In this guide, I will share some inside history on the Navajo Nation, how to access the perfectly sculpted sandsones, tips on what you should know before visiting, and much more.

Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona. It is situated within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Lands. Access to the canyon is not something you can managed alone, it is a guided tour done by the Navajo Tribe, and visitors typically need to join guided tours led by authorized Navajo guides to explore the area.

Antelope Canyon is a mesmerizing slot canyon renowned for its undulating sandstone walls and vibrant colors. Carved by water and wind over CENTURIES, the canyon’s narrow passages and smooth curves create a surreal, otherworldly experience. Visitors are captivated by the interplay of light and shadows, especially during the summer when sunlight filters through the openings, casting enchanting beams on the canyon floor.

To Explore Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, That is the Question.

The crowds are about the same for both the Upper and Lower tours of the canyon, and expect crowds… so don’t let that be you deciding factor. However, don’t be discouraged, there are plenty of opportunities to get your money shot photos. The tour guides are really helpful in taking beautiful photos and the show you the best settings to get the stunning photos you see all over the internet. They both offer stunning views, but each offer their own unique experiences. Here are the main differences between the two:

  1. Geological Formation:
    • Upper Antelope Canyon: This canyon is known for its wide and smooth canyon walls, allowing more sunlight to penetrate into the openings. The sunlight creates beautiful beams and shafts of light that illuminate the colorful sandstone walls, making it a popular choice for photographers.
    • Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon, in contrast, is narrower and deeper. It requires visitors to climb ladders and navigate through slightly challenging terrain. The canyon features more irregular and spiral-shaped passageways, providing a different set of photographic opportunities compared to the Upper Canyon.
  2. Light Beams:
    • Upper Antelope Canyon: The famous light beams are a common sight in Upper Antelope Canyon, especially during the summer months when the sunlight is more directly overhead. These beams of light add to the surreal and ethereal atmosphere, making it a favorite for photographers.
    • Lower Antelope Canyon: While Lower Antelope Canyon can also experience light beams, they are not as prominent as in the Upper Canyon due to its deeper and narrower structure. However, the play of light and shadows in the Lower Canyon creates its own captivating visual effects.
  3. Accessibility:
    • Upper Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon is relatively more accessible as it has a flat entrance and does not require climbing ladders. It is a popular choice for visitors of all ages, including those with mobility challenges.
    • Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon has more uneven terrain and requires visitors to climb ladders and navigate through some narrow passages. It might be more challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
  4. Crowds:
    • Upper Antelope Canyon: Due to its popularity, Upper Antelope Canyon can get very crowded, especially during peak seasons and times of the day when the light beams are most prominent.
    • Lower Antelope Canyon: While still popular, Lower Antelope Canyon tends to be less crowded compared to the Upper Canyon, offering a somewhat quieter and more intimate experience for visitors.

Both canyons are breathtaking in their own right, and the choice between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon often depends on individual preferences, physical abilities, and photography interests.

What to (not) Bring

It is actually easier to start with what is prohibited:

  1. Tripods and Camera Equipment
  2. Large Bags or Backpacks
  3. Food and Beverages
  4. Pets
  5. Smoking
  6. Touching or Climbing
  7. Umbrellas
  8. Drones

With that being said, I showed up with my small fanny pack to carry my keys (I didn’t have pockets). They do not allow bags/purses, but they do offer to hold you keys at the entrance stand. They don’t allow Gopros, but they did allow some people in our group to bring their Canon cameras and of course phone cameras are allowed. They don’t allow videography, only photos. Also, they do allow you to bring a closed water bottle, just no food or open containers. It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by the tour guides and respect the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone visiting Antelope Canyon and to also keep the sacred land CLEAN.

Visit Summer For Great Light or Winter for Fewer Crowds

Certainly, there are ideal periods for exploring Lower Antelope Canyon, yet the constraints are notably fewer compared to Upper Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon, shaped like an ‘A’, demands precise lighting conditions for witnessing its renowned light beams. The sun needs to be perfectly overhead, making midday, around lunchtime, the prime tour time. In contrast, Lower Antelope Canyon, with its ‘V’ shape, receives ample sunlight. Consequently, the canyon displays vibrant colors nearly all day, provided it’s sunny, making any time suitable for an impressive visit.

Antelope Canyon is typically busiest during the peak tourist seasons, which are in the summer months from June to August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it a popular time for tourists and photographers to visit. The canyon can get especially crowded during mid-morning and mid-afternoon when tours are in full swing, and the sunlight creates the famous light beams within the canyon.

To avoid the busiest crowds, it’s recommended to visit during the shoulder seasons in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and there are generally fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. Additionally, visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you avoid the busiest times of the day. It’s always a good idea to check with tour operators for specific information on crowd levels and availability when planning your visit.

What To Expect During The Tour (Time Zone Warning)

Tour companies require that you arrive 30-45 minutes before your tour time for check-in. IT IS CRUCIAL that you make sure to set your phone/watch to the correct time zone or look up the time at Antelope Canyon on Google. The Antelope Canyon tours are on Arizona Standard Time, meaning they do not observe daylight savings. When in doubt, set your clock to the same time as Phoenix, Arizona. Because Antelope Canyon is surrounded by the Navajo Nation, and resides very close to the Utah State Line (both Utah and the Navajo Nation observe daylight savings), the cell phone towers often will set your phone to the wrong time.

