Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo land near Page, carved by flash floods into Navajo Sandstone so narrow and twisting that the walls seem to flow like water. Sunlight filtering in from above turns the rock orange, red and violet, and at the right time of year beams of light shine straight down to the sand.
The canyon is part of the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation and can only be visited on a guided tour with an authorized operator. There are two main sections — Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon — and several other slot canyons nearby, such as Antelope Canyon X, that are run as alternatives.
What to see and do: Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon
Reached by a short ride in an open vehicle along a sandy wash, then entered at ground level. The famous light beams appear around midday in roughly spring to early autumn, and those time slots are the most expensive and the first to sell out.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Entered down a series of steep metal staircases, Lower Antelope is longer and narrower in places, and you climb out at the far end. Generally less expensive than Upper and often considered more varied.
Antelope Canyon X and other slots
Quieter canyons run by separate Navajo operators, often available when the famous sections are sold out — and with fewer people in your photos.
By kayak or boat from Lake Powell
The lower end of the canyon reaches Lake Powell; kayak and boat tours enter it from the water.
How to get to Antelope Canyon
- Tours start at operators’ offices in Page or at the canyon entrances on Highway 98 just outside town. Page is about 2.5 hours from the South Rim and 4.5 from Las Vegas. Many visitors come on a day tour from Las Vegas that includes it.
Insider tips
- Book as early as you can, especially for midday slots in spring and summer.
- Watch the clock: Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation does. Confirm which time your tour is quoted in.
- Bags are usually not allowed inside; check your operator’s rules on phones, cameras and tripods.
- Tours can be cancelled at short notice if there is a risk of flash flooding.
Best tours & tickets for Antelope Canyon
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Antelope Canyon:
Guided walking tour from US$75 Page: Lower Antelope Canyon Entry and Navajo Guided Tour
Antelope Canyon can only be visited with a Navajo guide, and time slots sell out — this is the most-booked way in, with almost ten thousand reviews. Lower Antelope involves steep stairs and ladders; Page is about two and a half hours’ drive from the South Rim.
- Entry and Navajo guide included
- Walk through the famous slot canyon
- Pre-booked time slot
Guided walking tour from US$90 Page: Upper Antelope Canyon Entry Ticket and Guided Tour
Upper Antelope is the section entered at ground level — generally easier for people who do not like ladders. The famous light beams appear around the middle of the day in the warmer months, and those slots go first.
- Entry and guided tour of Upper Antelope
- Pre-booked time slot
- Endless photo opportunities
Guided walking tour from US$82 Page: Antelope Canyon X: Two Slot Canyons, Fewer Crowds
A quieter alternative on Navajo land near the famous sections, with two slot canyons and fewer people. Often available when Upper and Lower Antelope are sold out.
- Two slot canyons on one tour
- Fewer crowds than the famous sections
- Navajo guide
Small-group tour from US$149 Page: Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
Two highlights of Page in one tour: a quieter slot canyon and a private overlook of Horseshoe Bend on Navajo land, away from the main viewing area. Small groups.
- Less-visited slot canyon
- Private Navajo viewpoint over Horseshoe Bend
- Groups of 12 or fewer
Guided kayak and hike from US$103 Antelope Canyon: Kayak and Hike Tour
An active way to see Antelope Canyon: kayak in from Lake Powell between towering walls, then hike up the winding canyon with a guide.
- Paddle between narrow canyon walls on Lake Powell
- Hike up the winding canyon
- Optional swim
Overnight tour from US$350 Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, & Zion
Two days give these places the time they deserve. This highly rated overnight tour covers the South Rim, Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Zion, with the hotel and park fees included — far less rushed than the one-day versions.
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide and Horseshoe Bend
- Zion National Park and a stretch of Route 66
