USA Mountain Sheep Canyon

There are numerous slot canyons near Page, Arizona including Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. While both canyons are indeed spectacular, they are also spectacularly crowded. The Antelope Canyon tours are almost always booked to capacity, the result being that you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other gawking tourists. I know because I’ve been a gawking tourist at Upper Antelope twice and Lower Antelope a half dozen times. They are gorgeous but most photo compositions must be shot above the crowds unless you WANT the crowds in your photo or unless you pay a premium fee. The premium fee allows you to carry a tripod and the guide will stop other tours at various spots in the canyons while you compose your photo. At Mountain Sheep Canyon, there was just me, a friend, and our very friendly and knowledgeable Navajo guide. No one else. It was great! The short canyon was every bit as beautiful as the more famous canyons nearby.

I like to use a super wide-angle lens (10-18mm). Since tripods aren’t permitted, you’re shooting hand held so I’d recommend caution setting longer shutter speeds. I wouldn’t risk botching (blurring) what might be a once-in-a-lifetime photo. Either manually increase ISO or I’ve found that I can get a pretty decent shot in most slot canyons just shooting in aperture priority mode and auto ISO. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance/advice from your Navajo guide. They are remarkably skilled with most all cameras including smartphones and from what I’ve observed, are happy to help (perhaps with a potential tip in mind?).

Like many (most/all?) slot canyons near Page, Mountain Sheep Canyon is on Navajo land and you must pay a Navajo guide to take you to and through the canyon. I booked my tour through “Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours” but there are probably other companies in the area that can get you there. I suggest you shop around because prices may vary.