Antelope Canyon Tours: Explore Upper & Lower Slot Canyons
Perhaps you have heard of the ethereal beauty of the Antelope Canyon for years from people who have been there. Or maybe you have seen an amazing photo on social medial and now want to check it out for yourself. If you’re wondering - Where is Antelope Canyon? What is the best way to get there? – keep reading to find out.
Where is Antelope Canyon: Located near Page, Arizona in Navajo Nation.
Best Way to Get There: Scenic day trips from Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Sedona, or Page.
Antelope Canyon is a narrow sandstone slot canyon that is much smaller than the Grand Canyon. The location of both canyons is within the Grand Circle of parks and monuments that dominate the Southwestern United States.
In fact, Antelope Canyon is one of several smaller canyons that encircle the majestic Grand Canyon. If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon and want to tour Antelope Canyon on the same trip, you might be wondering how much time it will take. Please note, the scenic drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Antelope Canyon to is roughly two hours long.
Upper Antelope Canyon vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon tours can take you to either of its two sections:
• Upper Antelope Canyon also known as The Crack – This is the more popular of the two Antelope Canyons and these are the photos you have most likely seen on social media. This part of the canyon is more accessible and there is no climbing involved. You can expect to see mesmerizing beams of light streaming from the roof onto the walls to create a supernatural appearance. Don’t forget your camera!
• Lower Antelope Canyon often called The Corkscrew – Lower Antelope Canyon tours are a favorite of photographers who want to capture the winding walls and sandstone sculptures, but these tours require some climbing over steep steps to enter and leave the lower canyon.
No matter which section you choose, Antelope Canyon, Arizona, will leave you awestruck by its mesmerizing display of underground rock formations, light, shadows, and vibrant colors.
Exploring Antelope Canyon: Guided Tours are Mandatory
Located on Navajo Nation land east of Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon necessitates booking a guided tour for entry. Luckily, there is a wide variety of tour packages offered to visitors who want to view and experience what has been described as a photographer’s dream. The canyon is open to visitors year-round (confirm timings before planning your trip). Advance reservations are recommended as availability is limited and tours sell out quickly. You should plan to spend approximately 90-120 minutes exploring this amazing natural wonder.
Day Trips to Antelope Canyon from Various Locations
Day trips to Antelope Canyon start in locations such as Las Vegas, Page, Sedona, and Flagstaff, AZ, among others. On these tours you spend the day sightseeing and exploring in groups. Transportation between tour locations is in style and comfort. Another famous place nearby is Horseshoe Bend. You can easily explore this marvelous viewpoint on an Antelope Canyon Horseshoe Bend combined tour.
Multi-Day Antelope Canyon Tours: Immerse Yourself in the Canyon's Majesty
For a deeper dive, choose our, choose our multi-day Antelope Canyon packages to enjoy pre-planned activities, learn about the canyon’s history, and gain a unique perspective from knowledgeable guides. Overnight stopovers are in beautifully appointed hotels. Tours such as the 3-day Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas are available at great prices and often include stops at other places of interest such as the Grand Canyon South Rim and Lake Powell.
There are also several multi-day Los Angeles to Antelope Canyon tours that you can join. These include the 8-day bus tour that takes you to the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Zion National Park among other beautiful destinations.
Jeep Tours, Boat Tours, and Hiking Trails
Adventurous Antelope Canyon tours generally include optional Jeep tours driven by a Navajo native guide who will give you interesting info about the area. There are also boat tours on Lake Powell that can take you to the region of the Antelope Canyon that joins the lake. For people who love to hike and spend time in the outdoors, there are a number of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Antelope Canyon Navajo tours are unique in that they provide visitors with interesting information about the canyon and surrounding lands from the perspective of the people who have occupied the land for centuries. The local Navajo name for the canyon is Tse' bighanilini which translates to - the place where water runs through rocks.
FAQs
Both canyons are beautiful, however, Grand Canyon Adventures almost always opts for Lower Antelope Canyon. Because it is a “one-way” canyon, you won't get any return traffic (which can make it harder to see and get great photos). Tours may go to either one depending on the time of year and cost.
Can I go to Antelope Canyon without tickets? ›
There are no self-guided hikes into the Antelope Canyon. It is completely restricted to tours only, you cannot be left alone, and our tour guides will be providing you with a fully guided tour. DO I NEED RESERVATIONS? Yes, with passenger limits it is best to have a reservation before arriving in Page, AZ.
