Everything you need to know about Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams that shine down through the narrow openings, especially around midday. This canyon is easy to navigate, with its flat floor making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The tall sandstone walls create a dramatic play of shadows and colors, making it the most photographed section of Antelope Canyon. It’s the most popular out of the three canyons, so if you want to take this tour, you should book at least a few weeks in advance to get the slot of your choice.

Lower Antelope Canyon gives you a more adventurous experience with its winding paths, steeper descents, and narrower slots. Visitors need to navigate a series of stairs and ladders to be able to explore the canyon, but the effort is easily worth it. The walls of Lower Antelope Canyon are more intricately shaped and textured as compared to the upper section. It also tends to be less crowded because it requires more dexterity and a higher fitness level so it’s less accessible. Its dynamic angles make it a favorite among photographers looking for less conventional shots.

Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known part of the canyons, offers a quieter and more relaxed experience. It’s named after the X-shaped patterns formed by intersecting rock layers, which are just as striking. Canyon X has wider paths and fewer stairs to navigate when compared to Lower Canyon. Because it sees fewer visitors, it provides a more peaceful way to enjoy the canyon’s beauty, making it perfect for those who want to take in the views without the hustle of larger crowds.