Slot Canyon in Arizona

Visit Antelope Canyon: The Perfect Canyon Trip Planner

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Heading to Page, Arizona? Well, no trip to Page is complete without a visit to Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Page, AZ whose reddish sandstone curves and mesmerizing light rays will not disappoint. 

From ticket prices and tour details to the best time to visit and photography tips, we have an ultimate trip planner for your visit to Antelope Canyon below!

Visit Antelope Canyon

Where is Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Tribal lands in the southwestern US state of Arizona. You’ll find the iconic slot canyons of Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon a few minutes east of the city of Page, Arizona.

Antelope Canyon Facts

  • How Was Antelope Canyon Formed | Erosion due to flash flooding  
  • How Old is Antelope Canyon | Millions of years old
  • Upper Antelope Canyon Nickname |“The Crack” 
  • Lower Antelope Canyon Nickname | “The Corkscrew” 
  • Upper Antelope Canyon Navajo Name | “Tsé bighánílíní” meaning “the place where water runs through rocks”
  • Lower Antelope Canyon Navajo Name | “Hazdistazí” meaning “spiral rock arches”
  • Antelope Canyon Opening Year | Accessible since 1997 when the area became a Navajo Tribal Park

How To Get To Antelope Canyon

Now, there is no commercial airport in Page, Arizona so if you were hoping to fly into Page, we’re sorry to burst your bubble. You’ll need to rent a car or rent an RV, like we did, and drive yourself to Page!

If you are looking to fly, the closest airport to Antelope Canyon is Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff located 129 miles away, a little over a 2-hour drive. If flying into Flagstaff isn’t an option, flying into Las Vegas or Phoenix are two other airports that are located “close” to Antelope Canyon.

—-> Check out the latest Van and RV rental pricing and availability at Outdoorsy!

Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located 272 miles, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Antelope Canyon.

If renting a car or RV is not in the cards for you, there is a Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas that you can book to see the two famous natural attractions in Page!

Antelope Canyon from Monument Valley

Located a little over two-hours away, Monument Valley is a popular next stop for tourists road tripping around the Southwest, more specifically Arizona.

Once you wrap up your Antelope Canyon tour, you could be at Monument Valley just before sunset! 

monument valley

Antelope Canyon from The Grand Canyon

The crème-da-la-crème of Arizona is the Grand Canyon and conveniently, Antelope Canyon is located just under two hours away!

If you do decide to swing by the Grand Canyon, be sure to give our Grand Canyon Day Trip a read!

Woman watching Grand Canyon Sunset

When To Visit Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is open all year long BUT if your goal is to see the magical light beams, then the best months to visit Antelope Canyon is the end of March to the beginning of October.

The summer months of June, July and August are the prime months to see the light beams as the higher sun flows more light into the Canyon.

Once the winter months hit, those light beams disappear. it is also during the winter months, November to March, that Antelope Canyon is visited least by tourists, making the winter months ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds.  

Upper Antelope Canyon

Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon

The best hours of the day to visit Upper Antelope Canyon is between 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. During this window of time, the sun is above the canyon making it perfect for capturing those light beam pictures.

When you book your Antelope Canyon tour, be sure to book a 10:30 am, 11:00 am or 12:00 pm tour time so you can see the light rays.

Do You Need A Tour Guide To Visit Antelope Canyon?

Yes. You cannot visit Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon on your own. You must have a Navajo Guide to gain entry to Antelope Canyon. Therefore, it is completely, 100% necessary to book a tour if you want to visit Antelope Canyon.

Both slot Canyons are located on Navajo Tribal Lands and it is the Navajo who will take you to and through the canyons.

View of Antelope Canyon Tour

Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon

Wondering which is better, upper or lower antelope canyon? Well, it depends on you as a person and what you want to see and experience!

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are two different slot canyons that make up the famous Antelope Canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Between the two slot canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two. When most people say “Antelope Canyon” they are usually referring to their visit to Upper Antelope Canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its piercing light beams, falling sands and high, red, wavy canyon walls making it a photographers dream.

