Things to know before booking your Antelope Canyon tour

• Access: Antelope Canyon & all its sections can only be accessed via booking a guided tour. Self-exploration is strictly prohibited. You can visit Antelope Canyon on a guided tour with a local Navajo guide present.
  
• Certified tour operators: Only Navajo-certified tour operators can take guided tours of Antelope Canyon. All tours listed are with certified operators & expert Navajo guides.
  
• Which slot canyon section to choose: Each canyon section offers its own unique experience & adventure, but factors like terrain & fitness level required to navigate the pathways vary. You can find a more concise overview of your Antelope Canyon tour options below .
  
• If you want to explore beyond Antelope Canyon: For those who are looking for a longer tour with other options for sightseeing, you can opt for the following experiences: 
  
  • A guided kayaking tour from Lake Powell, Page, leading you into the slot canyons via water. 
    
  • Add a stop at Horseshoe Bend to your itinerary. The Secret Antelope Canyon tour gives you private access to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, and all Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas stop at Horseshoe Bend as well. 
    
• Flash floods & severe weather: Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, or any threat of flash floods can lead to the cancellation of your tour.
  
  • When: The highest chances of this taking place are typically from June to September.
    
  • Why: Flash floods are extremely dangerous & water buildup from heavy rainfall poses a huge safety risk for anyone in the canyons.
    
  • How: Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon made with narrow passageways. Heavy rainfall leading to flash floods is the primary reason for its shape and structure. The water buildup from rain happens very quickly, and even if there is a storm upstream, there is a risk that water will flow into the slot canyons & flood the region. 
    
• Accessibility & health concerns: 
  
  • Antelope Canyon tours are not wheelchair accessible. 
    
  • They’re not recommended for people who have any respiratory, heart-related, or mobility issues. 
    
  • Pregnant people are also advised not to participate in the tours since they are on uneven terrain and require a lot of walking & navigating.
    
  • Those over 60 years of age are not recommended to go on Antelope Canyon tours during the summer months (April to August) due to the rising heat.
    
• Tours from Las Vegas: You can opt for a guided full-day trip from Las Vegas that includes round-trip transportation, lunch, a guided tour of Antelope Canyon (Upper , Lower , or Antelope Canyon X ), and a stop at Horseshoe Bend. This option gives you the flexibility to choose the canyon section you want to visit and a comfortable, hassle-free journey, with admission & transportation all taken care of.
  
• Stargazing tour: Ligai Si Anii Canyon offers a guided 2-hour tour in the evenings, where you can travel into the canyon section & see clear views of the Milky Way lighting up the night sky from above. 
  
• Aerial tours: 
  
  • Helicopter: You can also opt for a 12-minute helicopter tour that covers the Antelope Canyon region, with sights that include the Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River, and more.
    
  • Airplane: The airplane & ground tour is an 11-12 hour journey that starts from Boulder City Airport, Nevada, and you take the airplane sightseeing tour till Antelope Canyon, followed by a guided tour of the slot canyons. Round-trip transport & hotel pick-up is included.

Antelope Canyon map

Here’s a map with all the canyon sections for your Antelope Canyon tour, along with nearby attractions and information about tour providers.

​Find more information about the map here >

Visitor tips

• You must book your tours at least three to four weeks in advance since they fill up quickly due to limited slots.
  
• Antelope Canyon can get dusty, so make sure to cover up if you have dust allergies or carry antihistamines along.
  
• Be mindful of the fragile environment and don’t touch canyon walls or moving rocks.
  
• Wear closed-toe shoes like hiking boots for safety purposes. Avoid open-toed sandals and heels.
  
• All Antelope Canyon tours operate on the Arizona time zone, which does not observe daylight saving time differences. Keep the time difference in mind while planning your travel, especially if you are traveling from out of state.
  
• Listen to your Navajo guide providing valuable insights into the canyon’s geology, history, and its cultural significance to the Navajo people.
  
• In case you need help understanding which tour is best for you, you can refer to this detailed comparison guide of all your Antelope Canyon tour options.

​All you need to know to plan your Antelope Canyon visit >