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When to visit Antelope Canyon | Opening hours & best time to visit

Antelope Canyon hours

Each canyon has specific hours for tours and different frequencies when it comes to the number of tours that take place in a day. Here's an overview of the tour timings for the sections within Antelope Canyon to help you plan your itinerary.

Visitor exploring the narrow sandstone walls of Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
  • Tours start at: 7:30am
  • Last tour starts at: 4pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run multiple times a day, and their frequency varies depending on the tour operator. The start times are usually 90 minutes or 2 hours apart.
  • Tour duration: 90 minutes
Upper Antelope Canyon tours
Lower Antelope Canyon's sandstone formations with sunlight beams, part of Las Vegas tour.
  • Tours start at: 7:15am
  • Last tour starts at: 5pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run multiple times a day, and their frequency varies depending on the tour operator. Some tours start every 30 minutes, while some tour operators have start times every hour or 2 hours apart.
  • Tour duration: 90 minutes
Lower Antelope Canyon tours
Visitor exploring the narrow sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon X, Arizona.
  • Tours start at: 9am
  • Last tour starts at: 3:30pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run multiple times a day, starting every 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Tour duration: 90 minutes
Antelope Canyon X tours
Group exploring Antelope Valley Canyon's sandstone formations on Ligai Si Anii Tour.
  • Tours start at: 8am (The stargazing tour takes place once a day at 8pm)
  • Last tour starts at: 4pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run multiple times a day, starting every hour for the daytime tour.
  • Tour duration: 2 hours (for day tours & the stargazing night tour)
Ligai Si Anii Canyon tours
Lower Antelope Canyon's narrow sandstone passage with smooth, curved walls.
  • Tours start at: 7:30am
  • Last tour starts at: 12:30pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run three times a day, starting every 2 and a half hours.
  • Tour duration: 2 hours 
Mystical Antelope Canyon tours
Light rays streaming through Upper Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona.
  • Tours start at: 8am
  • Last tour starts at: 1pm
  • Tour frequency: Tours run daily, once every hour, weather permitting.
  • Tour duration: 3 hours
Secret Antelope Canyon tours
Kayaker paddling through narrow canyon walls on Lake Powell, Arizona.
  • Tours start at: 8:30am
  • Last tour starts at: 11am
  • Tour frequency: Tours take place twice a day in the mornings.
  • Tour duration: 3.5 hours
Water Antelope Canyon tours
Tourist overlooking Horseshoe Bend during Lower Antelope Canyon day tour from Las Vegas.
  • Tours start at: 5:30am (bus tour) & 6:30am (airplane tour)
  • Tour frequency: Tours run daily, once a day.
  • Tour duration: 10-13 hours
Tours from Las Vegas
Helicopter cockpit view of the Grand Canyon with winding river below.
  • Tours start at: 9:30am
  • Last tour starts at: 3pm
  • Tour frequency: The tour frequency varies based on number of participants, weather, and clarity for sightseeing.
  • Tour duration: 12 minutes (flight duration)
Helicopter tours

Best time to visit Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon and its sections are open all year round, with tours starting from 7am to 5pm. However, tours might be limited or halted for a few days in case of bad weather or flash floods.

Tourists climbing stairs in Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona, during a day tour from Las Vegas.

Weekday vs weekend

Antelope Canyon can get quite crowded on weekends, especially from 10am to 1pm, at Upper Canyon, because that’s when the light beams are on display at their brightest. If you want a more private tour, you should opt for weekdays and start with the Lower Canyon early in the morning, or opt for touring the less popular sections such as Antelope Canyon X, Mystical Antelope Canyon, Ligai Si Anii Canyon, or Secret Antelope Canyon.

Tourist with camera exploring Lower Antelope Canyon's narrow pathways in Arizona.

Peak season vs low season

The peak season at Antelope Canyon lasts from May to September. It’s quite hot during these months, with temperatures reaching 100°F or 37°C, so make sure you wear breathable clothing on your visit. Book your experience at least a few weeks in advance so that you can get your desired time slot. From March to early May and late September to the end of October, Antelope Canyon has fewer visitors. It’s not too hot and there are fewer crowds, so you can visit in a more relaxed environment.

How long to spend at Antelope Canyon

The amount of time you spend at Antelope Canyon depends on which section and the number of canyons you plan to visit.

Guided tours of Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Antelope Canyon X take 90 minutes. If you’re planning on visiting both Upper and Lower Canyons, plan to spend at least 4 to 5 hours on the trip, with time in between to rest and recuperate.

Ligai Si Anii Canyon and Mystical Antelope Canyon tours both last for 2 hours each, and with added time for parking and briefing, you can set aside 2 and a half hours if you want to visit either one of them. The Secret Antelope Canyon tour has an added stop at Horseshoe Bend after the canyon tour, which is why the duration is about 3 hours.

Plan for an additional 30 minutes to park, get acquainted with the tour guide, listen to the instructions, and prepare for your tour.

Keep in mind that your Secret Antelope Canyon tours & Upper Antelope Canyon tours start from Page, AZ, where the tour operator’s office is located. This is where you will return after your tour ends.

Overall, if you want to visit multiple canyons comfortably, you should plan on spending a minimum of 6-8 hours, so it’s recommended you start early.

Nearby landmarks like Horseshoe Bend, which is a 10 to 15-minute drive from Upper Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam, a 20-minute drive, are a great way to end your day of adventure. Take a walk through the trails or drive down to catch the sunset overlooking the Colorado River for a picture-perfect view.

​Learn more about traveling between the different sections of Antelope Canyon here >

Frequently asked questions about Antelope Canyon hours

Are the Antelope Canyon tours available on holidays?

​Antelope Canyon is open every day, but holidays usually have a higher number of visitors. So make sure you book your tour in advance so that you can get the date and time of your choosing.

What happens to my tour in case of bad weather?

Antelope Canyon tours can get canceled due to the chances of flash floods. This can occur during rainy months (July to September). If this happens, your tour provider will offer a full refund or allow you to reschedule.

What is the best time to visit Antelope Canyon for photography?

March to October are the best months to capture the iconic light beams at Upper Canyon, between 10am and 1pm. However, it’s also peak season, so expect crowds. The crowd reduces in fall and winter, and the Canyon’s colors are more vibrant during this time, so you get a shot at clicking great photos then too!

When is Antelope Canyon closed?

Antelope Canyon is only closed on rainy days  Exploring the passageways is dangerous then because it can lead to flash floods. On rare occasions, the Navajo people may have a blessing or cleansing ceremony at the Canyon, for which it will remain closed.

What time zone does Antelope Canyon operate on?

Antelope Canyon is in the Arizona time zone, which doesn’t practice daylight saving time. Arizona operates in the Mountain Time Zone (MST) year-round.

How early should I reach the tour operator’s office before my tour begins?

You should reach at least 30 minutes before the tour begins so that the guide can communicate all the safety instructions and information to you and you have ample time to get ready and prepare for the tour because Antelope Canyon has minimal facilities.

More reads

Couple exploring Upper Antelope Canyon's sandstone formations in Page, Arizona.

Plan your visit

Tourists exploring Antelope Canyon X's vibrant rock formations and Horseshoe Bend on a day tour from Las Vegas.

Directions

Antelope Canyon's ancient sandstone formations in Arizona.

Map

Antelope Canyon Tours
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