2008-11-04 Fall vacation begins at a slot canyon called Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. It is on Navajo Reservation land, and is managed by the Navajo people. Worldwide, it is one of the most famous of the slot canyons. On our guided tour (for photographers only) there were people from Germany, Japan, France, and a nordic country (I couldn't tell which one).

A slot canyon is a narrow canyon, formed by the wear of water rushing through rock. It is significantly deeper than it is wide. Some slot canyons can measure less than one meter (3 ft) wide at the top but drop more than 30 m (100 ft) to the floor of the canyon.

Most slot canyons are formed in sandstone or limestone rock, although slot canyons in other rock types such as granite and basalt are possible. Even in sandstone and limestone, only a very small number of creeks will form slot canyons. This is due to a combination of the particular characteristics of the rock, and regional rainfall.

It is quite dangerous to be in a slot canyon if there is a thunderstorm anywhere within 50 miles of the drainage area of the canyon. Recently, a number of people drowned after having been caught by rushing water in one of Arizona's slot canyons.

The colors in the following photographs result from the the different light levels reflecting off the canyon walls. The wall surfaces closer to the top of the slot canyon appear white, yellow, or red/orange. The lower light levels in the darker portions of the canyon result in mauve, purple and blue colors.

Each turn in the canyon presents a unique opportunity for photography. We spent two and one-half hours photographing the walls, but we could have spent a full day if it were available.

Note: It is best to click on the image setting (medium or large) that will show you the entire image.

*** Click on any image to enlarge it...