If you’re contemplating visiting Upper Antelope Canyon, don’t hesitate! It’s a magical maze through towering rock formations, with ever-changing shapes and colors at every turn. The canyon’s beauty is truly unparalleled, often ranked among the top 10 most breathtaking places on Earth by travel enthusiasts.
Tours–What To Know Before You Go
(This is not photoshopped)
Located on Navajo Nation land, you’ll need a guide to access the canyon. After exploring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon several times, I can say firsthand that having a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference. They provide tips on taking the best photos and help you adjust camera settings to make the most of the canyon’s unique lighting.
Booking a tour is your ticket into the canyon, and while many companies offer similar tours at comparable prices, it’s important to choose the right one. For Upper Antelope Canyon, popular tour operators include Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours, Antelope Canyon Tours, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, and Antelope Slot Canyon Tours. Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking place that draws a lot of visitors, so it’s a good idea to book your tour in advance. Tour prices can be on the higher side, typically ranging from $70 to $90 per person for Upper Antelope, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.
Pro tip: Some tours offer extras such as hoop-dancing before the journey into the canyon begins! Make sure to ask what’s included in your tour when you book. When I visited Upper Antelope Canyon I booked through Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, and they were great, but I have not used any other tour companies, so I can can’t compare my experience.
Upper Antelope Canyon VS Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is divided into two main sections—Upper and Lower—each owned by different families, so you’ll need to book separate tours to visit both. While they are technically part of the same canyon, the experiences they offer are quite different.
Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its stunning light beams and is a favorite among photographers. The canyon floor is level, making it accessible and easy to walk through.
Lower Antelope Canyon, on the other hand, is more adventurous. It features narrower passageways, and you’ll need to climb ladders to explore its twists and turns, adding an extra thrill to the visit.
Both are amazing in their own ways, but the choice depends on the type of experience you’re after!
Directions
To visit Upper Antelope Canyon, start by heading to Page, Arizona, which serves as the meeting point for most tours. Tour companies usually meet you in town and provide transportation to the canyon. Page is easily accessible via US Route 89, and it’s about a 10-minute drive from town to the canyon itself. Be sure to follow the directions provided by your tour company, as they typically handle all transport from Page to the canyon site.
The Best Time to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon
The canyon is open year-round but may close temporarily if there’s a risk of flash floods. I’ve visited both in winter and summer, and both times were fantastic. Winter offers fewer crowds, while the summer sun creates brighter, more dramatic lighting. Honestly, the canyon is stunning no matter the season, so just go when it fits your schedule.
For those hoping to capture the iconic light beams, the best time to visit is between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If light beams aren’t a priority, any time of day works; the canyon’s colors are breathtaking throughout, and you’ll find fewer crowds earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.
In short, if you have the chance to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, take it! Experiencing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders up close is something you’ll treasure forever.
Nearby Hikes and Attractions
Antelope Canyon Via Lake Powell
Kayaking through Antelope Canyon offers a unique perspective of the iconic slot canyon from Lake Powell. The difficulty of the kayaking experience can vary depending on weather conditions, but it’s generally suitable for beginners with basic paddling skills. The distance covered during a typical kayaking trip through Antelope Canyon is around 5 miles round trip. The end of the canyon provides a hiking trail through the slot canyon that is typically 2 miles round trip.
Antelope Point Marina
Antelope Point Marina serves as a gateway to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Powell and its surrounding landscapes. This marina provides various services and amenities for boaters and visitors, including boat rentals, tours, dining options, and docking and launching watercraft facilities.
Glen Canyon Dam & Visitor Center
Located in Page, Arizona, the Glen Canyon Dam is a massive concrete arch dam that spans the Colorado River, forming Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center, situated near the dam, offers exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs about the dam’s construction, the ecology of the Colorado River Basin, and the cultural significance of the region’s Native American tribes.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is located in Page, Arizona. It gives visitors a stunning panoramic view of the Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River, and the surrounding desert landscape. Visiting the overlook is generally easy, with a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint. The path is well-maintained; however, some uneven terrain or steps may be along the way. The walk from the parking area to the viewpoint is less than half a mile round trip.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona, is a relatively short and easy hike offering spectacular views of the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles round trip and is considered to be moderate due to some sandy sections.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon near Page, Arizona. The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively easy, primarily involving walking along the sandy canyon floor with occasional steps and ladders. The distance covered during the guided tour typically ranges from around 0.5 to 1 mile round trip.
Keep Upper Antelope Canyon Magical
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!
