March 20 through October 7 is Antelope Canyon season. You may ask why we define the season for tours at this location so specifically, naming exact days when the season begins and ends (no, this does not mean that we do not tour Antelope Canyon outside of these dates, it just means that the best tours happen during these times.) The reason is pretty simple, the light beams.
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon (one of the most dramatic in the world) which means that it was not formed by mountains on each side but instead was formed by erosion of the earth in a specific path that the water has followed time and time again. You are literally walking in a crack in the earth that was formed by rushing water. You may notice right away that there is no river running through Antelope Canyon the way the Grand Canyon has one, which is the obvious source of the erosion. Antelope Canyon was actually formed by flash flooding removing the soft floor of sandstone over thousands of years, which is the same reason that Antelope Canyon cannot be guaranteed for visitation on any specific day. Because of the potential dangers that flash flooding poses to anyone within the canyon at the time it happens, Navajo Nation (who operates the park) has made the decision to only allow professionally guided tours, and ones that will adhere to restrictions in touring if there is a flash flood potential. Navajo Nation actually operates it’s own weather station in order to advise potential tourists of the threat of flash flooding being present, so as to not have anyone within the canyon if it was to happen. Guides must also be understanding of the safety features that have been installed throughout the canyon, as they could potentially save the lives of their tour groups in an unexpected flash flooding situation.
The flash flooding that created the canyon can potentially be a result of rain miles away, that could not be seen from within the canyon. This is the same reason that the season of the area can be narrowed down to a specific period when it is the best. Because the walls of Antelope Canyon are so high above the floor, it is difficult for sunlight to actually reach the floor of the canyon. When it does, it is in the form of a sunbeam (that can be extra dramatic if sand is thrown into it during filming or pictures) and these sunbeams can only be created when the sun is in a specific position above the canyon walls. This position is only achieved during the spring between the dates that we discussed, which is why if you are going to tour Antelope Canyon it will be beautiful all year but extra special during these specific times. As a matter of fact , some groups actually provide photography-specific tours that allow photographers to sped hours at a specific location waiting for sunbeams. We do not stop for that long (as our guests would like to see more than a few areas) but try your hand at taking pictures if you tour during this time.
Hurry, because tours of Antelope Canyon fill up fast during the special sunbeam season. Contact us today to arrange yours.