What You Need To Know Visiting Antelope Canyon

When to Visit Antelope Canyon

Timing is everything when visiting Antelope Canyon, as the sun’s position and weather conditions have to be right to see the light beams and the full spectacle. Check out my step by step how to plan a trip guide. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Page that’s close to Antelope Canyon see my article here.. What to consider:

• Best Months to Visit Antelope Canyon: Late spring and early fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. May and September are ideal.
• Best Time Of Day to See Light Beams in Antelope Canyon: Midday (11 am to 2 pm), when the sun is directly overhead and strongest, between March and October is the best time to capture those famous light beams but keep in mind that this is also the most crowded time! Make sure to book your tickets at least 5+ months in advance (the sooner the better! I reserved mines 6 months), and the early time slots sell out months in advance.
• Worst Time To Visit Antelope Canyon Arizona: Steer clear of monsoon season. Flash floods are common and dangerous, so be cautious visiting during the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September). I visited in July but it was a dry year with little rain.

Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon

The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is in Summer. When I went, I unintentionally picked the hottest month of July, but for good reason, we went for my birthday! I saw the light beams and the beautiful waves of rock formation. We went at 11 am and there is plenty of shade in the canyons but prepared for the heat!

Spring and fall have mild temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer is most popular because of the famous light beams. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the winter months, but yes, be prepared for cold temperatures! The next question and decision are, should you visit the upper canyon or the lower canyon?

Antelope Canyon Weather

The weather in antelope canyon varies. See the weather map below of Antelope Canyon.

Should you Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?

You’re probably wondering which antelope canyon is more beautiful. Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower. Each offers a unique experience, and your preferences and abilities when deciding which to visit. Or visit both!

• Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack): Check Prices & Availability here. Most Popular and well-known for its famous light beams, this section is easier to access and navigate, it’s more suitable if you have limited mobility or are claustrophobic of tight places.
• Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew): Check Prices & Availability here. Offering more challenging terrain and fewer crowds, Lower Antelope Canyon is ideal for seeing narrow slots in the canyon and interesting formations. However, keep in mind that it may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
• If you have the time I would recommend both Check Prices & Availability here! I’d recommend seeing the upper first to see the famous light beams, and then the lower.
• Secret Antelope Canyon: “Canyon X”: It’s not very well known as of now, but that will change as more people learn about it. There is only one tour as far as I know that offers this tour. You get to see a bit of the light beams from the upper antelope canyon, and the narrow formations of the lower antelope canyon. Yet fewer crowds and extra time to photograph, since you can elect to do the extended tour geared towards photographer. Check pricing now.

You’re probably wondering, can I go to Antelope Canyon without a tour? The bad news is you can’t go without a tour (this is the tour I went on). Since Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land, you must book a guided tour to enter. The good news is it’s actually better to go on a tour. It’s a maze in there, add in the heat, and the crowds and it wouldn’t be a good experience.

Looking for a place to stay in Page that’s close to Antelope Canyon see my article here

Choosing the Right Antelope Canyon Tour

You have to book your tour in advance (well in advance) and reserve your tour time in advance as well, as the popular time spots fill up quickly during peak seasons. Be sure to book a tour that matches your physical abilities (there are some steep stairs to climb.

My Suggestions for an Antelope Canyon Tour from Page/Flaggstaff:

• Upper Antelope Canyon Tour: This is the tour I booked. Check Prices & Availability here. It was a group of 12 our guide was awesome. He didn’t herd us like cattle and even took some photos for us. Although it depends on the guide you get. This tour doesn’t include tips or transportation which worked great for us since we had a rental car. Read my full review and what to expect here.
  • We rented a car in Page and parked on site, there isn’t a parking fee but a $8 environmental fee our tour didn’t have transportation. I recommend you book your car asap, this is the company I rented with.
• Photography tour: Check Prices & Availability here. Although the official upper photography tours are no longer offered by the Navajo guide, If you’re an avid photographer, this tour offers more time to capture the perfect shot in the exclusive slot X canyon photo tour which requires a special tour permit to see. You still get the light beams but without the crowds! Definitely worth considering.
• Tour with Transfer: Check Prices & Availability here. If you want to visit without a car you can book this tour that offers roundtrip transfer and admission with a guided tour from Flagstaff or Page.
• Tour of Arizona highlights: Check Prices & Availability here. See the Antelope Canyon by land, the Colorado River by boat, and the Grand Canyon by air! A triple delight if you want something that’s easy and inclusive at a fair price.

Tours from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon:

Lower Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe bend from Las Vegas: Round trip pick up from your hotel. Takes you to Page, Arizona to see Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend. Small-group tour limited to just 14 people. Highly rated at 4.5 stars from 5 over 700+ reviews.

• Book and reserve early and in Advance: I recommend booking the tour at least 6 months in advance to ensure you get the time slot you want. There are no last-minute bookings as everything is booked well in advance so plan ahead!
• Arrive an hour before the tour: It is a bit lengthy process to check in and get into your groups and guide. But if you book the private transfer tour you will skip this hassle.
• What To Wear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes (it’s very dusty in there), pants or shorts, Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring a hat and Sunglasses: The walking to the entrance is bright and with no shade, the midday Arizona sun is brutal, so bring a hat and sunglasses!
• Camera Gear: Carry your camera crossbody, and have a wide-angle lens. You can’t bring a backpack so no tripods or additional lenses.
• Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be dehydrating, so make sure to carry a water canteen.
• No Restrooms: there are no toilets or drinks/food outlets at Antelope Canyon. You need to plan ahead and use the restroom before you go onto the tour.
• Pack light: Keep your belongings to a minimum, as you’ll be climbing ladders and navigating narrow spaces. Keep in mind backpacks aren’t allowed to be carried in so make sure to leave backpacks and purses in your car.
• Respect the land: Remember that Antelope Canyon is a sacred site for the Navajo people. Follow your guide’s instructions, and refrain from touching the walls or taking anything from the canyon.

IMPORTANT TIP: Don’t miss your tour! Keep in mind time zones. Almost all of Arizona is in the same time zone, Mountain Standard Time (MST) the state does not observe daylight saving time.  But Navajo Nation does observe daylight savings time. Your phone may not register this so keep this in mind!

Photography Tips For Photographing In Antelope Canyon

As a professional photographer, I’m sharing some tips with you.

1. Which lens for antelope canyon: Bring a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture. I recommend a 16mm-35mm. This is the lens I used
2. No tripods are allowed unless you’re on the photography tour
3. Make sure to have a lens with a wide aperture, at least 4 F but 2.8 is best. There are shadows and very bright areas and using a fast low shutter speed will make your photos blurry, so you need to wide aperture to compensate.