Some fissures can measure just few centimetres, due to the fact that sea level was once much lower in the region, but there are some that can measure hundred meters. But that isn’t to say that the canyon is a dark, dank grotto. Indeed, when the Sun is overhead, brilliant shards of light illuminate the base of the canyon to reveal the soft, dry sandstone’s many different layers of pink, red and orange.
Antelope Canyon includes two separate sections: Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is "Tsé bighánílíní", which means "the place where water runs through rocks." Lower Antelope Canyon is "Hazdistazí" or "spiral rock arches." Upper Antelope Canyon is the most popular and most visited of the two slot canyons. Less narrow and more level than Lower Antelope, making it so much easier to hike. The lower canyon is much more narrow versus the upper canyon and there is no entrance at ground level so visitors must climb down ladders to reach the canyon floor.
Although photography within the canyons is difficult, this place is a photographer’s paradise. Photography within the canyons is difficult due to the wide exposure range made by light who are reflecting off the canyon walls. If you want to make a good photo, a tripod is a must. A remote trigger would help remove the vibration caused by pressing the shutter button. The best time to take photos is about mid-day from April through September when the sun is overhead casting beams of light into the canyon.
Antelope Canyon is visited exclusively through guided tours, in part because rains during monsoon season can quickly flood the canyon. When poor weather and potential rain storms are predicted, the canyons will be closed and entry is prohibited.
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