Yes, it is crowded. Yes, it is touristy. Yes, it is expensive. But yes, visiting Antelope Canyon is totally worth it.
We have lived in Arizona for 16 years and although Antelope Canyon has been on our bucket list for quite some time, we have avoided going for the reasons above.
During our recent Lake Powell trip, we decided to go ahead and book tickets, and I’m so glad we did!
Aside from being beautiful, I didn’t know quite what to expect. So I’m excited to share all the details and tips to help you better prepare!
What You Should Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon
Table of Contents
- Available Tours to Antelope Canyon
- Things to Know Before You Go
- What to Expect When Visiting Antelope Canyon
Available Tours to Antelope Canyon
There is more than one way to explore Antelope Canyon. The Upper and Lower Canyons are the two most popular tours, however, there are a few lesser-known tours available as well.
Just keep in mind that the Upper and Lower Canyon tours are some of the most popular tours in the Southwest so tickets sell out quickly. Be sure to book far in advance, especially during peak season.
Keep in mind that the ticket prices that are listed may change, check the site for up-to-date pricing.
Lower Antelope Canyon
The Lower Canyon can be accessed by a short 600-yard walk from the lodge where you check-in.
You will be walking about 1 mile total, expect the tour to last about an hour. There are multiple ladders and stairs throughout the canyon.
The lower canyon lets more light in as the opening above is larger. The lighting is best in the early morning and evening.
There are two tour companies to choose from, Kens Tours and Dixie’s Tours. Both are almost identical in cost and the tour itself.
This is the most popular tour and the one I would recommend if you only plan to do one. If you are taking a day trip from Vegas, this Antelope Canyon Tour from Las Vegas includes transportation as well.
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Canyon is accessed by a 2-mile ride from the lodge. The entire tour is on ground level with no ladders or stairs to climb.
This canyon is not quite as long as the lower canyon, but expect about 90 minutes for the duration of the tour including travel time.
The upper canyon is deeper and has a more narrow opening from above, so the canyon is a little darker. However, it is much more common to see those striking shafts of light filtering from above.
Photo tours are also available with smaller groups and more time in the canyon.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours is the only tour company that operates from the Tribal Park Entrance gate, however, you can find a few other tour companies located in Page.
Antelope X and Cardiac Canyon
These canyons are located within the same canyon system as the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Both tours are smaller and much less crowded.
For the Antelope X tour, guests will be transported 3 miles to the entrance and the total tour time is estimated to be about 90 minutes.
The Cardiac Canyon tour is the most intimate tour and typically lasts about 6 hours. There is only one reservation per day with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 14.
Taadidiin Tours is the only tour company offering tours to Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon.
Antelope Canyon via Lake Powell
Many people don’t realize that Antelope Canyon can also be accessed by boat or kayak from Lake Powell.
You can take a guided 90-minute boat tour that will take you 4 miles up the canyon before narrowing. Other sites are also included in the tour, such as the dam.
Alternatively, you can rent kayaks from the Antelope Point Marina and kayak 2.5 miles up the canyon until it reaches dry ground. You can then get out and explore as far as you like on foot.
The canyon walls aren’t as deep, but it is still a stunning slot canyon to explore.
Kayaking to the canyon can be a bit strenuous, especially if you are paddling into the wind.
The water is usually calmer early in the morning and the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, so the earlier the better.
Chances are you will have the canyon to yourselves and you can experience the beauty without the crowds or a time crunch.
Be sure to make reservations in advance during the peak summer season. You can also book a guided kayak tour.
Waterhole Canyon
Waterhole Canyon is a lesser-known tour, but a great alternative to Antelope Canyon. Although it is not part of Antelope Canyon, it still boasts many of the same formations in the slot canyon.
The tour groups are much smaller so you get a more intimate experience than the Antelope Canyon tour.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, with tickets priced at $55. At one point $12 permits were available for self-guided hiking, however, the only way to access the canyon now is through a guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
We decided to book the 5 pm tour of the Lower Antelope Canyon through Ken’s tours. We had a great experience, but here are a few things you should know before you go.
- The canyon is prone to flash floods and tours will be canceled during inclement weather. A full refund will be issued if this is the case. You will be alerted by text of any cancellations, so be sure to include an accurate cell phone number at the time of booking. If for any reason you need to cancel, you may do so up to 72 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.
- You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to check-in. Your ticket may be released to standby guests if you have not checked in at least 10 minutes early.
