A Slot Canyon and the Monument Valley

Some of the most beautiful and stunning landscapes in the southwest are located in Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Everybody acknowledges the National Parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches are worthy of a visit. But there are some hidden gems not far from these national treasures and no less spectacular and definitely worth checking out if you come through this part of the country. One of them is outside of Page, Arizona and Lake Powell on the expansive reservation of land belonging to the Navajo nation. On their land is one of the wonders of nature that many have only seen photographs of in galleries, books and on the internet. We wanted to experience these wonders in person, up close and personal.

We choose Dixie's Lower Antelope Canyon Tours based on Karen's cousin Jeff Hilen's recommendation. Dixie's is founded and owned by Dixie, a woman who was born and raised in the surrounding areas of Antelope Canyon. Dixie's mother's passion for the Navajo culture was passed on to her, and her tour company is a reflection of that same passion. We found Dixie's tour guides are more than happy to share their knowledge about the Navajo people and Antelope Canyon.

As we begin our 1.5-hour adventure (all-walking) with Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, we experienced a roughly one mile round trip hike.

Descending down five flights of stairs we entered into the largest cavern of the tour and began the majestic ascent through the kaleidoscope of colors naturally provided by the unique creation of Navajo Sandstone, as a result of rain, wind, and erosion.

The numerous echelons throughout the canyon consist of eight uniquely built ladders with handrails for safety which we used as we traveled the slot canyon.

Do you see the eagle head?

We looked up to the sky and found a sea horse shaped opening!

Once our tour concluded, we returned to the truck to add some coolant and proceed towards Monument Valley to hopefully catch the terrain late in the afternoon. The lighting would be more dramatic as the sun begins to set. We also were fortunate to have some clouds in the sky to add contrast and effect.

We arrived for the night at Goosenecks State Park at the end of Utah Hwy 316, in Mexican Hat. On the edge of a deep canyon above the sinuous river meander known as a gooseneck, this small park affords impressive views of one of the most striking examples of an entrenched river meandering on the North American continent.

We had to park on the opposite side of the rim because we arrived too late to get the more spectacular canyon site views. We had to wait until the next morning to see this natural wonder up close and personal from the edge.

Our site was level and away from the edge of the canyon.

The San Juan River twists and turns while flowing a distance of over six miles but advancing only one and a half miles west on its way to Lake Powell. The San Juan River winds and carves its way through the desert 1,000 feet below.