How to Visit Antelope Canyon – Best Times & Tours

Ambling through AntelopeCanyon’s maze of sandstone walls, with the breathtaking beams of daylight peeking through from above, is one of the most fascinating experiences.

Antelope Canyon, located in Arizona, possesses a singular natural beauty cherished in the American Southwest. Upon viewing photographs of this site, we knew we must witness it ourselves. As it sits just ten minutes from Horseshoe Bend in Page, we could conveniently visit Antelope Canyon during our 10-day itinerary traveling along the West Coast of the USA outlined here.

Remember, Antelope Canyon, Arizona, is situated on Navajo Nation land, so you must book an excursion to see this natural wonder. We’ve toured all the different sections, and each are worth exploring, although it depends on your preferences.

This guide will assist you in locating the perfect Antelope Canyon tour, and I’ll share tips on the best time to visit Antelope Canyon and how to get there from several popular cities.

How to visit Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, Arizona

Below, I’ll help you plan your itinerary with tips on the best time to visit Antelope Canyon, how to get there, and which section to visit.

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• Comparing the Upper and Lower areas of Antelope Canyon – Which section is preferable?
• Ideal times to visit Antelope Canyon
• Details relating to the pricing and operating hours of Antelope Canyon passes
• Antelope Canyon tours
• Activities near Antelope Canyon
• How to reach Antelope Ravine
• Accommodation proximate to Antelope Canyon
• Additional suggestions

Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon – Which section is best?

Before visiting Antelope Canyon, you should decide which section you want to see: Lower Antelope Canyon versus Upper Antelope Canyon. Of course, you can always visit both, as was done during one of our trips there.

The two sections both have sights that will likely appeal to visitors, so the choice will probably depend on finances and personal interests.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is the most renowned section of this attraction, attracting many visitors who want to see the Antelope Canyon light rays. If witnessing the sun`s rays filtering through the sandstone, as well as falling sand, is what you seek, this is where you need to go.

The entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon is at ground level, and walking through the slot canyon is about a 0.25 mile trek. Please be aware that this path is now one-directional. To avoid the past crowds of travelers going both ways in the canyon, the Navajo Nation has created a fresh route that involves using a small set of steps and hiking 0.5 miles around the canyon back to the starting point. The path has soft sand and areas with narrow metal ramps and walkways, so it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is just as magnificent as Upper Antelope Canyon, though light beams cannot be seen there. A benefit is that the path through the narrow canyon is broader, and tours are less rushed.

The downside is that the Lower Antelope Canyon hike is longer and more demanding since you must go up and down several staircases and ladders. The tour guide will assist you in navigating these obstacles, but if you have limited mobility, it’s best to avoid this section.

Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon

During one excursion, we visited Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon within the same day. Both areas of Antelope Canyon were worthwhile, but there are some factors to keep in mind:

• Consider taking the Lower Antelope Canyon tour if seeking to save money.

• For the Upper Antelope Canyon tour, plan your visit for the summer, during midday. This is the best time to explore Antelope Canyon to see the spectacular beams and reflections of light.

• Seeing both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon is worthwhile since they each offer unique views and characteristics.

In the chart below, you can compare the highlights and features of Lower Antelope Canyon vs. Upper Antelope Canyon:

*Prices and tours may vary depending on the season

Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known slot canyon worth visiting

Before committing to an Antelope Canyon excursion, consider the third offering: Antelope Canyon X. This lesser visited section is part of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon but attracts fewer tourists.

Despite exploring deeper into the canyon, it’s a bit more attainable than Lower Antelope, and the cost is cheaper, too. Here, you can capture amazing photos of the red-orange walls and the distinct “X” formation in the rock ceiling .

Best time to visit Antelope Canyon

Visiting the scenic and colorful area known as Antelope Canyon can be done all year, but planning the trip with weather and tour availability in mind will maximize your experience. Below are some suggestions on when is best to visit Antelope Canyon.

Best time of year to visit Antelope Canyon

If visitors want to see the rays of light in the Upper Antelope Canyon, the best timeframe is from late March to early October. In contrast, one can avoid crowds by visiting Antelope Canyon between November and March. However, the downside is missing the lightbeams.

In reality, Antelope Canyon is becoming increasingly popular, so even the low travel period brings many tourists. If experiencing the sunbeams filtering through the slot canyon is a priority, braving the crowds will be necessary.

