This Sacred Canyon Is Alive. And It's Changing Shape

Antelope Canyon might be the most visited and photographed slot canyon in the world, but there is more to this ancient sandstone structure than meets the eye. Formed millions of years ago, and revered as a spiritual site for the Navajo Nation, the origins of this geologic wonder are as fascinating as its beauty is renowned. Existing in a perpetual state of flux, Antelope Canyon is constantly being altered by relentless forces of nature - what does it mean to preserve something that is defined by it's impermanence?

Untold Earth explores the seeming impossibilities behind our planet’s strangest, most unique natural wonders. From fragile, untouched ecosystems to familiar but unexplained occurrences in our own backyard, this series chases insight into natural phenomena through the voices that know them best.

Untold Earth is produced in partnership with Atlas Obscura and Nature.

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[naturepbs]

You're telling us an antelope built this canyon?! (Thanks for watching, everyone, and Happy Earth Week!)

[austinmitchell]

I always appreciate when these videos highlight the indigenous perspectives! Thank you to everyone who helped make this one happen.

[ams-photography]

Got to go here 2 years ago, it was an amazing experience. I'm not religious, but I felt like I was having a spiritual experience while walking through this canyon. I highly recommend going if you get the chance, it's worth the price of admission.

[Mesoblunt]

This place is so magical. I wish everyone to experience it at least once. It's like visit what i would image another world. Pictures do not do justice to how it looks and feels, in person.

[Pbavtor]

I visited as a child. We often lived in western deserts, and the flash floods always terrified us. When you see those black clouds forming you need to get out of the canyons and dry-washes. It doesn't always flood, but they are violent.

[teaganwhipple]

wow what a knowledgeable personable professor. would love to take a geology class from him

[deborahdanhauer]

That’s one of the most beautiful and unique places on Earth.❤️🤗🐝

[kevinc-]

My amazing tour through here was almost canceled, as no tours when any chance of a flash flood through the canyon. The guide was awesome and knew all the best photo spots to catch sunlight reflecting from the surface down to the floor where we walked through it and back to the bus

[patriciaa.tudosa]

I yearn to live in a world where the Indigenous connection to the Earth is the norm. Beautiful.

[charadreemurr]

this kind of landscape is essentially what would be at the bottom of the strid. its effectively a permanent version of the same type of water flow dynamics we see here in antelope canyon. the only reason this place isnt a death trap is due to the seasonality of the flows

[dank]

I saw a video about a river in Europe that traveled through an area called The Strid and I wonder if it looks similar to this under the water.

[indiealaska]

Thanks for the shout-out! We learned so much from this video 😲

[JuliLindsey]

So glad the native people of the land and their culture was covered. Doesn’t always happen in nature documentaries. Makes it much more interesting and meaningful!

[SpottedHares]

For reference that bolder at 0:50 is no longer there.

[ronkirk]

Keep in mind that slot canyons can be VERY dangerous places to visit especially during the 'monsoon' season when distant T-storms can cause flash flooding. BE SAFE!

[Jul-]

There are a ton of these in the US state of New Mexico, including ones carved from white volcanic tuff, such as the Kasha-Katuwe slot canyon.

[merlapittman]

Forget churches, temples, and cathedrals. This is where you feel closest to your God

[pinkish]

Huwaaa a new pbs tera vid just dropped?! :0

[orlandobaldivino]

There was a time about 20 years ago on a January day Evelyn and I and a guide had this place to ourselves.

[bobvail]

Every inch of earth is constantly being changed by erosion and deposition, not just this slot canyon.