Antelope Canyon - Page Arizona
Moving from Cave Creek to our next scheduled stop was going to be a bit of a stretch for a one day drive (we try to keep it at 300 miles or less, much more enjoyable). In this case, there were just a few options in the part of the country we were headed into. Our discussion with one of the camp hosts at CCRP, suggested Page, Arizona, just below the Utah state line and directly on our way to our next stop. He mentioned some canyons to visit and I remembered my cousin Casey and his wife suggesting
Antelope Canyon. We checked it out and were able to book a tour for the morning we would be there. All tours must be done through the Navajo Nation as the canyon is on Tribal lands. After making sure all items were properly stored away and everything was unplugged, tanks emptied. and fuel and propane tanks were filled, we headed over the few miles to I70 North and Flagstaff. It is amazing how things change as you drive through a region. leaving the dessert behind and climbing a mile over the course of 150 lineal miles, we were once again driving past snowy woods with large fir and
Ponderosa Pines. and then, dropping 2500 feet or more. As we continued on towards Page we were back in the scrub and cactus of the dessert.
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| just south of Page AZ, back to the dessert |
A brief pull over at an abandoned Navajo crafts stand afforded us a nice level site to park the rig, walk the dogs and eat lunch. We were still a few miles to our destination for the night, an RV park in Page. We were only going to be able to stay until late morning the following day to keep our schedule to move on to our next stop. We passed a US National Monument Marker just as we were in sight of the town and made a mental note to check into that after we were checked in and setup for the night. It was mid afternoon and time to call it a day. Checking in, Cindy grabbed our laundry baskets and headed for the laundry and I checked with the office about the national Monument Marker. Turns out it was
Horseshoe Bend. (no not the one near Altoona PA) Only 10 minutes away it is a great sight and its FREE!!!
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| Horseshoe Bend - back a short hike from the parking lot. 270 degree bend of the Colorado River |
Great experience and quite popular, even at this time of the year, people kept coming and going. Taking many, many pictures and taking in its' scenery. The whole experience took just an hour and a half from our campground to there and back, including a 10 minute walk each way. Time well spent! (by the way, because there is a hill between the parking lot and the river, the walk is up hill both ways!)
The next morning, we needed to arrive at our tour office by 7:30 AM for the 8AM tour to Antelope Canyon. Discovered by accident in 1931 by a Navajo girl who could not find her flock of sheep, this is something you want to see if you get in the area. All tours are through the Navajo Tribe and there are several tour companies running trucks out there. The round trip, which includes walking the 1/4 mile through the canyon with your guide takes less than 2 hours. We were informed that due to the narrowness of the canyon, no back packs, walking sticks, selfie sticks are permitted. We had no option but the first time slot, but noon is better lighting. Either way, it is unbelievable!!!
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| canyon entrance |
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| eroded sandstone |
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| this is early morning light - much better at noon |
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| imagine the little girls parents listening to her explain what she found |
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| exit just around the corner |
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| they call this the dragons eye - do you see it? |
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| you ride out in the back of these trucks on bench seats |
Again, we keep being amazed at the beauty and diversity of this great country. We pull into a State or National Park and say "this is amazing"!! The pictures don't do it justice. Come and see for yourself if you haven't done so already!!
more to come in a few days
Take Care
Cooper and CJ
