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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Which Tour should I take?

Choosing which tour to use for your Antelope Canyon experience is potentially overwhelming. The tour is not cheap, and if you’re visiting the USA  for the first time, you’re probably not going to spend a lot of time in Page, AZ. Rest assured that the choices for viewing this tour are highly comparable. The canyon is beautiful, no matter what. There will be large groups of people in the canyon at the same time, no matter what. You will still get amazing photos, no matter what.

 Some things to consider:

  • Sightseeing tours take 90 minutes at Upper Antelope Canyon, and about 60 minutes for Lower Antelope Canyon.
  • Upper Antelope Canyon is better for pictures of falling sand and light beams. Lower does get some light beams, but does not compare to Upper Antelope; instead, you see light bouncing off the walls.
  • Upper Antelope is more expensive than Lower Antelope.
  • Lower Antelope Canyon is less crowded: Upper Antelope has 2-way traffic going through it, while Lower has one-way traffic.  Upper Antelope Canyon has 4 tour operators, and Lower Antelope Canyon has 2 tour operators.
  • Lower Antelope has stairs going into and out of the Canyon, Upper Antelope is flat.  People with mobility issues may have difficulty on the Lower Antelope tour.
  • Upper Antelope requires a short off-road drive through the desert to get to the mouth of the canyon – your tour operator will transport you there.  The entrance to Lower Antelope Canyon is located directly off of the parking lot.
  • Lower Antelope Canyon does NOT offer any Photographer’s Tours anymore.

 For a more in depth analysis of the pros and cons of these two options, take a look at the following article from June 2017. Writer and photographer Kristin did both tours on the same day and really captures the essence of the experience.

 https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/upper-vs-lower-antelope-canyon/

What is the weather like?

That depends on the time of year.  Page, Arizona experiences the four seasons, like most of the United States.  Late November to early March, it is very cold and dry; there is little to no snow during the winter – wear a warm coat, a hat, gloves, boots.  Mid March to early May, the mornings are cold, but it warms up in early afternoon. It is likely that you’ll experience some heavy, warm rain during May, so dress in layers.  Mid May to August it is hot! This is monsoon season, so be ready for warm, heavy rain, but also be ready for a lot of sun and wind. Then in September through mid November you will again experience cold mornings and warm afternoons – dress in layers.  

Im here for one night, what else should I see?

There is so much to do in the area!  Are you into hiking? Go out to Horseshoe Bend, the Hanging Gardens, or walk part of the Rim View Trail that runs around the perimeter of the town. Horseshoe Bend is particularly nice in the morning, so try getting there at sunrise. Are you looking for more information about the history and culture of the area? The Powell Museum is an excellent place to start. If you have the time, head over to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and jump on a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam.  Do you want to see the lake? Take the road to the Hanging Gardens trail and then keep going until you hit a large parking lot that overlooks the water. From there, you can walk down the rocks to the lake and pick any place you want to hang out for a picnic lunch or dinner.

Can my kids go into the Canyons?

All tours through Lower Antelope Canyon allow kids of all ages.  There are a couple of tours of Upper Antelope Canyon that do not allow kids under a certain age.  If kids are not allowed on your tour, it is clearly marked on the website. That being said, consider what you know about your own family.  The summer is very hot and very crowded. Lower Antelope Canyon requires a lot of going up and down stairs. Upper Antelope Canyon as 2-way traffic going through the canyon.  Will this be something that your kids will enjoy?

When should I make my reservations?

As soon as you know your travel dates, you should make reservations for your Antelope Canyon tour.  In general, the tours are all very comparable so what matters most is getting the time slot and price point that you want.   While you can get last minute tickets, they will probably be for the hottest time of day, and will conflict with any other plans that you have made for the day.  Lower Antelope Canyon often has some limited space for same day purchased tickets, but Upper Antelope Canyon does not.

What is the best time to Visit?

That depends on what  you want from the experience.  If you want pictures of sunbeams, you need to come in spring or summer, and you need to get a tour between 10AM and 2PM at Upper Antelope Canyon.  However, there are no “bad” pictures of Antelope Canyon, and even during these peak times, the sunbeams are sporadic and fleeting. Monsoon season (June – September)  is also a factor – if the canyon is in ANY danger of flooding, the tour will be canceled. If you want to experience the serenity and peace of the canyon, you should go during late autumn or winter.  Late October and November in Page, AZ is beautiful, the crowds are fewer, and the temperatures are mild. Lower Antelope Canyon is great at this time of year because the canyon is less crowded, and you can really experience the tranquility of the space.

What should I bring?

You need to keep things minimal while you’re in the canyon.  A camera and a water bottle are a must, no matter what time of year it is.  Because the canyon is so narrow, you’re not allowed a backpack while you’re in the canyon, so have a way to carry both in your hands or in your pockets.  There is no food in the canyon, so eat before you leave for your tour. You should also always wear close-toed shoes that are comfortable for walking. The hike is relatively easy, so you don’t need serious hiking books, but the sand is loose and gets everywhere.  Your shoes will be the dull orange-red of the local sand by the time you get out, and grains of sand will be embedded in your socks. It might be tempting to wear sandals during the summer, but don’t do it – the sand gets too hot for bare feet.