It`s important to note that the rainy period in Arizona spans from June to September. Throughout these months, the weather conditions at Antelope Canyon can become very wet and increase the possibility of flooding. While uncommon, the canyon may close if precipitation levels are too high.

Best time of day to visit Antelope Canyon

Now that you are aware of the optimal time to visit Antelope Canyon, let’s focus on the best time of day to tour the Upper Canyon area.

To view the beams of light at Antelope Canyon, you should visit between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This timeframe offers the best chances of seeing this famous natural phenomenon when the sun is perpendicular to the canyon. Also, try to plan your visit on a clear, cloudless day so the sunlight can penetrate the canyon walls .

Antelope Canyon ticket prices and opening hours

Tickets for visiting Antelope Canyon must be reserved ahead of time, as availability fills up quickly. The guided trips within the upper and lower areas of Antelope Canyon include the $8 fee required to enter the Navajo Nation`s land. If planning to see Antelope Canyon X, be sure to bring cash on hand to pay the entrance charge upon arrival.

Below are the costs and hours provided for tours of Antelope Canyon. However, it is advised to double-check pricing and schedules online as they may vary throughout the year.

Upper Antelope Canyon tickets and opening hours

Tickets for the Upper Antelope Canyon are the most expensive, at $125 per individual. That said, this tour remains most popular as visitors can view the Antelope Canyon light beams, and the route is slightly less demanding. The excursion lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and is accessible at 7:50 a.m., 9:50 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:10 p.m.

Lower Antelope Canyon tickets and opening hours

The Lower Antelope Canyon sightseeing tour is becoming more popular, so make sure you book in advance. It costs $84 per person ($10 for kids 3 and under). The tour lasts 90 minutes and runs every 30 minutes from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.

Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?

While seeing Antelope Canyon yourself may be preferred, it is not allowed. This natural monument is located on Navajo Nation land, so an Antelope Canyon Navajo-led tour is necessary.

If you book one of the tours above, you can reserve your spot with a knowledgeable Navajo guide, who will walk you through this magnificent place. Plus, the $8 Antelope Canyon permit is included in the tour cost .

Antelope Canyon tours

Although many people call it Antelope Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon is not actually managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Rather, it’s located on Navajo Nation land, so you must book an Antelope Canyon Navajo tour to visit.

There exist a few possibilities relying on your financial means and tastes. The Upper Antelope Canyon excursion is most popular, while the Lower Antelope Canyon tour is more daring. There is also the Antelope Canyon X expedition, which is the most affordable choice and quite underestimated.

Upper Antelope Canyon tours

Upper Antelope Canyon represents the most frequented section and is easiest to access. It also holds the highest costs but allows seeing the world-renowned beams of light and falling grains of sand.

The visit commences with a brief 4×4 ride to the entrance of the canyon. Your Navajo guide will provide details regarding Antelope Canyon`s history and formation prior to starting the stroll through the narrow passage. Inside, it`s about a 0.25 mile stretch with generally flat terrain, although the ground is sandy. The hike now proceeds in one direction only, so there is no worry about encountering individuals coming from the opposite way.

Once reaching the canyon`s end, you’ll ascend a small stair set, then complete the hike around the canyon, returning to the starting point. This covers roughly another half mile of walking and involves navigating narrow metal ramps and walkways, so caution is necessary.

The photographic tour here was my favorite activity to do at Antelope Canyon, but the Navajo Nation stopped providing it. According to the formal statement, this is “to free up space in the canyon and make the experience more pleasant for the visitors.”

I genuinely hope they restart these photographic excursions shortly because now the directed visit is somewhat rushed, making it troublesome to seize pictures of the beams of light and reflections on the canyon dividers. Even so, I still accept going to Upper Antelope Canyon is worthwhile.

Lower Antelope Canyon tours

Exploring the lower region of Antelope Canyon without the large groups of visitors is a suitable alternative for those seeking to save money while avoiding crowds. However, traversing this part of the canyon involves uneven ground, metallic staircases, and steep declines, requiring more effort than the standard tour.

As long as you have the physical ability to climb up and down the staircases, you will be fine. The Antelope Canyon guide will help each person in your group one at a time on the ascent and descent, and the effort proves worthwhile. The lower section of Antelope Canyon extends deeper and is longer and broader than the upper area, allowing more room to move around and explore.

