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Southlight Gallery, December 2012

The land known as the Colorado Plateau is ancient. Formed millions of years ago, the landscape reveals a story of evolving change. Experiencing this area brings one to ponder the forces and processes at work. It is a place of raw rock and sand, exposed and free of soil and vegetation. You see what you cannot readily explain, and feel what can only be nature’s presence.

An unexplained curiosity draws you into these places, perhaps in response to our own questions of existence and purpose. The urge to explore is compounded by the accessibility and quantity of unique and interesting places. I was at once drawn into the slot canyons, first the Upper Antelope and then two other lessor know canyons in the area.

The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks." The canyon is located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in Page, AZ. At about elevation 4,000 feet, the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. During the summer months at noon, beams of sunlight streak through the dusty canyon air. During the day, light illuminates the Navajo Sandstone walls in various shades of orange while the shadows take on softened shades of blue and purple.

I visited Antelope Canyon for the first time in 2000 with my family. At that time we signed up with a tour guide and bounced to the site on one of the roughest roads that could be imagined, or at least it seemed that way. We were one of two groups there, maybe a total of 20 people. On our recent trip, there were at least 30 trucks parked in front of the entry, each carrying a load of 5-10 people. The canyon was like a New York subway at rush hour. But it was still possible to find peace and solitude among the magnificent formations.

Entering a place like Antelope Canyon is like entering a cathedral. A silence overtakes you as your senses are overwhelmed with the magnitude and beauty of the place. You are plunged into the depths of the rock, and the swirling walls glowing with sunlight wrap around you. As you walk and observe you become lost. Each turn reveals something new, something unimaginable, something so incredibly beautiful that it could only be made by the hand of God.

We spent over an hour walking, dodging people, and photographing. Sometimes you just had to stop to allow your senses to catch up. Upper Antelope Canyon is the granddaddy of all the slot canyons. It is a true wonder in every way.

We were fortunate to visit two other slot canyons, one adjacent to Antelope called Rattlesnake Canyon, the other in a remote area near Goblin Valley State Park called Little Wild Horse Canyon. Both had something special to offer. I enjoyed exploring without the crowds. Being alone in one of these places allows you to really be alone. I find that my senses are heightened when there is only silence and the place where you are at. The canyon also created a unique sensory experience. I felt like a person in a 2 dimensional world, there was only forward and back.

Exploring new places that can provide unique experiences are special in every way. I hope that when you look at these photographs you will be inspired to explore your personal world. And perhaps plan a trip to a place like Antelope Canyon so you can find your peace and spirit.