The Ultimate Travel Guide to Antelope Canyon [2026]

Antelope Canyon is a series of slot canyons located on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona.

The most visited sections are Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Visitors must book a Navajo-guided tour through an authorized operator; self-guided entry is not allowed.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and all visitors must enter with a guide.
Best tourist season: Suitable for sightseeing all year round, the best months are from March to October.【Check the current weather forecast】
Main scenery: the unique scenery in the canyon. There are also various interesting stones and unique natural landscapes around
Nearby cities/airports: Page (PGA), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Salt Lake City (SLC), Albuquerque (ABQ)
Note: Reservations are required! Tripods, selfie sticks, drones, and large bags are generally not allowed; check your tour operator’s current rules before going. [View current park alerts]
Google Maps: Click here
Official website: Click here
Upper Antelope Canyon Tours: Antelope Canyon Tours, Inc., Tsebighanilini Tours, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours , Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
Lower Antelope Canyon Tours: Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
Book a Helicopter Tour: ABEARCO, Inc.

12 Best Places You Should Never Miss in Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is named after the pronghorn antelope that once roamed in the land. It became a tourist attraction and opened to the public in 1997, attracting more than 1 million tourists yearly.

The Navajo Nation, a Native American group, lives in the area. The U.S. government has reserved the Navajo Territory for them, which is located in parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah.

The territory covers approximately 71,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest indigenous tribes in the United States.

When visiting Antelope Canyon, you must make an appointment through a Navajo-approved tour guide company. You can only enter through the tour guide services provided by the companies. During sightseeing, the tour guide will give detailed explanations and guide first-time visitors to good picture-taking locations.

Visiting the entire Antelope Canyon usually takes about half a day.

However, near Antelope Canyon, there are many natural geological attractions, such as Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, Hanging Garden, and the Colorado River (Colorado River).

You can arrange around two days to explore Antelope Canyon.

Table of Contents

What can you do in Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon has natural curves formed by torrents and other groundwater washing the Navajo sandstone (the type of rock in the local canyon; locals call it Navajo sandstone) all year round.

When the sun penetrates from the top of the canyon, it forms a magical and spectacular light beam scene. Photographers can take pictures of the beautiful scenery from various angles in Antelope Canyon, which is an excellent and magnificent sight.

The most important thing about visiting Antelope Canyon is to watch the unique scenery, the natural canyon washed out by floods and groundwater, and appreciate the cliffs from the valley. When the sun pours down from the top of the cliff, the magical beam will make you feel fantastic.

It should be noted that to visit Antelope Canyon, you must book a Navajo-authorized guided tour Navajo Nation. Since the appointment date is usually limited, you must make an appointment beforehand.

Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are operated as separate guided tours, so visitors who want to see both must book them separately.

Upper Antelope Canyon is known as the most popular natural scenery.
The Lower Antelope Canyon is known for its relaxed and quiet environment and the ups and downs of the climbing experience

Near the Antelope Canyon, there are many attractions to visit and explore, such as:

Take a helicopter to view the local scenery from the air, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and the Colorado River;
Take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Powell, or row a kayak by yourself and enjoy the scenery of Antelope Canyon from the waterway;
Or drive to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, Hanging Gardens, Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon, etc., and then get out of the car and hike to enjoy the scenery.

When is the best time to visit Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is suitable for sightseeing all year round.

Due to the excellent weather and pleasant temperatures, March to October is a relatively more suitable time to visit Antelope Canyon. You can often see the canyon’s light beam scene during this period.

Note: June to September is Arizona’s monsoon (rainy season). Antelope Canyon will be closed when heavy rainfall occurs, and your scheduled trip may be canceled.

From November to February, when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy a quieter visit, but there are fewer chances of encountering light beams.

Tour guide service companies will set up different group tour times on each open day.

If you want to see a light beam, it is best to choose a tour between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. because during this time, the sun rises above the Antelope Canyon, and the chance of seeing a light beam is high.

How is the traffic in Antelope Canyon?

The major airports near Antelope Canyon are:

Las Vegas: Airport code LAS
Phoenix Airport: Airport code PHX
Salt Lake City: Airport code SLC
Albuquerque: Airport code ABQ

It takes about four and a half hours to reach the Antelope Canyon by car from the two airports of LAS and PHX.

From Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, take I-15 N to UT-9 E/W, then turn onto UT-59 S. Travel to US-89 S/E 300 S to Enter AZ-98 E after US-AZ. Drive along AZ-98 E for about 4.5 miles, and you will see the parking lot of Antelope Canyon.

