Upper Antelope Canyon Poster

Upper Antelope Canyon, on land near Page, Arizona Antelope Canyon includes two separate, photogenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. Antelope Canyon was formed by erosion of Sandstone, primarily due to flash flooding and secondarily due to other Sub-aerial processes. 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 are eroded away, making the corridors deeper and smoothing hard edges in such a way as to form characteristic 'flowing' shapes in the rock. Flooding in the canyon still occurs. A flood occurred on October 30, 2006 that lasted 36 hours, and led to the Tribal Park Authorities closing Lower Antelope Canyon for 5 months. Antelope Canyon is a popular location for photographers and sightseers, and a source of tourism business for the Nation. It has been accessible by permit only since 1997, when the Tribe made it a Tribal Park. Photography within the canyons is difficult due to the wide exposure range (often 10 EV or more) made by light reflecting off the canyon walls. This is a draw for photographers who want to hone their skills in a challenging environment, but a bane to casual snapshooters lacking the knowledge (and to a lesser extent, the equipment) necessary to obtain pleasing results.