Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Everything You Need to Know

Jun 20, 2018

Last updated on October 29th, 2024 at 10:52 pm

Just around the corner from Grand Canyon awaits more natural treasures. On your Arizona road trip, head to the Navajo tribal nation in Page, Arizona, to experience the Antelope Slot Canyons. This blog post will help you decide between going to Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon or both. 

FUN FACT: Navajo Nation and its community is a self-governed American Indian tribe, and their land is home to several Navajo landmarks and tribal parks. Navajo Nation’s footprint spreads across parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico near the state borders.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Where Are Antelope Canyons?

Just two and a half hours away from Grand Canyon, you will hit Antelope Canyons in Page, AZ. Antelope Canyons are one of the biggest attractions in the town of Page, AZ, along with Horseshoe Bend. A true natural wonder, they are a type of slot canyons. And I say canyons because there are two – Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

FUN FACT: The soft red rock has eroded over millions of years to form narrow and deep canyons due to flowing water. So keep in mind these canyons are very prone to flash flooding during heavy rains. 

Only local Navajo natives have permission to guide you through these canyons. We will talk about the antelope canyon tour reservations later in this post. TIP: In fact, there are many other lesser-known slot canyons in the area, so if you can find them, you can enjoy them for free and without heavy crowds. 

This image showcases the stunning, swirling sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, bathed in warm hues of red and orange. Sunlight filters through narrow openings above, casting a soft glow that highlights the intricate, wave-like textures of the canyon walls. The scene captures the surreal, natural beauty and fluid shapes characteristic of this iconic slot canyon.
Strokes of nature that makes lower antelope canyon so beautiful.

How to Get to Antelope Canyon

1. From Phoenix: If you are landing in Phoenix, it’s a roughly four-hour drive from Phoenix to Page, AZ, where these Canyons are located.

2. From Grand Canyon: If you want to head down here from Grand Canyon, it’s a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon.

3. From Flagstaff: Since Flagstaff is a popular choice for an overnight stay for people visiting Grand Canyon, from here, it is a two-hour drive to Page.

You need a guided tour to see Antelope Canyon as they belong to private Navajo Nation land.

This image is a map showing a driving route through Arizona, with stops marked at Phoenix, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon Village, and Antelope Canyon. The route highlights popular destinations, passing through areas such as the Coconino National Forest and near the Kaibab and Navajo Nation Reservations. The map provides a visual overview of a road trip connecting key landmarks in northern Arizona.

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Found Re Phoenix

Kimpton Hotel Palomar (sustainable)

RISE Uptown

Find Your Perfect Hotel in Phoenix

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

Little America Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

GreenTree Inn (sustainable)

Find Your Perfect Hotel in Flagstaff

Visiting Antelope Canyons for a side trip from Las Vegas is also a great idea!

Which Canyon to Visit – Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon?

Well, the answer depends on your time and what you want to see. In Upper Antelope Canyon, you are at ground level. It is also much wider, so you have more space to walk through it. You will ride on their trucks for the Upper Canyon tour to reach the slot canyons. 

This image shows a group of people standing near several open-air tour trucks parked on a sandy desert landscape under a cloudy sky. The trucks, equipped for rugged terrain, appear to be preparing for or returning from a guided tour, likely in a remote or scenic area. The scene captures the adventure-oriented atmosphere of desert exploration tours.
You must ride these trunks as a part of your tour to get to Upper Antelope Canyons.

In Lower Antelope Canyon, you must go under the ground into narrow crevices using steep stairs. Maneuvering your way around a very narrow walking path can be tricky. For Lower Canyon, you can drive by the entrance parking lot and walk down there. TIP: For people who are claustrophobic, we recommend you toward the upper antelope canyon instead. 

This image depicts a group of tourists ascending a staircase inside a narrow slot canyon, surrounded by the swirling red sandstone walls characteristic of Antelope Canyon. The towering rock formations create a dramatic, enclosed atmosphere as visitors navigate the winding pathways under a glimpse of sky above. The scene captures the awe and scale of exploring this famous natural wonder.
Entrance to lower antelope canyon tour
This image shows two people navigating through a narrow, dry sandstone slot canyon in a desert landscape. One person, wearing sunglasses and a scarf, is partially visible within the crevice, while another walks ahead along the undulating rock formations. The clear blue sky and distant mountains provide a stark contrast to the reddish hues of the rugged terrain, capturing the adventurous spirit of slot canyon exploration.
Narrow crevice to exit the lower antelope canyons

Upper Antelope Canyon used to be the more popular of the two, but now Lower Antelope Canyon has picked up the tourist pace. So, expect heavy crowds at either of these two spots. We only visited Lower Antelope Canyon, but our parents, who were traveling with us, chose Upper Canyon. TIP: It’s totally possible to do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours in one day if you space them at the beginning and end of the day. 

Photography Tour of Lower Antelope Canyon

**UPDATE 2018**

As of the beginning of 2018, the two companies that run Lower Antelope Canyon tours have stopped their special photography tour here. Your only option is to join the regular tour, which does not allow carrying a tripod. So handheld photography has to be.

