I am curious how one gains access, do you need a guide, are they on reservation land etc. Any information people feel like sharing will be very appreciated.
thanks
steve simmons
I am curious how one gains access, do you need a guide, are they on reservation land etc. Any information people feel like sharing will be very appreciated.
thanks
steve simmons
They are on reservation land and you will need to pay to enter them. I think Upper antelope which I find more interesting is about $20 or so to enter. Lower is set up differently now though- I think you have to take a bus or something to get in there but I havent been in there in years- I do believe that they will charge you to get in there seperately from upper. Great places to visit though- I had a blast!
You do not need to take a bus for the lower Antelope Canyon - you just drive up your car, pay, wait for a guide to take you in there. I actually prefer the lower canyon, beause it is less visited and you get more time to photograph - infact the last time I was there I was able to stay as long as I wanted. For the upper Antelope Canyon you can either book a visit in town at one of the many guide companies or go directly to the Canyon. When booking in town you get more time to photograph - you can even book a photographer-only tour. In any case you will not have as much time as in the lower canyon.
Juergen
I just finished photographing in both over the last few days. Lower Antelope Canyon is by far the most interesting and the least travelled....because of the steep steps that keep most of the tourists away.
Upper Antelope was a complete gong show with hundreds of people going thru with their point and shoots flashing like mad. I spent about 4 hours in the lower canyon with no problem. Well, there was one....I found so many interesting forms that I need to go back for another few hours. Thunderstorms today kept me away.
Just drive up to the Upper Canyon lot, pay $8, and they truck you in...like cattle.
I paid $20 if memory serves for lower....and you just drive up to the opposite (power plant side) of the street. There is a lot there and you walk for about 1 minute to get in. And when I say get in....you squeeze thru a crack in the ground.
I chuckle at the web site linked above mentioning the spirituality of the site. Bruce Barnbaum comments on his discussions with the people in the area and prior to it becoming a tourism hot spot, the people didn't seem to attach any importance to the site other than trying to keep sheep and cattle from falling in, and the young population using it as a party spot. Now of course because it's so popular, there has now been this apparent creation of religious and spiritual importance.....I guess it help the mystique of the place.
Check the weather, water gets in there, quietly and suddenly.
Thanks to all for the info.
steve simmons
The time of year is important too. I have only been in the winter, and, with the sun lower, you have a shorter window and poorer light quality. The offset, is fewer people to contend with. Fascinating places, even if you didn't make a photo.
Keith Pitman
I seem to have the canyons reversed in my post- sorry, it is the lower canyon I was describing as my favorite. Somehow I seem to recall it as being the one that is further north- is this correct?
Eric,
the lower Canyon is just across the street from the upper - you cross the major highway and go for maybe 1/3 of a mile, if even that.
Juergen
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