After the coronavirus hit the Navajo Nation hard, the tribe closed its lands to the public to try to contain the spread of COVID-19. More than a year later, some of its beloved natural wonders are back open.
On July 12, the reservation hit the yellow status of its reopening plan. That allowed Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation to reopen its popular parks and with that came the return of guided tours to the Instagram-worthy Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.
While both parts of the canyon have reopened to visitors, they are operating with new guidelines. Here’s what you need to know if you want to see Antelope Canyon.
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Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tour reservations
The only way to visit Antelope Canyon is to book a tour with an approved operator. Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation has a list of operators at https://navajonationparks.org. Spots go quickly, so make reservations early.
To see Upper Antelope Canyon, visitors ride an open-air four-wheel-drive vehicle to the mouth of the canyon, where a guide leads the group on a walk through the slot. At Lower Antelope Canyon, visitors queue up on top of the canyon to await their turn to walk down the steps and through the slot.
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Tours are running at half capacity
Navajo Tribal Parks — including Antelope Canyon — are open at 50% occupancy while the tribe is in the yellow status of its reopening plan. Get status updates at https://www.navajoreopening.navajo-nsn.gov.
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Masks are required
Masks are required on the Navajo Nation, including on Antelope Canyon tours. Bring a mask that is comfortable to wear for the duration of the tour.
You can connect with Arizona Republic consumer travel reporter Melissa Yeager through email at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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