Arizona’s nickname might be “The Grand Canyon State,” but there are many more beautiful canyons hiding in our desert landscape. In fact, according to Country Living, the most beautiful canyon in Arizona isn’t even the Grand Canyon! Can you guess which one made the cut?
When you hear the words “most beautiful canyon in Arizona,” our state’s most iconic natural wonder probably comes to mind.
Nico De Pasquale Photography / Stone Collection / Getty Images After all, it is one of the most visited and photographed places on earth!
According to Country Living, however, that prestigious honor goes to a canyon so exclusive, a guided tour is required to see it in person.
Matteo Colombo / DigitalVision Collection / Getty Images We’re talking about Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon located on the Navajo Nation near Lechee.
Antelope Canyon formed somewhere between eight and 60 million years ago, when flash flooding caused the sandstone to erode.
Brandt Campbell / 500px Prime Collection / Getty Images Today, the canyon is divided into five separate areas: Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew).
Most sightseers prefer to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, as it’s located entirely at ground level and requires zero climbing.
Maremagnum / Corbis Documentary Collection / Getty Images This area is also where you’ll see the famous light beams radiating down from small openings at the top of the canyon. The beams are best seen between March 20 and October 7, so plan your trip accordingly.
Fewer people visit Lower Antelope Canyon due to the climbing involved.
Jillian Meyer Photo / Moment Collection / Getty Images Photographs make up the majority of the tourist base, and photography-only tours are available at midday. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a less crowded tour!
Both sections feature a variety of unique rock formations - this one is known as the “Lady in the Wind.”
Chan Srithaweeporn / Moment Collection / Getty Images Other notable formations include a candle, the head of a lion, and a heart.
So if you ever get the chance to visit Antelope Canyon, jump on it.
By Sky Xueying Duanmu / Moment Collection / Getty Images It’s definitely a more intimate experience than a trip to the Grand Canyon, allowing for more quiet time with just you and nature.
Click here for a list of Antelope Canyon Tour outfitters.
Nico De Pasquale Photography / Stone Collection / Getty Images
After all, it is one of the most visited and photographed places on earth!
Matteo Colombo / DigitalVision Collection / Getty Images
We’re talking about Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon located on the Navajo Nation near Lechee.
Brandt Campbell / 500px Prime Collection / Getty Images
Today, the canyon is divided into five separate areas: Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew).
Maremagnum / Corbis Documentary Collection / Getty Images
This area is also where you’ll see the famous light beams radiating down from small openings at the top of the canyon. The beams are best seen between March 20 and October 7, so plan your trip accordingly.
Jillian Meyer Photo / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Photographs make up the majority of the tourist base, and photography-only tours are available at midday. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a less crowded tour!
Chan Srithaweeporn / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Other notable formations include a candle, the head of a lion, and a heart.
By Sky Xueying Duanmu / Moment Collection / Getty Images
It’s definitely a more intimate experience than a trip to the Grand Canyon, allowing for more quiet time with just you and nature.
Have you ever been to Antelope Canyon? If so, do you agree that it’s the most beautiful canyon in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For more jaw-dropping canyons in Arizona (that aren’t the Grand Canyon), check out our previous article.
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Address: Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
