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Antelope Canyon: Is it worth it?

Is Antelope Canyon worth the money? Chances are you’ve seen pictures of Lower Antelope Canyon on Instagram without knowing exactly what it is or where is it.

That’s how I found out about it and a quick look on a map showed it wasn’t too far away from Zion National Park in Utah. It looked incredible, completely unlike anything I’d ever seen before and so we headed over the state border to Arizona so we could visit.

Antelope Canyon Tour

Antelope Canyon Tour

  • Admission to Guided Tour of Lower Antelope Canyon
  • Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person
  • Group size is limited to 15 people for a more personal experience

I’d read that Antelope Canyon gets pretty busy but that if you do the lower Antelope Canyon tours, rather than the upper Antelope Canyon tours, it should be better.

That was not our experience at all.

You could barely move a couple of inches without walking into someone and the guides hurried you along before you’d had much chance to get pictures. It’s up there with the most expensive things we did on our trip (others include fancy dinners in New York & a night in a hotel in Vegas) and you couldn’t even stay as long as you wanted.

With that in mind, is Antelope Canyon, Arizona worth it?

What is Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon. This basically just means it’s a really thin canyon. The gap at the top (the slot) lets beams of light shine down into the canyon and, if you’re there at the right time, you can see the individual beams.

There are actually two separate slot canyons – the Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. You can visit both of them, but to do so you need to book two separate tours with different companies.

The canyons were formed by rainwater and, more specifically, flash floods. It’s still a dangerous area for flash flooding now and the tour companies keep a close eye on the Antelope Canyon weather to make sure you’re as safe as possible.

Where is Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is just outside of Page in Arizona. It’s also close to Horseshoe Ben which is another popular attraction in the area.

You can book a tour of both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon here.

How to visit Antelope Canyon

If you’re planning an Antelope Canyon tour, here is everything you need to know about how to visit this incredible slot canyon in Arizona.

lower antelope canyon tours

Can you go to Antelope Canyon on your own?

No. You cannot go to Antelope Canyon on your own. The land that Antelope Canyon is on is owned by the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona.

You’ll get into big trouble if you try and access the canyons on your own. You have to go with a tour guide.

All the tours for Antelope Canyon are fairly similar so it’s hard to say which is the best Antelope Canyon tour but here’s some more information.

Antelope Canyon Tour

Antelope Canyon Tour

  • Admission to Guided Tour of Lower Antelope Canyon
  • Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person
  • Group size is limited to 15 people for a more personal experience

Ken’s tours or Dixie’s for Antelope Canyon tours?

There are several tour companies available for both Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon but they’re basically all the same. In fact, they’re even run by the same families so it doesn’t really matter which one you pick.

We went with Ken’s tours in Antelope Canyon for our trip to Lower Antelope Canyon. But Dixie Ellis’s tours did the exact same thing as us at the exact same time.

The only difference between Dixie’s lower antelope canyon tours to Ken’s tours of Lower Antelope Canyon seemed to be that their tour guides wore different color t-shirts. And Dixie Ellis tour groups queued on the right-hand side before going down to the canyon, whereas Ken’s customers queued on the left.

So when it comes to picking your lower antelope canyon Dixie or Ken, there’s really not any difference.

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Review

lower antelope canyon tours

We took the standard Lower Antelope Canyon tour with Ken’s Tours. These lower Antelope Canyon tickets now cost a lot more than when we were there. The cost of a Lower Antelope Canyon tour starts at US$89 and Upper Antelope Canyon tickets can be purchased for

To our surprise, we were able to get on the next available tour slot when we turned up. I’d read that tours can be fully booked days in advance.

Antelope Canyon Navajo tours tour size

It didn’t really seem that they had a limit to the tour size. The time slot we were on was then split further into 4 separate groups of about 10 people.

We were then walked over to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. Here we had to wait in excess of half an hour before we could actually enter the canyon itself. Ken’s tours lined up on one side whilst Dixie Ellis lined up on the other. Every 10 minutes or so we’d move a little bit closer to the stairs that take you into the canyon.

