Best time to visit

Spring to early summer (March to early May) and fall season (late September towards the end of October) are ideally the best times of the year for you to make your trip to Antelope Canyon. The weather is great, and it’s not too crowded, so you get to experience the magic of the Canyon and travel in a more relaxed environment.

The iconic light beams filtering through the canyon walls are most visible during spring to summer (mid-March to October), between 10am and 1:30pm, due to the sun’s positioning. And if you visit in the fall, you can catch the Canyon changing its hues throughout the day!

The peak season for Antelope Canyon is definitely during the summer (May to September). These months have the highest number of visitors, so make sure you book your experience at least a few weeks in advance to get your desired time slot. The temperatures can reach 100°F or 37°C during this time, so if you want comparatively fewer crowds on your tour, then you should book it for a weekday, for an early morning slot. Winter months are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 56°F or 13°C to 43°F or 6°C, making it a preferred time to visit as well.

Where is Antelope Canyon located

Antelope Canyon is located in the American Southwest, on Navajo land, east of Lechee, in Arizona. Each section of the canyon has its own starting point for your guided tours. You can find more information on them below.

Upper Antelope Canyon: Antelope Canyon Tours, Page, AZ | Find on Maps
Lower Antelope Canyon: Ken’s Tours | Find on Maps
Antelope Canyon X: Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours | Find on Maps
Ligai Si Anii Canyon: Antelope Valley Canyon Tours- Ligai Si' Anii | Find on Maps
Mystical Antelope Canyon: Arrowhead Campground | Find on Maps
Secret Antelope Canyon: Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, Page, AZ | Find on Maps
Water Antelope Canyon: Antelope Point Launch Ramp | Find on Maps
Tours from Las Vegas: Treasure Island Resort and Casino | Find on Maps
Helicopter tour: Page Municipal Airport | Find on Maps
Airplane tour from Las Vegas: Boulder City Municipal Airport | Find on Maps

Please note that the starting point may vary for your guided tour of Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon, depending on the tour operator.

More about directions to Antelope Canyon >

How to get to Antelope Canyon

The best way to get to Antelope Canyon is by car. It’s easily accessible from Page, Arizona, and nearby cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix. You can find ample parking at all the tour operators’ offices. Please note that public transport is not available to get to the canyons; however, you can catch a flight to Page Municipal Airport, take a taxi, or opt for tours with transport options from Las Vegas.

Know before you go

Parking: There is designated Antelope Canyon parking available at all tour operator offices.
Assistance: Handrails for staircases over 8 feet in the Lower Canyon.
First aid: There is no first aid area, but all tour guides are CPR-certified and have first aid supplies with them.
Restrooms: Restrooms are only available at the tour office, not within the canyons, so be mindful while you are on tour.

Note: In case of flash floods, rope nets and metal ladders are installed in the Antelope Canyon sections, and a siren will go off in case of a flash flood or other natural emergencies.

Mobility: Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Terrain & difficulty: The terrain & fitness level required for each canyon section are different:
- Easy: Upper Antelope Canyon, Ligai Si Anii Canyon, Antelope Canyon X, Mystical Antelope Canyon
- Moderate: Secret Antelope Canyon, kayaking at Water Antelope Canyon
- Difficult: Lower Antelope Canyon
Pregnant women: Pregnant women are not allowed on the Canyon tour due to health risks.
Strenuous activity: It’s a physically demanding experience, so if you have any major health concerns, then it’s not advisable for you to participate in the tour. Lower Canyon has a lot of stairs and climbing involved, so it’s not suitable for those with children or minor health conditions.
Service animals and pets: No pets or service animals are allowed in the Canyon.

Upper Canyon is less physically demanding and is usually preferred by families with younger children and older people.
Lower Antelope Canyon offers a more adventurous experience with stairs and narrow passageways, and is suitable for active families with older children.
Antelope Canyon X is ideal for families and individuals who want a bit of adventure and a bit of peace on their tour. It gives you the chance to soak in the sights and listen to the guide without getting lost in the crowds.
Ligai Si Anii Canyon & Mystical Antelope Canyon are relatively easy and accessible, ideal for small groups & families who want a more intimate experience.
Secret Antelope Canyon offers a blend of adventure & peace, and the tour has an additional stop at Horseshoe Bend with private access to the overlook, for those who want the ultimate small-group & intimate experience.
You can also opt for aerial or kayaking tours for an exciting family adventure with a twist. With your airplane or helicopter tour, you can see the sights and landmarks around Antelope Canyon, like the Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend, and more.

