An incredibly beautiful place, Antelope Canyon is magical to visit and is sure to entice and astound visitors with all of its amazing sights. Located in Arizona, the slot canyon is wonderful to wander around and the two most scenic sections are the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Antelope Canyon. Your Antelope Canyon Tour starts off with a scenic and narrated ride from the Red Rocks of Sedona, through Oak Creek Canyon (from Sedona - one of the top 10 scenic drives in America) and through the towering Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff.
Researching Antelope Canyon for a trip? If so you probably noticed there are actually two canyons. Both canyons are located in Page Arizona, both offer spectacular views of twisting, swirling canyon walls, and both are comparatively priced. So which one should you see?
Differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon offer very similar experiences once you get inside. The canyons are the same age, they were created the same way, they both require a Navajo Guide, and they both offer very similar views and photo ops. You’ll be glad you made the trip regardless of which one you choose to tour.
While the two canyons are quite similar, there are a few differences between how they are run and what to expect from your tour.
Upper Antelope Canyon
The canyons themselves are very similar. However, the entrance to each canyon is different, as are prices and crowds.
The Upper Antelope Canyon tour begins in the tour operator’s parking lot where you will hop aboard a 4×4 truck. You’ll be driven with your tour group to the entrance of Upper Antelope Canyon and meet your Navajo guide. Once the group is ready you’ll enter the canyon itself and begin the tour.
Upper And Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
Upper Antelope Canyon is most famous for its “beam of light” phenomenon. These beams slice through the roof of the canyon most reliably around noon on clear days. In fact, the most expensive photo in the world was taken in Upper Antelope Canyon, and sold for $6.5 million. Your Navajo guide will walk you through the corridors explaining the origins of the canyon and to help you take stunning photographs. Cameras are permitted in the canyon, but not large photography equipment like tripods. The tour lasts about one hour.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon works a bit differently. You and your group will walk about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot to a staircase that descends into the canyon. A short series of ladders and staircases must be used to enter. Any reasonably able-bodied person is capable of making their way down. Thousands do every week!
Once you reach the floor of the canyon your tour begins. Your Navajo guide will walk you through the canyon, offering information and help with taking photos.
Which canyon does GCA Recommend?
Both canyons are beautiful. Grand Canyon Adventures tours may go to either one depending on the time of year and cost. We go to Lower Antelope Canyon more often because it costs slightly less and usually has smaller crowds. As a result the tour can be a bit more enjoyable and there are fewer people to get in the way of your new Facebook cover photo. Upper Antelope Canyon is more internationally famous and therefore busier. However Upper is better equipped to handle larger crowds than Lower during peak season in mid to late summer. Upper Antelope Canyon is also easier to enter, so tour groups with elderly or physically limited travellers go to Upper.
Which Canyon is Better?
You’ll be happy with either choice. They are sister canyons and if you see one you won’t miss out on the other. If you or a group member would be more comfortable not climbing down a ladder then go to Upper. If everyone is able, choose Lower for a similar experience at a slightly lower price.
Summary
Both
- Navajo guide gratuity
- Guide required
- No bathroom available during the tour
- Located in Page Arizona
Upper Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon Tours
- Upper is more crowded and expensive
- More accessible to elderly and physically limited travellers
- Higher chance of seeing the “beam of light”
- Shaded waiting area
- Shorter wait times during peak season
Lower Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Reviews
- More affordable
- Less crowded; easier to take photos
- Shorter wait time most of the year
- Accessible to reasonably fit tourists (can climb down a ladder)
Take off on an unforgettable excursion to one of the most incredible natural locations in the world! This scenic airplane ride leaves from Boulder City, Nevada and heads to Page, Arizona. Enjoy aerial sights of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Vermilion Cliffs, and Glen Canyon. Arrive at Page where ground transportation awaits to provide transfers to some of the world-famous sightseeing destinations. Your ground excursion begins with a visit to Horseshoe Bend. Make the short hike to the edge and see the world-famous twist in the Colorado River. A light lunch will be provided before continuing to Antelope Canyon.
The highlight of the day is a fully-guided tour of Antelope Canyon. You descend stairs to the canyon floor for remarkable photo opportunities of the undulating rock walls. Lucky guests may even have the opportunity to glimpse the rare light shafts beaming through the narrow walls.
Please note: Due to the rough terrain and incline at Horseshoe Bend and the sandy footing and stairs to reach the bottom of Antelope Canyon, this tour is not wheelchair-accessible. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended.