The Secret Antelope Canyon

The pictures that appear on Google when Antelope Canyon is searched are breathtaking. But, what the pictures fail to depict is the popularity and crowds that the world famous slot canyon attracts. On Navajo land, the only way to access the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon (the most photographed parts of the canyon) requires a tour guide. There are countless tour companies that bring groups into the canyon everyday, but not without a fee. Once learning of this, Wilson and I had pretty much decided to avoid Antelope Canyon and look for another slot canyon to explore instead. Then, I came across a different, much less traveled way to experience the canyon, by kayak.

We rented a double kayak for the day from Antelope Point Marina and headed out on Lake Powell. About an hour paddle from the marina, Antelope Canyon meets Lake Powell. The canyon began very wide as we paddled with the towering walls above us and beautiful clear waters around us. The farther we paddled, the more narrow the canyon became and soon we could not paddle any farther and had to get out of the kayak and walk. Then, the famous walls of Antelope Canyon really started to emerge.

Although we did not get the exact same pictures or experiences that the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are famous for, we had the entire canyon to ourselves. We walked at least 30 minutes into the canyon, not seeing anyone else along the way, a completely different experience than a tour. It was incredible to explore the canyon alone and be able to peacefully take in the unique beauty.