Capture stunning images of the famous slot canyons with specialized Antelope Canyon photography tours. Choose from dedicated boating excursions or upgraded hiking tours through quieter areas like Canyon X to get the perfect shot.
Free Cancellation Navigate narrow canyon passages on small, open-bow boats with local captains who share history and photography tips.
Explore the deep sandstone slots and light pillars of Antelope Canyon X, a secluded photography spot near Page, Arizona.
Explore the secluded sandstone corridors of Canyon X on a guided hike through two distinct slot canyons near Page.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Antelope Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A photography tour of Antelope Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the world-famous, wave-like sandstone corridors and dramatic light beams of the American Southwest. Whether you are exploring the iconic Upper Canyon, descending into the Lower Canyon, or discovering the quieter Canyon X, you will be accompanied by knowledgeable Navajo guides who know exactly how to help you get the perfect shot.
Witness the ethereal shafts of sunlight beaming down through the narrow canyon ceilings. These famous light beams are best captured during midday tours between April and October.
Navigate the tight, V-shaped sandstone bends of Lower Antelope or Canyon X. The swirling, striated patterns reveal beautiful layers of orange, gold, and violet.
Learn about the deep spiritual significance of the canyon from authorized Diné guides. They share traditional creation stories and explain the meaning of Mother Earth and Father Sky.
Photograph soaring, dramatic walls and unique geological shapes carved by millions of years of flash floods, including the famous 'Lady in Red' formation.
Explore the water-filled sections of the canyon via Lake Powell on a specialized open-bow boat. It provides an entirely different, wake-free perspective of the towering red rock walls.
Planning your Antelope Canyon experience requires a bit of foresight, as independent entry is illegal and tour slots sell out months in advance. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Independent exploration of Antelope Canyon is strictly prohibited because it sits on sacred Navajo Nation land. All visitors must book a guided tour with an authorized Navajo-led operator.
Standard sightseeing tours strictly ban tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks to keep crowds moving. If you want to use a tripod and take your time, you must book a dedicated photography upgrade, such as the Canyon X Photo Tour.
Because this is one of the most popular destinations in the Southwest, tour slots sell out incredibly fast. You should book your reservations online several months prior, especially if you want the highly coveted midday light beam slots.
A Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation permit fee is required per person, per location, per day. This fee (typically $15, though it can vary slightly by specific canyon section) is sometimes included in your tour price and sometimes collected separately at checkout or the gate.
Backpacks, purses, and large bags are completely banned on tours to prevent damage to the delicate sandstone walls. You are generally only allowed to bring a clear water bottle, your camera, and a medical bag if you have proof of need.
Page, Arizona operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Because the Utah border is so close, cell towers often display the wrong time; manually set your phone to Phoenix time so you don't miss your tour.
The slot canyons are highly prone to dangerous flash floods, particularly during the monsoon season from July to September. Tours will be canceled immediately if there is any risk, though otherwise, most operators have strict no-refund policies for customer cancellations.
| Standard Sightseeing Tour | Dedicated Photography Tour | Photo Boating Excursion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours | 2.5 to 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Best for | General visitors & smartphone photographers | Serious photographers needing extra time | Unique water perspectives & avoiding crowds |
| Tripod Policy | Strictly prohibited | Tripods and 1 camera bag allowed | Handheld only (on moving boat) |
| Price Estimate | $80 - $120 | $100 - $160+ | $199+ |
Antelope Canyon tours operate daily, year-round. Office hours for major operators are typically 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Arizona Time (MST).
Always arrive at the tour office 30 to 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure for check-in and safety briefings.
Antelope Canyon is located near the city of Page in northern Arizona. Because there is no direct public transportation to the canyons, driving yourself or booking a commercial bus tour is highly recommended.
The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to capture with your camera.
For Light Beams: The iconic light beams are highly seasonal. You must visit between April and October, booking a midday tour specifically between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the sun is highest in the sky.
