I have been looking forward to visiting northern Arizona and having the chance to hike either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. This is the most photographed slot canyon in the world and the pictures are so mesmerizing and beautiful. The anticipation had me giddy. Then I began to do research about the area and learned that the canyon is on Navajo land and is considered sacred; therefore, only accessible via guided tour. No problem, or so I think. Problem! COVID keeps finding ways to squash our plans. The Nation has been hit hard by the virus and there are no tours operating until further notice. Talk about being disappointed.
Through one of my Facebook pages, I learned of an alternative venture into the canyon. You do not get the same effect as the canyon and lighting is not as impressive, but it was still an experience. We rented kayaks, paddled down Lake Powell and then into the canyon. It was a popular route as we passed many kayakers enjoying the lovely weather. Once down the waterway, we were able to take out and hiked a short ways into the canyon where we enjoyed our lunch. It was exhausting and Al and I learned we do not navigate a double kayak well! Heck, we were being passed left and right. It took us nearly five hours, but it was worth the experience.
While staying in Page, we also visited the overlook of Horseshoe Bend. The green water of the Colorado River stands out amongst the red cliffs. It is an exhilarating feeling standing along the rim and peering down into the canyon. This day we also drove along the 89A and visiting the Navajo Bridge completed in the 1920’s and up the road to the Vermillion Cliffs where we saw unusual rock formations.
Another day we took a day drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. In 2007, the area was cleared by a forest fire. Through destruction comes life. Without the forest canopy hindering their growth, the aspen are now returning stronger than ever. They colored the countryside with hues of yellows, oranges and reds. Of course the Grand Canyon is always a magnificent and humbling sight.
New Aspen 
Since we couldn’t hike Antelope Canyon, my back-up plan was to hike to The Wave. I quickly learned this was not an option as one must have a permit. There are only 20 allotted per day. Typically, one must apply several months in advance, but 10 permits are issued the day prior via a lottery system. Odds were against us winning, so we opted to hike the Wire Pass Slot Canyon. This was a seven mile drive down a bumpy, dirt road before reaching the trailhead. We were able to take the dogs with us, but this trail has an eight foot drop the dogs could not navigate, so we took the detour up and over the cliffs into the canyon. It was a little harry, but the puppies did well climbing down and back up. Overall, we had a very enjoyable, yet tiring visit to the Glen Canyon and Lake Powell region.
Wow those canyons are impressive! Just stunning! Thank you for sharing!
OMG! Those pix are so awesome. Down in the canyons would be kind of scary for me. I would be thinking of a flash flood possibility. lol
Wow!! Amazing pictures! Thanks so much for taking the time to share them with us! ❤❤