Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: The Big Differences in 2024
BY JARED DILLINGHAM
TRYING TO DECIDE: UPPER VS. LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON?
If you’ve seen the stunning photos of Antelope Canyon and are planning a visit, you’ve likely realized a few things:
- You have to choose a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.
- You cannot go on your own, without a guide.
- You have to figure out how to get to Page, AZ.
Of course, you could always do both, booking one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon!
There are other parts of the canyon open to tourists, but Upper and Lower Antelope are the most popular parts of the canyon system, which is a few miles east of Page, Arizona.
I have a separate post on beautiful Antelope Canyon X, which has smaller crowds and offers photography tours, too.
The Best Antelope Canyon Tours
People come from all over the world hoping to see Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, but often base themselves in a bigger city, like Phoenix or Las Vegas.
There are great tour options to check out Antelope Canyon from a number of nearby cities!
These are the tours to Antelope Canyon with the *best* reviews:
➡️ Click to Book: LAS VEGAS to Antelope Canyon (& Horseshoe Bend)
➡️ Click to Book: PHOENIX to Antelope Canyon
➡️ Click to Book: SEDONA to Antelope Canyon
➡️ Click to Book: FLAGSTAFF to Antelope Canyon
Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon: The Main Differences
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon located near the town of Page, Arizona. It’s renowned for its mesmerizing, narrow passageways and swirling sandstone formations, which have been carved by water and wind over millions of years.
The canyon is divided into two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon (Tse’ bighanilini in Navajo) and Lower Antelope Canyon (Hasdestwazi in Navajo), each offering unique sights and experiences.
Let’s go over the basic differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. You’ll really love either one, but they’re quite different.
Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope is a longer visit, is physically easier to explore, and is darker and moodier inside.
- Almost 2 hours
- Begins in a parking lot in Page
- Requires a 20-minute ride in a Jeep
- Walk into the slot canyon, without climbing down a ladder
- Better for seniors, children, and anyone who can’t climb ladders
- The hike is shorter, at about 3/4 of a mile
- The canyon is A-shaped, so less light shines in
- Less crowded than Lower Antelope, but more expensive
Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope requires a climb down a ladder, and is brighter inside.
- About 1 hour
- Begins in a lot out in the desert, near the canyon entrance
- Climb down a ladder into the slot canyon
- More bright orange sandstone walls
- The hike is longer, at about a mile long
- The canyon is V-shaped, so more light comes in from above
- More crowded than Upper Antelope, but less expensive
Can You Hike Antelope Canyon on Your Own?
No, guides are mandatory at Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. You cannot just walk into any part of the slot canyons on your own.
Booking a tour through one of seven companies permitted to operate at Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is required.
First, this is private property on Navajo Nation land, which you’ll notice clearly marked driving into the Lower Antelope Canyon parking area:
Second, the guide system was made mandatory after a flash flood killed 11 tourists in 1997.
I actually enjoyed our guides in both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon! They took pride in their jobs, didn’t rush us through, and were eager to share information, history, and photography advice.
Which is Prettier, Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 😍😊
The guides in Upper Antelope Canyon will boast about the beauty of their slot canyon, while the guides in the Lower Canyon will do the same.
I’ll describe what you’ll see differently, and you can be the judge… but gun to my head? I’d vote for Lower Antelope Canyon.
The Beauty of Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon is A-shaped, so less light is let in at the top of the rock walls.
It creates a darker, more moody experience.
You’ll still encounter several spots where plenty of light shines in, lighting up the canyon walls, created by millions of years of erosion.
The Beauty of Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon is V-shaped, so much more light comes in from the top.
The sun illuminates the sandstone walls, creating that iconic orange glow in Lower Antelope Canyon.
Prices: Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
The cost of admission can quickly add up for a family, whether you choose to explore Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.
The cost to enter, for a family of four at each is:
- Lower Antelope Canyon: $200+
- Upper Antelope Canyon: $400+
The price differential is due to several factors.
First, far fewer daily permits are granted at Upper Antelope Canyon. Operating at its max, 1,500 visitors are allowed daily.
Second, more tour companies operate in Upper Antelope Canyon. Five companies take tourists into Upper Antelope, while only two companies operate in Lower Antelope Canyon.
Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon are far less expensive, and they allow more people inside daily, so you can expect more of a crowd.
Tours of Lower Antelope Canyon
Tours for Lower Antelope Canyon cap each group at 10 people, and it’ll take roughly an hour to walk through.
Children (ages 4-12) will be less expensive, and babies and toddlers are free.
Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon
Tours for Upper Antelope Canyon might be slightly more expensive for the coveted 11:40am tour, which often offers the best light.
Best for Photography: Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
The answer here really depends on what you’re looking for as a photographer.
If it’s the famous beams of light, head to Upper Antelope Canyon (certain weeks of the year).