FYI – when we went end of 2016, they were running a special photography tour which was not only $47 + $8 Navajo land fee. That was peanuts compared to what Upper Canyon charges for the photography tour, so obviously, we did that.

Photography Tour of Upper Antelope Canyon

Only Upper Antelope Canyon offers a special photography tour starting this year. These tours have strict guidelines for bringing a DSLR and a tripod. TIP: Since prices of the Upper Canyon photo tour are so high, we’ll recommend you to go for the regular tour unless, of course, you want to sell your photos.

This image features a couple posing inside the winding, textured walls of a sandstone slot canyon, likely Antelope Canyon, with smooth, layered rock formations in rich red and orange hues surrounding them. The lighting accentuates the canyon’s curves, creating a warm and intimate setting that complements the couple’s close pose. The scene captures both the beauty of nature and the human connection within this unique landscape.
Due to low light conditions inside the canyons, you might require a tripod to take sharp shots. Adding a subject in the landscape would require them to stay still for the length of the exposure.. something my husband needs to learn 😉

How to Book Your Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

**UPDATE 2018**

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Reservation:

Head to Dixie Ellis’ Tours or Ken’s Tours websites to make an online reservation in advance. Both these tours belong to cousins from the same family, as our Dixie guide told us. The adult general tour price is $48, including the Navajo land taxes and permit fees of $8. TIP: Pregnant women or wheelchairs are prohibited within the Lower Antelope Canyons.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Reservation: 

Multiple companies are offering upper canyon tours. Antelope Canyon Tours charges vary from $45 to $60 depending on the time of the day you book for general sightseeing and $109 for a photography tour. These prices include taxes and permit fees. Navajo Tours charges $60 per adult for general sightseeing and $160 for a professional photography tour. Some other companies running Upper Canyon tours are Adventurous Antelope Canyon and Antelope Slot Canyon Tours. TIP: For a professional photography tour, you must carry a DSLR and a tripod.

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your booked time slot and read the cancellation policy of each company before booking.

Other Tours and Activities Near Antelope Canyons

While you are in the area, check out these other fun bucket list activities.

Explore Our Road Trip Adventures in the United States

What is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyons?

Avoid visiting in the summer or on public holidays unless you have no other option. Or unless you are like us and visit during Thanksgiving weekend, when most Americans go home to celebrate. You do not need any more competition from the crowds.

As far as the time of the day is concerned – generally speaking, noon is considered the best time to visit the canyons. That is when you can see light beams entering from above. However, our guide mentioned that anytime in the early hours or late evening is also great for photography due to good lighting conditions.  

You can easily do both Antelope Canyon tours on the same day if you have enough time between them.

We’ll leave you with a Lower Antelope Canyon photo gallery to inspire your wanderlust.

Lower antelope canyon photography
This image shows a stunning view within Antelope Canyon, with a narrow beam of light piercing through the red and purple sandstone walls. The soft illumination highlights the canyon’s graceful curves and intricate textures, adding a sense of depth and mystery to the scene. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the natural beauty and sculpted elegance of the canyon’s formations.
This image showcases the fluid, wave-like sandstone formations within Antelope Canyon, with vibrant shades of red, pink, and orange. Soft light accentuates the natural curves and textures, creating an almost abstract, sculptural effect. The layered patterns evoke a sense of motion, highlighting the canyon's mesmerizing and unique geological beauty.
This image captures a close-up view of Antelope Canyon's swirling sandstone walls, bathed in shades of deep purple and warm orange. Light filters through an opening above, illuminating the textured rock surfaces and creating a soft glow within the layered formations. The intricate patterns and colors highlight the natural artistry sculpted by centuries of erosion.
This image reveals the dramatic, wave-like sandstone curves of Antelope Canyon, with vivid red and orange tones that highlight the canyon's smooth, layered texture. Light filters through a high opening, casting shadows that accentuate the intricate, flowing shapes sculpted by natural forces. The composition captures the canyon's otherworldly beauty and dynamic structure.
This image captures the abstract sandstone formations of Antelope Canyon, where smooth, curved walls in shades of warm orange and tan converge toward a narrow opening above. The light streaming through creates a gentle glow, accentuating the canyon's intricate textures and undulating layers. The scene exudes a sense of mystery, highlighting the canyon's sculptural beauty.
This image reveals the dramatic, winding sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, with vibrant red and orange hues illuminated by light streaming in from above. The intricate curves and shadows add depth and dimension, creating a sculptural, almost surreal atmosphere within the narrow canyon passage. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the canyon's natural artistry and mysterious allure.

We hope these tips helped you and you have an amazing time at Antelope Canyons. If you liked this post, then do share this with friends and family. And don’t forget to pin it for later 🙂

Are you trying to decide between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon? We can help you determine which one to explore, or even both if you prefer.
Are you trying to decide between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon? We can help you determine which one to explore, or even both if you prefer.

Happy Traveling!

