Antelope Canyon

TRIP TO ANTELOPE CANYON
E. Perryman 8.14.2025

MY SLOT CANYON ACROSTIC
Aerobic, Nuanced, Thorough, Exciting, Lively, Otherworldly, Priceless, Engaging

Captivating, Awe-filled, Nourishing, Yielding, Opalescent, Nurturing

TRAVELING AS A GEN X’R

1. I want everyone to listen to the guide and follow rules just like students are asked to do.
2. Unannounced bouncy mini bus rides on bumpy and sandy terrain makes Liz a sad girl.
3. Any new and intriguing place will be tested for acoustics and imagined as a theater set.
4. Hearing well can be a challenge anymore.
5. I am never without H20, fan, and advil.
6. I never pass up a bathroom offer.
7. I like participate in groups.
8. Wearing sneakers/socks is a must.
9. I will take a shortcut from hiking in the heat.
10. I marvel at the easy scampering and effortless navigation of children hikers.
11. It felt good (as one who can feels like an other) that our fabulous guide enjoyed the frivolity of Eliz and me. Our canyon opera duet really seemed to bring Connie/fellow travelers joy.

HISTORY OF WHAT WE SAW AT ANTELOPE CANYON COMPLIMENTS OF MY INNER NERD
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon — a long, narrow canyon — in Page, Arizona. Over the course of millions of years, the sandstone of this canyon has been eroded due to flash flooding and wind. According to Navajo beliefs, Antelope Canyon was formed not by erosion but by the Holy People. It’s believed that the spirit world and our world intersect at Antelope Canyon. The canyon symbolizes balance and a connection between spirit and nature. Upper Antelope Canyon (where we visited) is known as Tsé bighánílíní by the Navajo people which means ‘the place where water runs through rocks’. The mere act of entering Antelope Canyon is considered a ritual. Navajo people pause before entering the canyon to ensure that they’re entering with the right state of mind. In addition, a ceremony takes place every four years to thank the elements for creating such a beautiful masterpiece. In 1997, Antelope Canyon was officially recognized as a protected Navajo Tribal Park within the Navajo Nation. The first tours of Antelope Canyon were offered in 1983, when the Pearl Begay Navajo Family began operating tours. Due to the canyon’s spiritual importance, you can only visit it on a Navajo-led guided tour.