Are you looking for a unique vacation experience that will leave you mesmerized? Look no further than the spectacular Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona! On this incredible adventure, you’ll get to explore two of nature’s captivating wonders as they reveal their dazzling display of sandstone walls, turquoise pools, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether it’s your first time visiting these sites or if you’ve been dreaming about them since childhood, I promise that a visit will be like stepping into another world filled with natural beauty and unmatched views. So what are you waiting for? Put on those hiking shoes and embark on an exploration of some of the most stunning destinations in North America!
Backstory
Alright, folks! Time to spill the beans and share the juicy or not-so-juicy details behind my latest adventure. Here is the true reason why I set off on this incredible journey. My brother was off to Arizona for some “work stuff”, so his girlfriend reached out to me to see if I wanted to tag along. And you know what? I said heck yeah! I mean, who doesn’t love Arizona, right? So I suggested we check out this incredible place called Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend while we were there. At first, my brother was a little skeptical, but once we actually went, he was blown away. Seriously, it was totally mind-blowing and amazing! This is why I am his favorite sister. Just saying!
The height difference between my brother and me is absolutely hilarious! Can you believe it? I never even reached 5 feet tall while he towers at a whopping 6’2″. Somehow I got the short end of the stick. Hehe
What and Where is Antelope Canyon?
Get ready to be blown away by the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon! Carved by Mother Nature over millions of years, this epic wonder is nestled in the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Page, near the Arizona-Utah border. With its mesmerizing wave-like structure and dazzling light beams, Antelope Canyon is THE spot to capture breathtaking photos.
What and Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Yeehaw! Hold onto your hats and get ready to witness the jaw-dropping beauty of Horseshoe Bend. This place is no ordinary bend in the river – it’s a dramatic, horseshoe-shaped wonder located near Antelope Canyon. Picture steep canyon walls on both sides and an unbeatable view of the stunning Colorado River. Now that’s something you don’t want to miss. So saddle up and head on over to this unique and breathtaking spot. Trust me, it’s worth every second of the visit.
I’m from Texas so I can write like this. The country girl in me comes out when one mentions horseshoes. Don’t be fooled by the Yankee hat. I may wear it, but I’m a true Southern belle at heart!
Distance Antelope Canyon to Horseshoe Bend?
It is a short 4.3-mile jaunt on Highway 89 from Antelope Canyon. Hop in the car and buckle up for a quick 12-minute car ride to Horseshoe Bend.
Celebrities & Antelope Canyon
Have you seen all the stunning Antelope Canyon pictures that have been taking over Instagram? Famous faces like Miley Cyrus, Brad Pitt, the Kardashians, and even Tom Hanks can’t resist capturing the beauty of this natural wonder. Even one of my favorite videos was filmed inside Lower Antelope Canyon.
Britney Spears- “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman”
Who else can’t resist belting out this song in their head now that I’ve brought it up? Let the internal concert begin!
Tickets and Tours to Antelope Canyon
To experience the breathtaking beauty of Antelope Canyon, you’ve got to snag your tickets in advance – they sell like hotcakes! Why? Because without a tour ticket in hand, you won’t be able to hit the hiking trails. This incredible canyon is under the protection of the Navajo Parks and Recreation, meaning only authorized tour companies can show you its wonders. And trust us, there are good reasons for this. Flood safety and preventing vandalism are top priorities, which is why everyone needs a knowledgeable guide by their side. In fact, the public lost access to the canyon back in 1997 due to unfortunate accidents where 12 hikers were swept away by flash floods. But hey, here’s the silver lining – your tour will be led by the Navajos themselves. Get ready to learn all about their land and soak up the wonder of Antelope Canyon with the people who know it best.
Ticket and Tours Horseshoe Bend
No tour is needed. This breathtaking spot is not on Navajo land and is part of the National Park. There are no worries about flash floods or being underground. Admission to Horseshoe Bend is free, thanks to the national park service. However, keep in mind that the parking lot is owned by the city of Page and there is a small fee of $10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle. Unfortunately, national park passes won’t get you a discount, but the good news, you don’t need to buy tickets in advance.
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon lets you explore above ground, but the real adventure awaits below. Get jaw-dropping pictures and the ultimate view by hiking the Lower Antelope Canyon. Trust me, I may not be an expert, but Lower Antelope Canyon is where the magic happens.
Hiking Lower Antelope Canyon
Hold on tight and get ready for the truth about Lower Antelope Canyon. Brace yourself because the staircase to get into this canyon is scarier than a horror movie. I wouldn’t even dream of taking my kids here, it’s no child’s play. Trust me, you need to be in tip-top physical shape to tackle this adventure. My crew and I are Crossfit enthusiasts and even we were questioning how mere mortals could conquer this hike. Picture this: you’ll find yourself squeezing through ridiculously narrow spots that even made me, the bravest of them all, break a sweat. Make sure you are ready for the challenge. Is it worth it, heck ya!
Caution: Brace yourself for a challenging hike if you’re scared of heights and tight spots!
Hiking Horseshoe Bend
Looking for a hike that’s a piece of cake? Look no further than Horseshoe Bend. This trail is as easy as it gets, with just a 1.3-mile round trip from start to finish. It’s so quick that you’ll be there and back in just 30 minutes for a leisurely stroll. So can Grandma and Grandpa do this hike? Heck ya!
What should you bring to Antelope Canyon?
Gather this gear, before you embark on this epic hike.
- Hiking Boots- My brother and his girlfriend stumbled around in their tennis shoes while I rocked the hike in my trusty boots. They practically begged me to mention this in my blog post. They’re totally regretting not investing in hiking boots.
- Mask- All their guides are masked, but not for COVID safety. Once you enter the canyon, the wind and sand are swirling, and you’ll be grateful for that mask to keep the grit out of your face and mouth.
- Hat- Put on a hat, my friend! Otherwise, your lovely locks will be filled with sand. The wind is whirling and the sand is in full swing.
- Sunglasses or Goggles- Don’t let those pesky sand particles ruin your day. Grab your sunglasses or goggles and protect those beautiful eyes of yours.
- Allergy Medicine- If you’re anything like me and dust sets off your allergies, I’ve got a life-saving tip for you. Stock up on some allergy medicine, my friend. You’ll be thanking me later!
What you need to know about Antelope Canyon
No backpacks allowed in Lower Antelope Canyon. Prepare to go without water for over an hour. Stay hydrated, my friends!
No videos allowed. This hike can get wild. Safety first, folks.
After exploring all that these unforgettable destinations have to offer, one can’t help but be in awe of the beauty and power of nature. Truly, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are marvels, each having something special to capture the imagination. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends and family, there is something for everyone at these two incredible sites. I cannot recommend them enough! If you’ve been dreaming of an unforgettable adventure, now is the time! All you need is some comfortable shoes and your camera – Glam Escapes will take care of the rest. Why not come for yourself and experience first-hand what so many rave about? Hurry up and book before all the spots are gone! Click here to learn more about Glam Escapes.
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