Antelope Canyon, located in the American Southwest, is a breathtaking natural wonder famous for its narrow, winding passageways and striking light beams. Carved from the red sandstone over millions of years by flash flooding and erosion, the walls of Antelope Canyon are wavy and smooth, resembling flowing water frozen in time.
Managed by the Navajo Nation, the canyon can only be explored via guided tours, ensuring both the safety of visitors and the preservation of this delicate environment.
If you’re planning a trip to Antelope Canyon, this guide has everything you need to know. We have visited Antelope Canyon numerous times now, and have spent months around the Page area exploring all the incredible slot canyons and beautiful scenery – it’s one of our favorite places in the United States!
Antelope Canyon Travel Guide Contents
Important Info | Best Time to Visit | How to Get There | Road Trips to Antelope Canyon | Which Canyon to Choose | Where to Stay | Book Now
Important Information about Antelope Canyon
- Guided Tours Only: Access to Antelope Canyon is only possible through guided tours, as it’s located on Navajo land. It’s important to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get a spot. Learn more about the best Antelope Canyon tours here.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain can be sandy and uneven. Light layers are recommended as temperatures inside the canyon can be cooler than outside.
- Weather Awareness: Be mindful of the weather, especially of flash floods in the rainy season (July to September). Tours may be canceled for safety reasons during adverse weather.
- No Backpacks or Tripods: To protect the narrow canyon pathways, backpacks, and tripods are generally not allowed. Check with your tour provider for specific restrictions.
- Stay Hydrated: Hiking in Antelope Canyon can be very hot, especially in summer. Bring water with you, but remember you’ll need to carry it as backpacks are often not allowed.
- Respect the Site: Remember that Antelope Canyon is a sacred site to the Navajo people. Treat the area with respect, follow your guide’s instructions, and leave no trace behind.
- Explore the Surroundings: The area around Antelope Canyon is one of our favorite places to explore. There is a ton to see like Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Plan some extra time to explore these stunning locations.
Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
The area around Antelope Canyon experiences a desert climate with distinct seasonal changes. The summers are warm and sunny, while the winters are cooler and you could possibly experience snow.
Spring and fall are some of the best times to visit as there are fewer crowds and temperatures are more comfortable.
🌸 Spring: March to May
This period offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. It’s a great time to explore the canyon in peace, though the famous light beams are less visible.
☀️ Summer: June to August (Peak Season)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Antelope Canyon. This is when you can catch the stunning light beams shining through the canyon. Expect higher temperatures and larger crowds.
🍂 Fall: September to November
The fall brings cooler temperatures and diminishing crowds. It’s a perfect time for those looking to enjoy a quieter visit while still experiencing pleasant weather.
⛄ Winter: December to February
Winter in Antelope Canyon is less crowded, and you can experience a more serene side of the canyon. Although it can be a bit chilly, the absence of summer crowds makes for a unique visit.
Times to Avoid Traveling in Antelope Canyon
If you prefer to avoid extreme heat, you might want to skip the peak summer months. Also, be cautious of the rainy season (July to September), as flash floods can occur, sometimes leading to tour cancellations.
Looking for more information about when to travel?
We’ve broken down the very best times to visit Antelope Canyon, making your planning a little easier!
Getting to Antelope Canyon
Getting to Antelope Canyon involves a combination of flying and driving depending on where you’re coming from.
Closest Airports
Page, the closest town that Antelope Canyon is located near, is unfortunately a little bit in the middle of nowhere. But this adds to the adventure! Read more in our guide to the best and closest airport options to Antelope Canyon here.
- Page Municipal Airport (PGA): The nearest but smaller airport, ideal for those who can afford a hefty flight price.
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG): A bit further but offers more flight options (still can be somewhat expensive) and is a scenic drive away from the canyon.
- McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS): This is the best option for those looking for the cheapest flights and the least amount of connections. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from Vegas, but there’s a ton to see on your Vegas to Antelope Canyon road trip.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): This airport is another great option when looking for flights. It’s around a 4.5-hour drive and there is even more to see on the road trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon.
Renting a Car
Once you’ve landed, renting a car is essential as there’s no public transport to Antelope Canyon. Car rental options are available at all these airports. Having a car offers the freedom to explore and enjoy the beautiful landscapes at your own pace.
🚗 Looking for the best car rental company? 🚗
Our favorite company that we always book with is RentalCars.com
We always find the best rentals & cheapest prices with them!
Road Trips to Antelope Canyon
Our absolute favorite way to explore a place is by heading out in our RV and road-tripping from one incredible spot to the next! Antelope Canyon is surrounded by stunning scenery and places to explore.
Check out our comprehensive road trip guides below:
- Phoenix to Antelope Canyon: A beautiful route filled with stunning landscapes.
- Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon: Combine two natural wonders in one trip.
