By Alex
The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department announced that the Upper Antelope Canyon photography tours will be discontinued starting in 2020. Located in Arizona, USA, Antelope Canyon is one of the world’s most famous slot canyons. It quickly gained popularity among social media influencers and was later crowned as the filming location of “the most expensive photo in history” (sold for approximately HK$58.9 million). In recent years, the surge in visitor numbers has repeatedly sparked controversy.
▲ Antelope Canyon rose to fame rapidly in recent years thanks to social media influencers. (Photo by Dan Zafra)
Since Antelope Canyon is located within the Navajo Nation reservation, visitors can only access the canyon through officially designated tour operators according to local laws. Currently, there are two ways to visit: standard sightseeing tours for general tourists and specialized photography tours for photography enthusiasts.
▲ The shifting sand is sometimes manipulated artificially by photography tour guides. (Photo by Dan Zafra)
Standard sightseeing tours usually have larger groups and tighter schedules, and the use of tripods or monopods is prohibited, making it nearly impossible to take high-quality photos. In contrast, photography tours have fewer participants, allow more time for individual shooting, and permit the use of tripods. Additionally, guides manage the crowd to prevent unwanted people from entering the frame during photo sessions. Past reports also revealed that guides sometimes kick up sand to enhance the texture of the light beams entering the canyon (related reports).
▲ Many visitors have complained about the overcrowding in the canyon, which severely affects their experience. (Photo by Dan Zafra)
However, as visitor numbers increased, complaints grew not only about overcrowding but also about the rising cost of photography tours, which now range from $140 to $190 per person (approximately HK$1,098 to HK$1,490, depending on the time slot), drawing widespread criticism. In response, the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department decided to discontinue photography tours starting in 2020, thereby freeing up space in the canyon to provide a better experience for other visitors. It is reported that the last day of operation for the photography tours was December 20, 2019.
Sources: DIY Photography, Dan Zafra