- Manually set your phone to Phoenix, AZ time. The canyon is only a few miles from the Utah border so it is common for your phone to switch between the Utah and Arizona time zone. Be sure you are on the Phoenix time zone so that you are not late for your tour!
- Absolutely no bags, purses, camera bags, hydration packs, or even fanny packs allowed. The only thing you may bring is one clear bag and a water bottle. I asked our tour guide the reason for this policy, and it is mostly for safety. There are several steep staircases where you are facing forward as you go down. If you had a backpack it would be too bulky to make it down. They also don’t want backpacks brushing against the sandstone walls and wearing them down.
- Go-pros, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and stabilizers are not allowed. I am not certain the reason behind this, but just be aware that it is the rule.
- Our tour guide told us that videotaping of any kind is prohibited without a media permit. I had never heard of this policy, so I’m not sure if it is a new change. Just be prepared that you may not be allowed to record any video in the canyon.
- Be sure to bring cash to tip your guide.
What to Expect When Visiting Antelope Canyon
After checking in for your tour, you will meet together with your group in the lodge.
Your guide will lead you down a short trail (about 600 yards) to the entrance of the canyon.
The entrance was nothing like I had expected. We have visited plenty of slot canyons, all of which are above ground and can be seen from a distance.
However, as you look across the landscape you will see nothing but a barren desert. That is because the lower canyon is actually underground (hence why it is called “lower”!).
You’ll reach the entrance and will most likely wait in line to enter the canyon. Thankfully, they have erected shade structures as it can get quite hot out in the sun.
Tours are run every 30 minutes by both tour companies and each tour has 10-15 people, so expect a crowd.
Once it is your turn to descend, use caution and hold onto the handrails the whole time. You are not allowed to take photos while on the ladder, for obvious safety reasons.
Once you reach the base of the canyon, you will be transported into another world. You are immediately shrouded within a swirl of pink brushed sandstone walls with pale light filtering in.
The striated walls are etched with a geological history spanning over millions of years. You will be overcome with a sense of wonder and awe that even the throngs of tourists can’t spoil.
Your guide will then lead you through the canyon. Thankfully, the canyon is much cooler as you are tucked deep in the shadows. We visited in June when it was 100 degrees outside and it was quite comfortable in the canyon.
As we walked along, our guide would share insights, answer questions and point out notable formations.
One thing he shared with us that I thought was interesting is how the canyon is constantly changing.
During extreme flash floods, the entire 120-foot-deep canyon can be filled to the top with water. You can see footage of this on Youtube. It is understandable why they cancel any tours if there is a threat of rain!
After each storm, they have to go through and clean out the debris and shovel out the sand that has been deposited if it is too deep to walk in.
Another thing we appreciated about our guide was his photography skills.
He would always ask for my camera and take both candid and posed pictures of our family.
Being the photographer, I am always behind the camera, so it was such a treat to be in the photo and in the moment with the family.
The light in the canyon is constantly changing and I found myself always adjusting the settings on my camera.
Our guide was an expert and knew exactly what settings to use when he had my camera so the photos weren’t too dark or blurry.
He also knew the best spots to take photos, I wouldn’t even realize how cool the shot was until after he returned the camera to me.
From my understanding, all of the guides are pretty good with photography and are more than happy to take photos for you and document your experience.
The canyon is only about 1/3 of a mile long, but it will take about 45 minutes to complete as you stop for photos, admire the sculptures, and shuffle your way through the crowds.
It was fascinating to see how not only the light changed, but the colors on the wall seemed to shift from whispers of pink, to red, to orange, and even deep silky folds of purple.
We never knew what to expect around each turn, and every time we never failed to be amazed by the unique beauty.
I will also say that I am super claustrophobic but had no problem in the canyon.
Although it was narrow in some parts and scattered with a lot of people, it still felt roomy and light enough that I didn’t feel any anxiety.
Once you reach the end of the canyon, you will climb up a set of stairs and essentially emerge out of a small crack in the ground.
It is astounding to climb out into the middle of nowhere while a geological wonderland lies hidden below.
The guide then gave a cool demonstration using a water bottle and sand to visually explain how the canyon was formed using erosion.
The exit of the canyon is only steps from the lodge where you can buy some souvenirs or snacks before heading home.
Antelope Canyon truly is a bucket list destination that can’t be missed. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to better prepare for your trip and know what to expect!
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This is such a great in-depth article on what to expect! It will be our first time visit to the Antelope Canyon soon and I have not across such a detailed article as this. Thank for all your tips especially photography!
Thank you so much, Svetlana for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment! I’m so excited for your first trip, I hope you have a wonderful time!