Even though you can`t see the light beams here, the patterns and shapes on the walls are stunning. You`ll also have more time to explore and photograph, so it`s a good value if you want to save money on your Antelope Canyon excursion.

Antelope Canyon X tours

Another option worth considering is the Antelope Canyon X tour. This excursion visits a different area of the slot canyon that includes both the Upper and Lower portions of Antelope Canyon. In addition to generally being less crowded and hectic, the tour is more affordable.

Experiencing Antelope Canyon X feels somewhat different as you go deeper into the canyon region. This provides an enhanced sense of really being immersed in the environment, allowing appreciation of the striking sandstone walls and the unique “X” shape of the rock formations.

This prime Antelope Canyon canyon passage tour costs $65, and you’ll need to pay the separate $8 permit in cash upon arrival. The tours operate every 40 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m .

Other things to do near Antelope Canyon

You only need a few hours to experience all the attractions that Antelope Canyon has to offer. The tours last around 1.5 hours, so if you want to explore the surrounding area afterward, there are numerous options.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is just a brief 15-minute drive from Antelope Canyon, so you can conveniently tour both attractions in a single day. Lake Powell is an artificially formed reservoir in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area where you can go swimming, waterskiing, and boating. There are also hiking trails winding around lovely sandstone walls and landmarks, so it’s worth stopping by.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are located in Page, Arizona, so you can combine visits to both places on the same day. I suggest booking an Antelope Canyon tour in the morning followed by a hike to the Horseshoe Bend lookout to watch the sunset.

We provide a complete guide to visiting the impressively shaped Horseshoe Bend, but I’ll briefly mention that it’s worth touring. This horseshoe-formed curve was carved over thousands of years by the Colorado River. The scenic overlook is almost 1,000 feet high, so the views are breathtaking. You can even combine exploring Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend by booking this tour.

Antelope Canyon boat tour

If experiencing an Antelope Canyon hike is too physically demanding for you, you may want to consider taking a boat tour instead. This cruise travels through the Navajo Canyon, where you’ll enjoy scenic views of the enormous Glen Canyon Dam, colorful sandstone walls, and Lake Powell.

Another possibility is this day tour, which involves a sightseeing boat ride along Lake Powell, a walk to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and a picnic meal. Both tours leave from the marina at Lake Powell Resort, roughly a 20 minute drive from Antelope Canyon.

Antelope Canyon kayak tours

Another way to view Antelope Canyon is by taking a kayaking trip. This will allow you to admire the sandstone walls and formations from a totally new angle.

This half-day excursion involves a guided kayaking trip along Lake Powell and a visit to the secluded Water Antelope Canyon. In addition, shuttle service from Page, AZ is provided.

If scheduling your own Antelope Canyon excursion appeals to you more, you can go to Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks near the Page Airport to rent a kayak, paddleboard or inflatable stand-up paddleboard for the day.

Closest airports to Antelope Canyon, Arizona

If you wish to fly into an airport near Antelope Canyon, you have a few choices. The Page Municipal Airport is quite nearby, but there are others in the vicinity. For example, if you fly into the Harry Reid International Airport, you can spend some time enjoying Las Vegas’ top attractions and then visit Antelope Canyon.

To summarize, the airports located relatively near to Antelope Canyon are as follows:

• The Page Municipal Airport is located approximately 7 miles away in Page, AZ.
• Cedar City Regional Airport (Cedar City, UT) – 105 miles distant
• George Regional Airport (St. George, UT) – 115 miles distant
• Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (Flagstaff, AZ)– Approximately 135 miles away
• Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas, NV) – 280 miles distant

How to get to Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona, and most tours depart from downtown Page or the entrance to Antelope Canyon.

Accessing Antelope Canyon from Page Municipal Airport requires approximately 12 minutes by vehicle. From the airport, take Sage Ave to Coppermine Rd, then turn left onto AZ-98 E. Remain on AZ-98 E for 4.5 miles until you see the Antelope Canyon parking lot on your right side (for Upper Antelope Canyon) or left side (for Lower Antelope Canyon).

Many visitors to Antelope Canyon come from other cities. Below are directions about getting to Antelope Canyon from popular locations like Las Vegas, Sedona, and Zion National Park .

Where to stay near Antelope Canyon

Both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are tourist attractions in the vicinity, supplying various accommodation options in Page, Arizona. From campgrounds to pleasant hotels, finding suitable lodging shouldn’t be difficult, but booking ahead is suggested.

