Antelope Canyon Information
Travelers can find answers to their most pressing questions about touring Antelope Canyon here.
Book a TourAntelope Canyon: Answers to Your Top Questions
Are you planning to book a tour of Upper Antelope Canyon? You’ve made a great choice, as it is one of the most mysteriously beautiful and history-rich locations that you could visit in the American Southwest. Here are answers to some of your most pressing questions about the slot canyon, visiting Antelope and our Antelope Canyon tours.
How Was Antelope Canyon formed?
Antelope Canyon was formed over hundreds of years. It gets its unique natural shape from water that ran through sandstone over this period of time. Antelope consists of two separate slot canyons: Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Upper Antelope — which can be toured through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours — is at about 4,000 feet elevation, and its walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. Its entrance and length are also entirely at ground level, which is unique for a slot canyon and makes for fairly painless exploration.
Why Is It Called Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon was originally home to many antelopes of the pronghorn variety, which is where it got its name. The Navajo People, for whom Antelope is a sacred site, refer to Upper Antelope as “’Tsé bighánílíní,’ which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Lower Antelope is called “Hasdestwazi,” meaning “spiral rock arches.” The two sections are also commonly known as “The Crack” for Upper Antelope and “The Corkscrew” for Lower Antelope, due to their unique geographical features.
Where is Antelope Canyon Located?
Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona on land that belongs to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. It was named a Navajo Tribal Park in 1997 and is accessible only by permit with an approved tour guide. It is a gated and locked canyon.
Is Antelope Canyon Part of the Grand Canyon?
No, Antelope Canyon is one of many smaller canyons that surround the larger Grand Canyon. It is known as the most-photographed and most-visited slot canyon in the American Southwest due to its beautiful geography and light displays. Antelope Canyon is a wonderful place to visit as part of your trip to the Grand Canyon or other nearby attractions.
How Do You Photograph Antelope Canyon?
Visitors choosing Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours’ Guided Photography package can tour the canyon for 2.5 hours, but with no tagalong visitors. A tripod and DSLR camera are required. Anyone choosing the Guided Sightseers Antelope Canyon tours may bring a camera, but cannot use a monopod, selfie stick or tripod.
There are many tips and tricks to be found on our blog and online for taking the best pictures of Antelope Canyon, but well-lit detail photography created by using manual mode and underexposure tends to produce the best images of Upper Antelope. Including fellow visitors in your shots can also enhance your photographs. If you want to capture the famous light beams, make sure that you visit Upper Antelope during the peak summer season between 11 am and 1:30 pm to capture the best imagery.
When is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon?
If you want to see Upper Antelope’s famous light beams, you should visit during the spring and summer between 11 am and 1:30 pm when the sun is shining bright. This will allow you to see the lights at their most powerful. A tour at a different time of day will still create striking contrasts between dark and light while allowing you to enjoy the interesting angles of the slot canyon’s walls.
If you visit during the fall or winter, you can benefit from less crowding and slightly cooler weather at Upper Antelope. You will also get to enjoy the changing colors on the canyon walls, a sight that summer visitors do not get to experience.
What Should I Bring to the Canyon?
You will not need to pack too many special items for the Canyon. Besides what you need for your journey to and from Page, remember to bring SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or bandana, possibly a jacket, and your trusty camera if you want to take some great pictures. Keep in mind that you are only allowed one small bag inside the Canyon, so you will want to find one that fits your essentials.
Can I Travel With My Kids?
Yes, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours are family-friendly. We even offer a discounted rate for visitors aged zero to 12. Strollers and carriers are not allowed inside the Canyon, and there are no restrooms on-site, so keep these things in mind while planning travel with children. You will also need to bring a car seat for the ride to the entrance if you are traveling with a small child.
What Should I Wear to Antelope Canyon?
No matter what time of year you visit the Canyon, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and bring a protective hat. UV protective sunglasses and closed-toed shoes are also important. You will be exposed to a lot of sun and sand, so wear a T-Shirt and full-length pants. Consider dressing in layers to account for changing temperatures both inside and outside the Canyon.
Where Should You Stay When Visiting Antelope Canyon?
If you want to have a well-rounded outdoor experience while visiting Antelope Canyon, there are many great campsites nearby that allow you to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Some of the best camping options in the area include the following:
- Wahweap Marina
- Alstrom Point
- Lone Rock Beach
- Page Campground
These campsites offer different benefits for different campers traveling by way of varied transportation methods, so be sure that you make the right choice for you and your travel party’s needs.
If you are the type of traveler who prefers a more luxurious trip experience, there are many fantastic hotel options in the Page area. Some of the best choices include the following:
- Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell
- Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
- Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
- Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell
- Best Western Plus at Lake Powell
- Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel
As you may have noticed from their names, these hotels are located at or near lovely Lake Powell, which allows you to enhance your journey with the beautiful views of this famous lake.
Do You Have to Book a Tour for Antelope Canyon?
Since Antelope Canyon is a sacred site of the Navajo Nation and a Navajo Tribal Park, it can only be visited as part of a guided tour with a park permit. Our tour experiences all include the price of your tax and permit in the fee, and we have flexible packages for those traveling with children. Each tour is guided by a member of the Navajo Nation who knows everything about the Canyon and its history.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Antelope Canyon?
When you book with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, your package price will vary depending on the experience you prefer and whether or not you are traveling with young children. Our two guided packages are:
- The Guided Sightseers Tour, which costs $60 for visitors aged 13 and over and $30 for children aged zero to 12.
- The Guided Photography Tour, which costs $160.
The Sightseers Tour is designed for general visitors who want to see and learn about Upper Antelope, while the Guided Photography Tour is designed for professional photographers of all skill levels who want to take photographs of the most popular sights at “The Crack.” Each package price includes your permit fee and tax. Contact us to learn more about tour details and restrictions.
Which is Better: Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon?
It is not possible to say that either Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon is better than the other as a hard fact. That decision can only be made on an individual basis by each visitor and what they want to get out of their travel experience. However, any traveler that wants to have the most standard and beautiful experience will most likely want to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, as that is where the famous light beams and beautiful winter colors can be seen. Visitors with handicaps, who are traveling with young children or who prefer a simple journey will also enjoy Upper Antelope, as its entire length is at ground level and fairly easy to travel due to its short length. Lower Antelope involves narrow passageways, climbing, and other difficult forms of travel.
Some visitors choose Lower Antelope for fewer crowds and shorter lines, but it is becoming more crowded over time, which can be a problem with its narrow passages. Upper Antelope can also provide a less crowded experience if you visit during the off-season. This choice includes the bonus of viewing the unique changing color displays on the Canyon walls.
Can You Visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in One Day?
It is possible to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day if you choose to do so. Other nearby natural wonders, such as Horseshoe Bend or the Grand Canyon, can also be enjoyed on the same day — with careful planning. For example, if you are visiting in the summer and wish to see the canyon sunbeams, you will want to make sure you visit Upper Antelope in the late morning or early afternoon so you do not miss them.
Book Your Tour Today
Let one of Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours’ knowledgeable tour guides show you the beautiful upper slot canyon and teach you about Navajo history and culture. We accept bookings online up to five months in advance, with no prepayment required. Book today to start planning your Antelope Canyon adventure with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours.
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Booking details
– We accept Visa, Mastercard, Cash and Travelers Checks.
– Reservations are recommended but not required. Visitors must arrive 1 hour prior to their time to reserve their spot.
– For large groups of 20+ people, please contact us at 928.698.3384 to reserve a time for your group that will accommodate your numbers.
– We are located at the entrance to the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park just 3 miles East of Page, AZ off of Highway 98.