If starting from Phoenix Airport, you can follow I-17N to US-180W/Country Club Dr, take exit 201 off I-40 E and enter US-89 N, and follow US-89 N to AZ-98 E, also drive about 4.5 miles to reach the Antelope Canyon parking lot.

If you are starting from Salt Lake City or Albuquerque, it will take around six hours.

The overall road conditions in Antelope Canyon are relatively good, and you can enjoy various geological features in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah along the way.

In the Antelope Canyon, tourists start from the reservation point set by a tour guide company, take their shuttle bus, drive to the Upper Antelope Canyon’s or Lower Antelope Canyon’s entrance, and start hiking.

Where is the best place to stay in Antelope Canyon?

You could live in Page City and Lake Powell next to Antelope Canyon.

It is about a 10-minute drive from the Upper Antelope Canyon and a 20-minute drive from the Lower Antelope Canyon.

The distribution of accommodation in the urban area of Page is as follows:

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson ⭐⭐⭐ 8.9/10.0 3,504 reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell ⭐⭐⭐ 8.8/10.0 509 reviews
Red Rock Motel 8.7/ 10.0 658 reviews
Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell ⭐⭐⭐ 8.7/10.0 668 reviews
Holiday Inn Express Hotels Page, an IHG Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ 8.7/10.0 275 reviews
Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell ⭐⭐⭐ 8.6/10.0 1,313 reviews
La Quinta by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell ⭐⭐⭐ 8.6/10.0 1,421 reviews
Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell ⭐⭐ 8.6/10.0 1,188 reviews

What are some excellent restaurants in Antelope Canyon?

When visiting Antelope Canyon, most restaurants are mainly concentrated in Page’s small town. Here are a few great restaurants:

BirdHouse 4.7/5.0 Map
Blue Wine and Tapas 4.5/5.0 Map
Big John’s Texas BBQ 4.4/5.0 Map
New York Teriyaki 4.4/5.0 Map
Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant 4.3/5.0 Map
El Tapatio 4.3/5.0 Map
Gone West Family Restaurant 4.3/ 5.0Map
State 48 Tavern 4.3/5.0 Map

What items cannot be brought to Antelope Canyon?

There are strict equipment restrictions when entering the Antelope Canyon. First, it is recommended that tourists wear comfortable hiking shoes.

1. Items not allowed

Stroller
Selfie sticks
Camera tripod or monopod
Pets or service animals, such as guide dogs, etc.
Drones

2. Items that can be carried

Kettle
Small backpack
Baby carrier

3. Recommended items to bring

Camera cover
If you enter Antelope Canyon in the morning or evening, it is recommended to bring a flashlight and warm clothes
sunscreen

What’s the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is generally divided into:

Upper Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon

The depth of Upper Antelope Canyon is about 120 feet, and the channel is narrower. The canyon’s entrance is on the ground.

The sun shines from the top to the bottom of the canyon, forming a beautiful and magical beam of light, especially in summer.

The journey to the Upper Antelope Canyon is relatively easy. However, more tourists are there throughout the year, and it may be crowded in summer. The tour guides will urge tourists to move forward as soon as possible to avoid blocking the tourists behind them.

The Lower Antelope Canyon is not as deep as the Upper Antelope Canyon but has many steeper slopes. The entrance is lower than the ground, so you need to use climbing ladders to enter the Valley and move up and down between different heights in the canyon.

In the Lower Antelope Canyon, the tour guide usually ensures that every group member has successfully passed the ladder before moving on, so it will take longer.

At the same time, the distance you need to walk will be longer, and the hiking conditions will be more difficult.

The sun rarely shines into the Lower Antelope Canyon, so there are fewer opportunities to see beams and red-orange shades.

However, fewer tourists are here, and the canyon is wider, so you can experience a relatively quiet and leisurely canyon challenge tour.

The differences between the two and the types of tourists they are suitable for are:

	Upper Antelope Canyon	Lower Antelope Canyon
Light beam scene	High chance of seeing light beams	Fewer tourists and less crowded experience
Difficulty of sightseeing	Easy	Difficult, not recommended for people with disabilities
Sightseeing Duration	Short	Long
Degree of congestion	There are many tourists, and it may be crowded during peak season	Tourists who want to see the sight of a light beam and want a more effortless hiking experience
Who should go?	Tourists who want to see the sight of a light beam and want an easier hiking experience	Tourists who prefer a quieter sightseeing experience and want to experience some challenging hiking.

Places of interest in and around Antelope Canyon

In Antelope Canyon, in addition to Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, several nearby popular attractions can be arranged on the same journey. Generally, it is more appropriate to arrange a two-day trip.

