LAS VEGAS: Upper Antelope (PRIME TIME) Horseshoe Bend Lake Powell

A short hike down a set of rock-carved stairs leads to this viewpoint on the rim of the river & dam. This short walk takes you to a viewpoint on the canyon rim high above the Colorado River. It affords an unparalleled view of the river, the canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam. This scenic view provides spectacular vistas of the Colorado River as it flows through Glen Canyon and of Glen Canyon Dam itself. From the parking area, follow the metal handrail down the uneven rock steps.

Your tour bus will drive by to take a close look at Glen Canyon Dam and Colorado river through Glen Canyon Dam bridge.

Horseshoe Bend is a superb example of an entrenched meander. Six million years ago, the region around Horseshoe Bend was much closer to sea level, and the Colorado River was a meandering river with a nearly level floodplain. Between six and five million years ago, the region began to be uplifted. This trapped the Colorado River in its bed, and the river rapidly cut downwards to produce Horseshoe Bend as we see it today.

Upper Antelope Canyon

The Upper Antelope Canyon is called Ts bighnln, the place where water runs through rocks' by the Navajo People in that specific area. It is the most frequently visited by tourists because its entrance and entire length are at ground level. And because beams of direct sunlight radiating down from openings at the top of the canyon are much more common. Beams occur most often in summer, as they require the sun to be high in the sky.

Lower Antelope Canyon

The Lower Antelope Canyon, called Hazdistaz, or 'spiral rock arches' by the Navajo, is located several miles from the Upper Antelope Canyon. Prior to the installation of metal stairways, visiting the canyon required climbing pre-installed ladders in certain areas. The lower canyon is in the shape of a "V" and shallower than the Upper Antelope. Lighting is better in the early hours and late morning.