If it’s the orange glow of the sandstone walls, head to Lower Antelope Canyon.
The only part of the canyon offering special, longer photography tours is Antelope Canyon X.
The three-hour tour will cost around $125. You’re allowed to bring a tripod and camera bag along for your guided walk through that part of the canyon.
➡️ Click to Book: Antelope Canyon X Photography Tour
Photography in Lower Antelope Canyon
One important note on photography in Lower Antelope Canyon: Video is *not* allowed.
The guides are clear about the rules, and they enforce the “no video” policy aggressively at Lower Antelope Canyon. The guide in the group behind us took one woman’s cell phone and made her delete her recording!
In general, the guides are all very patient, eager to give out photography advice, and helpful with finding the best spots for photo opportunities.
But these are the rules in Lower Antelope Canyon:
- No tripods
- No selfie sticks
- No GoPros
Photography in Upper Antelope Canyon
Unlike Lower Antelope Canyon, you’re free to record video in Upper Antelope Canyon.
Special photography tours used to be offered in Upper Antelope Canyon, but have been cancelled.
The tour operators decided: professional photographers (with their larger cameras, tripods, and equipment) were slowing down the flow of foot traffic through the canyon.
Many professional photographers used to bring tripods for shots with longer shutter speeds, to allow more light into their photos in the darker canyon.
Tripods and extra equipment are now banned. Still, you’ll be able to capture stunning images:
Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon: Difficulty
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Canyon has a level ground surface for most of the hike, with fewer stairs or ladders to navigate.
The path is relatively flat and sandy, making it more accessible to a wider range of visitors.
The hike may involve walking on sand, and there might be sections where you need to step over or around small obstacles, but the level of difficulty is very low.
You’ll likely see seniors with canes on the way.
Lower Antelope Canyon
The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon involves navigating through narrow passageways and descending and ascending ladders and stairs. It’s not an overly strenuous hike, but it’s slightly more difficult than the Upper Canyon just due to the ladders.
The Lower Canyon is accessible for most people, but not for those with mobility issues who wouldn’t be able to climb the ladder down into the canyon.
Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon: For Kids
I think kids will love either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Kids of all ages are allowed to explore the slot canyons, but parents should choose their adventure wisely.
If I had to choose, I’d say Upper Antelope Canyon makes the most sense for babies and toddlers just because it’s flat and easier to walk through.
Frankly, I would opt out of bringing young children altogether, but each parent can decide on their own using these factors:
Is Upper Antelope Canyon Good for Kids?
Toddlers and even babies are allowed in Upper Antelope Canyon, but it might be too much of a hassle for many parents.
Only a couple of the five tour companies allow toddlers, so you’ll need to book with one of these Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies:
Remember: the Upper Canyon tours begin in Page, and requires a ride out of town in a truck to the canyon.
For parents bringing babies or toddlers to Antelope Canyon:
- Make sure you’re comfortable with your baby or toddler riding in an open-air 4×4 truck for 20 minutes on the highway to the canyon entrance.
- You’ll have to bring your own car seat for the ride.
- Strollers aren’t allowed inside the canyon, so be prepared to carry your child if he or she doesn’t want to walk.
- There are no ladders to climb in Upper Antelope Canyon, so it’s all very walkable.
Navajo Tours does not offer a discount for children, while Antelope Canyon Tours usually charges $10 less for a baby or child up to the age of seven.
Is Lower Antelope Canyon Good for Kids?
Lower Antelope Canyon’s adventure starts right from the parking lot, so there’s no open-air Jeep-style ride out of town.
In that sense, it may seem like bringing a baby or toddler to Lower Antelope would be wiser.
Remember, though: Lower Antelope Canyon is full of ladders and steps, and narrow, single-file walkways inside the canyon.
You can bring a baby carrier. Really, you’d have to. Still, make sure to check the rules when you book as they’re subject to change.
Babies and toddlers up to 3 year-olds are free in Lower Antelope.
Ages 4-to-12 are $30 each.
Both tour companies allow babies and toddlers.
Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon: For Seniors
As always, it depends on how comfortable you are with physical challenges.
In general, Upper Antelope Canyon is much easier for seniors.
Lower Antelope has Physical Challenges
Lower Antelope Canyon is a challenge to climb and walk through. Right from the start, you walk down an uneven, natural stone pathway to the canyon entrance.
To get inside the canyon, you’ll have to climb down a steep flight of steps. This is really the most challenging part of the whole visit:
Later on your walk through Lower Antelope Canyon, you’ll have to climb up other narrow sets of steps and makeshift ladders.
Upper Antelope Canyon is Much More Accessible
I saw several seniors walking through Upper Antelope Canyon with canes just fine. It’s a mostly flat, hard, even surface, with some sandy spots here and there.
Granted, on a wet, muddy day the walk will be more difficult.
