Rattlesnake Canyon and Owl Canyon, Page, Arizona

By February 1, 2020March 9th, 2020Arizona, Slot Canyons, The American Southwest

There are many slot canyons in the area around Page, Arizona. In my opinion, Rattlesnake Canyon is the most sinuous and interesting to traverse.  Rattlesnake Canyon is part of the Upper Antelope Canyon wash system, and one passes right by Rattlesnake on the way to Upper Antelope. Photographically, I have not produced many satisfying images in Rattlesnake Canyon but it was a lot of fun to navigate with some very narrow spots and winding passages.  It’s named “Rattlesnake Canyon” because of its sinuous track.

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36034
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36036
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36037
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36038
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Rattlesnake Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36039
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Nearby Rattlesnake Canyon is Owl Canyon, known for its resident great horned owls. Owl Canyon is fun to see, but not particularly photogenic or narrow. The most interesting passage is at the terminal end.  The most recent time I visited Rattlesnake and Owl canyons guides and permits were required so  hired a private guide (“photographer tour”) with Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours.  It was not cheap but I was able to spend a lot of time in both canyons by myself, at my own pace.  Cheers, and thanks for looking!

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36028
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36029
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona, Navajo Tribal Lands

Owl Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon that is part of the larger Antelope Canyon system. Page, Arizona.
Image ID: 36030
Location: Navajo Tribal Lands, Page, Arizona, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!