Thursday, September 12, 2019

What You Need To Know About Antelope Canyon


What You Need To Know About Antelope Canyon

You’re not allowed to take a self guided tour of antelope canyon.  This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make when they come to Las Vegas and then decide they’re going to visit a national park that within driving distance.  Even though antelope canyon isn’t technically a national park due to the fact that it is controlled and owned by Navajo nation, it is still protected space that is ultimately one of the most unique areas on earth as well as one of the most visually stunning.  This slot canyon located just to the east of Page Arizona was created by the rushing water of flash flooding over many thousands of years.  This is unique to only a few places on earth, because the majority of large canyons like this are created by the flowing water of rivers or streams.  Antelope canyon was created by flooding that comes and goes, meaning that the bottom of the canyon floor is dry when you tour it.  This also means that there are going to be times when you’re not allowed to enter to do the fact that flash flooding is unpredictable and can cause damage or death.  There have been several instances of tourists hurt or killed over the years by being overcome by flash flooding that was not able to be visually seen from the entrance to the canyon.  There’ve been the installation of safety devices over the years as well as a policy put into place where Navajo nation does not allow for tours to happen if there’s any chance whatsoever of rain in the area that can contribute to a flash flood through the canyon.  If they run their own weather service in addition to the national weather service in order to maintain this policy.  You’re also not allowed to tour the area on your own, needing a Navajo guide or a person who has been certified by Navajo nation as being familiar with the area.  This is for the safety of the patrons who want to tour.  It can be quite frustrating if you drive all the way from Las Vegas only to find out that the area is closed, especially if you cannot see rain developing overhead.  They will not take any chances and there are no exceptions to this rule.

Is highly suggested that if you plan on visiting antelope canyon you do so by utilizing a tour company that will be able to visit a different area would this particular canyon be closed.  It is almost impossible to predict whether antelope canyon will be open or closed until the morning that you would plan on touring it, and even though you have to buy tickets in advance if you were to avoid getting shut out of the tour on the day you were there, there’s still a good chance that you will not be able to tour when you get there.  Only professional tour companies are able to create packages that will ultimately visit other areas if their patrons cannot visit antelope canyon.  Leave it to the professionals.

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