Antelope Canyon, Arizona

In the American Southwest, Antelope Canyon, is known as the "canyon capital of the world", home to canyons ranging in size from the enormous Grand Canyon to those that are so tiny that even the skinniest individuals would have difficulty passing through. The spectacular canyon, which was shaped over millions of years by water and wind erosion, was given its name after the pronghorn antelope herds that originally frequented the region. You have your work cut out for you in terms of exploring as there are two distinct canyon portions, higher and lower.

While most of the hiking trails in the region are level, the sand and sandstone surface is usually difficult to navigate. With ground-level entrance, Upper Antelope Canyon is the area that is easiest to trek. Visitors must walk 20 minutes on sandy pathways with some steep metal stairs and walkways to return to the parking area. The most daring are drawn to Lower Antelope Canyon, where they negotiate a lengthier sandy climb to the canyon and multiple elevation changes with stairways and ladders to enter the canyon. The 9.8-mile Page Rimview Trek offers hikers additional time on the trail. Views of the canyonlands, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and the area's impressive rock formations may be had from the route.

Location: Hwy, Page, AZ