Antelope Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend
After my divorce, I promised myself something big: My life was going to be filled with trips that made me feel alive again. Not “someday” trips. Not “when work slows down” trips. Real adventures, often and unapologetically. So now, every month, my calendar flashes a reminder at me: WHERE ARE YOU TRAVELING TO NEXT?
Because here’s the truth: travel is my self-care.
Do I always have time for a two-week exotic island getaway? Of course not. But shorter trips can be just as restorative — especially when you can toss everything into one carry-on bag and go.
That’s exactly what happened when family in Phoenix lured me west for a five-day trip to Antelope Canyon.
Horse Shoe Bend
✈️ From Newark to the Desert
I flew from Newark into Phoenix, where we spent one night before making the easy five-hour drive north to Page, Arizona. We rolled in early afternoon, checked into the Courtyard by Marriott, and treated ourselves to poolside sunshine and a relaxed dinner. (Let me save you the suspense: you don’t come to Page for the food. Trust me.)
🌌 The Slot Canyon Experience
The next morning, our group of five joined Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. After hopping on a bus with about 25 others, we stepped into a natural wonder that words barely capture.
Antelope Canyon is ethereal — a cathedral of Navajo sandstone carved over millions of years by flash floods into soft, curving walls that look almost liquid. The colors shift with the light; every turn feels like walking into a painting. It’s an easy walk, accessible for nearly anyone, but the impact is anything but ordinary.
🚤 Horseshoe Bend by Water
The following day, we swapped walking shoes for a boat tour around Horseshoe Bend. The weather was moody — gray skies and drizzle — but the canyon walls still glowed in deep sienna hues. Wild mustangs appeared on the ridges, as if on cue, and our guide shared stories of the Colorado River explorers. At one point, we even thought we had a distant relative on the original expedition (spoiler: no such luck). Still, the day was rich, inspiring, and unforgettable.
✨ Why You Need To Go
Antelope Canyon reminded me why I travel: not just to “get away,” but to come alive. To stand in awe of something older, bigger, and more beautiful than the everyday grind. To feel and touch the earth, not just my keyboard and a screen.
So here’s my nudge to you, fellow rebels: stop waiting for the perfect moment. Book the ticket. Pack the carry-on. And let yourself be amazed.