Antelope Canyon is one of the most unforgettable places you will ever go! It’s one of the most popular destinations in Arizona and for a good reason. As you walk through the canyon’s walls you’ll understand its magic. Intricate designs pop from the canyon walls and light beams delight the senses. You’ll want to read more to plan an Antelope Canyon visit!
Visiting the canyon takes a bit of effort, but I believe it’s worth it. I went with my cousin a couple years ago and I went again with my partner recently. Both times I had to do a lot of planning in advance. Get answers to all of your questions about Antelope Canyon here!
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Table of Contents
Antelope Canyon Guide
What is Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the Southwest part of the US. Slot Canyons are formed when waters rush through Sandstone rocks and make narrow canyons.
There are two portions of Antelope Canyon: Lower and Upper. The canyon is a natural wonder, with the light bouncing off the walls creating magical shots. Tourists flock to this unique sight.
Where is Antelope Canyon?
You can find this gorgeous canyon outside of Page, Arizona on Navajo land. Because it is on Navajo land the land is controlled by the Navajo Parks and Recreation. There are only a few tour companies that are authorized to take visitors through the canyon.
Page is located about 4.5 hours from Phoenix and 4.5 from Las Vegas as well. It is very close to the Grand Canyon and Zion. So, it’s the perfect destination to add to your Southwest road trip.
How do I see it?
If you want to see either the Upper or Lower portions of the canyon then you will need to book a tour. These tours are pretty pricey at around $100 a person.
Upper Antelope Canyon Tours:
Lower Antelope Canyon Tours:
There is a small portion of the Upper Canyon that you can access by Kayak. I had a friend who took her Kayak there during COVID and she took some amazing photos of the canyon (pictured here).
This is a good option for people who want to go on a full day adventure. You will need to rent the kayaks in town and drive them to the lake. It takes about two hours to kayak to the area where you can hike into the canyon and explore to your heart’s desire.
When is the best time to go?
Most people will tell you that the best time of day to visit Antelope Canyon is late morning to mid-day. The sun bounces off the walls and provides gorgeous light beams throughout the canyon. My cousin and I went at 11:30 am and the light glimmered off of the walls.
What time of year is best?
If you want to see the magical light beams throughout the canyon, then you will want to go during the peak season. The light beams can be viewed throughout the months of March all the way until October. In the winter, you won’t be able to see those halos of light.
Should I visit Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon?
This is a question that many people ask, but it’s really up to your personal preference. Upper Canyon is more well-known, therefore making it more expensive and crowded. If you want to see the light beams, then you will want to visit the Upper portion. It is also easier to get to, so may be a good option for those with physical limitations.
The Lower portion of the canyon has a set of stairs you will need to climb down before getting into the canyon. It is smaller but much less crowded so more room for pictures.
What should I expect from a tour?
The tour companies move incredibly quickly through the canyon. There are a bunch of tours that go at the same time, so you will be competing with many other people for pictures. Get ready to snap pictures right away and listen to the tour guides as they try to get you the best picture opportunities.
Our tour guide even took us to a small slot canyon near Antelope Canyon, so that we could get great photos elsewhere. Despite all the crowds, you can also expect to be amazed at the beauty of the canyon and the light that travels through it.
Are you ready to visit Antelope Canyon? Let me know in the comments!
Wow! I’ve never been to a canyon but this looks spectacular! It’s so amazing how these things exist. Thanks for a great guide and inspiration to go see one.
I would love to visit Antelope Canyon some day, it looks so beautiful. The landscape is almost surreal!
Antelope Canyon looks incredible! The landscape is amazing! I’d love to visit in person one day to really admire it first hand! I’m keeping your guide handy in the hopes that I’m able to visit soon. Thanks so much for the great guide!
Ahhh this is great! I was hoping to go to Antelope Canyon this year but due to COVID and it being shut down I wasn’t able to. Will definitely keep this in mind for potential future trips though for sure!
Antelope Canyon looks like such a divine place, I have wanted to visit for years! You are so lucky to be able to travel and experience new things – I have been stuck at home for the LONGEST time now!
This is such an informative post. I’ve always wanted to visit Antelope Canyon to see it’s beauty in person. I’ll keep your guide handy for when I go.
I really hope I can visit Antelope Canyon one day. It looks so beautiful!
Wow these photos are incredible! I can’t believe that it’s packed with crowds because it certainly doesn’t look like it! Great job!
Wow these photos are incredible! I can’t believe that it’s packed with crowds because it certainly doesn’t look like it! Great job!
The canyon looks absolutely mesmerizing. I always love looking at its images. But the crowds sound quite off putting. I watched a few YouTube videos of people packed tightly on a tour with the only way to see and photograph it by looking up. Is it as packed first thing in the morning as it is later in the day? Now must be a good time to visit with fewer people traveling around the country.
I think that it’s honestly crowded most times of day, unless you book a more expensive photography tour.
omg Antelope Canyon is absolutely beautiful! your photos are stunning!! it is def on my list of places to visit!
Antelope Canyon is amazing! I really wanted to go when I was in Page back in late June, but it unfortunately wasn’t open. I totally need to go back! 🙂
This is such a helpful guide, especially as someone who has wanted to go here for some time. It looks beautiful. I’m hoping to visit next year so thanks for all the info
I absolutely loved Antelope Canyon! Since we were on a budget we didn’t go on the midday tour but it was still amazing. Will definitely go back to do the midday tour 🙂
Ahhh I was in Page, Arizona and meant to go here but ran out of time! Would so love to go back one day and will be using this guide!
One of the dreamy places and top on my US bucket list is visiting Antelope canyons! Every time I see them, it reminds me of how beautiful and unique this earth is, with amazing landscapes!
This has been on my bucket list for a while (can you even be a travel blogger without having this on your bucket list?) and I really hope to include it in our next US road trip. 2021 hopefully, but let’s see how things will go…
Great guide, I am dreaming to go!