Antelope Canyon Maps of Points of Interest 1

The First Day

Go to the Antelope Canyon Scenic Area and visit the Upper Antelope Canyon or the Lower Antelope Canyon according to the scheduled itinerary.

Then, you can visit Antelope Canyon X and Secret Canyon.

After exploring Antelope Canyon, you can drive to Horseshoe Bend (Horseshoe Bend) and enjoy the magic of Ancient Anasazi Petroglyphs (Ancient Anasazi Petroglyphs) along the way.

In the evening, return to Page to check in to a hotel or camp near Lake Powell.

Day Two

Choose from a short, easy hike on the Hanging Garden Trailhead or The Chains.

Then, you can head to Glen Canyon Dam.

After the visit, go to Lake Powell (Lake Powell) to experience a variety of activities there, such as helicopter tours, sightseeing boat tours or kayak rowing tours, etc., and then end the Antelope Canyon trip after enjoying the scenery of the Antelope Canyon area again.

1. Upper Antelope Canyon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5.0 (3,470 reviews) | Google Maps

As the main sightseeing spot of this trip, you can choose one of the tour guide service companies approved by the Navajo Nation. Make a reservation to book the itinerary in advance.

Because Navajo Nation Reservation sets the fee price, the price varies from company to company.

You can visit the websites of different companies to view their formation schedules, prices, and refund policies.

The five companies are:

The sightseeing of the entire Upper Antelope Canyon generally takes about 90 to 100 minutes, including a 40-minute round-trip drive. You can drive to the meeting point by yourself and then take the travel company’s shuttle bus to the entrance of the Upper Antelope Canyon.

Your walk will not be long after entering the Upper Antelope Canyon. You can follow the guide to visit the magical cliffs and take wonderful tourist photos of the light beams at Antelope Canyon.

2. Lower Antelope Canyon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5.0 (237 reviews) | Google Maps

Suppose you want to experience the unique geological scenery of Antelope Canyon in more challenging canyons.

In that case, you can book a trip to Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo Nation Reservation-approved guide service company.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and follow the guide into the Lower Antelope Canyon. You can quietly enjoy the unique rock formations washed out by the water on the cliffs on both sides. Then, you can climb different ladders and shuttle between different heights. However, it’s hard to see the light beams.

In Lower Antelope Canyon, you can visit more comfortably and quietly without the hustle and bustle of tourists and the urging of tour guides.

Available companies are:

3. Antelope Canyon X

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5.0 (935 reviews) | Google Maps

Antelope Canyon X is a less popular attraction with fewer tourists, but if you want to experience the immersion of walking in the canyon more deeply, this place is not to be missed.

In Antelope Canyon X, you can see that the rock walls on both sides form a striking “X”-shaped pattern, which is where the name of this scenic spot comes from.

To visit Antelope Canyon X, you must also book a trip on Taadidiin Tours, approved by the Navajo Nation Reservation. To save travel time, you can arrange the itinerary of Antelope Canyon X and the itinerary of Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon on the same day.

4. Secret Canyon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5.0 (841 reviews) Google Maps

Secret Canyon is located near Antelope Canyon, between Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Secret Canyon also has a colorful spiral canyon rock wall scenery. The terrain is relatively easy to hike, and there are fewer tourists when it is in focus.

Suppose you want to avoid the crowded Upper Antelope Canyon and don’t want to explore the rugged terrain of the Lower Antelope Canyon. In that case, you can visit Secret Canyon to see the unique orange canyon scenery.

Like Antelope Canyon, Secret Canyon must be entered with a guide, and you can find a reservation link at Horseshoe Bend Tours.

5. Horseshoe Bend

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5.0 (1,667 reviews) Google Maps

Horseshoe Bay is about a 10-minute drive from Antelope Canyon. After visiting Antelope Canyon, it is very suitable to come here to view the natural “horseshoe” washed out by the Colorado River.

In Horseshoe Bend, you can stand on the shore and admire the canyon, about 980 feet deep with the Colorado River flowing inside.

It should be noted that there are no guardrails on the shore of Horseshoe Bay, so you need to be extra careful when viewing, especially if you come to visit with your children.

6. Hanging Garden Trailhead

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 out of 5.0 (430 reviews) | Google Maps

Starting from Page, head north along Highway 89. You can come to the Sky Garden Trail entrance, a rocky trail about 1.2 miles long.

Along the way, you can enjoy the Colorado River and various sandstone geology, ferns on the road, vegetation, etc.

The whole hike is very short and easy.

7. The Chains

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5.0 (375 reviews) | Google Maps

If you want to hike on a trail close to the water, you can choose the Chain Trail, similar to the Hanging Garden Trail.

This is an easy trail, but it will lead you to the Colorado River, where you can enjoy the scenery on both sides.

