Coyote Buttes South

After our stop in Page, AZ, the WINs moved on to Mt Carmel Junction, Utah. One of the first things we did was go on a jeep trip to South Coyote Buttes. It requires a permit, but since the extremely popular Wave is in North Coyote Buttes, our permit was easy to get. In fact, we got all 10 the day we went.

We hiked out of the Paw Hole trailhead, and right away were walking by the little cone head buttes.

We saw lots of tadpoles in one little pond.

The scenery got more and more beautiful.

There is no trail, so you can just wander around wherever you please.

WOW!

Some sections reminded me of the Wave. I've been very lucky to be able to visit the Wave 4 times - the last time was here.

Some of the other formations were very different.

It was a great day!

Lower Antelope Canyon - My Very Favorite!

Of all the slot canyons in the Page, AZ area, my very favorite is Lower Antelope Canyon. There are 2 tour companies that offer tours, and this time we went with Dixie's. We were treated to a hoop dance before our tour.

And then walked a short distance to the long staircase taking you down to the bottom of the canyon.

Right away, the views are incredible.

We have to climb a few stairs as the canyon rises. This is the largest one.

Before the staircase was built, you had to go up and down these Moki steps. No thanks!

Beautiful!

My photo to prove I was there.

Some places got VERY narrow!

You had to remember to look up sometimes to see the best views.

The most famous formation in the canyon is this one of a lady with her hair blowing out behind her.

We also saw the buffalo, which needs some imagination.

After climbing up some more ladders, we got close to the surface -

And popped up out of the crack!

Our guide was wonderful, and showed us where to take the best pictures. Highly recommended!

A New Tour in Page - Waterholes Canyon

Two years ago when I was in Page, AZ, I hiked a little bit of Waterholes Canyon, but the ladders were not in the best shape and I had to turn around early.

This year, the canyon is accessible only by going on a tour. We were taken in a van back to the beginning of the hike. It is a 2-mile 1-way trek down 2 canyons.

The ladders have all been updated.

After going through the first canyon, there is a walk through the sand to the 2nd canyon.

The canyon walls gradually rise.

We walked by some beautiful rock formations and yucca flowers.

The canyon got narrower -

And narrower! Hold your breath!

Wow!

After awhile, it began to open up again -

And we arrived back at our cars, after climbing up this long staircase.

Horseshoe Bend and a Dam Tour

There's lots to do in and around Page, AZ. And don't forget that Page didn't exist before Glen Canyon Dam was built in the 1950s and 60s.

So we went on a dam tour!

We got a good view of the bridge that was built in order to build the dam. Before that, they had to drive 200 miles to get to the other side of the Colorado River.

Last time I took the tour, we were unable to go to the bottom, but this time we could.

And we got to see the 8 gigantic power generators.

We also went out to see beautiful Horseshoe Bend. The parking lot has been updated so that buses can now stop here. Lots and lots of tourists -

Come to see this beautiful view.

Some are a little crazy -

Or a lot crazy!

I was only a teeny bit crazy.

We also went to an overlook in town where we got a view of the Colorado River downstream from the dam -

And a view looking back at the dam.

A Rainbow That Turned into a Bridge

After our stop in Prescott, we moved on to Page, AZ. One of the first things we did was to go on the boat trip on Lake Powell to Rainbow Bridge. Our first view was this unusual houseboat.

The weather was kind of gloomy, but the scenery was still spectacular. This is one of my favorites - Gunsight Butte.

Our captain told us that this was an RV on top of this butte, and if you zoom in, it really does look like one.

After a short hike, I got my first view of Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world.

The obligatory photo.

Wow! This is actually my third time here, but I am always amazed.

It used to be that they didn't want you to go under the bridge because it is considered sacred. But they have finally built a new trail around it to the back side.

A great idea!

Made it!

I saw several Sego Lilies.

Another view on my way back to the boat.

One last view. The weather is clearing a bit and we can finally see part of snow-covered Navajo Mountain in the background.

Back to the boat.

Navigating out of the side canyon back to Lake Powell.

All of a sudden, the weather cleared up and we had a beautiful 50-mile trip back to Page.

What a fun day!