The Aventura Guide to Antelope Canyon
by Aventura on April 19, 2023
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon located in northern Arizona, near the city of Page. It is a popular destination for photographers and tourists alike, known for its otherworldly beauty and the unique lighting effects that occur inside the canyon.
The canyon was formed by millions of years of erosion caused by flash flooding and wind, which carved the sandstone walls into the flowing, organic shapes that we see today. The water and wind eroded the sandstone at different rates, creating the narrow channels and curves that give Antelope Canyon its distinctive appearance.
Antelope Canyon is actually divided into two separate sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two, with wider passages and a smoother floor, making it easier to navigate. Lower Antelope Canyon, on the other hand, is narrower and requires some climbing and maneuvering to explore.
If you are looking for a primer on how to explore Antelope Canyon in all its glory, keep reading!
When to Go
As you can imagine, Antelope Canyon gets pretty popular during peak summer months. For that reason, we recommend visiting during shoulder seasons––April and May or September and October. Not only are there less crowds, but the temperatures tend to be in a more comfortable range for hiking around.
It’s best to book a tour to explore the canyons during the midday hours (11a - 1p) if you’re looking to maximize your chances of seeing light beams cascading down the sandstone. (More on booking tours below).
How to Get There
Page is pretty far from major airports (~280 miles from both Phoenix and Las Vegas), so this adventure is best done as a road trip. Luckily northern Arizona and southern Utah have a ton of really great territory to explore, so it’s easy to string Antelope in together with a trip to Zion or Bryce Canyon.
If you’re interested in using the opportunity to explore vanlife or want to try RV camping, our friends over at Outdoorsy have a ton of options available.
Where to Stay
Page has plenty of local hotel accommodations if you’d like to stay somewhere in town. If you’re looking to really create a memorable Antelope Canyon experience we suggest booking a stay at Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, which is located just about 15 miles up the road from Page in Big Water, Utah. (Don’t let the different state fool you, both towns straddle either side of the Arizona-Utah state border.
Under Canvas offers safari inspired tent glamping that was awarded one of the best resort hotels in Utah by Travel + Leisure magazine. Their canvas lodging options sit on the canyon rim, with access to an on-site slot canyon. Also, they’re dog friendly. Definitely worth checking out.
Things to Do in Antelope Canyon: Everything You Need to Know
Antelope Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder located in the Navajo Nation Reservation. This reservation is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in North America, including sandstone formations and canyons that you can only find here. The Navajo Nation has inhabited the area for centuries and takes pride in their land. They have worked hard to preserve it and provide visitors with a wonderful experience when they visit the canyon. Visitors can expect to see breathtaking views, natural rock formations, and colors that change throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
Below, we will be sharing everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon so that your trip goes smoothly.
Make Sure You Have all of The Necessary Permits and Passes Before You Go
To visit Antelope Canyon, you need to obtain a permit or pass from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, which manages the canyon. Here are the steps to get a permit:
Decide on which section of Antelope Canyon you want to visit: Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon.
Check the availability of permits via an authorized tour provider. We recommend booking a tour on Get Your Guide or Viator.
Once you have identified an available time slot, make a reservation and purchase your permit online. You can also purchase your permit in-person at the Antelope Canyon entrance gate, but be aware these often sell out.
Pay the admission fee, which varies depending on which section of the canyon you want to visit, and the type of tour you choose.
Bring your confirmation email and photo ID with you to the canyon entrance.
Follow the rules and guidelines set by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department while you're in the canyon. These may include restrictions on photography, backpacks, and other items.
Touring Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two sections. The tour typically starts with a drive to the entrance of the canyon, where visitors will meet their guide and receive a brief orientation. From there, visitors will be led through the canyon, stopping at various points to admire the unique rock formations and learn about the geology and history of the area.
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to witness the famous "beams of light" phenomenon, where shafts of sunlight filter through the narrow openings in the canyon, illuminating the sandstone walls with a breathtaking glow. Along the way, the guide will also point out interesting rock formations with names such as "The Lady in the Wind" and "The Chief". Visitors will have ample time to take photos and enjoy the serene beauty of the canyon.
The tour of Upper Antelope Canyon usually takes around 1-1.5 hours and is suitable for all fitness levels. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Touring Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon is less crowded and offers a more adventurous experience than Upper Antelope Canyon. The tour typically begins with a short hike to the entrance of the canyon. Visitors will then descend a series of ladders into the canyon, which is narrow and has a curved shape. Similar to Upper Antelope, the walls of the canyon are lined with intricate sandstone formations that have been carved out by the natural forces of wind and water over thousands of years. The tour guides are knowledgeable about the geology, history, and culture of the canyon and the surrounding area.
The tour of Lower Antelope Canyon typically lasts around 1.5 hours and covers a distance of approximately one mile. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring plenty of water as temperatures can be high in the canyon. The tour is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, although some areas may require climbing up and down steep stairs or ladders.
Hiking Outside the Canyon
Hiking around the Antelope Canyon area outside of the canyons themselves offers visitors the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. There are several hiking trails available, including the Waterhole Canyon Trail and Horseshoe Bend Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the canyon and its surroundings.
The Waterhole Canyon Trail is a moderate 2.8-mile out-and-back trail that leads hikers through a canyon with towering walls and interesting rock formations. This trail can be accessed from the same parking lot as the Lower Antelope Canyon and requires a permit.
The Horseshoe Bend Trail is an extremely popular hike located just south of the Glen Canyon Dam and overlooks a meander of the Colorado River known as Horseshoe Bend. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous due to its steep and sandy terrain. The trailhead is located off of Highway 89 and there is a small fee for parking. The Horseshoe Bend trail can be busy during peak season, so it is recommended to arrive early or visit during the off-season for a more peaceful experience.
What to Bring
Luckily almost everything in the greater Antelope Canyon area is extremely accessible, even for folks who don’t have a ton of hiking experience under their belt. Given that, the list of gear you need is pretty minimal. Here’s what to start with:
Solid hiking boots. A no-brainer, but make sure you have good shoes ready to take on the sand and rocks and occasional ladder climb if you’re doing Lower Antelope.
Hydration. We like Camelbak hydration packs for ease of use and the ability to carry your stuff without being too bulky.
UV protective clothing. The sun in the desert doesn’t mess around. Make sure your skin is protected with a good hat and UV protective clothing. And don’t forget sunscreen.
Camera. Most mobile phones these days cover this just fine, but if you’re photographically inclined you want to bring some gear that enables you to capture a lot of dynamic range between the shadows and sunlight within the canyons.
If you need some gear, head over to REI and grab it before you leave!
Takeaway
Antelope Canyon is a unique and stunning natural wonder that is well worth a visit. Although getting there requires some effort, the slot canyons are an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Just make sure you’ve got your permits and tours sorted and you’ll be all set for a truly memorable experience.
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