For sure, The Grand Canyon is the ultimate canyon to visit while adventuring here in Arizona, especially on the Grand Canyon Mesa, but did you know Arizona is home to many amazing canyons? Including quite a few within a stone's throw of The Grand Canyon!
Havasupai Canyon: Located about 33 miles west of the Grand Canyon Villiage; Havasu Canyon is one of the most amazing gems of the Southwest. For more than eight (8) centuries, Havasupai Canyon has been the home of the Havasupai, the “People of the Blue-Green Water,” who derive their name from the vibrant turquoise stream that flows through the center of the canyon. 450 Havasupai continue to live in the native village of Supai, which is about 2,000 feet below The Grand Canyon’s rim. A short distance from the village are Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls—two of the most stunning waterfalls in America.
Even though Havasupai Canyon is close to the Grand Canyon National Park, you cannot access the Havasupai Canyon from the National Park lands. Havasupai Canyon is accessible via driving Historic Route 66, either from Kingman, Ariz., or Seligman, Ariz. It will take about 2.5-3 hours to drive from either of these towns to Hualapai Hilltop. Day trips are not permitted. This is Reservation land and you must gain access via the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The canyon with all its history, culture and splendor is surely worth the visit.
Please visit the official page of the Havasupai Tribe Tourism Office on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HavasupaiTribeTourismOfficial to make arrangements to visit this amazing location. The trek to Havasu Falls is difficult. Depending on your fitness level, the hike can be extremely strenuous, beginning (and ending) with switchbacks that change in elevation by 1,800 feet in the first two miles. The difficulty is compounded by heat in the summer. Make sure you are trained well for the trip and follow the recommendations provided by the tribe.
Marble Canyon: Located in northern Arizona, on the Grand Canyon Mesa, 40 miles southwest of Page, or 15 miles north of Bitter Springs. Marble Canyon travels from Glen Canyon Dam to the confluence of the Little Colorado River, adjacent to Lee’s Ferry, which marks the official start of the Grand Canyon. Marble Canyon is the west boundary of the Navajo Nation and is an amazing canyon well worth the exploration. A breathtaking view can be seen from the Navajo Bridge. Marble Canyon is also located along the Vermilion Cliffs-Fredonia Scenic Byway, and is even beautiful from your vehicle, but do stop and get a closer look. There is no regret when visiting this gem. Marble Canyon is as impressive stretch of any on the river as the Vermillion Cliffs become magical back drop for sunset over the canyon. What Marble Canyon lacks in size it makes up in color. Make every effort to be here for sunset and see the colors of the greater canyon reflect brilliantly in the late sun. Marble Canyon is an especially great place for canoes, kayaks and is a Class 3 white water for rafting experiences.
Besides rafting and other watersports, Marble Canyon offers amazing geological formations and ancient petroglyphs of past civilizations. Marble Canyon is also the only home of the endangered cactus, Pedi cactus Braydi. However, Marble Canyons visual highlight, hands down is The Wave.
The Wave consists of rock formations of the Navajo Sandstone dunes. The visually attractive cred rusty colored streaks were formed, due to long term wind and rain erosion.About 190 million years ago the wave began to form making this a truly remarkable natural place for photographers of all skill levels to snap amazing shots while visiting the area. Access to this area is very restrictive. Make sure you set the appropiate reservations before taking your trip.You can find permit information here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/arizona
Antelope Canyon: A group of five slot canyons on Navajo land east of Lechee, Arizona. It includes five separate, scenic slot canyon sections on the Navajo Reservation, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew) along with a hiking trail to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. These five slot canyons are accessible by Navajo guided tour only. Also shaped by millions of years of natural water and wind erosion the canyon was named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area. Pronghorns are still found throughout the area as conservation efforts have been taking place over the past several decades. These efforts have increased the populations and have continued to be successful. The upper antelope canyon is breathtaking and the easiest canyon in difficulty level to tour as it is accessible on ground level.
Antelope Canyon is a sacred place; a symbol of Mother Nature's gifts and power and is blessed every four years when the Navajo give thanks to the natural elements that shaped its wondrous beauty. The tours to this area are amazing, and the Navajo guides are experts in knowing where to get the best sunbeam shots. Do not be too mesmerized by the beauty of the canyon, the surrounding area is also a photographers trove of amazing flora,fauna and wildlife. The Lower Antelope Canyon, called Hazdistazí, or 'spiral rock arches' by the Navajo, is a more difficult hike, but worth ever minute of it. The breathtaking colors, textures, sunlight and different perceptions from alternate angles is simply amazing. There are Photographer only tours, if photographic experience is what you are looking for, make sure you book those specifically. Tours to this canyon is extremely limited, remember, this is not only a Navajo national treasure, but we are guests to the Navajo Nation. As with any excursion, do not leave trash, make marks or damage anything, deface or otherwise disrespect. It would be a tragic loss if we lose the privilege of visiting the site. If you are interested in visiting Antelope Canyon the Navajo Nation works with the following tour guides. https://navajonationparks.org/guided-tour-operators/antelope-canyon-tour-operators/
Canyon De Chelly: Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a vast park in northeastern Arizona, on Navajo tribal lands. Its prominent features include Spider Rock spire, about 800-feet tall, and towering sandstone cliffs surrounding a verdant canyon. According to traditional Navajo beliefs, the taller of the two spires is the home of Spider Grandmother. Inhabited by several Native American peoples for millennia, the area is dotted with prehistoric rock art. The White House Ruins and Mummy Cave are remains of ancient Pueblo villages. Fornearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons - longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. In the place called Tsegi, their homes and images tell us their stories. Today, Dine' families make their homes, raise livestock, and farm the lands in the canyons. Tours to this area unguided are free, however, you must obtain permits. Remember this is home to a populace of people; the area rich in culture and history. It is an amazing adventure to learn about the the peoples, history and culture of the area. It's an amazing journey and I think it'slikely one of the most culturally valuable.
Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, this Canyon area preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived here, from the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) to the Navajo. The monument covers 83,840 acres (131 sq mi.) and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska Mountains just to the east of the monument. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States.You can make reservations to tour here https://navajonationparks.org and a very interesting read about the history of this area can be read in Campbell Grants book called Canyon de Chelly Its People and Rock Art, available online, via kindle and at libraries.
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