We could see into the canyon from the top of the stairs and it was absolutely packed. You could barely see the floor or a gap in the people.

Information given

Our tour guide didn’t seem very forthcoming with information about the canyon. So what I know about the canyon came from overhearing other tour guides and looking on Wikipedia for this blog post.

In the canyon

lower antelope canyon tours

When we finally climbed down the stairs into the canyon we had tour guides telling us to move further into the canyon.  This was something physically impossible due to the number of people down there.

During one particularly narrow section where we had a few moments to ourselves to take some photos you could hear the tour guide shouting “Move along, this bit isn’t very interesting”.

Still, the canyon was spectacular. The colors are incredible and really as orange and purple-y as you’ve seen in the pictures.

Despite the number of people down there and the constant shepherding from tour guides telling you to hurry up as you progress through the canyon, I still thoroughly enjoyed seeing Lower Antelope Canyon.

Photography tours of Lower Antelope Canyon

lower antelope canyon tours

The only people that weren’t being told to hurry up and move on were those who had paid extra to take the Antelope Canyon photo tour.

On the Antelope Canyon photography tour, you’re allowed to take tripods and spend more time getting pictures.

But don’t think you get the canyon to yourself. Every 5 minutes or so you’ll have to wait as yet another tour group tramples through your shot.

You can still get great pictures without paying the extra as it’s an extremely photogenic place.

So, is Lower Antelope Canyon worth it?

When it comes to ‘Is Antelope Canyon worth it’? I still think it would be very hard to be disappointed by Antelope Canyon. It’s gorgeous and definitely pretty special.

However, I think you could pretty easily find other similar canyons without having to pay almost $100 and deal with huge crowds of people. If I’d known a bit more about the area I probably would have headed to another slot canyon.

Antelope Canyon upper vs lower antelope canyon

antelope canyon arizona review

One of the biggest questions I and others have is whether to do an upper or lower antelope canyon tour.

Both the upper canyon and lower canyon are very similar once you’re inside. They are both the same age and were created the same way. You need a tour guide from the Navajo Reservation for both.

Upper Antelope Canyon differs in the sense that the tour begins with a ride on a 4×4 truck to the entrance of the canyon.

One of the main differences between Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon in terms of what you’ll see is that the Upper Antelope Canyon is well known for its light beams.

These beams are loved by photographers and while you may experience them a little in the Lower Antelope Canyon they tend to be better in the Upper Canyon.

The light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon are more reliable around midday on clear days.

Alternatives to Lower Antelope Canyon

Arizona and Utah are full of beautiful scenery and there are plenty of alternative slot canyons to visit too. Here are a few suggestions for an alternative slot canyon in Arizona.

If you do visit make sure to check the weather and avoid the slot canyons if rain is forecast – you don’t want to end up in a flash flood!

  • Peek-a-boo & Spooky Gulch
  • Singing Canyon on The Burr Trail
  • Buckskin Gulch: the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest
  • East Fork of Upper Kaibito Creek
  • Starting Water Wash
  • Butterfly Canyon
  • Water Holes Canyon

Best time to visit Antelope Canyon

The best time of year to visit Antelope Canyon is anytime that counts as the off-season. Mainly because the crowds will be a little less but also because it’s a bit cooler.

The tourist season in Page, Arizona tends to be from mid-May to September. I visited in early May and it was still super busy then though. Given this, the best time to visit lower antelope canyon is April or October when the weather isn’t too different, but there should be fewer crowds.

Many people visit Antelope Canyon in December and January. While it is colder and there’s less chance of seeing the sunbeams, you’ll still get fantastic views inside the canyon.

The time of year and day you visit also depends on whether you’re likely to see light beams or not. 10 am-12 pm is usually the best time slot for light beams and summer is great for them too since the sun has to be high in the sky. But summer is the busiest…

The best months are probably late March/early April or late September/early October, especially when you visit mid-week, for both light beams and fewer people.

Where to buy Antelope Canyon tickets

You can buy tickets in advance, online, or once you get there. We used Ken’s Antelope slot canyon tours which you can book online. I’d recommend making an Antelope Canyon reservation.