Can you get last minute tickets to Antelope Canyon? ›
Last Minute and Walk up bookings are no more!
First off, it depends on when you wanted to tour Antelope Canyon. Online reservations can be made directly with the different Antelope Canyon tour companies up to 24 hours in advance. Some, but not all, offer same-day online bookings, availability permitting.
Can you tour Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in the same day? ›
It's possible to do both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon in one day but it's not the most ideal way to experience these natural wonders. But if you're short on time and can only visit for one day, be prepared for a long but rewarding day of exploring the stunning Antelope Canyon.
Which is more strenuous Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? ›
But it can't be denied that Lower Antelope Canyon presents some serious challenges for anybody with mobility, joint, or strength issues. While the walk through Upper Antelope Canyon takes place above-ground, Lower Antelope Canyon is located below-ground, in more of a “V” shaped configuration.
Is it better to go to Antelope Canyon in the morning or afternoon? ›
Visiting Antelope Canyon does require some planning, and one of the most important details is to figure out what's the best time of the day to visit. Our quick answer is - the best time to visit the Lower Antelope Canyon and experience the spectacular colors of the canyon is early morning and late afternoon year round.
Do I need to make reservations to go to Antelope Canyon? ›
You are required to tour them with a Navajo Tribe-authorized guide service, and advance reservations are an absolute must! Why You Should Book In Advance…
Can you see Horseshoe Bend without a tour? ›
No, a guide is not required to visit Horseshoe Bend. For nearby Antelope Canyon, however, it is required to sign up with a tour guide.
Why is Antelope Canyon so expensive? ›
Remember, Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, characterized by narrow passages and confined spaces. To limit crowds and maintain a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all, tour operators have to limit the number of visitors during each tour, which further drives up the price.
What is the best time slot for Lower Antelope Canyon? ›
Due to the changing position of the sun during the winter months (off-peak season), all tour times throughout the day are ideal for lighting, and capturing that perfect photo. The most popular tour times are between 11 AM and 1:30 PM.
The most popular time to visit Antelope Canyon is spring or fall. In general, the weather is most pleasant between late March to early October. This window offers the best season to capture similarly famous photos you have seen of this destination and avoids the crazy summer heat.
Why are bags not allowed in Antelope Canyon? ›
No backpacks or purses of any kind (except a personal water bottle or Camelbak hydration pack) are allowed in Lower Antelope Canyon. There are two main reasons for this: The canyon is very narrow at certain points and backpacks may damage the rock faces as a person moves through.
How crowded is Upper Antelope Canyon? ›
The tours through Upper Antelope Canyon are also more crowded than those in Lower Antelope Canyon, so visitors should expect to be surrounded by other tourists. However, this doesn't take away from the experience. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and they are happy to answer any questions visitors may have.
How to see Antelope Canyon on a budget? ›
You really don't need a guide. It's also much cheaper to see Antelope Canyon by kayak then taking guided tours through the upper and lower parts of the canyon.
Is Horseshoe Bend free? ›
Although the national park service doesn't charge an admission fee to Horseshoe Bend, the parking lot is located on property owned by Page. The city charges $10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle to park in the lot. National park passes do not entitle you to a discount.
Can you see both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon? ›
The real answer is neither; they're both amazing in their own way, and I feel that it's truly a personal preference based on how I broke down each canyon individually above. That being said, you can do both Antelope Canyon tours in one day, which is the half-day combination tour linked below.
Is the Secret Antelope Canyon as good as the Upper Antelope Canyon? ›
While part of the Antelope Canyon system, this particular canyon is separate from Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons. This canyon, called "Secret Antelope Canyon", is located approximately 4-5 miles from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. It is similar in many ways and is just as beautiful ...but without the crowds.
How long should you spend at Antelope Canyon? ›
Its stunning rock formations, narrow passageways, and ethereal light beams make it a photographer's paradise. If you're planning a trip to Antelope Canyon, you might be wondering how much time you should spend there to truly experience its beauty. Short answer: Plan to spend one to two hours touring Antelope Canyon.
Which Antelope Canyon tour is easier? ›
The Upper Antelope Canyon tour is the most popular option. It is also considered to be the easiest Antelope Canyon tour. The path taken on the tour involves some gentle inclines and declines but no stairs. It is also at ground level and doesn't have any very narrow passages.