Slot Canyon Light Beam

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is known as the “more fun” canyon. With ladders to climb and narrow passages to squeeze through, Lower Antelope Canyon is definitely a much more active experience than what Upper Antelope Canyon is.

But still, which canyon do you choose? Get our assessment below!

  • Tight on Budget? Then go with Lower Antelope Canyon. Lower Antelope Canyon is  cheaper than Upper Antelope Canyon.
  • Are you a photographer? If you are a photographer, without a doubt, choose Upper Antelope Canyon over Lower Antelope Canyon.
  • Are you claustrophobic? While both canyon floors are tight, Lower Antelope Canyon is more narrow than Upper Antelope Canyon.
  • Darker and Cooler or Bright and Warmer? Upper Antelope Canyon is an upside-down “V,” meaning, less light gets into the canyon making Upper Antelope Canyon darker and cooler when compared to the bright and warmer Lower Antelope Canyon.
  • Want to Avoid the Crowds? There is no way around it, Upper Antelope Canyon is crowded and packed full of people. When compared to Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon is the less crowded slot canyon of the two.
  • Want More of a Hike? Go with Lower Antelope Canyon. If you are looking for something more leisurely, then go with Upper Antelope Canyon.

Whichever canyon you choose, it won’t be a wrong choice! Also, you will need to book a tour in order to visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

slot canyon falling sand

Antelope Canyon Tickets

As we explained above, you must schedule a tour in order to visit Antelope Canyon. It’s also best to schedule your Antelope Canyon tour as soon as possible as the tours do sell out several weeks/months in advance.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit Antelope Canyon?

Depending on which canyon you choose to visit, there are price differences and different tour options. Get those details below.

  • Standard Upper Antelope Canyon Tour
    • For a 1.5 hour guided tour with a Navajo Guide, Upper Antelope Canyon ticket prices cost $62.00 for folks 8 years and older and $44.00 for kids 7 and under.
  • Standard Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
    • As for Lower Antelope Canyon, you can expect to pay $50.00 for adults and $28.00 for kids for an hour to hour and a half guided tour. 
  • Upper Antelope Canyon Night Photography Tour
    • Starting two hours after the sunset, the Upper Antelope Canyon night tour costs $263 for photographers and $79 for non-photographers.
Jesse taking a photo of canyon

Antelope Canyon Tours and Reservations

There are a handful of agencies in town where you can book your Navajo Antelope Canyon Tour.

For us, we went with the standard Upper Antelope Canyon tour with Antelope Canyon Tours by Carolene Ekis. Below get a complete list of great tour operators that do Upper as well as Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

  • Upper Antelope Canyon Night Tour
    • Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours 

Separately, if you want to check out more Antelope Canyon tour options, Viator connects travelers to amazing bookable activities throughout the world and they have a few great ones for Antelope Canyon!

Antelope Canyon Schedule

Please understand that an Antelope Canyon schedule varies from tour operator to tour operator but below is generally how a typical tour goes. If you want specific details, be sure to check with your tour operator regarding any questions you may have.

Most tour operators ask you to arrive at your tour operators location a half hour before your tour departs.  Once your tour group is assembled, your guide will give you an update about what you can expect and ask you to head out to awaiting trucks where you load up and drive to the entrance of Upper Antelope Canyon.

For visitors going to Lower Antelope Canyon, you’ll walk to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. The walk is rocky and sandy so be sure to have on appropriate footwear.

Once in the Canyons, the tours generally take an hour to an hour and half for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. After your tour is complete, you will be taken back to the tour operators office where you can go about the rest for your day in Page, Arizona.

In total, you can expect an Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tour to be anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours once all said and done – this time includes transport to and from the tour operators office.

antelope canyon tour

Is Antelope Canyon Wheelchair Accessible?

We’re sorry to say that both Upper Antelope Canyon as well as Lower Antelope Canyon are not wheelchair accessible.

