Antelope Canyon Tours: Which One to Choose

Page, ArizonaATTRACTIONNatural Attraction

Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon in Arizona featuring smooth, wind-carved sandstone walls and unique light beams, accessible only through guided tours.

iHighlights

Info

ATTRACTION

Info

Natural Attraction

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. It is divided into two separate sections: Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack) and Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew). Wind and water erosion over millions of years carved the Navajo sandstone into smooth, flowing shapes that define the canyon's walls. Visitors walk through narrow, winding corridors where sunlight filters down from the narrow openings above. The Upper Canyon is flat and wide at the bottom, making it easily accessible, and is known for the light beams that hit the canyon floor during summer months. The Lower Canyon requires descending metal stairs and navigating tighter spaces, offering a more active physical experience with distinct lighting patterns. Access to the canyon is restricted to guided tours led by authorized Navajo guides. The guides drive visitors to the canyon entrances in modified trucks and walk them through the formations, pointing out specific shapes in the rock and explaining the geology and cultural significance of the site.

Contact Information

Phone: +1-928-698-2808

Why This Place is Special

• Upper Antelope Canyon's dramatic summer light beams
• Lower Antelope Canyon's narrow, winding pathways and metal ladders
• Smooth, wave-like Navajo sandstone rock formations
• Exclusive access via authorized Navajo guided tours
• Shifting colors of the rock walls depending on sunlight and time of day
• Unique rock formations resembling shapes like a bear, heart, and a chief's head

Ideal For

Solo travelersCouplesPhotographersGroupsNature loversAdventure seekers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Guide services
• Souvenir shops
• Seating areas

Visitor Tips

• Book tours several months in advance as they sell out quickly
• Visit Upper Canyon between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM from May to September to see the famous light beams
• Choose Lower Canyon for a less crowded, more active walk with ladders and tight spaces
• Carry water in a clear bottle, as opaque bags and backpacks are strictly prohibited
• Look up constantly to see changing colors, but protect your camera from falling sand
• Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes suitable for walking in soft sand and climbing metal stairs
• Arrive at the tour operator's office at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time

Rules & Restrictions

• No bags, purses, or backpacks of any kind allowed
• No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks
• No video recording or action cameras (GoPros)
• No open-toed shoes
• No food or drinks (except water in clear bottles)
• Must stay with the guided group at all times
• No pets or service animals allowed inside the canyon

Safety Information

• Always follow the guide's instructions, especially regarding weather and flash flood warnings
• Use handrails and take your time when descending ladders in Lower Antelope Canyon
• Hydrate well before the tour; temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer
• Protect your eyes and camera gear from sand blowing off the top of the canyon walls
• Do not touch the canyon walls, as oils from hands degrade the fragile sandstone over time

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Location & Address

Highway 98, Navajo Tribal Park, LeChee Chapter, Navajo Nation, Page, Arizona, USA

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Best Time to Visit

Visit from May to September to witness the iconic light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon, though this is the busiest and hottest season. October to March offers cooler weather, varying shades of purple and pink on the canyon walls, and slightly smaller crowds. Avoid late July and August afternoons if possible, as monsoon season can bring sudden flash floods that occasionally close the canyons for safety.
Peak Crowd: May-September, weekends, and holidays due to summer vacations and peak light beam visibility
Moderate Crowd: March-April and October, when weather is mild but light beams are less prominent
Low Crowd: November-February (winter months), offering quiet tours and cooler temperatures

How to Reach

Air

Page Municipal Airport (PGA) is 10 km away with flights from Phoenix. Alternatively, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is 440 km away (4.5-hour drive).

Train

No direct train connectivity to Page. The closest major Amtrak station is in Flagstaff, Arizona, about 215 km (2.5 hours) away by car.

Road

Located on Highway 98. It is a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, a 4.5-hour drive from Phoenix, and a 2.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim. The roads are well-maintained highways.

Local Transport

Rental cars are the best way to get around Page and reach the tour operator locations. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) exist but are very limited. Most Upper Canyon operators provide transport from their offices in Page to the canyon entrance.

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Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Antelope Canyon

No restaurants found nearby

Your Questions, Answered

Upper Canyon is flat, wider at the bottom, and known for dramatic light beams. Lower Canyon is narrower, requires climbing metal stairs and ladders, and offers better ambient light and abstract rock shapes.

No. Antelope Canyon is located on protected Navajo land and can only be accessed through authorized Navajo tour operators. Independent hiking is strictly prohibited.

Book the earliest morning tours (8:00 AM) or visit during the winter months (November to February). The canyon is busy year-round, but winter sees significantly fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season.

Horseshoe Bend is 11 km away (15-minute drive). Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam are within a 15-20 minute drive. Monument Valley is about a 2-hour drive east.

Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for walking in soft sand. Dress in layers as the canyon can be cooler than the surface temperature. Bring a hat to protect your head from sand falling from the upper walls.