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Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon Tours

4.4 (4 990 reviews)

Explore the famous narrow sandstone corridors and light beams of Upper Antelope Canyon. Led by local Navajo guides, these tours offer a direct look at the canyon's stunning geological history and natural landscape.

🏜️ Local Navajo guides included
🎟️ Admission and permit fees covered
⏱️ Tours from 1 to 5 hours
Free cancellation on select tours
Upper Antelope Canyon Tour-AACT Free Cancellation
4.7 (2 056) ⏱ 1h 20min

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour-AACT

Walk through the winding sandstone corridors of Upper Antelope Canyon to see natural light filtering through the walls.

Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket Likely to Sell Out
4.2 (1 205)

Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

Explore the famous slot canyons of the Navajo Nation, featuring ground-level paths and seasonal light beams.

Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket
4.4 (751)

Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket

Explore the winding sandstone corridors of Upper Antelope Canyon and learn about the geology that shaped them.

Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon Tours - Arizona Tours Free Cancellation
4.7 (426) ⏱ 5h 30min

Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon Tours - Arizona Tours

Explore both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on a 4.5-hour guided tour led by local Navajo guides in Page, Arizona.

Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour All-Ages Ticket
4.4 (330) ⏱ 1h 10min

Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour All-Ages Ticket

Explore the winding sandstone walls and seasonal light beams of Page, Arizona, on this guided slot canyon tour.

Upper Antelope Canyon Prime Time Entry with Navajo Guide
4.4 (106) ⏱ 1h 30min

Upper Antelope Canyon Prime Time Entry with Navajo Guide

Explore Upper Antelope Canyon's sandstone walls with a Navajo guide, featuring photography tips and cultural stories.

Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour Select Ticket - Ages 8+
4.7 (90)

Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour Select Ticket - Ages 8+

Explore the winding sandstone corridors of Upper Antelope Canyon on a guided walking tour from Page, Arizona.

Upper Antelope Canyon All Hiking Tour Free Cancellation
4.1 (17) ⏱ 2h

Upper Antelope Canyon All Hiking Tour

A guided three-mile round-trip hike to Upper Antelope Canyon with shaded rest stops and water stations.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour
3.7 (9) ⏱ 1h 30min

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour

Explore the geological history and natural beauty of local canyons on this guided walking tour.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Antelope Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.

M
Mark T. United Kingdom, Mar 2026
4.3

"Incredible experience learning about the Navajo culture. The colors of the sandstone are unreal. It felt a bit rushed because there are so many groups inside, and they are super strict about no video recording, but the sheer beauty makes up for it."

K
Kenji O. Japan, Feb 2026
4.7

"Very well organized tour. Our guide explained how the flash floods carved the rock over millions of years. It was chilly inside the canyon compared to the desert outside, so bring a light jacket. Sad I couldn't bring my tripod, but I understand why."

D
David L. Canada, Feb 2026
4.5

"The canyon is stunning, but definitely heed the warning about the time zone! We almost missed our check-in because our phones switched to Utah time. The bumpy truck ride to the entrance was super fun, but be prepared for a lot of sand."

E
Elena R. Spain, Jan 2026
4.8

"Did the combo tour for both Upper and Lower. Upper was much easier to walk through initially since it's flat, but the no-bag rule meant I had to stuff my pockets with my keys and phone. The 150 stairs at the exit of Upper were a bit tiring in the heat."

J
Jessica W. Australia, Nov 2025
4.9

"Booked the 11:20 AM prime time slot and it was 100% worth the extra money. The light shafts hitting the sandy floor are magical. Just make sure you arrive 45 minutes early like they say, the check-in line gets long!"

S
Sarah M. United States, Jul 2025
5.0

"Absolutely breathtaking! The light beams were exactly like the photos you see online. Our Navajo guide was fantastic and actually took my iPhone to adjust the white balance so my pictures came out with those perfect deep orange and purple colors."

What to Expect on Your Upper Antelope Canyon Tour

Upper Antelope Canyon, known to the Navajo as 'Tsé bighánílíní' (the place where water runs through rocks), offers a mesmerizing walk through a world-famous slot canyon. Guided tours lead you through these narrow, above-ground corridors, showcasing spectacular wave-like sandstone walls and sharing deep Navajo cultural history.

☀️

Midday Light Beams

If you visit between April and October during the midday hours, you can witness ethereal shafts of sunlight beaming directly down to the canyon floor.

🏜️

Sculpted Sandstone

Run your hands along the smooth, flowing canyon walls. These unique textures were carved by millions of years of powerful flash floods.

🚶

Flat Canyon Floor

Unlike the Lower Canyon, the initial walk through Upper Antelope is flat and sandy, making it an easier stroll for families and those with minor mobility limits.

🗣️

Cultural Storytelling

Authorized Navajo guides share traditional Diné creation stories and explain the profound spiritual significance of this sacred site.

📸

Photography Help

The lighting inside the slot canyon is notoriously tricky. Your guide will help you adjust your smartphone or camera settings to capture the vibrant colors.

🛻

Off-Road Transport

Most tours include a fun, bumpy 3-mile ride in an open-air transport truck from the operator's office directly to the canyon entrance.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your Upper Antelope Canyon tour requires careful attention to booking timelines, strict canyon rules, and easily confused time zones.

Mandatory Guided Tours

Independent entry into Antelope Canyon is strictly illegal. You must book a tour with an authorized Navajo-led operator, and your guide will stay with you at all times.

Book Months in Advance

Because this is one of the most popular destinations in the Southwest, tour slots sell out extremely quickly. Book months ahead, especially if you want the prime 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM slots.

