canyon. He was one of the pioneers in putting Antelope Canyon on the list for many future visitors. While his photography of the slot canyon is famous and breathtaking, many visitors have found that they can also take amazing photos in this inspiring location. Most visitors now use newer phones to take the dramatic shots, and of course share them with their friends and family through social media. This has helped to build the popularity of Antelope Canyon.
Did water create both canyons? The simple answer is yes. But the more complicated answer involves other factors as well. The Grand Canyon was not simply created by the Colorado River carving it out over time. This process did help to create it, but several other factors were involved over millions of years. In fact, not all geologists agree on just how it was formed. Shifting plates and elevations have also had a role in creating this wonder, while Antelope Canyon presents a simpler story. Flash floods, caused by sudden and heavy rainfall, sweep through the desert, and reshape the terrain. These floods have carved, and continue to carve, the walls of the slot canyon to reveal striped layers and fanciful formation. So, water is a factor in both areas, but working quite differently, and with a different time frame.
The Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon are only 2-3 hours apart, so it makes sense to visit both locations during a trip to the region. They are so different and distinct that it is not a matter of which should be visited, but how to incorporate both into one trip.