Once you arrival, check in at the front of the building, they will direct you to a waiting area. Use this time to use the bathroom (bring your own wipes depending what time of the day you go), put anything in the car you don’t need, and check out the gift shop and/or coffee bar. As long as you’re in the waiting area 15 minutes prior to your tour time, you can spend this time how you’d like. When it’s time for your tour, you’ll meet your guide outside (they will call it on a loudspeaker.) One by one, each group will start the short walk to the entrance of the canyon. There you’ll wait for a little while until your group is released to officially enter the canyon.

Tp enter Lower Antelope Canyon, you climb down a steep ladder-like staircase single file. You’re not allowed to take pictures while on the ladder. If you’re not agile enough to climb up and down ladders, DO NOT book a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour.  When you reach the canyon floor, you’ll wait again with many other groups in a wider area. You’re allowed to take pictures though while you wait, so take a look around, because there are plenty of beautiful shapes and colors to enjoy.

Once you leave this holding area, things move along a little smoother, with the latter sections of the canyon going the fastest. The bottom of the canyon is incredibly narrow, and at times it’s impossible to lay your foot completely flat on the ground. For most of the tour you’ll be walking in a single file line behind your tour guide. As you wind your way through the canyon you’ll learn about how it was formed and continues to be shaped, as well as photography tips, among other things.

The tour guides are AWESOME! Ask questions, be curious, be in the moment. You’ll stop a few times to takes pictures, but for the most part you’re continually moving throughout the canyon at a very slow pace. There are a lot of tour groups going through the canyon at the same time, so stay with your guide. When your tour ends, you’ll walk the same short distance back to the company headquarters and are free to go about your day from there.

How much does it cost to visit Antelope Canyon?

As Antelope Canyon is a part of the Navajo Parks land, there is an $8 fee for everyone 8 years or older. This is generally included in the price of your tour. The tour company will state this during booking (if the park fee is included or if you’ll need to bring it).

Tour Group Cost

The cost of your Antelope Canyon tour will vary depending on which canyon you visit, what kind of tour you book, and what time of day you book your tour for. Lower Antelope Canyon is cheaper than the Upper Canyon (like $40 vs. $90). Tours at midday will often come at a higher price as this is the peak time to see light beams. General sightseeing group tours will be the most cost-effective. Specialty tours such as photography tours or private tours will cost you twice as much if not more.

Do You Tip Your Tour Guide?

Tipping is never “required”, but it is generally considered good etiquette in the U.S. and may be expected by the guide. However, the choice is ultimately yours. I had the ability to tip my tour guide a $20 USD bill because he helped take amazing photos, was super chill, and very knowledgeable. Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here. Did you enjoy the tour? Was the tour guide informative and friendly? Consider their time and effort. Some people say tipping 10-20% of the cost of the tour is a good rule of thumb.

What To Wear

It really is not much of a hike, it’s really more of a walk. The tour through Upper Antelope Canyon is entirely flat and only 660 feet (200 m) long. Lower Antelope Canyon does require some walking up and down stairs and it a little longer at about 1,335 feet (407 m) long. But still an easy walk.

  • Comfortable shoes. Either a nice pair of trainers or sandals.
  • Hat or headcover.
  • Light jacket.
  • Cute outfit! For women, maybe a romper or a jumpsuit. I would go for subdued, natural colors that will complement the reds and browns of the canyon, but this is totally up to your taste.

We Live in A World Filled of Tiny Miracles

Antelope Canyon captures the essence of the countless intricate events and processes that have occurred over millions of years, resulting in the magnificent and diverse natural world we see today. It reflects the idea that every tiny miracle, from the formation of mountains to the blooming of a single flower, contributes to the beauty and complexity of nature, making Earth a truly remarkable home for all living beings.

Navajo Cosmology

In Navajo cosmology, the belief in the Four Worlds, also known as the Four Spiritual Realms, is fundamental. Each world represents a different stage in the evolution of the Navajo people and the challenges they face. These worlds are part of the Navajo creation story and are integral to their understanding of the universe. Here is a brief overview of the Navajo Four Worlds:

  1. First World (Nihodilhil): The First World, or the Glittering World, is where the Navajo people originated. It was a realm of spiritual enlightenment and harmony. However, they were forced to leave this world due to increasing darkness and spiritual imbalances.
  2. Second World (Nihalgai): The Second World, or the Blue World, was the next realm the Navajo people entered. It was characterized by more challenges and complexities compared to the First World. Here, they learned important lessons about survival and adaptability.
  3. Third World (Nihalgai): The Third World, or the Yellow World, posed even greater challenges for the Navajo people. It was a world of trials, diseases, and death. In this world, the Navajo learned about pain, suffering, and healing practices.
  4. Fourth World (Nihalgai): The Fourth World, or the Glittering World, is the current world where the Navajo people reside. It is believed that they emerged into this world through a reed, and it is here that they continue their spiritual journey. The Fourth World is a place where the Navajo people must maintain balance and harmony with the spiritual and natural forces around them.

The concept of the Four Worlds is deeply rooted in Navajo mythology and serves as a framework for understanding the challenges faced by individuals and the entire Navajo Nation. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance, harmony, and spiritual connection in their lives.