Editorial photo #13703560 Human Interest

Lower Antelope Canyon

Tourists enter Lower Antelope Canyon by stairway near Page, Arizona, on May 3, 2026. Lower Antelope Canyon is a popular, V-shaped slot canyon known for its vibrant colors, narrower passages, and adventurous, stair-heavy hiking path. The canyon is located on Navajo Tribal Land and is only accessible through guided tours operated by authorized Navajo companies. It was formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone due to flash flooding, with rainwater running into the extensive basin above the canyon, picking up speed and sand as it rushes into the narrow passageways. Over time, the passageways eroded away, deepening the corridors and smoothing the hard edges to form flowing shapes. (Photo by Thomas O'Neill/NurPhoto)