One of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States, Antelope Canyon is a favorite among photographers, tourists, and visitors from all over the world. A popular slot canyon on the Navajo Reservation, it is unearthly in its beauty, created over many thousands of years by wind and water which carved the sandstone into the temple we see today.
Tourists make the trek for the natural light show, which is something of a photographers dream. “The views in Lower Antelope Canyon change constantly as the sun moves across the sky, filtering lights softly across the stone walls. These ever-moving sun angles bounce light back and forth across the narrow canyon’s walls, creating a dazzling display of color, light, and shadow.”
Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
Things You Need to Know Before You Go On Antelope Canyon Tours
Where to Stay
Page is the closest city to Antelope Canyon, only 10 miles away. Find hotels & airbnbs and book via this map:
Know What You Want
Antelope Canyon is divided into Lower Antelope and Upper Antelope. When selecting an Antelope Canyon tour package, you should know which one you want to visit, and think about which one is right for you.
Lower Antelope has fewer tourists and is cheaper to visit, though is much longer and canyon spaces make some people feel uncomfortable. Note that you’ll be climbing stairs and ladders too. Upper Antelope is more popular because it has wider walkways, though this means it is more expensive and sees a lot more tourists.
So, if you’re adventurous and want a challenging trip you can choose Lower Antelope. If you prefer comfort you may want to stick to Upper Antelope.
Take Your Camera Along
The light effects in Antelope Canyon offer some stunning photo opportunities, so make sure you’ve traveled with your camera. Landscape photographers will be in their element!
The light beams that penetrate through the gaps in the rocks do only last for a short time, so make sure you have a camera which is easy to whip out. A point and shoot or an easy to reach DSLR are ideal – you’ll miss the shot if you’re trying to change lenses. Also, remember that any heavy camera equipment you take, you have to hike with.
Lighting conditions are best around mid-morning between April and September, but the other months bring smaller crowds and a more intimate experience where you won’t struggle with as many tourists in your shots.
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- The light effects in Antelope Canyon offer some stunning photo opportunities, so make sure you’ve traveled with your camera.
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- The light effects in Antelope Canyon offer some stunning photo opportunities, so make sure you’ve traveled with your camera.
Carry Your Water
As with any day spent in the outdoors, it’s highly recommended that you carry your own water bottle. While the canyon below is cooler than the hot desert air above, you will still need water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
There are no shops around so you will need to bring water with you.
You Can’t Take a Backpack
Keep in mind that you can’t take a backpack into Antelope Canyon, so whatever you take in you’ll have to carry.
Backpacks cause problems because the Lower Antelope has tight spaces and it can be inconvenient for you to move through, and damaging for the environment.
Carry limited items like a water bottle and some headgear that will protect you from the sun and sand.
Eat Before You Head for the Tour
It’s important to eat and use the bathroom before you begin your tour. Likewise with our tip for carrying water – there are no shops once you’re inside the canyon, so you won’t be able to purchase food. Eating healthy will ensure that you stay fit during the entire tour and maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
There aren’t any bathroom facilities either, so go before you leave to avoid an embarrassing situation during the tour!
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- Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
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- Antelope Canyon is a place where you can experience nature in its raw form, though those interested in visiting should note that the area is only open by joining a tour.
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Photo Credits: All photos by Moyan Brenn.
23 Comments
I have heard of the antelop canyon, but never got a chance to visit it. It looks so amazing and out of the world. It looks like a fairy tale came true. Thanks for the tips especially about the lower and upper anteops. I would surely keep that in mind if I ever get a chance to see this place. Wonderful photos!
Thanks Meg for introducing me to this wonderful phenomenon of nature.I was not really aware of this place. Looks stunning, I would prefer to head to the Lower Antelope as it sounds more adventurous and also has less tourists. Lovely post and very informative.
I think I’d prefer lower antelope with less crowds so that no one rushes me while I’m photographing. Gorgeous photos. Looks magical.
What an incredibly beautiful place. Thanks for the tips – perfect to keep in mind.
The photos are simply stunning, I love how the lights comes down through the rocks. I have never been to the USA but I would really like to visit this place if I do. It looks like a miracle of nature.
I go to the Grand Canyon every year but still never get the chance to go to the Antelope Canyon! The pictures look great!
Thanks for the tip and I will remember that when I visit there (eventually)! @knycx.journeying
This is on my U.S. bucket list, I’ve seen so many amazing photos!
Those light effects are incredible, I love the contrast of the golden rock and the blue hued light
Definitely adding this to my bucket list! Thanks for the great info!
For years I’ve been ogling gorgeous photos of Antelope Canyon like this and thought: “I’ve gotta get there!” Thanks for this helpful advice.
Such a stunning place, love taking photographs there!
One of these days I am going to do a road trip of the USA, mainly national parks and I will finally get to adore this popular National Park! Until then I will just have to admire via pictures :(.
Your write up is so vivid. I was in Grand Canyon last 2014 but I think this Antelope Canyon much awesome. I wish I can go here. Thank you for your blog and the nice pictures.
Thanks for sharing this ideas!
How long does it take to hike in the upper canyon?
Which is more spectacular ? Upper or Lower Canyon…. especially for photography ? How strenuous is the Lower Canyon ? And what are the approximate fees for the tours ? Also is it possible to pay for and do both tours at once ? What kind of crowds are to be expected in September and October ? What is the best time of day for photography during those months ? When you mention ” headgear” to protect from sun and sand are you just speaking about a cap ? or what ? Also is it 1 hour and 20 minutes PER tour or total for Upper and Lower ?
Visited the lower Canyon. It was beautiful!
I have just visited Antelope and Rattlesnake Canyon, the comment re tripods in this article is incorrect.
On the standard tour you are not allowed to take a tripod or a selfie stick or even a back pack, the crowds during the peak times are bad, on 26th May 2018 they had 1200 people pass through Antelope Canyon, on this standard tour you will be pushed through, it is very dark so unless you shoot with a high ISO or in RAW you will not get great shots due to light and crowds, this tour is about 1 hour in the canyon and you go one way and can not move away from your guide.
I took the Photo Tour about $180 USA for the 2 Canyon tours, well worth it, we spent about 2 hours in Antelope Canyon with a personal guide Gib, he was great, you must have a tripod and a SLR Camera, no bags, before you are allowed on the tour, the guide will hold back the crowds for at least 2 minutes for each photo shoot, we had about 30 diff shoots, Gib moved us around the canyon to ensure we got ready for all the light beams and then used sand for the light beams.
As an amateur photographer and with Gib’s help a got loads of great photos.
FYI you cannot carry backpacks into the canyon
An i bring small pouch at upper antelope canyon?
I guess this might be a dumb question, but you mention no bathroom facilities in the canyons. We are contemplating signing up for an 8 hour photo tour with 4 canyons. Are there any opportunities for facilities between canyons? I see many suggestions to bring water and snacks, no one mentions 8 hours without using the bathroom, am I interpreting the situation correctly?
it states if you are from sea level it could be difficult to do the lower canyon. We are from Florida and are in fair shape but not super healthy for 50 plus years of age. It looks slow-paced how strenuous is this hike?
I just have a question about the canyons being claustrophobic. I kind of have some issues and would hate to be stuck in there being anxious. Can you get out easily if the issue arises?