BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ANTELOPE CANYON, ARIZONA

Nestled in the Navajo land in Page, Arizona, the Antelope Canyon stands out in its striking red structure. While the Canyon itself can be quite fun to explore, the places that surround it only add to the charm. Whether it be the scenic Lake Powell, with its many marinas and bridges, or the Navajo Village Centre offering a traditional Navajo, these places to visit in Antelope are sure to add to your experience here.

Lake Powell: Albeit called a ‘lake’, Powell’s unorthodox shape makes it appear more a lagoon than anything else. Nestled just on the Utah Arizona border, this man made reservoir attracts picnickers throughout the year. Lake Powell’s bright blue waters blend right into sandy beaches, with sandstone outcrops interspersed at short distances. The Lake is well known for its ethereal views, and one of the best ways to enjoy its landscapes is to take a guided cruise along its waters. A number of other sports can be tried here as well, such as water skiing, wakeboarding or sea kayaking.

Location: Utah- Arizona border

Navajo Village Heritage Centre: Arizona being home to many of America’s indigenous tribes, the Navajo culture is quite strong here. At the Navajo Village Heritage Centre, one catches a quick glimpse of it. The heritage centre is a recreation of a traditional village from the 1800’s, fully furnished with authentic Navajo ‘hogans’ or homes. Visitors are treated with guided tours through the village,  where they get to witness the Navajo lifestyle at close hand. Storytelling sessions and demonstrations narrate the history of the tribe. Here, one can also witness rug weaving sessions and traditional Native American dances adding to one’s experience. Head over to the Thrillophilia Tripadvsior reviews section to learn more about the village tours.

Location: 1253 Coppermine Rd, Page, AZ 86040, United States

Hanging Canyon: Home to a stunning range of scenery, Hanging Canyon is one of the more popular hiking trails in the Antelope region. The road lasts about a mile, and makes a full loop around the mountain. Keep in mind that the hiking route here is unmaintained, and does not have the luxury of other organized treks. However, the rugged charm of Hanging Canyon makes it all the more appealing. The dusty red route cuts across the slopes, crossing patches of grasslands and little lakes as it goes by. Owing to its elevation, Hanging Canyon offers some stupendous views as well.

Location: Jenny Lake Campground

Horseshoe Bend: The famed horseshoe bend sits about 10 minutes away from the main Antelope Canyon. The Bend is what one would recognize as an oxbow lake, cut off at the bottom where the river meanders. The Colorado empties into the horseshoe shaped formations, standing out against the bright red of the Navajo Sandstone. The best way to spend one’s time here is to hike up any of the cliffs here and enjoy a sunset from the peak. Keep a camera at the ready, for the views here are truly stupendous.

Location: Page, Arizona

Glen Canyon Dam: Stretching across Lake Powell is the Glen Canyon Dam, one of the most astounding and daunting parts of the Canyon landscape. The Dam offers guided tours throughout the year, and taking one is one of the best ways to explore the place.  The visuals from atop the Dam are spellbinding- on one side, one is greeted with views of the bright blue Lake Powell, while on the other side flows the Colorado. The Dam features a gift shop as well, where one can shop for little souvenirs and memorabilias.

Location: US-89, Page, AZ 86040, United States

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area:Sprawling along the Arizona Canyon, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is one of USA’s biggest National Parks. The National Park encompasses many of the striking natural landmarks that fall in the area, such as the Orange Cliffs, the Muley Point and the Lake Powell marinas. The Recreation Area offers several guided tours as well. There are four separate visitors centres, where one can shop for little souvenirs.Head over to theThrillophilia reviews section for more information.

Location: Hwy 89 at Glen Canyon Dam, Page, AZ 86040

Rainbow Bridge: One of the world’s largest natural bridges, the Rainbow Bridge is known for its astounding beauty. The Bridge is considered sacred by many of the indeginous tribes here, who regard it as a symbol for the deities who created the rainbow, the sun and the sky. The National MOnument sits right at the edge of Lake Powell, and can be reached by boat, horseback, or on foot. During summers, there are several guided tours offered here where rangers offer comprehensive demonstrations on the geology of the area.

Location: Lake Powell, UT 84533, United States

Antelope Point Marina: The nearest Marina to the Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Point is a popular family vacation spot. There are many ways to explore the Marina, one of the most popular ones being camping. Several houseboat adventures set off from here as well, some even offering fishing tours in Lake Powell. A little holiday spot, called the Marina Village, nestles just below the hill. Here, one can spend the day shopping or dining by the water.

Location:  537 Marina Pkwy, Page, AZ 86040, United States

Upper Antelope Canyon: In native Navajo, the Upper Antelope is called Tsé behani líní, or the “place where the water runs through the rocks.” The Upper Canyon is easier to explore than its sister, for most of it is situated on level ground. During summers, beams of direct sunlight enter through the cracks here, making the red sandstone shine in hues of orange and yellow. Once in the canyon, one is greeted by unique rock formations in different shapes- the Candle Formation and the Lion’s Head formation are two of the most popular landmarks here.

Lower Antelope Canyon: The Lower Antelope canyon is generally less frequented than the Upper Canyon, owing to its steep descent and comparatively harder climb. In traditional Navajo, this canyon is called Hazdistazí, or the “spiral rock arches.” Here, one note a distinctly swirling shape in the pattern of rocks. The unique beauty of the rocks is more distinctly felt here, attracting several photographers to the Lower Canyon.