Antelope Canyon
A mesmerizing slot canyon with flowing sandstone walls sculpted by water and wind erosion, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the American Southwest.
Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon located on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. The canyon is divided into two separate sections - Upper Antelope Canyon (Tsé bighánílíní, meaning "the place where water runs through rocks") and Lower Antelope Canyon (Hazdistazí, meaning "spiral rock arches"). These narrow, undulating passageways were formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone, primarily due to flash flooding and secondary processes of rain and wind.
Famous for its wave-like structure and the light beams that shine directly down into the canyon (particularly in Upper Antelope Canyon), it has become one of the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyons in the American Southwest. The smooth, flowing shapes of the rock walls with their orange, red, and pink hues create an otherworldly atmosphere that seems almost surreal. The canyon is sacred to the Navajo people and can only be visited with an authorized Navajo guide.
Canyon Information
Lower: 36.9019° N, 111.4124° W
Lower: approximately 100 feet (30 m)
Lower: approximately 1,335 feet (407 m)
Visitor Information
Lower Canyon: Midday for best lighting
Lower Canyon: 1-2 hours
Photos
Tour Options
Upper Antelope Canyon Standard Tour Easy
The most popular tour that takes you through the wider, more accessible section of Antelope Canyon. Known for its famous light beams that pierce through the top of the canyon, creating stunning light displays on the canyon floor.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours (including transportation from meeting point)
Walking Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles on mostly flat terrain
Upper Antelope Canyon Photography Tour Moderate
Designed for serious photographers, these specialized tours allow for longer time in the canyon and often include tripod access (though policies vary by tour company). Guides assist in finding the best angles and lighting conditions.
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Note: May be more expensive and have stricter equipment requirements
Lower Antelope Canyon Standard Tour Moderate
Explores the narrower, more intimate section of Antelope Canyon which requires navigating stairs, ladders, and narrow passageways. Less crowded than Upper Canyon, with equally stunning wave-like formations and color variations.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Walking Distance: Approximately 0.6 miles
Note: Involves climbing several flights of stairs and ladders
Canyon X Tour Moderate
A lesser-known alternative slot canyon nearby, offering similar geological features with significantly smaller tour groups. An excellent option during peak season when the main canyons are heavily booked.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Note: Requires a short hike and stair climbing
Antelope Canyon Boat Tour Easy
A different perspective of Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell. These boat tours take you through the water-filled sections of the canyon where the slot canyon meets the lake.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Note: Water levels in Lake Powell affect accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon offer distinctly different experiences:
Upper Antelope Canyon:
- Shaped like an "A" - wider at the bottom, narrower at the top
- Famous for light beams that shine directly down into the canyon (primarily mid-day, April-September)
- More accessible - at ground level with no stairs or ladders
- Typically more crowded and more expensive
- Generally better for visitors with mobility issues or those who prefer not to climb
- Often preferred by photographers seeking the iconic light beam shots
Lower Antelope Canyon:
- Shaped like a "V" - narrower at the bottom, wider at the top
- Features spiral rock formations and more dramatic passages
- Requires navigating several metal stairways and ladders
- Typically less crowded and slightly less expensive
- Generally longer and more of an adventure experience
- Better lighting throughout the day (not dependent on specific light beam times)
Both canyons offer stunning beauty and unique perspectives. If time allows, visiting both provides the most comprehensive experience of Antelope Canyon.
The famous light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon are visible under specific conditions:
Time of Year:
- Peak season: Late March to early October
- Best months: June, July, and August when the sun is highest in the sky
- Light beams are generally not visible from mid-October through February
Time of Day:
- Prime time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (when the sun is high enough to shine directly into the canyon)
- Most intense beams typically occur between 11:00 AM and noon
Weather Conditions:
- Clear, sunny days are essential for visible light beams
- Even slight cloud cover can diminish or eliminate the light beam effect
Tour companies typically schedule their "prime time" or "light beam" tours during these optimal hours, and these tours often book months in advance during peak season. If seeing the light beams is a priority, book well ahead and aim for a midday tour during summer months.
All visits to Antelope Canyon require guided tours with authorized Navajo operators:
Booking Options:
- Directly through authorized tour operators (contact information available on the Navajo Parks website)
- Through third-party booking websites
- Through hotels and visitor centers in Page, Arizona (though availability may be limited for same-day tours)
Recommended Booking Timeframe:
- Peak season (March-October): 3-6 months in advance, especially for prime midday tours
- Off-season (November-February): 1-2 months in advance
- Holiday periods: 4-6 months in advance
Tour Selection Tips:
- Verify that your chosen operator is officially authorized by the Navajo Nation
- Check cancellation policies and weather contingency plans
- Consider booking tours for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on different days or at different times
- If prime time slots are unavailable, early morning or late afternoon tours still offer beautiful views with different lighting conditions
Keep in mind that tours operate year-round, but the canyon may close with little notice due to flash flood warnings or other safety concerns.
For the best experience at Antelope Canyon, consider bringing:
Essential Items:
- Water bottle (especially during summer months)
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
- Camera or smartphone (no tripods or monopods on standard tours)
- Photo ID and tour confirmation
- Cash for Navajo Park entrance fees and guide gratuities
Recommended Items:
- Sunscreen and hat for waiting outside the canyon
- Light jacket or sweater (the canyon can be cooler than outside)
- Lens cloth for camera equipment (canyon dust is common)
- Small backpack or bag (must be worn on your front in Upper Canyon)
Photography Notes:
- For standard tours: Cameras with lenses under 2 inches in diameter are typically allowed
- For photography tours: Check with your specific tour operator about tripod policies
- Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the scope of the canyon
- Camera settings: High ISO capability and knowledge of manual settings are helpful for the low light conditions
Items Not Permitted:
- Tripods and monopods (except on designated photography tours)
- Selfie sticks (prohibited in most tour groups)
- Large backpacks or bags
- Food and drinks (except water)
Nearby Attractions
Horseshoe Bend
5 miles south, a dramatic horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River
Lake Powell
10 miles north, massive reservoir with red rock shores and water activities
Glen Canyon Dam
7 miles northwest, massive concrete arch dam with visitor center
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
50 miles by boat, one of the world's largest natural bridges
Monument Valley
120 miles east, iconic buttes and mesas on the Arizona-Utah border
The Wave
40 miles west, famously photographed rock formation (permit required)