This is what the entrance looks like. Rather than climbing down into the slot canyon, you walk right in:
Is Antelope Canyon Wheelchair Accessible?
Generally, Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair accessible.
Lower Antelope Canyon would be impossible, right from the start, due to the steep decline into the canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon on some days seems like a wheelchair would easily maneuver through. However, the landscape, sand, and mud change with the storms.
The sand alone would make it almost impossible to move easily. Plus the new walkway and stair system you use to leave the canyon is not wheelchair-friendly.
The Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon
For someone like me, anytime is fine, because even in the darker winter months the canyons will glow beautifully.
If you’re going for photography, you’ll want to secure prime midday tours in the summer for the best light.
The famous beams of light shine through in Upper Antelope Canyon, during the summer months, between 11:00am and 1:30pm. Even during that timeframe, the beam timing fluctuates. It might be worth calling ahead to confirm the best time of day for you to visit *IF* the beams are what you’re after.
We arrived a couple of weeks too late for “prime beam” photography. The sun shifted by late August, so the bright light didn’t appear dead-center in the path. Still, this is a really cool shot:
Of course, a cloudy day or passing monsoon storm could ruin the whole thing, but you can’t plan for the weather.
You’ll avoid the heat (and the crowds) in the winter. In January and February, the guides say the tours are far less crowded.
The folks at Ken’s Tours say the last three weeks of December are their least busy.
As for how far in advance to book a tour, we were able to grab the last few spots on tours in August. We got lucky, booking two weeks ahead of our visit.
I’d book several weeks in advance, or even months in advance, if you can.
You’ll find: more international tourists come to see Antelope Canyon than Americans. Our tours were full of people from Asia and Europe, along with a few of us from the USA. It’s amazing to see how well-known Antelope Canyon is elsewhere in the world!
Lower Antelope Canyon: Ken’s or Dixie’s Tour?
Little known fact: Ken and Dixie are siblings!
The two companies offering tours of Lower Antelope Canyon are almost exactly the same. They leave from adjacent parking lots on the same road, right next to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon.
This is great news, because you can search the schedules on both of their websites for the date and time that works best for you.
Flash Floods and Deaths in Antelope Canyon
Flash flooding impacts the entire canyon system, but the guides and tour companies do a great job of watching the weather, and canceling tours if there’s any kind of danger.
Tours get canceled pretty frequently during monsoon season. Walking through, you’ll see debris from past storms and floods. Parts of the canyon close periodically for cleaning (though the closures are planned in advance and shouldn’t impact your visit).
Standing inside the canyon on a dry day, it seems impossible that water can actually fill the entire canyon. Still, each year Antelope Canyon closes several times over the risk of flash flooding.
Runoff from the rain, often during the summer monsoon season, pours over the ledges, which become waterfalls.
On one of our visits, a storm in the distance forced the cancellation of our tour, minutes before departure.
Deaths at Antelope Canyon
The most infamous and deadly incident (in recent history) happened in 1997, triggered by a downpour 15 miles away! A guide survived, but 11 people on the tour died in the flash flood.
The victims included two people from the United States, and several others from France, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland.
You can read the New York Times account here.
Again, flash floods are somewhat common, but the tour companies have prevented deaths in recent years at Antelope Canyon.
People have died in other slot canyons in Arizona and Utah much more recently, including a woman who died while hiking with her family in Labyrinth Canyon near Lake Powell’s Padre Bay in 2021.
Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon
The city of Page is a great place to visit in Northern Arizona.
Page has a number of hotels and rental options. You can use this interactive map to search around to see what’s available for the dates you’re considering:
I usually stay at the Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell for several reasons:
- They brew coffee, made-to-order, starting very early in the morning from the coffee bar in the lobby.
- The hotel restaurant, the Prickly Pear, has a late-night kitchen which stays open until 10:00pm. Several times after sunset hikes, we’ll arrive back dirty just in time to sit down for a great burger or something from the menu. May I recommend the Prickly Pear Quinoa Salad with Chicken?
- I LOVE a hotel with a free breakfast! They serve a buffet from 7-10am, with great coffee (in “to go” cups with lids, which makes early morning hikes much easier!)
- The rooms are large, with a couch/work area which is great for relaxing (or our work setup).
The main reason is the friendliness of the staff. I’ve seen them patiently deal with a variety of rude, demanding guests time after time. They’re always professional and kind.
What Else is There to do Near Antelope Canyon?
The list is endless! I love visits to this part of the desert southwest.
I have an entire blog with 30 things to do in Page, AZ.
The friendly staff at The Page – Lake Powell Hub are always available to help you find other things to do, or give advice on your planned itinerary.
