What to expect when visiting Antelope Canyon
You know those places where you see one photograph and know instantly, 'I need to go there'? Antelope Canyon is one of them. I was enamored from the start by its dreamy sandstone curves and immediately began planning how I could tack it onto a trip to the Grand Canyon I had scheduled at the time.
It remains to this day one of the coolest things I've seen in the Southwest.
Headed to Antelope Canyon? Here's what to expect:
What it is
One of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, Antelope Canyon features two sections: Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon.
Visiting either is like wandering through a geologic museum of sorts. You'll explore the narrow interior and clamber through sandstone crevices, in search of dappled sunlight or a great story just ahead.
It's a place where wonder is never in short supply. The color palette changes rapidly from amber to apricot depending on the time of day. The smoothly carved surfaces all around you are mesmerizing. And with each bend in this highly visual place comes an echo of the great American Southwest spirit.
How to get there
Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Land outside of Page, Arizona, about 10 miles east of Horseshoe Bend (which you can easily tackle in the same day - see my guide here for what to expect!)
Antelope Canyon is also within close proximity to other Southwest destinations: among them, Zion (112 miles), Monument Valley (116 miles), the Grand Canyon's South Rim (137 miles), Phoenix (277 miles), and Las Vegas (280 miles.)
Guided tours are required, so be sure to reserve yours well in advance through a company like the following:
Upper Canyon
Lower Canyon
En route to the Lower Canyon entrance
Upper vs. Lower Canyon
Photographers may enjoy Upper Canyon more, as it boasts incredible sunbeams far more frequently than Lower. But, in complete honesty, Upper Canyon is considerably more crowded. (And if you're like me, that makes it a lot harder to enjoy the canyon and be present in all its majesty!)
Because of this, I recommend visiting Lower Canyon.
There are only two times I would opt for Upper:
You're taking one of the photography tours offered in Upper Canyon
You're a traveler with mobility issues; Lower Canyon requires visitors to climb multiple steep stairways and ladders bolted into the canyon walls, and there are some very narrow areas with uneven footing.
Regardless of which canyon you choose, you should be in generally good health to visit. If you're claustrophobic, I'd recommend skipping it.
When to go
Upper Canyon: For the most dramatic lighting, visit the canyon during mid-morning or mid-day. The famous sunbeams can be seen from April until September.
Lower Canyon: The coolest temperatures and best lighting come in early morning or late afternoon. Sunbeams are visible here the same months as Upper, but not as common.
Antelope Canyon has become significantly more crowded in recent years. To see it when crowds are at a minimum, visit on a weekday from November to February.
How much time you'll need
It depends on which tour you decide to book. There are general sightseeing tours available, as well as photography tours, which last longer.
Tours of the Upper Canyon generally last anywhere between 1.5-2.5 hours, while tours of the Lower Canyon last between 45-90 minutes.
Whichever option you choose, plan to arrive at your tour company at least 30 minutes in advance.
How much it costs
Again, this depends on which tour you book. The Upper Canyon tends to be more expensive, with tours ranging from $60-$160 per person, while the Lower Canyon ranges from $40-$80 per person.
Check the weather
Flash flooding is common in Antelope Canyon, and can be disastrous. The reason guided tours are now required is in fact due to a tragic incident that occurred in 1997. Twelve people were hiking through the canyon when a flash flood unexpectedly hit; all but one were killed.
The tour companies are very precautious, and will cancel tours with a full refund when the weather looks even slightly sinister. It's always a good idea to check the forecast in the days leading up to your tour to see if a cancellation may be possible.
What to bring
Camera
Tennis shoes/hiking shoes
Water
What not to bring
Backpacks
GoPros
Selfie sticks
Tripods (unless participating in one of the photography tours)
Pets/service animals
***
Thinking about a visit to Antelope Canyon? Get in touch and let’s get you there!
You may also like:
What to expect when visiting Horseshoe Bend