Secret Slot Canyon

By Laurie

Note: This post is one of a series about my 2015 Western Parks vacation with my daughter and grandson.  For our itinerary with links to other posts and an overview of this trip, please see 2015 Western Parks Vacation.

Most people visiting slot canyons near Page, AZ go to Antelope Canyon, which is operated by the Navajo Nation. Antelope Canyon is usually very crowded and many visitors feel rushed as the guides keep people moving through the canyon. While researching things to see and do during the trip, my daughter identified another slot canyon in the Page area that was privately owned (called Secret Canyon then). Their tour groups numbered about a dozen people – what they could fit in an extended Hummer. They only allowed one group at a time to view the slot canyon; when we got to the canyon entrance, we waited for the previous group to exit. While we waited, our guide explained how these slot canyons were formed. During the tour, he pointed out geological features and unique views to photograph. Our guide also helped members of the group by taking photographs in areas where we weren’t allowed to go (because of safety or environmental concerns). The photo of the stone arch in the Additional Images section below was taken by our guide – that arch is about two feet across.

This slot canyon is now identified as the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon and tour information can be found at https://horseshoebend.com/horseshoe-bend-slot-canyon-tour/.

Additional Images

These images start just inside the entrance of the slot canyon, proceed through the slot canyon to the other end, and then return in the other direction.

Technical Data

Rock Strata

• Date: 6/26/2015
• Time: 3:15 PM
• Camera: Canon Rebel T1i
• Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55 mm, f/3.5-5.6 IS
• Settings:
  • Lens: 55 mm, f/6.3
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter: 1/800 sec
• Uncropped image is 4752 x 3168 px