Antelope Canyon Tour

Antelope Canyon Tour

  • Admission to Guided Tour of Lower Antelope Canyon
  • Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person
  • Group size is limited to 15 people for a more personal experience
antelope canyon arizona review

Antelope Canyon X

With the popularity of Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon, a new canyon tour has arrived on the scene: Antelope Canyon X.

These tours are run by Taadidiin Tours which is also in the Navajo Nation. The tickets do not include the $8 fee as part of your admission for Antelope Canyon X, bringing the total cost of Antelope Canyon X to about $70.

Antelope Canyon X is nearby to the normal Antelope Canyon but there are a few key differences.

First, Canyon X is cheaper which is welcome when you consider the increased prices of the usual Antelope Canyon.

Note: Prices for Canyon X seem to be increasing so it’s no longer that much cheaper than Lower Antelope Canyon.

Plus, you do not have to climb down steep ladders as you do for the Lower Antelope Canyon tour. Canyon X is arguably equally as impressive as Antelope Canyon, it’s just lesser known which means it’s also less busy.

A major advantage of a Canyon X tour is that you should feel less rushed than I did on the Lower Antelope Canyon tour.

A downside to Canyon X is that you will not get the light beams that you can see in the non-x canyons. This is mostly because Antelope Canyon X is much deeper than Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon and so the light doesn’t penetrate through the slot canyon in quite the same way.

Plus, for Canyon X you won’t journey through the canyon in quite the same way. You walk part way through and then go back the same way, through an open river wash before going to a second part of the canyon and going out and back again.

For Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon you’ll take a journey through the canyon finishing in a different spot to where you started.

Still, if you have limited mobility or kids, this might be a better option since there are no steep ladders. You can get your tickets here.

lower antelope canyon tours
Coming out of the canyon at the end of the tour

Top Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon

Before you head out to Antelope Canyon, it’s important to bear in mind the following. That way you’ll have a stress-free experience and get out what you wanted from the tour.

  • Tour Booking: Antelope Canyon can only be visited on a guided tour. Be sure to book your tour well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Daylight Saving Time: Keep in mind that this area of Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, so ensure your travel plans take this into account.
  • Choose the Right Time: For the best chance to see the canyon’s famous light beams, try to schedule your visit between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the sun is directly overhead.
  • Choose the Right Season: The canyon is open year-round, but the light beams are most visible in the summer months (March – October). These months can also be quite busy with tourists.
  • Dress Appropriately: The desert can be hot during the day and cold at night. It’s a good idea to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in the sand.
  • Hydrate: The desert heat can lead to dehydration, so remember to drink plenty of water.
  • Photography Tips: Due to the challenging lighting conditions inside the canyon, consider using a tripod for your camera. Some tours even offer photography-specific options. Be sure to check if tripods are allowed on your specific tour.
  • Leave No Trace: The canyon is a sacred site for the Navajo people. Please be respectful by not littering or damaging the site in any way.
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Tours can sometimes be canceled due to flash floods during monsoon season (mid-June through September). Keep an eye on the weather and be flexible with your plans.
  • Explore Both Sections (if budget permits): Antelope Canyon is made up of two separate sections, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Both are worth visiting as they offer unique experiences.
  • Safety Briefings: Be sure to pay close attention to all safety briefings given by your guide. The canyon is a wilderness area and comes with potential hazards, including flash floods and falls.
  • Respect Wildlife: The canyon is home to a variety of desert wildlife. Make sure to respect them by keeping a safe distance and not feeding or disturbing them.
lower antelope canyon tours

How to get to Antelope Canyon

The closest airports to Antelope Canyon are Phoenix and Las Vegas both of which are 5 hours away from Page. It’s a little in the middle of nowhere but it’s a great stop if you’re planning a USA road trip!

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

If you want to visit Antelope Canyon then the best way is to hire a car and head towards Page.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

Getting from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon is pretty easy, you just need to head east on the AZ-64 and then north on the US-89 towards Page. You’ll see signs once you get close.

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon is just under 2 hours long so it’s a good day trip if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon National Park.

