Antelope Canyon
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Antelope Canyon is worth visiting if you want to see specific light beams and narrow sandstone passages. Go in April, May, June, or September to get the best light. Allow about half a day for the tour and travel time.
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Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and two hours inside the canyon.
Most people drive from Page, Arizona, to the various tour meeting points.
You must book a guided tour online weeks or months in advance.
The canyon closes without warning if there is any chance of rain in the area.
What to expect
You will walk through narrow, winding corridors carved into sandstone. The walls are high and block out most direct sunlight. This creates soft, reflected orange and red light inside the canyon.
Expect to be in a group. You walk with a Navajo guide who explains the geology and the history of the land. The floor is flat and sandy, but the paths are tight and can get crowded.
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Timing your visit
The best months are April through June and September. During these times, the sun is at the right angle to create the famous light beams that hit the canyon floor. You need clear, sunny days for the best visibility.
Avoid July and August if you dislike extreme heat. Summer also brings a higher risk of monsoon rains, which can lead to sudden flash floods. The canyon closes immediately if there is a flood risk nearby.
The reality of the cost
You cannot walk into the canyon alone. You must pay for a guided tour, which includes the mandatory permit fees for the Navajo tribal land. This makes a short visit expensive compared to other parks.
Most people spend around 250 USD for a standard tour. Prices vary by operator and the specific section of the canyon you choose. Check if your booking includes the entry permit before you arrive.
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Common mistakes
Many people assume they can just show up and buy a ticket. Tours sell out months in advance, especially during the peak spring months. If you do not have a reservation, you will likely be turned away at the gate.
Visitors often underestimate the dust. The fine sand inside the canyon gets on your clothes and in your camera gear. Bring a cover for your equipment and wear shoes that you do not mind getting dirty.
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Mandatory Navajo guided tour fees make even a basic visit expensive.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Navajo Upper Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the American Southwest, on Navajo land east of Lechee, Arizona. It includes six separate, scenic slot canyon sections on the Navajo Reservation, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon (or The Crack), Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, Mountain Sheep Canyon, Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon (or The Corkscrew). It is the primary attraction of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, along with a hiking trail to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Guides that include Antelope Canyon
Questions people ask
Can I visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
No, you cannot enter the canyon independently. Access is restricted to visitors who have booked a spot with an authorized Navajo guide.
Which part of the canyon is best?
Upper Antelope Canyon is popular for its light beams. Lower Antelope Canyon involves more climbing and is usually longer and narrower.
Is it good for photography?
It is excellent for photos, but tripods and monopods are banned on standard tours. You will need to move quickly as your group progresses through the canyon.
What happens if it rains?
Tours are cancelled if there is a threat of flash flooding. Operators will usually offer a refund or the chance to rebook for a later time.
Is there a lot of walking?
The walk is relatively flat and easy. It is less than a mile of walking, but you must be able to navigate sandy ground and tight spaces.
Are there bathrooms at the canyon?
There are usually portable toilets at the meeting areas. There are no facilities inside the canyon itself.