Lower Antelope Canyon is much too narrow and require ladder climbing to navigate the canyon landscape. As for Upper Antelope Canyon, the loose sand, crowds and narrow passageways also make for an unfriendly wheelchair environment.

Slot Canyon in Page

Is Antelope Canyon Kid-Friendly?

The short answer is it depends on the “kid.” Strollers and backpacks are not allowed so if your child requires a stroller or diaper bag, then Antelope Canyon is not kid friendly for your child.

Also, another thing to worry about is antelope canyon weather. On windy days, the dust whips around and it can be annoying for your kids who could get dust in their eyes.

Additionally, there is no room for kids to run around and goof off in either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. This can be dangerous and honestly ruin other tourists time if you are constantly yelling at or corralling your kids.

However, if your kid is of the age to appreciate the beauty and be responsible on the ladders, then absolutely bring them along!

Is Antelope Canyon Dangerous?

Antelope Canyon can for sure be dangerous if you are not smart and respectful during your visit. Unexpected Flash floods can tear through the canyon. To date, 68 people have died at Antelope Canyon in flash flood related incidents.

Tour Operators are diligent at watching the weather so please understand, if it is unsafe, your tour will be canceled for your own safety.

Now, please don’t let the above deter you to visit Antelope Canyon. Tens of thousands of people visit annually and encounter no issues of safety whatsoever! Just be smart and listen to your Navajo Guide.

upper anatelope canyon waves

Photographing Antelope Canyon Tips

For DSLR Cameras

  • Set your white balance to cloudy
  • Use the widest-angle lens you own. The wider the lens, the more room you have to capture the canyons curves and light beams
  • Do NOT change lenses in the canyon! There is way too much dust flying around
  • Use a slower shutter speed to get the best light possible for your Antelope Canyon pictures

TIP: Tripods and monopods are not allowed. If you want to use a tripod, book a photography specific tour for Antelope Canyon.

For iPhones

  • Set your phone’s camera filter to either vivid or vivid warm
antelope canyon photography tips

What To Wear When Visiting Antelope Canyon

You honestly can never go wrong with jeans and a t-shirt! Definitely be comfortable and dress for the weather.  

In the colder winter months, bundle up and dress warm! In the spring and fall, consider bring a light jacket as the canyons do get cold.

Hiking boots are not necessary for Upper Antelope Canyon, but closed toed shoes are recommended – it’s super sandy! As for Lower Antelope Canyon, wear sturdier boots and/or shoes. It’s must more active of a tour!

Upper Antelope Canyon

Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon

  • Tripods, mono pods and selfie sticks are not allowed
  • Leave your backpacks, purses, diaper bags, etc. at the hotel
  • A small fanny pack is the only “bag” you can carry
  • Pets or service animals are not allowed
  • Strollers are not allowed 
  • Avoid weekends and holidays if you want to experience less crowds 
  • Have your phone and camera charged! You’re going to take a lot of photos

Antelope Canyon X

A relatively “newer” slot canyon has opened up near Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is Antelope Canyon X.

While we did not get a chance to experience Antelope Canyon X, we can say it is off the “mass tourist radar” and is a good option for those wanting to get away from the crowds at Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Taadidiin Tours operates excursions to Antelope Canyon X. Check out their site for ticket pricing, tour times and Canyon X details.

Hotels Near Antelope Canyon

For accommodations closest to Antelope Canyon, visitors should make reservations in Page Arizona or Lechee, Arizona. We’ve listed a few hotels as well as RV and campsites below!

For more accommodation choices and places to stay near Antelope Canyon, you can check the latest place and prices here to secure an unforgettable accommodation.

WANT MORE INFORMATION ON ARIZONA?!

Havasu Falls Hike: The Ultimate Planning Guide

Arizona Road Trip: One Epic 2 Week Itinerary

Grand Canyon Day Trip: The Ultimate One Day Itinerary

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For more travel tips, guides and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site, follow us on Instagram @wanderingstusPinterest and on Facebook. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, just leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stüs)


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