Antelope Canyon

The basics

Many travelers visit Antelope Canyon on guided tours. Photography tours are a good option for those wanting to capture the colors and shapes of the canyon's sandstone walls or spot local wildlife. Some tour companies offer Antelope Canyon tours that also visit Lake Powell or nearby Horseshoe Bend, a scenic viewpoint overlooking a curve in the Colorado River. Slot canyon tours from Flagstaff and Sedona typically include round-trip transportation. Other more comprehensive multi-day tours of the southwest depart from Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon National Park.

Things to know before you go

• You can only visit this Navajo Nation landmark with an authorized tour guide.

• Bring your camera and a tripod for long exposure shots—photography enthusiasts travel from all over to snap photos of Antelope Canyon.

• The more popular of the two, Upper Canyon is easily walkable thanks to a level sandy surface but not easily accessible for wheelchair users.

• Lower Canyon involves a longer walk that requires climbing metal staircases and is therefore totally inaccessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

Antelope Canyon is set 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometers) from the city of Page, AZ near the Arizona-Utah border. By road, Flagstaff and Sedona are two hours and three hours away, respectively. Although you must have a guide upon arrival, it's also easy to drive right to Lower Antelope Canyon from Flagstaff, Sedona, and even Phoenix by heading north along Arizona State Route 98.

When to get there

Although the canyon is open year-round, many travelers consider March through October to be the best time to visit, when the light is at its most beautiful. The natural light during these months makes for a stellar display in the dark canyons, with the sun illuminating the cracks and crevices of the colorful canyon's red rock walls. Expect temperatures near 100°F (38°C) in summer.

Navajo Nation Attractions

Alongside Antelope Canyon, there's lots more to see and do in Navajo Nation, which occupies much of the Four Corners region in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a particular highlight, as is the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, located east of the Grand Canyon, provides an excellent overview of the Navajo people's journey.

Ways to explore

Access to Antelope Canyon is only via authorized, Navajo-led tours. Photography tours are a good option for those wanting to capture the colors and shapes of the canyon’s sandstone walls or spot local wildlife. Some itineraries also visit nearby Lake Powell or Horseshoe Bend, a scenic viewpoint overlooking a curve in the Colorado River. Slot canyon tours from Flagstaff and Sedona typically include round-trip transportation. More comprehensive, multi-day tours of the Southwest depart from Las Vegas or Grand Canyon National Park.

Accessibility

The Upper Canyon’s sandy surface makes wheelchair access difficult, while the Lower Canyon requires climbing metal staircases and is therefore totally inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

While some tour companies allow young children, accessibility issues and challenging conditions make the canyon more suitable for kids aged 6 and up.

What to pack

Sunscreen, one bottle of water, eyeglasses rather than contacts

What to wear

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes; layers; a bandana or hat for sand protection

Not allowed

Tripods, selfie sticks, food and drinks, strollers, bags

Amenities

Shuttles to the canyon, Navajo guides

Address

Antelope Canyon is 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometers) from the city of Page, Arizona, near the Arizona-Utah border; it is part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Public transit is not available, but many authorized tour operators have area parking lots or provide transit, while shuttles take visitors to the landmark.

Driving

Phoenix is a little more than 4 hours from Antelope Canyon; to get there, take I-17 N before taking US-89 N and AZ-98 E to Page, Arizona. Sedona and Flagstaff are three and two hours away, respectively, via a similar route. Parking is limited at Antelope Canyon itself, but authorized area tour companies generally have their own lots available for visitors nearby, in and around Page, Arizona. Fees are variable.

Public transportation

Antelope Canyon is not reachable by public transportation. You can book a guided tour to reach the landmark.

Best times to visit

The most popular time to visit Antelope Canyon is around midday, when its famous light shafts can appear (typically on bright, sunny days). You’ll find fewer crowds earlier or later in the day, however.

Best days to visit

Weekends are the most popular time to visit, and it’s when the canyon is most crowded—consider visiting on a weekday instead.

Best months to visit

Summer is the most popular season to visit, but it can be hot, crowded, and include risks of closures during rainy weather. Consider the November–March off-season for a calmer experience.

Special events

In early March, several ultra-marathons pass through Antelope Canyon, as well as other area landmarks.