Concerning camping near Antelope Canyon, Arizona, I propose lodging at the Page Lake Powell Antelope Canyon Campground. It accommodates tents and recreational vehicles, and it even provides a covered wagon “glamping” experience.

For a more conventional accommodation, check out one of these hotels near Antelope Canyon:

• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: Situated near the airport close to Antelope Canyon, this cozy hotel has an on-site restaurant, a sun terrace, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Just outside downtown Page, this lodging offers quality at an affordable price. Its highlights include free parking, a gym, a communal lounge, and a hot tub, making it one of the best places to remain near Antelope Canyon.

Our experience: Is Antelope Canyon worth it?

We have made several visits to Antelope Canyon over time. We toured Upper Antelope Canyon once and Lower Antelope Canyon twice in the past. The last time we visited, we also saw Antelope Canyon X.

Each segment offers something exceptional, along these lines you’ll appreciate your visit no matter which part you go to. As for myself, my most loved was Upper Antelope Canyon, particularly when they led instructed photography visits. Be that as it may, they don`t do these any longer, so it’s progressively troublesome to catch pictures now.

Upper Antelope Canyon is without question the preferred portion for most guests, so it’s quite crowded. The excursion seems to be hurried along at a fast pace since the guides rush you through in an effort to provide for all the visitors. That said, I appreciated seeing the lovely beams of light and falling grains of sand.

Given that we last visited, the Upper Antelope Canyon hike has altered and is now a one-way path. This appears to be much more convenient for thinning the crowds, but there are now metal walkways required to go across, so I don’t think it’s as accessible as in the past.

While Lower Antelope Canyon may not allow observing rays of sunlight in a similar fashion to the alternative, it deserves equal praise for its natural beauty. The guided visit through Lower Antelope Canyon moves at a less rushed pace, with thinner crowds permitting taking the necessary time to appreciate the sandstone walls and organic structures. However, this tour necessitates more ambulation, as well as climbing up and descending staircases and ladders.

As for the deeper Antelope Canyon tour, it offered a rather different experience as we ventured further into the canyon. Far fewer people were present, allowing the place to feel more intimate and immersive. We had the chance to see the striking “X” shape of the rock ceiling and appreciate the fiery red-orange hue of the walls. This tour proved cheaper too, making it a great overall value.

I believe seeing both the Upper and Lower sections of Antelope Canyon should be a priority if possible, as it is truly worth exploring. Canyon X is also worth considering, but only if it fits within one`s budget after visiting the other areas of the canyon .

Tips for visiting Antelope Canyon and Navajo Nation in Arizona

Visiting Antelope Canyon is a unique experience, but you should prepare so you can fully appreciate it! Here are some tips to maximize your trip:”

• Decide if you want to visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, or Canyon X.

• For the most spectacular perspectives and photographs, visit Antelope Canyon during the summer. The best time of day to visit Antelope Canyon is between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• Be sure to book your Antelope Canyon excursion in advance as spots tend to fill up quickly.

• Bring your camera so you can capture the stunning light beams and colors of Antelope Canyon.

• Do not forget to wear sturdy footwear and comfortable, lightweight layers suitable for walking.

• Protect yourself from the sun`s rays by wearing headgear, eyewear, and sun-protective lotion.

• Remember that you cannot bring tripods, selfie sticks, GoPros, drones, or live-action cameras.

• Only bring what can fit in your pocket or around your neck since backpacks and bags are not allowed.

• Domestic animals are prohibited within Antelope Canyon.

A boutique hotel located a mile from the international airport

• You cannot bring strollers into Antelope Canyon, so infants or toddlers must be in a carrying pack or sling.

• Cost of entry: $27 for adults, $22 for children ages 6-17, free for those under 6

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience exploring this stunning slot canyon.

Antelope Canyon map

Having this map of Antelope Canyon close by while planning your travel is useful. It indicates the places of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, Canyon X, and the attractions and hotels mentioned in this guide.

FAQs – Antelope Canyon, Arizona

To conclude, here are some routinely asked questions regarding Antelope Canyon tours, tickets, and hours of operation. If your question remains unanswered, feel free to share it in a comment below!

This wraps up our guide to Antelope Canyon, Arizona. I hope you feel prepared to plan your journey or share this article with traveling companions.

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d also appreciate hearing about your experiences traveling through Antelope Canyon.

Stay safe, and enjoy a great trip!