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43 comments on “Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Everything You Need to Know”

  1. We are visiting the canyons the weekend before Thanksgiving. You mentioned you went during Thanksgiving weekend. Did you see light beams, or should we expect to not see them?

    Reply

    • Hi Cinthia, we saw some light beams in the lower canyon which were more prominent when the guide threw sand in the air. Going at noon might increase your chances of seeing them at either canyon.

      Reply

  3. Pingback: Vegas to Phoenix in 48 Hours- The Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip

  5. I have been wanting to go here for such a long time! Your post includes so much useful information. It’s helpful to know the difference between the upper and lower one. Good to know about the photography tours, too. I love your photos by the way. So gorgeous!

    Reply

  6. This is definitely an area you want to visit without the overwhelming crowd..! A photography tour seems to be a nice idea, the Canyon’s landscapes are truly beautiful.

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    • Thank you so much for appreciating our pictures. It did take a lot of efforts to take these.. ha! I hope you can visit someday very soon!

      Reply

    • Thanks a lot Razena! 🙂 Yes we were able to compose some beautiful shots inside the canyon due to the smaller group size and more time we got inside the canyons with photo tour. Noone else in our group was interested in taking their photos though so I was probably the only awkward one who decided to model for my camera .. lol

      Reply

  11. I’ve seen photos from these canyons but I never realized you had to go with a Navajo guide. I think the photo tour would be worth it to have fewer people along and get more time to set up your shots. Great tips about the size of the canyons and claustrophobia, too!

    Reply

    • Thanks Sherrie! Yes the lower canyon is narrower but totally manageable unless you have severe claustrophobia. Go for the photo tour if you are into landscape photography. Otherwise, go to the upper canyon where there is more light and choose a tour during the time when there won’t be much crowd (like weekdays, non-holidays etc).

      Reply

    • Yes, I always tell my friends who are going to GC to try to fit these canyons too in their plan .. lol Hope you can visit it some other time!

      Reply

  13. We went there four summers ago and fortunately got a space for our family of three. I didn’t expect there would be a lot of people with several tours available. And we only stayed for a night. I agree with you, it’s very popular though it’s an expensive tour, in my opinion.

    Reply

    • I think these different tour operators have to split timings in the day so they do get packed if it’s a crowded season. I know there are some other not so popular canyons beside these two which probably would be best to avoid crowds but again not sure about the cost. I guess Navajo nation wants to make money from their land somehow .. Ha! 🙂

      Reply

    • Thanks Omkar!! Yes do share your photos when you do visit these places 🙂 Well no, unfortunately, we have never even applied to go to the Wave, I know they give only limited passes to enter. However, I have read about another location similar to the Wave which doesn’t limit entry. I will be looking into it on my next trip to the deserts.. lol

      Reply

    • Definitely consider going in winter or autumn season then and do take the photography tour if you are serious about taking landscape photos. You will love it!

      Reply

  17. Omg this is amazing!! I want to visit so bad!! Such beautiful shots and suxh a great guide. Good to know where to fly into and what tour to book!! Thank you!!

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  18. Great photos and very helpful things to know for those who have never gone.
    I went a few years ago and would love to go back sometime! This should be on everyones bucket list.

    Reply

  19. Thanks for the review of the photography tour. Visiting Antelope canyon is on my list but I wasn’t sure if the photography tour was really worth it. It looks like it definitely is. You took some beautiful shots.

    Reply

    • Thank-you Taryn! I think $47 for a photography tour is not bad at all considering there is 1/3 the number of people than the regular tour. It is also not rushed like the regular tour who kept passing by us. Only thing is they ask you must carry a tripod and a DSLR. So even though me and my husband both just wanted to carry one camera between us on this trip, we were forced to carry both our cameras and tripods to Arizona.

      Reply

  20. Fantastic tips! I’ve always wanted to go here but really knew nothing about the details of the two canyons. I didn’t even know you needed a guide. I am definitely going to save the name of the company you used for the photography tour. Great read!

    Reply

  22. Arriving an hour early even though you’ve booked may seem excessive but it really is necessary. We arrived 30 minutes early for our trip but after waiting in line to park then waiting in line at the desk we were only 15 minutes early. The staff said we were too late to join that tour and sent us away to join a trip 3 hours later!

    Reply

    • I am so happy to read this since now I don’t feel like we were the only ones sent away asked to return 3 hours later! lol Yes, it was the same exact scenario for us too, unfortunately. We decided Upper Canyon was not that wait so we skipped it and went to Horse Shoe bend instead. Luckily we had also booked Lower Cayon for the next day which we arrived way too early. Once bitten twice shy 😉

      Reply

  23. This is super helpful in planning a visit here! I went a while back and wish I would have read some of this information before. It definitely can be overwhelming with the crowds – I didn’t realize how many people they could pack in there! Still a beautiful sight to see.

    Reply

    • Even I was shocked how they managed to pack a number of people in that tiny space! I can’t even imagine going there with such crowds in the middle of summer.

      Reply

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