- Sedona to Antelope Canyon: Experience the beauty of red rocks en route.
- Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon: A guide to turning a city trip into a nature escape.
Which Canyon to Choose
One of the questions we get asked the most is “Which slot canyon should I see when I’m in the Page area?” To be fair, there are a lot of choices, so we understand why it can be hard to decide!
Let us break it down for you so that hopefully it’s easier to decide. There are 12 different slot canyons (with more being opened to the public all the time) near Page.
The most popular slot canyons are the 3 sections of Antelope Canyon; Upper, Lower, and Canyon X.
Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon used to be the most popular of the two but in recent years Lower Antelope Canyon has become just as popular. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of Upper vs. Lower
Scenery/Photography:
- Upper: Known for its incredible light beams and wide, cave-like corridors, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
- Lower: Offers a more intimate setting with narrow, twisting paths and unique rock formations, great for abstract photography.
Crowds:
- Upper: Tends to be more crowded, especially during peak season and midday when the light beams are visible.
- Lower: Generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Light Beams:
- Upper: Famous for its ethereal light beams, especially around midday in the summer months.
- Lower: Light beams are rarer and not as pronounced, but the lighting is still beautiful, creating a serene ambiance.
Accessibility:
- Upper: More accessible with no climbing required, suitable for most visitors including those with limited mobility (there is a set of stairs at the end you must climb.)
- Lower: Involves climbing several staircases and navigating through narrow spaces, requiring a moderate level of fitness.
Cost:
- Upper: Typically more expensive due to its popularity and the extraordinary light beams.
- Lower: Usually less expensive and offers a great value for the experience.
Fun:
- Upper: Offers a mesmerizing, almost surreal experience, especially when the light beams appear.
- Lower: Provides a sense of adventure and exploration with its twisting turns and ladder climbs.
Availability:
- Upper: High demand means tours can fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is recommended.
- Lower: Easier to book, especially during off-peak times, and offers more flexibility for last-minute plans.
Still can’t decide which canyon to visit?
Read more about Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon in our comprehensive guide
Antelope Canyon X
Canyon X is the least popular section of Antelope Canyon that has been opened to the public in the last couple of years. Even though it’s the least popular, it’s still a stunning canyon that is worth a visit.
Pros: Least crowded, more affordable, has unique rock formations that are very similar to Upper and Lower.
Cons: No light beams, least accessible with a steep walk down and up stairs to get to the canyon, has the least stunning scenery compared to Upper and Lower.
Still unsure if you should see Canyon X?
Read all about our experience at Antelope Canyon X here!
Other Slot Canyons
As mentioned above, there are 9 more slot canyons in the area besides Upper, Lower, and X. All of the area surrounding Page is Navajo-owned, and because of how well Antelope Canyon is doing, more and more families are opening up their property to the public to tour the slot canyons there.
Other Slot Canyons Near Antelope Canyon:
- Rattlesnake Canyon
- Kayak to parts of Lower Antelope Canyon
- Owl Canyon
- Mystical Antelope Canyon
- Secret Antelope Canyon
- Big Horn Sheep Canyon
- Cardiac Canyon
- Black Streak Canyon
- Waterhole Canyon
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, we would recommend checking out one of these canyons. You could possibly be the only group on the tour and they are way more adventurous than Antelope Canyon.
If you’re road-tripping into Utah, check out these other awesome slot canyons. Our favorite is Zebra Canyon and Spooky Gulch.
Where to Stay
Page, Arizona is the closest town to Antelope Canyon and likely where you’ll be staying when visiting. There are a lot of options for accommodation in Page ranging from Airbnbs, Hotels, BnBs, RV parks, cabins, and campgrounds.
Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in the Page area:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell – offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the nearby natural wonders. Situated close to Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon, it provides guests with modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat – located just 12 miles south of Page, Arizona, offers a unique stay and glamping experience. Staying here is a great way to support and learn about the local Navajo community while enjoying a comfortable stay. This place is ideal for those looking for something different than a typical hotel.
- Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell – located close to everything, this hotel has an outdoor pool, a yummy restaurant, and a great view out over the desert landscape. The hotel has been renovated with modern amenities and touches and is a great place to unwind after. a day of exploring.
Camping Near Antelope Canyon
There are a lot of great options if you’d rather camp than stay at a hotel. Since we travel around in our RV, this is always our go-to option. The last time we were in the Page area we stayed at the brand-new Canyons RV Resort and had a great experience.
We have put together an ultimate guide about camping near Antelope Canyon with all the best campgrounds, RV parks, boondocking spots, and NPS campgrounds nearby.
Book Your Antelope Canyon Tour Now
Ready to book your tour? Here are our favorite tours we went on the last time we visited Antelope Canyon:
Antelope Canyon Travel Articles
Find all sorts of information to help you plan the perfect Antelope Canyon trip below!