Many tourists will swim and dive here. The steep rock walls on both sides of the water are excellent places for diving.

Notice: Divers need to be extra careful, especially when diving from a high place. Hidden reefs may be underwater, so be sure to pay attention to safety.

“The Chains” has a parking area where you can quickly walk down to the water.

But parking can be difficult in high season, so it is advised to arrive early.

8. Glen Canyon Dam

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 out of 5.0 (996 reviews) | Google Maps

You can take in some pretty majestic views at Glen Canyon Dam, whether it’s the dam, Lake Powell, the Colorado River, or the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge.

The dam rises some 710 feet above the Colorado River downstream, and its massive hydraulic power provides electricity to millions of people in the West.

9. Lake Powell

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5.0 (841 reviews) | Google Maps

Lake Powell is about a 15-minute drive from Antelope Canyon. It is an artificial lake surrounded by the Glen Canyon Dam and one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States.

You can experience a variety of activities in Lake Powell.

You can see the canyon by booking a cruise from the Antelope Point Pier on Lake Powell or the Wahweap Pier at Lake Powell Resort, or even stay overnight.

Kayaking allows you to see this natural wonder from a whole new perspective. Antelope Canyon kayak rentals are available from Lake Powell Paddle Boards or can be booked from Kayak Powell.

There is also a helicopter sightseeing service. You can see the helicopter tour content below.

There is also a fully equipped campsite near Lake Powell. If you want to experience camping near Antelope Canyon, you must not miss it. Make an appointment to enjoy the wonderful experience of staying overnight in the canyon.

10. Vermillion Cliff and The Wave

Vermilion Cliffs is a spectacular red sandstone formation that is the main feature of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

“The Wave” is an extraordinary place within Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It comprises alternating red and yellow sandstone layers that look like giant waves, hence its name.

Due to its unique and vulnerable nature, access to “The Wave” requires a special permit. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed daily, ensuring the area’s pristine condition and conservation.

In addition to “The Wave,” this area has many other spectacular landforms, such as Second Wave, Top Rock Arch, and Sand Cove.

By the way, I need to mention “The New Wave,” which is not in the same place as “The Wave,” as introduced above.

The New Wave is near the northwest corner of Page, and The Wave is southwest of Page. The distance between the two places is about 50 minutes by car.

Unlike “The Wave,” you don’t need a special license to access “The New Wave.”

The New Wave

“The New Wave” isn’t as well-known as “The Wave,” but it’s still a breathtaking place.

It’s located near Page and is relatively easy to get to. “The New Wave” is named for its similar alternating red and gold sandstone layers, identical to “The Wave” but not as large.

The landscape of “The New Wave” is also suitable for photography, especially during the golden morning or evening hours. At this time, the low-angle sunlight will bring warm tones to the rocks and create beautiful light and shadow effects.

11. Toadstool Hoodoos

The Toadstool Hoodoos is a geological wonder near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The characteristic rock shapes in this area, caused by weathering and erosion, look like giant mushrooms or toadstools, hence the name.

Its signature features are its hat-shaped rock top and slender columns. This shape is due to the different rock parts’ different hardness, so they weather and erode at different rates.

The hiking trail from the parking lot to the attraction is only about a mile (1.6 km) long. This route is great for families and people of all ages.

As this is a remote natural area, it is recommended that you bring plenty of water to avoid the midday heat and make sure to tell others about your trip to stay safe.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5.0 (336 reviews) | Google Maps

Located on the west side of Lake Powell, the Rainbow Bridge is a natural bridge carved out of Navajo sandstone. At about 290 feet in height, it is currently the sixth-longest natural bridge in the world.

You can take a boat trip from Lake Powell to see the natural stone bridge from the water.

Taking a Helicopter

In addition to ground and water, aerial sightseeing is also a good choice for visiting Antelope Canyon and the surrounding areas.

You can find Grand Canyon Airlines in Page City or book a helicopter tour service at Maverick Helicopters to experience a wonderful tour from a high altitude.

What are the precautions for visiting Antelope Canyon?

When visiting Antelope Canyon in addition to having to join a local tour group, while visiting the Lower Antelope Canyon, you will encounter many difficult roads. You also need to pay attention to the following points:

If it rains in the upstream area, tour companies may cancel your booked tour, so when you purchase the itinerary, you should check their refund policy. Knowing how your refund policy works is important if the itinerary is canceled due to natural climate and other factors.
The Navajo region observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the summer. Still, most of the rest of Arizona, where the park is located, does not have such a time zone adjustment, so if you go to Antelope Canyon Park in the summer, you must adjust the time zone on your watch or phone.