Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon
Posted : admin On 4/1/2022
We were caught in a flash flood in one of Utah's most famous slot canyons. Antelope Canyon X is located on Navajo lands, just east of Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon X is part of the same famous Antelope Canyon as both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Unlike other “alternative” slot canyon tours, visiting Antelope Canyon X means you are touring the famous Antelope Canyon you’ve heard so much about. We then continued through the gorgeous and sometimes dark Upper Sand Wash Canyon and returned the way we came. Hiking trip report for Sand Wash (Red Cave) Loop, located in Elkheart Cliffs BLM, Utah. This is a 7.2 mile loop hike with 1400 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Heart Vein is a slot canyon near Mount Carmel Junction. It is also called Upper Red Cave. There is another slot canyon called Lower Red Cave one mile southwest of Upper Red Cave. Upper Red Cave is the more photogenic of the two and is not technical. May 23, 2016 - Fine art and stock photographs of Red Cave slot canyon, a canyon reminiscent of Antelope Canyon, located in the greater Zion region of southwestern Utah by landscape and nature photographer Greg Russell.
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Few, if any, slot canyons in the world can come close to rivaling the awe-inspiring curves and undulations of the sandstone slot canyons near Page, Arizona.
The Page, Arizona slot canyons offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. Though popular amongst hiking enthusiasts and professional photographers, the canyons are beautiful enough (and accessible enough) to appeal to just about any crowd. I mean, you’ve seen the pictures, right? Who wouldn’t want to see this for themselves?! Please note that all four of the canyons below require a Navajo guide to accompany you...don't go adventuring off on your own!
1. Upper Antelope Canyon
Typically visited by day, as pictured above, this slot canyon can also be visited at night through a tour with Lionel Bigthumb; your adventure may yield some photos similar to the below image. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — “the place where water runs through rocks”, is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won’t have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won’t be alone. If you’re impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour. Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
2. Lower Antelope Canyon
If you only have time to visit one of Page’s famous slot canyons, Lower Antelope Canyon has my vote. Known as “Hazdistazí” (meaning “spiral rock arches”) to some, Lower Antelope Canyon brings the most bang for your buck if you have limited time. Even though it is only a quarter-mile long, its landscape is dense in amazing features, including some of the most iconic undulating formations in the rock walls, along with amazing lighting and coloring. Even amateur photographers can take incredible photographs in this canyon! Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
3. Rattlesnake Canyon
A tributary to the larger Antelope Wash, Rattlesnake Canyon is not as tall or as long as either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. It also doesn’t have the famous “light beam” phenomenon that those canyons are known for. However, the color quality of the rocks, the superb lighting, the unique formations, and the winding passageways of this canyon give it a feel and appearance that is spectacular in its own right. Factoring in a number of elements, I have to admit this canyon is my favorite! Check out Eric Harris's post for more details.
4. Mountain Sheep Canyon
As its name suggests, Mountain Sheep Canyon offers a rugged feel and more strenuous hike than the other slot canyons. The trek is longer than it is for the other canyons (about three-quarters of a mile), and there is quite a bit of scaling ladders along the way. The ladders are all secured to the rock, but a few of the climbs might be enough to make you a bit nervous…especially with younger children. Also, beware that this canyon is not immediately adjacent to the Antelope Wash, where the others are located; you will have a bit more adventurous (read: bumpy) ride to get to Mountain Sheep Canyon. Check out my post for more details.
For more details, history, and photography tips on the Page Slot Canyons, check out this post.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours provides one-of-a-kind tours of beautiful Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon is made up of two magnificent slot canyons that lie on land belonging to the Navajo Nation, and is a sacred site of the Navajo People as well as a Navajo Tribal Park that can be accessed by permit only. Antelope serves as a symbol of Mother Nature’s gifts and powers, and entering is a spiritual experience akin to entering a cathedral. It is considered a solemn event deserving of respect.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours operates on land belonging to the Begay family, who are longstanding members of the Navajo Nation. Dalvin Etsitty runs Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours and is a member of the Begay family who has provided Antelope Canyon tours for more than 20 years. He enjoys meeting people from diverse cultures and walks of life as well as introducing them to the Canyon and the Navajo way of life. All of our tour guides are members of the Navajo Nation who are fully authorized to give tours of the Canyon and are able to provide visitors with in-depth information related to the Canyon and Navajo culture.
Upper Antelope and the History of Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon, which is also known as “The Crack,” is the most popular of the two slot canyons that make up Antelope Canyon. It is also the most-visited slot canyon in the American Southwest and the most-photographed in the world. The radiant sun beams that shine through its walls in the spring and summer are one of its main claims to fame, while its changing colors in the fall and winter are another mesmerizing sight to be seen. The Upper Canyon’s ease of access and lack of climbing also make it extremely popular with the family set as well as visitors who may require easy travel but still want an exciting experience in nature.
Antelope Canyon was formed over many hundreds of years by water that ran through sandstone, giving it its unique geography. Upper Antelope is called Tsé bighánílíní in Navajo, which can be translated to “The place where water runs through rocks” in English. Antelope Canyon got its name from the belief that Antelopes once grazed along the canyon in the winter.
What Visitors Say
What are visitors saying about their Antelope Canyon, Arizona tour experience with us? Here are just a few testimonials from happy tourists:
“Our experience was marvelous. Frank, our guide, started out by helping all of us change our camera settings so we would get good color shots. He then proceeded to show us exactly what to look for, where to stand and how to get those ‘million dollar pictures.’ I could not have been more satisfied with our experience!” – Ellen K. on Yelp!
“We had a blast visiting the upper canyon, we came about an hour before our tour to check in, which was very quick and efficient.” – Nandez E. on Yelp!
“Loved this tour and our guide! Very knowledgeable, friendly staff.” – Jillyhowes on TripAdvisor
Upper Red Cave Slot Canyons
“Our guide was not only knowledge about the history and geology of the canyon but he helped everyone on the tour adjust their Iphones or androids or cameras to take the best pictures possible!” – BackPacker648287 on TripAdvisor
You can find even more reviews on our testimonials page. We are committed to helping visitors have the best tour experience possible so they can go home with happy memories and newfound knowledge that they can cherish for a lifetime.
Resources
Whether you are ready to learn more about Antelope Canyon or want to get ready to book your tour, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours is here to help. Here are some more resources that we have created to help tourists stay informed and get as much enjoyment out of their experience at Antelope Canyon as possible:
You can find even more resources for tourists, such as hotel and weather information, on our tourist resources page. We have also compiled some information on Antelope Canyon’s location as well as some fun facts to get you even more excited for your unique tour experience.
Upper Red Cave Slot Canyon
Booking Upper Antelope Canyon Tours
Are you ready to book your tour? Get started today, right here on our website. Please note that we do not take reservations over the phone – everything is completed right here on our user-friendly site. That being said, we always enjoy helping our visitors and potential guests with their questions and concerns. Do you have a question about our company, the Canyon or our guided tours? You can learn how to get in touch with our team on our contact page. The beauty and majesty of Antelope Canyon is only a booking away – secure your reservation today and prepare for your exciting adventure.