For Fewer Crowds: The winter months (November to February) are much quieter. While you won't see the famous light shafts due to the lower sun angle, the ambient lighting still highlights beautiful purples and blues in the sandstone.
Weather Warnings: Be cautious booking during the monsoon season from July to September, as sudden thunderstorms can lead to flash floods and immediate tour cancellations.
Due to the natural terrain, Antelope Canyon has severe accessibility limitations.
Facilities at Antelope Canyon are very basic, as it is a protected natural site on the Navajo Nation.
Because Antelope Canyon is a sacred site to the Navajo (Diné) people, strict rules are enforced to protect the environment and respect the culture.
No, independent exploration is strictly prohibited because the canyon is located on sacred Navajo Nation land. All visitors must book a guided tour with an authorized Navajo-led operator.
Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are banned on all standard sightseeing tours to keep groups moving. If you want to use a tripod, you must book a dedicated photography tour, such as the Antelope Canyon X photo tour.
Page operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Because the Utah border is nearby, cell phone towers often display the wrong time, so you should manually set your phone to Phoenix time.
Upper Antelope Canyon is an above-ground, A-shaped canyon with flat walking paths, famous for its midday light beams. Lower Antelope Canyon is a below-ground, V-shaped canyon that requires climbing down five flights of steep metal stairs.
No, backpacks, purses, and large bags are strictly prohibited on standard tours to prevent damage to the narrow canyon walls. You can usually only bring your camera and a clear water bottle, though medical bags are allowed with proof of need.
The iconic light beams are best viewed during peak hours between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. These beams are seasonal and typically only visible from April through October when the sun is highest in the sky.
This depends on the operator. A Navajo Parks & Recreation fee (typically $15 per person, per day) is required, but some tours include it in their final price while others collect it separately during booking or at the gate.
Tours will be immediately canceled if there is any risk of flash flooding, which is especially common during the monsoon season from July to September. Safety systems and sirens are installed inside the canyons for emergencies.
Yes, but Upper Antelope Canyon is highly recommended over Lower Antelope for young kids due to its flatter paths. Note that parents must bring their own car seats for the transport trucks, and specialized infant seats are sometimes available depending on the operator.
Visitors are required to wear closed-toe, sturdy, comfortable shoes like sneakers or hiking boots. Sandals and flip-flops are strongly discouraged because you will be walking on deep sand, uneven rocks, and climbing metal ladders.
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We use small, open-bow boats specifically designed to reach the narrowest sections of the canyon that larger vessels cannot access. By limiting the number of passengers on each trip, we ensure everyone has a comfortable seat and an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. Our U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains bring a personal perspective to every tour, sharing their knowledge of the area’s history, geography, and local culture. They are also happy to help with photography, pointing out the best lighting and helping you frame the perfect shot of the canyon walls.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Antelope Canyon X is located just southeast of Lower Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. It takes its name from the distinct "X" shapes carved into the Navajo Sandstone by centuries of flood erosion and wind. While it shares the same geological origins as its more famous neighbors, this section is a newer tour option that attracts fewer crowds, offering a quieter environment for visitors. The canyon combines the physical characteristics of both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. You will find the vertical light pillars common in the Upper canyon alongside the steep, narrow sections typical of the Lower canyon. Because Canyon X is deeper than the other two sections, it provides unique shadows and angles that make it a particularly effective location for photography.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
Located just outside Page, Arizona, Canyon X serves as a quieter alternative to the more crowded slot canyons in the area. Your tour begins with a short drive to the canyon entrance, where you will join a local Native guide for a hike through the sandstone. The first portion of the walk covers 100 meters, leading you into a narrow, winding gorge shaped by centuries of natural erosion. Continuing another 200 meters with your guide, you will reach the second section of the canyon. This area features the signature 'X' formation, carved into the Navajo sandstone by millions of years of wind and floodwater. The play of light and shadow throughout the day makes this a popular spot for photography, and visitors are encouraged to take as many photos as they like while exploring both sections of the gorge.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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