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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking
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If a short, leisurely stroll through a high desert slot canyon appeals to you, then you will enjoy Lower Antelope Canyon. This hike is located in the North East corner of Arizona, near the town of Page, AZ. BOATING ROUTE: From the Wahweap marina, head up river to mile marker #4. There is a canyon on you southwest (right). Drive your boat back into the canyon until you reach beach, then start walking. DRIVING ROUTE: From Flagstaff, take US Highway 89 toward Page, AZ. Once you are near Page, look for the signs on the right side of the road that direct you to Antelope Canyon. You can also follow the signs for the power plant, as access to the canyon is also along the access to the power plant. This road is also known as HWY 98. From Flagstaff, the drive is about 1.75 hours. Be Aware of: Flash flood danger. In August 1997, a flash flood killed 11 people in this canyon. This is an easy hike. 30 yr old Recommendation: While the slot canyon is spectacular, it's a pretty weenie hike. Try Wire Pass or Buckskin Gulch for more exercise with more impressive views. Bring Grandma and the kids. This is as close to a Disneyland hike as they get. Elevation change: nothing to speak of Distance: about 1 mile one way, but you could go further. Time: We hiked for about an hour. Time of year: Fall or Spring are nicest. Solitude: Excellent. We had this canyon all to ourselves, but I'm guessing in the summer this wouldn't be the case. Map: click here for map There are two ways to get to lower antelope canyon. If you want to drive, you'll need to pay for a tour guide to walk you through the narrows. You'll also have to share the view with dozens of your closest friends. Or.... Take your boat from Lake Powell up Antelope canyon until you can't go any further. Park the boat and walk until you're bored. Antelope is one of the most picturesque slot canyons around, so this is an easy but enjoyable walk. If you liked this, you might want to try Upper Antelope Canyon as well.
[hiking up Antelope Canyon]
[Narrows of Antelope Canyon]
[spooky narrows]
[Don't try this at home!]
this hike was completed in April, 2008
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