Top 10 Hikes in America

Upper Antelope Canyon, AZ

This hike will take your breath away and your memories of it will linger in your dreams for a very long time. This hike is on Navajos lands in Northern Arizona just a short drive from the town of Page. Generations of Navajos have been enchanted by this cathedral of canyons.

First, hikers must obtain a Navajo Nation Backcountry Permit. The price is $12 per person and is good for a 24 hour period. Permits are available at:

Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park Office in Page, AZ 
(928) 698-2808 voice  (928) 698-2820 fax
email : ac@navajonationparks.org

The office is located next to the LeChee Chapter House, which is three miles south of Page, Arizona on Coppermine Rd. (Navajo Route 20). Canyon GPS coordinates: 36°53'17" N, 111°22'4" W.

 

Guided tours are also available from a variety of tour operators in and around Page, AZ.

Get there early in the day. As the sun beams into the canyon you will want to have your camera with you. These canyons will give even the most novice of photographers the opportunity to take some very spectacular photographs. 

Pause a few moments before going into the canyon to get into the right frame of mind. Prepare yourself for walking into a true wonder of mother earth. This hike is enchanting and will leave you in awe.

Just within a few feet of your entry point into the canyon the ground is sandy and the path is narrow, no more than 3-12 feet wide and up to 60 feet tall. The canyon walls tower above you and in some spots the sunlight finds its way to the canyon floor appearing as a beam from heaven. They call this a “slot” canyon. Over millions of years rainwater has carved its way through the rocks creating these types of deep canyons.

Caution, do not enter the canyon if rain is expected as the canyon will be flushed out during a good rain and you will NOT want to be caught in that type of situation.

To prepare for this hike get necessary permits ahead of time. Inside the canyon it will remain mostly cool in Spring, Summer and Fall. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a sweatshirt. I recommend hauling in water, at least 44oz, a simple first-aide kit, a few power bars, a camera. Be sure your camera battery is charged and that you have adequate space on your memory card. I would also recommend carrying in a lightweight tripod for the experienced photographer. There is no cellular service available in the canyons. Never hike alone and make others aware of where you are and when you expect to be out of the canyon.

You will want to pay special attention to your footwear on this hike as much of it will be in the sand. Do not wear flip flops or open toed footwear. I recommend using a hiking boot with good ankle support. I also use custom insoles for added stability,support and comfort. I recommend the custom orthotics that are made from impressions of your feet and not the over the counter insoles. You also must be aware of the wildlife as you are funneled into the canyon together with other living creatures. Beware of snakes that might strike defensively if they feel trapped by your approach. Finally, remember the motto, pack it in, pack it out. Now you are ready.

You will depart these canyons with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer, and to be in harmony with something greater than ourselves. It was, and is, a spiritual experience.

Happy trails!