Strict No-Bag Policy

Backpacks, purses, fanny packs, and hydration bags are completely banned to protect the narrow canyon walls. You are only allowed to bring a clear water bottle and your camera or phone.

Time Zone Confusion

Page, Arizona operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Manually set your phone to Phoenix time so you aren't late due to nearby Utah cell towers.

Age and Car Seat Rules

While Upper Antelope is great for families, some tours restrict children under 7. If your tour allows kids, you must bring your own car seat or booster for the shuttle ride.

No Tripods or Video

Standard sightseeing tours prohibit tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, GoPros, and video recording to keep the crowds moving smoothly through the tight spaces.

Permit Fees

A $15 Navajo Parks & Recreation permit fee is required per person. Check your specific tour details, as some include this in the price, while others require you to pay it separately online or in cash.

Strict Check-In Times

Tour operators require you to check in 45 to 60 minutes before your departure time. If you are late, your ticket will be forfeited without a refund.

Which Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Is Best for You

Standard Guided TourPrime Time Entry TourUpper & Lower Combo TourAll-Hiking Tour
Duration ~1.5 hours~1.5 hours4.5 - 5.5 hours~2 hours
Best for General visitors & familiesPhotographers seeking light beamsComprehensive canyon explorersActive travelers (no kids/seniors)
Includes Navajo guide, 4x4 transportNavajo guide, 4x4 transport, peak timesBoth canyon entries, guide, transportGuide, 3-mile round-trip hike (no truck)
Price from $95$145$419$99

Plan Your Visit to Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon tours operate daily, year-round. Tour operator office hours are generally from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Arizona Time.

  • Morning Tours: Departures typically start between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
  • Prime Time Tours: The most popular slots run between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
  • Afternoon Tours: Later slots run until 3:50 PM or 4:00 PM (the 4:00 PM slot is usually only available from April through September).

Important: You must arrive at the tour office 45 to 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to complete check-in and safety briefings.

Upper Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation land just outside the city of Page, Arizona.

  • By Car: Page is about a 5-hour drive from major hubs like Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona. The route is easily accessible by standard vehicles.
  • Parking: Ample parking is available at the tour operators' offices, which are mostly located along Highway 98 near Milepost 299.
  • Public Transit: There is no direct public transportation to the canyons. You must drive yourself or book a commercial bus tour from a major city.

The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to see:

  • For Light Beams: Visit between April and October, and book a "Prime Time" midday tour (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) when the sun is highest in the sky.
  • For Comfort: Spring and fall offer excellent lighting and much milder desert temperatures.
  • For Fewer Crowds: The winter months (November to February) are quieter, though the famous light beams will not be visible due to the low angle of the sun.

Warning: The monsoon season from July to September presents a high risk of flash floods, which can lead to sudden tour cancellations.

Upper Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

  • Terrain: The canyon floor consists of loose sand, which is impossible to navigate with wheels.
  • Elevation Change: While the walk through the canyon itself is relatively flat, recent post-pandemic route changes require all visitors to exit by climbing a 200-foot elevation change with a 20-degree incline and approximately 150 stairs.
  • Mobility: Visitors must be able to walk unassisted. Canes, walkers, and hiking sticks are not allowed inside the canyon.

Facilities at Upper Antelope Canyon are extremely limited to preserve the natural environment.

  • Restrooms: Portable toilets or standard restrooms are available at the tour operators' check-in offices. Use them before your tour begins. There are no restrooms at the canyon itself.
  • Food and Drink: There are no concessions or water fountains at the canyon. You must bring your own water in a clear bottle.
  • Shelter: The desert environment is exposed to extreme heat and sun. Wait areas are limited, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Because Antelope Canyon is a sacred Navajo site, strict rules are enforced to protect the landscape and ensure safety:

  • No Bags: Backpacks, purses, fanny packs, camera bags, and hydration packs are completely banned.
  • No Professional Gear: Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, and GoPros are prohibited on standard tours.
  • No Pets: Pets and service animals are strictly forbidden inside the canyon.
  • Leave No Trace: Vandalism, littering, and carving into the delicate sandstone walls are illegal and strictly enforced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Upper Antelope Canyon without a tour guide?

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.

What is the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?

Upper Antelope Canyon is an above-ground, A-shaped canyon that is wider at the bottom and 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.

Can I bring a backpack or purse on the tour?

No, bags of all kinds are strictly prohibited, including backpacks, purses, fanny packs, and clear bags. You are only allowed to carry a water bottle and your camera or phone.

Are tripods or selfie sticks allowed?

No, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and GoPros are banned on all standard sightseeing tours to keep the narrow corridors moving smoothly.

What time zone is Upper Antelope Canyon in?

The canyon operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, the same as Phoenix, Arizona. It does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so you should manually set your phone to Phoenix time to avoid being late.

Is Upper Antelope Canyon wheelchair accessible?

No. While the canyon floor is flat and sandy, the exit route now requires climbing a 200-foot elevation change with about 150 stairs, making wheelchair and stroller access impossible.

Do I need to bring a car seat for my child?

Yes. If your chosen tour allows young children, parents are required to provide their own car seat or booster seat for the 3-mile transport ride to the canyon entrance.

What happens if it rains?

Tours will be immediately canceled if there is any risk of flash flooding in the area, especially during the summer monsoon season. If this happens, operators typically offer a refund or rescheduling options.

Are pets or service animals allowed?

No, pets and service animals are strictly prohibited inside the canyon to protect the delicate environment and respect other guests.

How early do I need to arrive for my tour?

Tour operators require guests to check in at their office 45 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive late, your reservation will be canceled without a refund.

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