Many travelers do not know how rich the history of Antelope Canyon is. Taking an Antelope Canyon tour can help increase one’s understanding of its exciting history and the fascinating culture of the Navajo people, for whom the Antelope Canyon reservation is a sacred site. Read on to learn more about Antelope Canyon’s formation and its importance to the Navajo people.
Antelope Canyon’s Formation
Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon near Page, Arizona. It is known by the Navajo people as “The place where water runs through rocks.” The slot canyon consists of two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon, which is known as “The Crack,” and Lower Antelope Canyon, which is known as “The Corkscrew.” Both offer their own kind of natural beauty to visitors, with Upper Antelope being famous for its summer light beams and its changing colors in the winter. They were formed over hundreds of years by water running through sandstone. The upper part of the canyon is about 4,000 feet in elevation and its smooth sandstone walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. The entire upper slot canyon is only about 300 feet long and entirely at ground level, making it a great tourist destination for travelers of all kinds.
Navajo Nation: The LeChee Chapter
The Antelope Canyon reservation lies on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. The Canyon is a sacred site of the Navajo Tribe and is an important part of Navajo culture and spirituality. Navajo people stop before entering the Canyon and frame their minds to respect Antelope and the gifts of Mother Nature that made its formation possible. The Canyon is also blessed every four years in order to give thanks to nature for forming the Canyon’s shape. The Navajo Tribe turned
Antelope Canyon into a Navajo Tribal Park in 1997 due to its cultural and spiritual importance. As a result, it has only been accessible by permit since that time. An Antelope Canyon tour is the main way that visitors explore the Canyon today.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
Are you ready to expand on your knowledge of Antelope Canyon after learning these fascinating facts? Book with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours for a memorable experience. Our tour guides are members of the Navajo Nation who know all that there is to know about the Canyon and Navajo culture. Get in touch to learn more about our packages today.