Tripods, selfie sticks, videography, and flash photography are not allowed in any of the canyons.
You cannot explore the canyons without a Navajo guide present.
You cannot touch the Antelope Canyon walls during your visit.
Large backpacks and luggage are not allowed on the tour.
You need to get prior permission from the Navajo Parks team before using any pictures you may have clicked at Antelope Canyon for commercial purposes.
Food and large water bottles are not allowed in the Canyon.
Arrive at your tour operator’s office at least 30 minutes before your tour is scheduled to start.
Remember to be mindful and respectful of the Navajo traditions and practices while you visit.

There are no dining spots at Antelope Canyon, but the surrounding localities have a variety of popular restaurants that you can visit for a fulfilling meal after you finish your adventure.

Big John’s Texas BBQ: Big John’s has great music, Texas-style BBQ meats and gluten-free options. | Find on Maps
Fiesta Mexicana: If you love Mexican flavors, then this is your spot. Comes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu. | Find on Maps
Slackers: Families who want a great kids’ menu served with delicious hamburgers, or those who want to grab a drink with some bar snacks after their tour should visit this laid-back spot. | Find on Maps

Restaurants near Antelope Canyon

Budget stays:

Mid-range hotels:

Luxury properties:

Hotels near Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend: A horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, a short drive from Antelope Canyon, is the perfect place to catch the sunset and recharge.
Lake Powell: A massive reservoir with kayaking tours of Antelope Canyon. You can also choose to unwind after spending the day at Antelope Canyon.
Grand Canyon: A 3-hour drive from Page, Arizona, lies the Grand Canyon, a canyon and river valley that is 277 miles (446 km) long and has multiple sights within itself, such as the Grand Canyon West Rim and Grand Canyon National Park.

Visitor tips

Tours can sell out quickly, especially during summer, so book your spots early, especially to the Upper Canyon.
The canyons can be hot in summer, so wear light, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes.
It can get quite dusty on the tour, so make sure you carry a mask with you.
It can get quite hot, and even in the winter the weather is still arid, so carry a small reusable water bottle.
Avoid touching the walls of the canyon to preserve its natural beauty.
There may be limited or no cell service once you’re inside the canyons, so prepare accordingly.
There is a lot of climbing involved, especially if you're taking the Lower Antelope Canyon tour, so be ready.
Restrooms are only available at the tour guide's office and not the Canyon, so make sure you make use of it before you begin your journey.
Keep some cash with you to tip the guide once you finish your tour as a sign of good faith and courtesy.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Antelope Canyon

What’s the ideal amount of time to spend at Antelope Canyon?

Most visitors spend about 3-4 hours if they plan to explore both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. For a single section, 1.5-2 hours should be enough. Keep some buffer time for parking and safety briefings.

Is there a particular route recommended for first-time visitors to the Antelope Canyon?

For a balanced experience, start with Upper Antelope Canyon for its iconic light beams and easier terrain, followed by the more adventurous Lower Antelope Canyon. This way you get a blend of scenic beauty and exploration.

What’s the best way to get to the Canyon?

Driving is the easiest option, especially from nearby cities like Page or even Las Vegas because public transportation services to and from Page are very limited.

What facilities are available for visitors at the canyon?

While parking is available at Upper, Lower, and Antelope Canyon X entrances, there are no facilities within the canyons. Restrooms and basic amenities are located near the tour offices.

Are there child-friendly or family-focused tours?

Yes, the Upper Antelope Canyon is perfect for families with younger children due to its flat and accessible paths.

What safety precautions should I keep in mind?

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and follow your guide’s instructions at all times. Sudden weather changes may occur, so it’s wise to check the forecast the night before your visit.

Is photography allowed during tours?

Yes, but keep in mind that tripods, selfie sticks, flash photography, and videography are not allowed.

How physically challenging is the tour?

The Upper Canyon is relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels. The Lower Canyon involves climbing stairs and navigating narrow spaces, requiring moderate physical ability. Antelope Canyon X is moderately challenging, somewhere in between Lower and Upper Canyons in terms of difficulty.

How is Antelope Canyon X different from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon X is less popular than Upper and Lower Canyon so you can get a quieter and less crowded experience on your visit. It's also known for the unique intersections it forms in the shape of "X", "A", and "V".

What’s the best season to visit Antelope Canyon for photography?

Spring and summer are the best times to capture the iconic light beams. However, the Canyon’s colors are more vibrant during fall and winter, which also makes for great photos.

What should I bring for my tour?

Pack light, with essentials like a small water bottle, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a mask.