 | ANTELOPE CANYON Navajo National Park, Az, Plateau Colorado |
|
Lower Waterholes |
Waterholes Canyon |
Squeezing through the tightest part of Lower part of the east Waterholes |
LOWER PART OF EAST WATERHOLES |
the West Fork of Upper Water Holes Canyon |
Waterholes Canyon is an amazing technical slot canyon located just south of Page, Arizona. The upper part of Waterholes Canyon lays on the Navajo Reservation above the rim of Glen Canyon. The lower sections empties out into the canyon to the Colorado River, which is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. In 4 miles, this canyon drops 1500 feet through the Page Sandstone (a lateral variation of the Navajo Sandstone )in Glen Canyon.Waterholes is an amazing canyon for numerous reasons. One is that it looks almost like Antelope Canyon, which is only 8 miles away, but the lack of crowds make Waterholes alot nicer. It is also a very technical canyon. While you don''t have to build your own anchors, there are 15+ rappels (depending upon how you count them). Lots of stemming is required with some impossibly narrow sections. Swimming is required in a few sections as well. Then the coolest thing, the crux- a 300 ft rappel over featureless sandstone. If you do this rappel, then you are committed and have to float the Colorado River to Lees Ferry for 4 miles or catch a ride on a boat somehow. |
Upper Waterholes |
West Fork of Upper Water Holes Canyon |
the West Fork of Upper Water Holes Canyon |
the West Fork of Upper Water Holes Canyon |
the West Fork of Upper Water Holes Canyon |
Sand Fall, Upper Antelope Canyon |
Upper Antelope Canyon, Falling Sand |
Upper Antelope Canyon |
Upper Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park. |
A beam of sunlight in Upper Antelope Canyon |
Upper Antelope Canyon, Slot Canyon Colours |
Upper Antelope Canyon, Waves of Sandstone |
Sandstone Waves |
Lower Antelope Canyon |
A portion of Lower Antelope Canyon, near Page, Arizona |
Entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon |
Located 45 km north of Glen Canyon
HISTORY
A long time ago, herds of pronghorn antelope roamed freely in Antelope Canyon, which explains the canyon''s English name. It is not known exactly when people first discovered Antelope Canyon. According to local Navajos, who have lived here for some time, the canyon and the LeChee area were places where cattle grazed in winter.
To older Navajos, entering a place like Antelope Canyon was like entering a cathedral. They would probably pause before going in, to be in the right frame of mind and prepare for protection and respect. This would also allow them to leave with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer, and to be in harmony with something greater than themselves. It was, and is, a spiritual experience.
UPPER ANTELOPE CANYON
The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse'' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks." Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
You will need a guide. Make arrangements for a guided tour.
As of May 1, 2011 there is a 2-hour Limit inside Upper Antelope Canyon.
LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON
Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, or "spiral rock arches." Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
You will need a guide. Make arrangements for a guided tour.
As of May 1, 2011 there is a 2-hour Limit inside Lower Antelope Canyon.
UPPER PART OF EAST WATERHOLES
Upper part of East Water Holes is accessible by guided tours only. Please make reservations with Slot Canyon Hummer Adventures, they are listed under Guided Tours on this web page.
LOWER PART OF EAST WATERHOLES
Lower part of East Water Holes Canyon requires a Backcountry Use (Hiking) Permit to access this area, located just off Highway 89 at milepost 542.