Antelope Canyon is a must-see for any visitor to the American Southwest. But there are many other incredible places to explore in the area. Here are a few of our top picks⁚
- Horseshoe Bend
- Glen Canyon Dam
- Lake Powell
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
- Monument Valley
Each of these destinations offers its own unique beauty and experiences. So be sure to add them to your itinerary when planning your trip to Antelope Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend
Just 5 miles downstream from Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River has carved a stunning horseshoe-shaped bend in the Navajo Sandstone. This iconic landmark is known as Horseshoe Bend, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona.
To reach Horseshoe Bend, you’ll need to hike a short but steep trail from the parking area. The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip, and it takes most people about 30 minutes to complete. The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few sections with loose sand and uneven footing.
Once you reach the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Horseshoe Bend. The Colorado River snakes its way through the canyon, and the sheer cliffs of Navajo Sandstone rise up on either side. The colors of the rock are simply stunning, and the views are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Here are a few tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend⁚
- Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no shade on the trail.
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery in spots.
- Be careful near the edge of the cliff, as there are no railings.
- Allow plenty of time to enjoy the views and take photos.
Horseshoe Bend is a truly amazing place, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to come prepared for the hike and the crowds.
Additional Information⁚
- Horseshoe Bend is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- The parking area for Horseshoe Bend is located at the end of Highway 89, about 4 miles from Page, Arizona.
- The trail to Horseshoe Bend is open 24 hours a day, but it is not lit at night.
- There is a $10 per vehicle entrance fee to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Camping is available at the nearby Lees Ferry Campground.
Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Colorado River in northern Arizona. It was built between 1956 and 1963 to provide flood control, generate hydroelectric power, and store water for irrigation and municipal use.
Glen Canyon Dam is a massive structure, standing 710 feet tall and 1,560 feet long. It created Lake Powell, the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. The dam also provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, and it helps to control flooding downstream.
Glen Canyon Dam is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of ways to experience it. You can take a guided tour of the dam, go for a boat ride on Lake Powell, or simply admire the dam from the overlooks.
Here are a few tips for visiting Glen Canyon Dam⁚
- The dam is located on Highway 89, about 15 miles from Page, Arizona.
- There is a $10 per vehicle entrance fee to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Guided tours of the dam are available daily.
- Boat tours of Lake Powell are available from a number of marinas.
- There are several overlooks where you can view the dam from a distance.
Glen Canyon Dam is a truly impressive sight, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to come prepared for the crowds, especially during the summer months.
Additional Information⁚
- Glen Canyon Dam is the tallest concrete arch dam in the United States.
- Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States, behind only Lake Mead.
- Glen Canyon Dam provides hydroelectric power to the surrounding area, and it helps to control flooding downstream.
- The dam is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of ways to experience it.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a massive reservoir on the Colorado River in southern Utah and northern Arizona. It was created by the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in 196Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States, behind only Lake Mead.
Lake Powell is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. It also offers stunning scenery, with towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and secluded coves.
Here are a few tips for visiting Lake Powell⁚
- The best time to visit Lake Powell is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
- There are a number of marinas around the lake where you can rent boats, kayaks, and other watercraft.
- There are also a number of campgrounds around the lake where you can camp overnight.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at Lake Powell.
- Lake Powell is a popular destination, so be sure to make reservations in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
Lake Powell is a truly unique and beautiful place, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to come prepared for the crowds, especially during the summer months.
Additional Information⁚
- Lake Powell is named after John Wesley Powell, who explored the Colorado River in 1869.
- Lake Powell has over 2,000 miles of shoreline.
- Lake Powell is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and trout.
- Lake Powell is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
- The lake is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Anasazi civilization.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a stunning and remote area of Arizona and Utah. The monument is home to towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and a variety of desert plants and animals.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and camping. There are a number of trails in the monument, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Coyote Wash Trail, which leads to the famous Wave, a sandstone rock formation that is known for its colorful swirls.
Here are a few tips for visiting Vermilion Cliffs National Monument⁚
- The best time to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
- There is no entrance fee to visit Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
- There are a number of campgrounds in the monument where you can camp overnight.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a remote area, so be sure to let someone know your itinerary before you go.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a truly unique and beautiful place, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to come prepared for the crowds, especially during the summer months.
Additional Information⁚
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument was established in 2000.
- The monument is home to a variety of desert plants and animals, including the desert bighorn sheep, the cougar, and the bobcat.
- Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and camping;
- The monument is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Anasazi civilization.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is an iconic landscape in the American Southwest, known for its towering sandstone buttes and mesas. The valley is located on the border of Arizona and Utah, and it is home to the Navajo Nation.
Monument Valley has been featured in countless movies and television shows, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. There are a number of ways to experience Monument Valley, including driving through the valley on a scenic loop road, taking a guided tour, or hiking one of the many trails.
Here are a few tips for visiting Monument Valley⁚
- The best time to visit Monument Valley is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.
- There is a $20 entrance fee to visit Monument Valley. This fee is good for seven days.
- There are a number of campgrounds in and around Monument Valley where you can camp overnight.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at Monument Valley.
- Monument Valley is a remote area, so be sure to let someone know your itinerary before you go.
Monument Valley is a truly unique and beautiful place, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Just be sure to come prepared for the crowds, especially during the summer months.
Additional Information⁚
- Monument Valley was formed by millions of years of erosion.
- The valley is home to a variety of desert plants and animals, including the desert bighorn sheep, the cougar, and the bobcat.
- Monument Valley is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and camping.
- The valley is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Anasazi civilization.
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