Where to stay near Antelope Canyon Arizona

If you’re planning on staying in the area and are looking for Antelope Canyon hotels then take a look at the following suggestions for hotels in Page, Arizona.

There’s plenty to do near Antelope Canyon such as Horseshoe Bend and touring Lake Powell.

  • The Bear’s Den B&B: A B&B in Page, Arizona that offers free WiFi and private parking, access to a hot tub, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and TVs, and various breakfast options. It’s close to Antelope Canyon and the airport, making it a convenient choice.
  • Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell: A comfortable hotel just 5 minutes from Lake Powell with an indoor pool, hot tub, free WiFi, a grab-and-go breakfast, and facilities including a fitness and business center. Lake Powell Marina and the airport are easily reachable.
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Page, AZ: This 3-star hotel offers free private parking, a fitness center, a shared lounge, and rooms with air conditioning, TVs, fridges, and coffee machines. The hotel also features a hot tub and is near great hiking spots. It’s located 15 km from Antelope Canyon.
  • Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat: This unique retreat in Page, Arizona provides free private parking, shared bathrooms, a range of breakfast options, a terrace, and a garden with a barbecue. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and fishing nearby, and is 32 km from Antelope Canyon.
lower antelope canyon tours

FAQs about Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours in Arizona

How to buy tickets for Antelope Canyon Utah

You must buy your tickets for Antelope Canyon online. The tickets sell out most days and to avoid disappointment and get the time slot you want you should therefore book in advance. You can book tickets here.

What is the best time to visit Lower Antelope Canyon?

The best time to visit Lower Antelope Canyon is in early May or mid-September when the weather isn’t too hot but there’s not a huge risk of flash floods. In between these months, it can be extremely hot while you’re waiting to go into the canyon. From 10 am-12 pm is usually the best time slot for light beams at Antelope Canyon and summer is better for this too since the sun has to be high in the sky.

How long is the Lower Antelope Canyon tour?

The Antelope Canyon tours are roughly 1.5 hours long besides the photography tour which is 2-2.5 hours long. A lot of this time is spent queueing to get into the canyon rather than walking through the canyon itself.

How far is Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas?

By car, Antelope Canyon is around 4.5 hours away from Las Vegas, or 279 miles.

How far is Antelope Canyon from Phoenix?

Antelope Canyon is about 4 hours and 20 minutes from Phoenix, Arizona.

Why is Antelope Canyon so expensive?

Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation Parks and as such, they have the right to charge what they like for these tours. The tours are very popular and so with such huge demand, the prices increase.

Final thoughts on Antelope Canyon tours

Overall, visiting Antelope Canyon is a really special experience.

Yes, it can be busy, and you have to go on a guided tour with the two tour operators but the canyon is so stunning it’s worth it and you’ll see that reflected in many Antelope Canyon reviews.

Whether you’re looking for Ken’s tours lower antelope canyon reviews or Dixie’s lower antelope canyon tours reviews there’s really no difference in the tour themselves. You’re in the same area, you queue up next to each other what you see and learn about will be almost identical.

Antelope Canyon is important to the local Navajo people, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. So, is it worth visiting Antelope Canyon?

Definitely.

It’s so unique and breathtaking that pictures just don’t do it justice. You have to see it with your own eyes on one of these guided tours.

Antelope Canyon Tour

Antelope Canyon Tour

  • Admission to Guided Tour of Lower Antelope Canyon
  • Navajo Nation Permit Fee of $8/person
  • Group size is limited to 15 people for a more personal experience

If you’re looking for more things to do in Northern Arizona and nearby, be sure to check out Horseshoe Ben, Lake Powell, and then head further afield if you have the time.

I have a tonne of USA travel guides from our big road trip around America. Some of my favorite spots near this part of America were finding the free things to do in Vegas, visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and exploring some of the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks such as these incredible hikes in Bryce Canyon, the best things to do in Zion and Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by Hannah

Leave a comment

  1. Carol says:

    what time of year did you visit? Are there quieter times?

  2. F says:

    I have been doing research on Antelope and have to say a huge thank you for this review. It’s the most comprehensive and clear assessment I have seen — super useful. Thank you!

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