Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo land near Page, Arizona: flash floods have carved the sandstone into flowing walls of orange, purple and gold, only a few feet apart. It can only be visited on a guided tour run by Navajo-owned companies — and the best slots sell out weeks in advance.
Things to do in Antelope
Upper Antelope Canyon
A wide, flat, ground-level slot where shafts of sunlight hit the sandy floor between about 11 am and 1 pm in summer. The most famous and most crowded; tours are short and tightly timed.
See tours and tickets partner link2Lower Antelope Canyon
A narrower, deeper V-shaped slot entered by steel staircases; you walk out through a crack in the ground. More varied shapes, more natural light throughout the day.
See tours and tickets partner link3Canyon X & other slots
Quieter slot canyons nearby, also Navajo-guided, often with smaller groups and photo-focused tours.
See tours and tickets partner linkLake Powell
The vast reservoir next to Page: boat tours to Antelope Canyon from the water side, kayaking, and Rainbow Bridge by boat.
See tours and tickets partner link
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
| Upper | Lower | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Flat, at ground level, reached by 4×4 truck | Stairs and ladders down into the slot |
| Highlight | Light beams at midday in summer | Flowing shapes, light all day |
| Crowds | Very busy | Busy but less packed |
| Good for | Limited mobility, the classic photos | A more adventurous walk |
| Price | Higher, especially midday | Lower |
- No bags or backpacks on most tours; small clear water bottles and phones are allowed.
- Tripods are banned on standard tours.
- Tours are cancelled when rain threatens: flash floods are deadly in slot canyons.
Where to stay in Antelope
Page is a small town built for the dam; it has hotels for every budget and is the base for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
Our 2 hotel picks in Antelope
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$Amangiri
Canyon Point, Utah, 25 minutes from Page
Stone suites in the Utah desert, full board, a 25,000-square-foot spa and Page 25 minutes away.
Mid-range$$$$Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
Page, on the north side of town
A modern Page hotel off US-89 with free breakfast, an indoor pool and a view of Glen Canyon Dam.
Page
$$$$Best for: everyone
Chain hotels and motels on Lake Powell Boulevard, 10 minutes from the canyons.
Hotels in Page partner linkLake Powell resorts
$$$$Best for: water views
Lakeside resorts at Wahweap Marina and luxury desert camps.
Hotels in Lake Powell resorts partner linkKanab, Utah
$$$$Best for: Zion & Bryce next
An hour west, on the road to Zion.
Hotels in Kanab, Utah partner linkWeather in Antelope by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Antelope: your questions
Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
No. Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land and can only be entered with an authorized Navajo tour operator.
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon: which is better?
Upper for the famous light beams and easy walking; Lower for a more adventurous visit, fewer crowds and a lower price.
When can you see the light beams?
In Upper Antelope Canyon, roughly from late March to early October, around midday.
How far in advance should I book Antelope Canyon?
Two to six weeks in spring and summer for midday slots; a few days can suffice in winter.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.