Slot canyons are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. The fact that such natural structures were once simple cracks in the ground proves that nature works in mysterious ways. If you love such natural wonders and have a knack for trekking, there are several slot canyons that you can visit when you are in Arizona.
Arizona is home to some of the most iconic slot canyons on the planet. Some of those canyons can be a little adventurous for some tourists, but the beauty of these natural structures attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here are the top 5 slot canyons you should visit in Arizona.
- Rattlesnake Canyon:
If you are looking for some thrilling adventure in a slot canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon Arizona is the place for you. Don’t worry; it is not filled with rattlesnakes. It got its name from the snake-like pattern created on its walls by the river that occasionally flows through it. What makes this slot canyon a thrilling one is the tight squeezes and the heights you need to climb to navigate through the canyon.
- Antelope Canyons:
If we talk about slot canyons in Arizona, it would be a crime to leave out the most famous of all the slot canyons in the state. Antelope Canyon, which is split into Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope, gets hundreds of visitors each year. You can even see the iconic light beams in the Upper Antelope Canyon. You can access these canyons through a tour. You may also try the road trip from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon if you have time. Since the tour operators are sold out in advance, you should make your reservations early.
- Canyon X:
It is known as the quieter slot canyon. It is very similar to the Antelope Canyons since it is a part of the same canyon but with only the upper segment. If you visit this place, you can get the same view but without the crowd. The entrance to this slot canyon may seem a bit unusual as it is just a small crack in a large rock. However, if you walk inside, it would feel like you have reached a different planet. Looking up, you can see some of the most beautiful formations created inside a canyon.
- Mountain Sheep Canyon:
If you want to visit this canyon in Arizona, you need to prepare yourself for a strenuous hike. You need to trek for almost three-quarters of a mile and do some ladder climbing. You now know how it got its name. While the most popular canyons in Arizona are located near the Antelope Wash, you will have to travel some distance to get a view of Mountain Sheep Canyon. Here, you will get to see some different textures of the stone. This is for those who want to add some diversity to their slot canyon experience.
- Secret Antelope Canyon:
If you are looking for some alternatives to the famous Antelope Canyon, you should consider visiting this slot canyon. While it is more popularly known as Secret Antelope Canyon, it is also referred to as Horseshoe Bend Canyon since it is located near the Horseshoe Bend overlook. It has swirling patterns on the walls that lit up quite beautifully. It is wider at the entrance and gradually narrows as you go further around the rock formations.
Wrapping It Up
Since most of these canyons are pretty much next to each other, you can visit a few of them in a single day with proper planning. You will need a permit for the canyons that are on tribal land. Also, self-guided treks are restricted in a majority of these slot canyons. You need to book a tour guide if you want to witness these spectacular marvels of nature.