Horseshoe Bend is right outside of Page, and costs $10 per car. It’s best seen at sunrise or sunset, or on a cloudy day (for photos):
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon in One Day
This video is full of advice on what you can expect at Horseshoe Bend, from parking to the hike to the view:
Also close to Page, you’ll find Skylight Arch and Stud Horse Point. You’ll at least need a higher-profile vehicle (though not a 4×4) to navigate the bumpy roads there.
If you have a higher profile 4×4, and the weather’s good, my favorite spot in the region is White Pocket.
It’s a lengthy drive down dirt and sandy roads on BLM land, so a bit challenging to get to.
➡️ Book a Tour to White Pocket
The landscape is unlike anything I’ve ever seen:
While The Wave is a dream destination near Page for a lot of people, it’s very difficult to get a permit to hike there. Crowds are severely limited by the Bureau of Land Management.
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: How to Win a Permit to The Wave
🌎 Jared’s Detours Blog: Alternatives to The Wave
Another slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch, is close. No tours or guides are needed to explore Buckskin. I’ve seen people drive cars there, but you’ll be more comfortable in a higher-profile SUV or truck.
➡️ Book a Buckskin Gulch Tour (from Kanab)
Alstrom Point is on the northern edge of part of Lake Powell. It offers beautiful views at sunrise and sunset, even as the water levels in the lake dwindle. The drive is lengthy and bumpy, and I’d definitely suggest a 4×4 to get to Alstrom:
FAQs: Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Let’s tackle a few more frequently-asked-questions about the differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Most of these have already been answered above.
Can you do Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day?
Yes, in fact, it’s what I’d recommend.
When you book, give yourself ample time to get from one site to another, and keep in mind: the Upper tours can run a bit longer than expected due to the drive. So make sure there’s a buffer of at least an hour (probably more) between the time one tour ends and the second tour begins.
Since doubling up could get pricey, another option is to do part of Antelope Canyon during the day, and then head to Horseshoe Bend for sunset.
Is Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon easier?
They’re both manageable for most people. Just remember: Lower Antelope Canyon requires an initial descent down a relatively steep ladder/staircase. People who don’t like heights or ladders should opt for Upper Antelope.
Where is Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is near the town of Page, Arizona, up near the Utah border.
Is Antelope Canyon Dog-Friendly?
Dogs aren’t allowed on the tours of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.
If you’re really committed, you can bring dogs on the kayak tours of Lake Powell, which include a stop in part of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Plus, nearby Horseshoe Bend is very dog-friendly!
How was Antelope Canyon formed?
Over thousands of years, flash floods, wind, and water erosion gradually carved and sculpted the sandstone into its current unique formations we can now hike through at Antelope Canyon.
The canyon walls are primarily made of Navajo sandstone, which is a relatively soft and porous rock. When heavy rains occur, the water rushes through the narrow passageways with tremendous force, carrying sand, rocks, and debris. This rushing water wears away the sandstone walls, carving the canyons, and forming the smooth, flowing shapes on the rock walls.
What’s the best time to visit Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is open most of the year, though it’ll close at times to allow the staff to clean debris. The closure dates are planned in advance (unless triggered by a storm and flash flood).
Any time of year works for a visit. Just be prepared for the heat in the summer, and possible snow in the winter!
When is the least busy or crowded time to visit Antelope Canyon?
Winter brings the smallest crowds to Antelope Canyon.
The guides say tours in January and February are far less crowded.
The last three weeks of December are the least busy at Ken’s Tours (Lower Antelope).
How do you see the beams of light in Antelope Canyon?
The famous beams of light shine through in Upper Antelope Canyon, during the summer months, between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
Even during that timeframe, the beam timing fluctuates. It might be worth calling ahead to confirm the best time of day for you to visit *IF* the beams are what you’re after.
What are Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon?
The family operating this part of Antelope Canyon offers unique tours.
Antelope X has smaller groups, plus a special photography tour.
Cardiac Canyon opens to only 6 people per day, and they get to spend 6 hours or more exploring a section of the canyon.
You can also take a kayak tour from Lake Powell that brings you into Antelope Canyon.
Wrap: Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Here are the top differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, which should help you choose which to visit:
Accessibility and Physical Demands:
- Upper Antelope Canyon is generally more accessible for people of various fitness levels and mobility conditions. It has a mostly flat sandy surface, requiring minimal physical effort.
- In contrast, Lower Antelope Canyon involves navigating through narrow passageways, climbing ladders, and a bit more agility.
Light Beams and Canyon Features:
- The famous light beams occur at certain times of the year in Upper Antelope Canyon. In general, it’s darker and moodier due to its narrow, A-shaped formation.
- The famous bright orange sandstone walls you see in most photos are in Lower Antelope, due to its V-shaped formation which allows more light inside.
Both canyons offer incredible, natural beauty and will be a highlight to your visit to the Desert Southwest. As I said off the top: an ideal trip for me would be to visit them both in the same day!
