How to visit Antelope Canyon
So you want to see the spectacular Antelope Canyon but don’t know where to start. Should you visit the Upper or Lower Canyon? Which is prettier and/or better to photograph? Which company should you go with? When is the best time to go? All of these questions and more will be answered in this post!
Lower Antelope Canyon
The Lower Antelope Canyon is shaped more like a “V,” with the bottom of the canyon being narrower than the top. This plus the fact that the Lower Canyon is shallower means that the light filtering into the canyon isn’t quite as dramatic as that in the Upper Canyon, but it allows for great pictures that include the sky. The canyon walls themselves also seemed “twistier” which makes sense as this section of the canyon is nicknamed the “Corkscrew.”
One of my favorite formations in this canyon is the “Lady in the Wind” which truly is breathtaking. There was also a humorous one that looked like Donald Trump’s hair.
The Lower Canyon tour does require a slightly higher level of fitness as it is the longer of the two canyon sections at about 1 mile and requires climbing up ladders and stairs throughout. The entrance into the canyon involves about 70 steps via steep stairs, but I thought the guides did a great job making sure everyone felt safe and not rushed. It is a one way canyon with a separate exit so once you’re past the initial descent to the bottom of the canyon, the rest is much easier. While we were kept within our own tour groups, there was some more flexibility in terms of how much time was spent in certain areas compared to the Upper Canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Antelope Canyon is shaped like an "A” with a wide canyon bottom and narrow top, the opposite of the lower section. This creates a darker canyon with more deep reds, oranges, and purples.
The Upper Antelope Canyon is the one you’ll want to book if you are wanting to see the popular light beams. These typically only occur between the months of April through September and generally can be seen between 1100 and 1330. Our guide was really good about trying to keep us separate from the other tour groups so that we were able to take many amazing photos without people in them, but that did mean there wasn’t a lot of time to dilly-dally.
He showed us places to stand and different phone and camera settings to use for the best photos which I thought was pretty cool. Some of my favorite formations and shapes were the “Bear,” the “Heart,” and the “Bell.”
It was also fun to see the guide throw a bunch of sand onto the walls and watch the sand trickle back down to the ground. This tour is generally considered to be the easier of the two; it was a little shorter at ¾ of a mile and flat through the canyon. With the newer one way direction of the tours, we did have to hike a short distance around the canyon back to the transportation that did involve some uphill walking along ramps with some stairs (about 200 feet of elevation gain total).
Which company to book with?
I’ve only done each canyon once so I cannot personally compare how one company is compared to another, however, from the research I’ve done and by talking with friends who have gone, the experience seems to be fairly universal. The pricing across the different companies are about the same. The Lower Canyon Tours are cheaper, running about $55 per adult and $35 per child with kids 3 and under being free (still must be included on the reservation). The Upper Canyon tours generally run between $90-$105, with a price hike to around $120 for the tour times that are more likely to have the light beams. I went with Ken’s for the Lower tour and with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours for the Upper tour and had an amazing experience with both. Keep in mind that some of the tours start from different spots so make sure you check the meeting point before going. Also note that there is an additional $8/person Navajo Nation charge that is generally automatically added to your purchase online. Young kids are not allowed with some tour companies so please check this before booking.
Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies:
Antelope Canyon Tours, Inc; Tsebighanilini Tours; Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours; Antelope Slot Canyon Tours; Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
Lower Antelope Canyon tour companies:
Best Time to Go
The short answer is to go whenever you can get tickets. It is generally easier to get tickets for the Lower tours throughout the year compared to the Upper tour which often sells out several months in advance for the busy season/summer. You are more likely to get more last minute tickets in the winter months. To see the light beams in the Upper Canyon you’ll want to go between 1100 and 1330 on a sunny day between late April and late September for your best chance at seeing them. If you don’t care about the light beams but still want to take some great photos, then going sometime between mid-morning and mid-afternoon will allow for better light entry into the canyons. That being said, don’t miss your chance to see these canyons if the only tickets left are for the early morning or late afternoon because the canyons will still take your breath away — and you may have fewer crowds too!
Changes to the Antelope Canyon tours since the COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic has changed a lot and the Antelope Canyon tours are no exception. The more expensive photography tours have not resumed as of early 2023 and it is not yet clear if these will ever resume. Currently most operators are still limiting capacity within each tour group which is wonderful for reducing crowds and provides better opportunities for taking photos without other visitors in them. The tours are both now operating in a one way system with one entrance and one exit for each section of the canyon which also helps with crowd control. The caveat to this is that the Upper Canyon has become a bit less accessible than before for those with mobility issues as they will have to navigate the uphill ramps and a few stairs on the way back as described above. Keep in mind that the Navajo Nation reserves the right to require masks at any point so please remember to have a mask for everyone in your party.
So, how do I choose between the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?
Having done both, I can honestly say that you cannot go wrong with whichever one you choose. If you have the opportunity and money to see both, then definitely do it as they are both spectacular in their own way! If you have mobility concerns or claustrophobia, I would recommend sticking with the Upper Canyon. In terms of coloring, the Lower Canyon is going to showcase more bright oranges, reds, and browns, while the Upper Canyon is generally going to be darker with deep reds, oranges, and purples. Overall I would say that the Upper Canyon is more visually stunning while the Lower Canyon is more fun.
Other Essential Tips
Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land and they have been kind enough to allow the public to see this magical place. Follow all instructions given by your guide, and please show this place and the Navajo Nation the respect they deserve.
You enter the Lower Canyon right by the meeting point after a short walk, while the Upper Canyon has various meeting points and requires a shuttle to the entrance which is down a bumpy dirt road. If you get car sick, you will want your normal motion sickness medications.
Time zone confusion: The Navajo Nation functions on Mountain Time and does observe Daylight Savings Time while Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings (Mountain Standard Time year round). So between approximately mid-March to early November, the Navajo Nation will be one hour ahead of Page, Arizona. Your smartphone is able to recognize this and may change time automatically. That being said, the tour times are generally listed as Arizona time (Mountain Standard Time). Given the proximity to the Utah border (who also observes Daylight Savings) and the Navajo Nation, I would recommend turning off your phone’s automatic time zone recognition as this may cause confusion and a missed tour. When in doubt, Google “what time is it in Page, AZ” and it will tell you or call your tour company to confirm.
If you can't get a tour to the Upper or Lower Canyon, try your luck at Canyon X. Canyon X is another section of Antelope Canyon that is lesser known but is still supposed to be very beautiful. I have not done it myself yet so can't speak to it personally.
Tipping your guide is not required but appreciated, especially if they did a great job! I would recommend $5-10 per person if your budget allows.
You are not allowed to bring in bags of any kind, tripods, selfie sticks, or food. Bottled water is permitted as well as cameras and phones.
Taking videos is not allowed but photos are encouraged.
Photography tips: if you have an iPhone, set your filter to “Vivid Warm” to help those colors pop! If you have a fancy camera, make sure you decide which settings to use ahead of time because you will not have time to fiddle much with your camera on the tour. I do not recommend changing lenses or wiping lenses while in the canyon as the sand may scratch them; even better, bring a protective shield for your camera. Your guide will point out and give you time to photograph particularly stunning areas or cool formations.
Lastly, while photos are great, don’t forget to put down your camera sometimes and just take in the scenery!
Pin this for your Page, AZ, trip!
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