Slot canyons form when a crack, fissure or weakness occurs in a very durable and weather resistant layer of overlying rock.  When the underlying layers are less durable the forces of weathering and erosion carve deeply into the underlying layers, resulting in an extremely narrow and deeply carved "slot".  Some slot canyons can be only three feet wide at the surface and 100 or more feet deep.  Slot canyons are very prone to flash flooding.  Over thousands of years, heavy rains pour through the slot with enormous force.  The rushing water carries with it rock and sand which scour and carve the various rock layers into a multitude of complex forms and shapes. The bottom or floor of slot canyons are usually very narrow, sometimes just a few feet or even a few inches wide. Steps or drop-offs can make exploring the canyons challenging.

     March 2019, Deb and I visited four different slot canyons near Page Arizona.  We chose ones that fit our scrambling ability and also offered good photography opportunities.  These canyons are all on Navajo Nation lands and require a guide.

     Entering each canyon delivers one into an "other worldly" experience.  The light entering from the top is reflected multiple times from many angles resulting in a wide range of colors and shades.  In many places no sky is visible above.  Often the canyon floor is very narrow and the walls on each side provide just enough room to squeeze through.

     Photography here can be challenging, dealing with people in the way, dust, and choosing the very best angle and exposure.  However, the opportunities are great and I think everyone could come away with some great shots. These canyons are all very different with unique shapes, forms, floors, walls, color and shade.  The only problem is that to the casual observer, after awhile the photographs may:

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 ALL START TO LOOK ALIKE!

See what you think.  - Dan

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