Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on the Navajo (though they prefer to be called Dido) reserves made entirely of sandstone rock. The sandstone was gradually eroded by flash floods. Water easily seeps through the pores of sandstone allowing this type of extreme weathering to occur. During the annual flood season, up to 8 feet of stone can be worn away in a very short time.
Antelope Canyon has two sections. "These sections are referred to individually as Upper Antelope Canyon or The Crack; and Lower Antelope Canyon or The Corkscrew." Upper Antelope Canyon is found right inside the Canyon from the entrance. It is also the place where flash flooding occurs. Rainfall does not have to occur right over the Canyon for flash flooding to occur. Lower Antelope Canyon is on the opposite end of the canyon from the entrance. It is an outer section of sandstone.
Historical Facts:
Antelope did roam freely through Antelope Canyon in the past.
Navajos would prefer to be called Didos because they dislike the implications behind the name Navajo, which is a Spanish word that means "thief."
3 comments:
What a beautiful photo!
Is there any history or meaning behind the naming of Antelope Canyon?
Beyond the pronghorn antelopes that used to roam through the canyon? I have not come across any other history behind the name. I believe the antelopes are the only reason for the name. Considering that it is an English name, it is possible that English settlers went exploring through the canyon, and then when they saw antelope in the canyon it received the name Antelope Canyon. :)
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