Antelope Canyon, near Page, Arizona, USA
Antelope Canyon was formed over hundreds of years by water that ran through sandstone, giving it its unique geography. Rainwater, especially during monsoon season, runs into the extensive basin above the slot canyon sections, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time, the passageways eroded, deepening the corridors and smoothing hard edges to form characteristic "flowing" shapes.
Shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion, the magnificent canyon was named after the herds of pronghorn antelope that had once roamed the area.
The Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular route because more sunlight enters the canyon, and the walls reach up to 120 feet. The Lower Antelope Canyon is equally impressive, immersing visitors in the swirling embrace of sandstone walls.
From March through October, the sun's position creates light shafts that reach the canyon floor and illuminate the pink, red, orange, and gold patterns on the canyon walls. Winter colors are more muted but no less spectacular. The best shots of Antelope Canyon are always taken looking up. Light beams start to peek into the canyon on March 20 and disappear by October 7.
