This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
In a land where spectacular works of nature greet you at every bend, Antelope Canyon commands a following of its own. Magical, mystical, breathtaking – we’ve attached any number of adjectives to this much-loved slot canyon and they’ve all fallen short of capturing its surreal splendor. One thing’s for sure, though – it’s a place straight out of a dream. And if you ask us, it’s hands down the most romantic destination in the American West.
Here’s why.
- It’s as exclusive as can be.
Antelope Canyon may be the most visited slot canyon in the American Southwest, but it has all the trappings of a well-kept secret. Shrouded in an aura of mystery, the slot canyon is essentially invisible from the outside. Plus, it’s located within the vast and surreal environs of Navajo Nation, and you only get to visit it in the company of a Navajo tour guide.
But the moment you walk in through the humble stone opening that serves as its entrance, you’ll know what all the fuss is about. Because it’s a whole other world inside Antelope Canyon, and it’s perfect for sweeping someone off their feet!
This hidden gem of a place has two distinct sections, with several miles of desert between them. Both sections have been carved out over millions of years of flash floods and wind erosion, but each has taken on a different form.
Upper Antelope Canyon is where you walk through narrow passageways between “flowing” red and orange rock walls, surreal sunbeams lighting your way. Lower Antelope Canyon takes you deeper into the earth, where magnificent rock chambers and sculptural rock arches await. It’s the kind of place where every rock form tells a story, a place that you’d love to get lost in, and a place that you’re bound to remember forever. Choose a tour to Lower Antelope Canyon to get those special photos of you and you lover without other people in them.
- Perfect for your dream proposal or wedding photos.
Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, and it doesn’t take long to see why. The ancient red-and-orange Navajo sandstone walls, the light shafts filtering in from up above, and the massive rock halls that go as deep as 160 feet in places, make for some truly unforgettable photos. Which is what makes them perfect for your special day as well!
Pop the question while your significant other is immersed in the beauty of the canyon, and capture the moment in a photo they’ll cherish forever. Better still, go for a private tour of the canyon and have it all to yourself when you propose. This is also a great choice for one-of-a-kind wedding photos, especially during the spring and summer months. Just make sure you arrive between 9 and 3, because that’s when you’ll get those dreamy shots that you’ve seen in wallpapers.
- The drive up there is unforgettable.
They say it’s the journey and not the destination that matters. What we love best about Antelope Canyon is that it scores on both counts. Not only is it the kind of destination that makes all the travel in the world worth it, it also lets you drive through absolutely gorgeous desert scenery. Whether you’re going there from Las Vegas, Phoenix or California, expect to be greeted by fascinating landforms, picturesque towns, and glorious sunsets on your way back.
Hours cruising through the desert in a rental convertible with the wind whipping through your hair will make you feel like you are living your own romantic getaway scene in a movie. If driving isn’t your idea of relaxing, snuggle next to your loved one on a tour to Antelope Canyon and soak in the scenery out you window.
- It gives an offbeat twist to your Vegas getaway.
If you’re surprising your partner with a trip to Las Vegas, a visit to Antelope Canyon will add an all-new romantic flavor to your getaway. For one, this slot canyon happens to be a mere 5-hour drive from Sin City, giving you a breather from its high-octane extravagance. Sometimes a dose of nature is just what a weekend getaway to Las Vegas needs. If you opt for a day trip you can spend all day gazing at romantic natural scenery and still be back for a world class dinner at night.
Plus, the route from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is a visual treat, dotted with pink cliffs, orange sand dunes and spectacular southwestern scenery. And as an added bonus, it’ll give you a glimpse of three states (Nevada, Utah and Arizona) before you arrive at the slot canyon.
- It comes with added perks!
It isn’t easy to win the title of the most romantic destination in the American West when your competition includes the likes of the Grand Canyon. But Antelope Canyon has more than a few tricks up its sleeve. Besides scoring full marks on its looks and ambiance, it offers you the chance to indulge in a whole bunch of other romantic experiences during your getaway.
The area around Antelope Canyon is replete with sights worth seeing, and they’re all great as standalone destinations. But with Antelope Canyon on your itinerary, you can really tie them together into an unforgettable trip that’s tailored for you and your partner.
For instance, movie buffs driving to the canyon from Las Vegas can stop for photos at picturesque Kanab or “Little Hollywood” as it’s fondly called. If you enjoy taking hikes together, Horseshoe Bend offers jaw-dropping views of metallic red rocks and the blue-green Colorado River a thousand feet below. If a romantic boat ride is more your thing, Lake Powell is just around the corner, and for couples looking to unwind amidst nature, there are tons of idyllic cabins to rent in and around Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona.
Romantic Getaways to Antelope Canyon can be had year round but for an extra bonus, try to go during the spring or the fall to experience the changing of the seasons in the desert.