Visit Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most incredible places on Earth. It is made up of two sandstone slot canyons, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, just outside of Page, Arizona. The canyon was originally discovered by a young Navajo girl and remained a beautiful secret for many years until a photographer came across the canyon on a photoshoot and tourists began flooding in. 

Prior to 1997, Antelope Canyon was open to the public. After several tourists died in a flash flood incident, it was made a Navajo Tribal Park whereby access was given by guided tour only. It remains this way today as the dangers of flash flooding are still prominent.

Fun fact: National Geographic intended to produce a documentary about the canyon but after sweeping floodwaters washed their camera equipment away, the documentary never happened. Now under the watch of the Navajo, a documentary will never happen, which truly makes this place that much more special.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon or "Corkscrew Canyon" is an above ground slot canyon that is shaped like an upside down “V”, narrow at the top and wide at the base. This is how those world famous beams of light occur that you've probably seen online. The beams of light most often occur between March and October from 11 AM to 2 PM. Coincidentally, it matches up with Arizona’s monsoon season which begins in June and continues through September. For more information on touring Upper Antelope Canyon, click here (this is who we booked our tour through and they were great!).

Pros:

• The light beams make this area more “photogenic”

• You have the option to take a photography tour

• The high, narrow canyon walls make the canyon feel cooler

Cons:

• This canyon is darker due to its shape

• It is more costly to visit

• Tours sell out months in advance

Lower Antelope Canyon

Though Lower Antelope Canyon is often overshadowed by the more popular Upper Antelope Canyon, that is beginning to change. This canyon is a below ground canyon that is shaped like a “V”, wide at the top and narrow at the base. This allows for more light to seep into the base of the canyon so you never have to fight the lighting for good photos. Narrow pathways and several ladders to climb make this the more “adventurous” canyon. For more information on touring Lower Antelope Canyon, click here.

Pros:

• This canyon is often less crowded

• Tours for this canyon are less likely to sell out

• Because of this canyon’s shape, it can feel brighter and warmer, making for excellent photos

Cons:

• Crowds are increasing

• You are less likely to catch beams of light

• This canyon a more strenuous workout  

*** I would highly recommend booking your tours months in advance regardless of which canyon you decide to visit to guarantee a spot *** We booked a tour in July which was almost sold out in March.

Update:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has closed all Navajo Nation Tribal Parks. Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation Tribal park system therefore it is closed until further notice. The intention is to minimize the threat to the health and safety of all people, including park workers, small business operators, residents, and visitors and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Red Gypsea

Stay safe and wash those hands,

V.