Horseshoe Bend is stunning. About a 10 minute drive from my hotel in Page, it boasts a jaw dropping landscape where you can get incredible pictures and videos. I recommend going at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic scenery.
 

There is a $20 entrance fee and a short walk to the site (round trip is roughly 1.5 miles) -- but well worth it, in my opinion! Sure, there are other people around-- but everyone was respectful, helping each other get cool pictures and because I went at sunset on a very windy night, I think a lot of people were physically uncomfortable so chose not to stay long. 

More information here.

Antelope Canyon is renowned for its natural beauty. You've probably seen a screen saver from the inside of this place. Because these slot canyons are on Navajo land, you can't just show up. Reservations are required. Masks are also still required on these tours.

The big internet debate about these canyons is-- should you go to the upper antelope canyon or lower? I've seen blogger verdicts undeniably choosing one or the other. My opinion: neither sucks. Go where you can get in.

The upper canyon tours are more pricey at nearly $125 per person. The lower canyon tours are around $60 per person. The tours last between 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes-- and some have more walking than others. Depending on the time you go, the tour groups might be larger. If you go on a super windy day, the inside won't be comfortable (think: sand blowing through this slot canyon and into your face). But on a gorgeous, quiet, sunny weekday morning, you'll never want to leave. The window of time to get sunstreams into the canyon for your photos will depend on seasons, but you can't go wrong between 10am and 1pm.

I booked a tour online with "Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours" and loved them! My tour guide, Ramon, shared with our group of 5 people incredible insights about life as a Navajo. Of course, I asked a lot of questions-- which I encourage you to do when you have the opportunity! 

You definitely need your big kid pants on for Monument Valley... or at least a really good downloaded playlist. The drive to the arrival gate is a solid 2 hours (more if you stop for food, bathrooms, gas, pictures or souvenirs) -- and the only thing out there is you and the open road. Service is spotty at best the whole way. The landscape is total eye candy... so plug the destination into your GPS and cruise to the Utah border.

Monument Valley is known for its iconic red sandstone buttes. Once there, you pay a $20 fee (per car) to enter the tribal park. Hours depend on the season. Masks are required on tours and at indoor spaces! You can choose to pay more for a guided tour, but I wanted to hop in and out of my rental car for pictures, so I opted to drive the 17-mile Valley Drive loop myself. It's rocky and bumpy in a few spots, but overall a relatively easy drive. The hardest part about traveling solo for me is wanting to look around and needing to pay attention to the road ahead at the same time.  There are bathrooms in the gift shop area and snacks for purchase, too. 

None of my iPhone pictures would ever do this place justice. The grandiose nature of what you're standing in front of and seeing is otherworldly. It sparks inspiration, curiosity, positive energy and gratitude for the elements that have come together to create such an impactful setting -- and for all the steps along the way that brought you here.
More information here.