NavajoLand Hotel, Tuba Trading Post, Dixie’s Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon has been on my Bucket List for years. As soon as I started planning my Arizona itinerary I knew I had to go. I learned there’s both an upper and lower section of Antelope Canyon – each offering their own tours. For several reasons, I chose Lower Antelope Canyon.
Tuba City, Arizona
I quickly learned that Tucson (where I began my Arizona adventure) was far away from Antelope Canyon, so I created a week-long road trip to get there. I stopped in Sedona for a few nights, then spent a night in Tuba City, then made my way up to Page the following day. While I missed my newly beloved Saguaros of the south, there was so much beauty in this area as well to keep my attention.
NavajoLand Hotel – Tuba City, Arizona
My first stop was the NavajoLand Hotel Tuba City.
I never visited Navajo Nation before so I was very excited!
This hotel was filled with tons of original Navajo art and chronicled the history of the Navajo people in this area.
Plus, across the parking lot, there was an entire museum dedicated to the Navajo people.
I was dying to try their Hogan restaurant – located right on property – and serving Navajo Fry Bread. They also had a Navajo-Hopi newspaper which I found very interesting to read.
Tuba City Trading Post
Next, I checked out the historic Tuba City Trading Post – also located right there – on the same property as the NavajoLand Hotel.
It was very cool to see an authentic and continuously operating Native American trading post for 150+ years! Additionally, I loved the Navajo Code Talkers Museum housed within the Trading Post.
Driving Up To Antelope Canyon
On my way out of Tuba City, I stopped to see the famous “Dinosaur Tracks”.
I continued my journey up north through the Marble Canyon and stopped at some great rest stops.
The Dream Come True – Antelope Canyon!
Finally – after a scare with a time zone change on my phone – I arrived at Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon.
I was so excited I could have burst.
Dixie’s is named for a woman with deep ties to this sacred Navajo land.
We started with a pre-tour Navajo hoop dance show before heading out to the canyon.
Next, we surrendered everything but our phones and water and descend into this amazing place.
The canyon looked as it does in pictures, but better.
The slot canyon was tight in some spots and wide in others.
But most importantly – the entire way we were ensconced by seamlessly curved orange sandstone walls twisting and turning from eons of erosion. Every inch of the canyon was just incredible. In fact, it was hard to be present vs. clicking away every second.
Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and a great photographer who shared what the canyon is like in different seasons and times of year.
He also advised using the “vivid warm” setting gets you the best shots.
Lastly, as you follow the canyon path down you don’t realize how far you’re descending. The tour concludes next to a ladder and when you get to the top you realize you‘re at ground level! It’s very confusing.
After exiting you can see the crack from where you just ascended and it looks like nothing at all! With that said, you never would have guessed the beauty that lies below the surface.
Thank You To The Navajo People
I’m so grateful for this experience and finally getting to see this amazing place.
I’m also grateful to the Navajo people for warmly welcoming me for the day!
Check out my full Arizona itinerary as well as my posts on: Tucson; Ben’s Bells; my new Saguaro obsession; Sedona; Antelope Canyon, Tuba City, and the NavajoLand Hotel; Horseshoe Bend and Page, Arizona; and the Cameron Trading Post and Grand Canyon!
Antelope Canyon and Tuba City Related Hashtags
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