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The history of Antelope Canyon: A tale older than time
Antelope CanyonHistory
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From sand dunes to sandstone: The birth of Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Canyon is the most visited and popular of the canyons. It’s located on a higher level and it’s more accessible for people. It’s more “U” shaped as compared to the other canyons, which means the terrain is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Around midday, the sunlight passes through the Upper Canyon’s narrow top onto the flatter bottom and through its curved walls and creates a stunning light beam effect that draws photographers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists from around the world.
Lower Antelope Canyon
You reach the Lower Antelope Canyon after taking a short walk from the Upper Canyon and a steep climb down the stairs. You enter a “V” shaped section, which is a lot narrower and more difficult to navigate. It involves a lot more climbing than the Upper Canyon, so it’s less accessible. The walls and passageways of the Lower Canyon are more twisted and complex and end up enhancing the colors in a more picturesque way.
Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X is a short drive away from both Upper and Lower Canyons and is lesser known when compared to the other two. It’s called Canyon X because of the “X” shaped rocks that surround its entrance. It also requires a descent to enter, but it isn’t as steep as the Lower Canyon. There is uneven terrain in the canyon but the passageways aren’t narrow so it is still relatively accessible to visitors. The canyon is deeper than Lower Canyon and has a variety of alcoves that observe different lighting conditions throughout the day. Although the colors on the walls may not be as vivid and prominent as those on Lower Canyon, the textures and curvatures of the canyon are still a sight to behold.
The rise of tourism | Antelope Canyon today
1980s: Emerging interest among enthusiasts
Up until the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was very little known about Antelope Canyon. Photographers, geologists, and local nature enthusiasts were the only ones keen on exploring the landmark. Scientists examined its formation, understanding it as a slot canyon created over millions of years by water erosion. The unique swirling shapes became a case study in understanding the power of natural forces.
1983: Public tours by the Pearl Begay family
The Pearl Begay family, members of the Navajo Nation, opened Antelope Canyon to public tours. Recognizing the canyon’s growing allure, they took the first steps toward making it accessible to visitors while maintaining its sanctity. The tours were small, informal, and primarily focused on sharing the beauty and history of the canyon with respect to Navajo traditions. These family-led tours marked the beginning of Antelope Canyon’s journey toward becoming a global attraction.
1997: Designation of Antelope Canyon as a Navajo Tribal Park
The Navajo Tribe formally designated Antelope Canyon as a Navajo Tribal Park, implementing a framework to preserve its walls and structure and cultural significance. Especially since the Antelope Canyon is a lot more than a natural wonder to the Navajo people, it holds spiritual value to them. By making it a sacred site, they would ensure all visitors would be accompanied by Navajo guides, who would not only lead the way but also educate visitors on the canyon's geology, history, and spiritual meaning.
The 2000s: Spotlight and feature in major publications
The early 2000s marked a turning point as Antelope Canyon began appearing in major media outlets like National Geographic, Time, and The New York Times. Many articles and features highlighted its surreal beauty, bringing global attention to the canyon. Documentaries and travel shows showcased its narrow corridors, intricate rock formations, and dramatic light beams. These include many National Geographic Specials, Discovery Channel's Southwest Secrets, BBC’s Natural World, Travel Channel’s America’s Hidden Treasures, The Spirit of the Southwest by PBS, and more.
2014: "Phantom" by Peter Lik
Photographer Peter Lik captured Phantom, a black-and-white photograph taken in Upper Antelope Canyon. The image reportedly sold for $6.5 million, setting a world record for the most expensive photograph ever sold in 2014, and if the alleged sale is legitimate, it is still the third most expensive photograph to have ever been sold to date. The photograph, sale, and controversy around it pushed Antelope Canyon into the spotlight once again, reinforcing its status as the place for professional and amateur photographers alike.
2010s: The role of social media
The 2010s saw an explosion of images and videos of Antelope Canyon on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. The canyon’s unique formations and light beams became iconic backdrops for travel influencers and adventurers. As more travelers sought to capture their own perfect shots, tours kept on selling out, with visitors planning trips months in advance. Social media hashtags like #AntelopeCanyon brought global attention, making the canyon one of the most Instagrammed natural landmarks.
2019: Over 1 million annual visitors
Antelope Canyon reached a significant milestone in 2019, with over 1 million visitors recorded in a single year. The influx of tourists bolstered the economy of Page, Arizona, and provided substantial revenue for the Navajo Nation. With increasing foot traffic, stricter regulations were implemented to prevent environmental degradation, including limits on visitor numbers and mandatory guided tours.
2020s: COVID-19 and beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, and Antelope Canyon was no exception. However, post-pandemic the canyons have seen a resurgence in their popularity.
Antelope Canyon was closed to visitors in early 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the Navajo Nation to protect its community. The canyon reopened in mid-2021 with strict safety protocols, including smaller group sizes, mask mandates, and enhanced sanitation measures to ensure the safety of both visitors and guides. Post-COVID policies have placed even greater emphasis on sustainable practices to preserve the canyon’s delicate ecosystem.
Modern-Day Antelope Canyon
Today, Antelope Canyon is a famous destination visited by people from all over the world. It continues to be of cultural and spiritual importance to the Navajo people, who remain deeply invested in its management and preservation. Environmental concerns are a priority, and there are continued efforts focused on balancing tourism with sustainability to ensure its beauty can be enjoyed by future generations.
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Frequently asked questions about the history of Antelope Canyon
What is the significance of light beams in Antelope Canyon?
The light beams, caused by sunlight streaming through narrow openings, symbolize a connection between the Earth and the heavens for the Navajo people.
Who are the original caretakers of Antelope Canyon?
The Navajo people were the first ones who lived around Antelope Canyon, dating back centuries. They regard it as a sacred land and an important part of their culture and traditions.
What are the Navajo names for Antelope Canyon?
The Upper Antelope Canyon is known as Tse’ bighanilini, meaning “the place where water runs through rocks,” and Lower Antelope Canyon is called Hasdeztwazi, or “spiral rock arches.”
Can I learn about Navajo culture and traditions during my tour of Antelope Canyon?
Yes, the guided tours conducted by Navajo guides share cultural insights and Navajo legends and talk about the history of the canyon during the tour.
Why did the Antelope Canyon become accessible to the general public so late in the day?
The lack of awareness of the Canyon played a big role in the delayed popularity of Antelope Canyon. Its remote location made it difficult to access. The passageways within the Canyon are quite deep and complex, which also makes it harder to explore without a guide.