Longstreets Production

Antelope CanyonLocated on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona is one of the most unique formations known as a “slot canyon”. It is characterized by high and narrow sandstone walls sometimes separated by only a few feet.

The Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are formed by the intense forces of flash floods that over time have carved the walls into beautiful swirling and colorful psychedelic patterns and passageways.

On a sunny day around noon light peeks through the narrow crevices at the top of the canyon, streams through the dusty air, resulting in glorious columns of light that selectively illuminates the sandy canyon floor.

Unexpected flash floods are a real danger when entering a slot canyon .Clear skies in the canyon area does not mean a flash flood cannot occur. Unforeseen rainfall at higher elevations can and do result in unexpected torrents of water hence the term “flash flood”.

DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON IF THERE IS ANY DANGER OF A FLASH FLOOD. You could drown or worse yet get swept all the way to Mexico !

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Willis Creek Canyon a similar formation down the road

Willis Creek Canyon

Wedged stump gives you an idea of the fury of a flash flood

The extended photography tour of the upper canyon, where your guide will verse you in the geology of the canyon and offer photography tips on a 15 minute walk through is a must see.

In the past you were then left alone in the canyon to hike, explore, and photograph the convoluted formations of the upper canyon

The section you get to explore is approximately one quarter mile in length, but it is jam-packed with spectacular scenery!

Blowing sand can also be a problem in the canyon, so protect your camera from the “waterfalls” of sand that often flow down from the openings above when it’s windy.

Update: The Navajo have set new rules for the 2003 season and beyond—all photographers are allotted a maximum of two hours in the upper canyon.

Antelope Canyon Advisory

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DO NOT ENTER A SLOT CANYON IF THERE IS ANY THREAT OF NEARBY THUNDERSTORMS.There is always the danger of flash floods upon entering a slot canyon—be aware of not only the local weather conditions but also surrounding areas located at a higher elevations.

If extended time is required inside the Canyon, you must go through the Navajo Film Commission for permits. In addition, you are now required to have an authorized guide present at all times while inside after some major abuses were reported the previous summer.

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