In the Navajo land of Arizona, in the Southwestern United States, lies a mountain range that looks like a scene from paradise, known as Antelope Canyon.
A Masterpiece Gifted by Mother Nature
The formation of Antelope Canyon piques the curiosity and excitement of many visitors. This canyon was shaped by the erosion of sandstone, flash floods, and various other water and wind processes over millions of years on the land of the oldest Native American tribe in the United States. Many locals refer to Antelope Canyon as a gift from Mother Nature.
This mountain range opened to the public in 1997, welcoming all who wish to witness this unique wonder of the world. The range features sandstone cliffs located within the Navajo Tribal Park.
This place is regarded as an outdoor art gallery of the divine. The supernatural, surreal “carvings” of nature enthrall anyone who has set foot in this land. Antelope Canyon is composed of various geological layers, predominantly sandstone and limestone. When light shines through, coupled with the majestic undulating cliffs, it creates a stunning effect of orange, red, and purple hues, resulting in a brilliant and captivating image of the canyon. This phenomenon has earned Antelope Canyon the nickname “The Church of Light.” Additionally, the softness of the winding cliffs evokes images of silk ribbons within the earth.
What makes the sandstone here special is that it is formed from the fossilized sand dunes of the ancient Jurassic Desert. The age of these fossils is estimated to be around 200 million years.
The marvelous undulating lines are the result of water flow, flood impacts, and wind erosion. The wavy patterns, displaying various colors, are known as Liesegang Bands. They are formed by the movement and precipitation of oxidized iron and manganese.
The undulating cuts, deepened over time into the rock, have created what today is celebrated as “a masterpiece of the divine.” The enchanting Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections: Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope. Each section possesses its own unique beauty.
Upper Antelope is the section located at the top. When illuminated by light, it transforms into a shimmering, mystical scene reminiscent of a fairy tale. Particularly, when the sun’s rays pierce through the canyon crevices, Antelope Canyon reveals its stunning and “magnificent” beauty.
Upper Antelope has an A-shape, is elevated and relatively flat, making it easy for visitors to walk through and explore. It resembles a roofless cave, and from late spring to early autumn, sunlight streams down into the canyon, creating an enchanting area of light.
The other section of the canyon, known as Lower Antelope, resembles the horns of a bighorn sheep. Apart from the name Lower Antelope, this area is referred to as Hasdestwazi, meaning the spiral-shaped rock arch.
Lower Antelope has a V-shape and is brighter than Upper Antelope. However, it is deeper within the earth, featuring narrow and steep tunnels, so to explore, visitors must descend about 3-4 flights of stairs to enter the canyon, passing through smaller ladders and rocks.
However, the Lower Antelope area often harbors dangers such as sudden flash floods. Therefore, exploring this area requires visitors to have a sense of adventure. If you manage to step into this “gem of the earth,” you are sure to capture the most perfect photos due to the reflections of light and the stunning scenery here.
