Antelope Canyon is a gem! Northern Arizona is home to a good bit of breathtaking places, but I feel like Antelope Canyon is especially wild. The colors of the canyons could never disappoint! I have visited twice now and feel I’ve picked up a few important pointers from experience. If you’re visiting the area and would like some other activity ideas, head to this post about spending 24 Hours in Page, AZ. 

• The whole area is in Navajo Nation, and you must visit either Antelope with a guide.
• There is an $8 per person Navajo fee on top of any tour prices that must be paid in cash.
• If there is any tiny sign of rain, you will be shuffled out! The limestones slot canyons were all formed by flash floods; it can go from zero to sixty real quick down there.

Upper vs. Lower

Upper Antelope Canyon is above ground, and Lower Antelope Canyon is underground slot canyons. There are four guide companies that operate Upper Antelope Canyon, and two operate Lower Antelope. This also means there is generally more people visiting Upper Antelope. However, both are heavily trafficked – don’t expect to be alone at either canyon, regardless of the time of day or season. Both Antelopes are about a mile long, and very relaxed walks. The only strenuous activity would perhaps be climbing down a few sets of steep stairs to get down into Lower Antelope.

Scheduling

Hours change depending on the season! Generally both Antelope Canyons are open ~9 AM – 3 PM, but check with a tour company to see if there are any earlier options during your visit.  I would recommend either canyon as early in the morning as you can manage. The light is beautiful and there are less tourists in the morning! Summertime is monsoon season in the Southwest, and also flash flood season. Again, any drop of rain will have you shuffled out asap! It’s a big safety concern. For the most part, reservations aren’t necessary, but if you’re so inclined they can be made online. Tours are led out every twenty minutes or so; if the canyons are full upon arrival, the wait for the next tour is speedy. I would estimate the whole tour to take ~45-60 minutes.

Cost

Generally, Upper Antelope is more expensive than Lower Antelope. Costs vary between tour companies. Tour costs also vary between seasons. I visited Lower Antelope with the same company, Ken’s Tours, twice: in November for $33, and then again in mid-March for $50.