One of the best canyons to visit is Antelope Canyon, with its captivating sandstone architecture and Aurora Borealis-like light show. However, there is a debate on the best way to visit Antelope Canyon – the guided tour or the more-fun-but-less-pretty kayak option. If you wonder what kind of adventure you will get when visiting Antelope Canyon, you will want to continue reading.
Where is Antelope Canyon?
In the same area as the picturesque Grand Canyon lies Antelope Canyon. Although less popular than its neighbor, Antelope Canyon is an equally captivating and soul-enriching geological masterpiece. The pride of the Navajo people, the canyon lies some 150 miles northeast of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Located on sacred Navajo lands, Antelope Canyon is only seven miles southeast of Page, Arizona. The thriving city near Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam serves as the jump-off point for photographers, adventurers, and tourists visiting Antelope Canyon.
Getting to Page requires heading first to Phoenix and taking a scenic 4.5-hour drive north. From Page, it is a ten-minute drive to the canyon gates. This geological marvel is one of the greatest treasures of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, making it a sacred place to the native peoples.
Unlike the multi-canyon Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon only has two: Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. The place also has smaller geological features worth visiting, such as Lake Powell and Canyon X.
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Navajo peoples call the Upper Antelope Canyon ‘Tse bighunalini,’ describing how the water runs through the majestic sandstone rocks that fill the landscape.
It is a short canyon, measuring only 660 feet from one end to the opposite. The sandstone face rises some 60 feet from the canyon floor, creating a feeling of being in a cathedral with its orange-golden hue and the beam of light coming from above.
Interestingly, this unique geological feature earned the Upper Antelope Canyon its nickname, ‘The Crack.’
When most people say they are going to visit Antelope Canyon, they mean they are taking the guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Several miles south of the Upper Antelope Canyon is the longer and more rugged Lower Antelope Canyon. It stretches some 1,335 feet and can be as deep as 120 feet in some places.
Although less photogenic than its upper neighbor, Lower Antelope Canyon has its unique charm. The red canyon walls are narrower, creating a spectacular view as the sun bounces its light off the canyon’s face.
The Navajo calls it ‘Hasdezwatzi,’ describing how the rock formations spiral towards the sky, like the Chrysler Building’s iconic spire. Not surprisingly, people nicknamed it ‘The Corkscrew.’
In recent years, going to visit Lower Antelope Canyon has become more popular because it is the less crowded tour option.
Taking the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
People who visit Antelope Canyon the ‘traditional way’ must secure the services of a tour guide from the various operators sanctioned by the Navajo Nation Park. Upon booking, you will receive a time slot to join other tourists and hike Antelope Canyon for about two hours. There will be no more than 20 people in the group.
Why Guided Tours Only?
Two reasons exist why the Navajo Nation Park authorities do not allow you to visit Antelope Canyon without a recognized tour guide.
The first is for safety reasons. The peak season to visit Antelope Canyon coincides with Arizona’s harshest months. A drizzle can trigger a flash flood instantly. Even if the downpour is miles from the canyon, flash floods can still occur. Nobody wants to court disaster by going through the canyon without an expert guide.
The second reason people must visit Antelope Canyon with a tour guide is to learn more about the rich culture and history of the land. One must remember that this canyon is at the heart of the Navajos. Locals consider it a sacred site that people must respect.
Another reason why you need a tour guide is to get the best vantage for photographing the surreal light show in the canyon. You also need a guide to traverse the craggy pathways of The Corkscrew. You will not want to make a wrong step because 100 to 120 feet is still a substantial drop.
Plus, you will be supporting Navajo Nation.
Lake Powell
Most people who visit Antelope Canyon think that Page is the only jump-off point. Lake Powell, some 78 miles to the north, can be an excellent starting area, too. This second-largest artificial lake hosts some two million visitors every year. It is popular for water-related activities, such as kayaking, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and more.
You can rent a kayak at Antelope Point Marina in Lake Powell and paddle your craft to a different section of the Lower Antelope Canyon. With a kayak, you can hike Antelope Canyon without the mandatory tour guide, with no time constraints and no crowd.
If you choose to go this option, it will take you about 4 hours round trip – a 5 mile kayak and a 2 mile hike to the canyon.
The Antelope Canyon Lake Powell route makes for a fascinating adventure that combines all the natural elements in one exceptional experience. This part of the canyon is slightly less beautiful though.
While you are in the area, you should spend a few days visiting Kanab which is only 1 hour from Page. Check out my 5 favorite things to do in Kanab!
When Should I Visit Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is well-regarded for its jaw-dropping golden stone walls. The landscape is a favorite of many photographers, snapshooters, and shutterbugs alike. That is why it would be best to time your visit to Antelope Canyon to experience the bedazzling natural light show surpassed only by the Northern lights.
It would be best to visit Antelope Canyon from the last week of March to the first week of October. The desert sun shines its brightest during these months, giving you a sight to behold. As the sun moves across the sky, shafts of light bounce off the orange-golden sandstone face. It is a surreal spectacle that will have everyone jockeying for the best position to photograph the event.
Warning if you go between the months of June to September – it is very very hot (110+F) and I have seen some guests faint from heat exhaustion. It also happens to be Arizona’s monsoon season. There were instances when the Navajo Nation Parks had to close the canyon due to heavy rains that can trigger flash floods.
You can still visit Antelope Canyon during the fall and winter, although you will miss the bright halos that give the place a spiritual essence. The views will still be stunning, of course. You can also hike Antelope Canyon. The adventure is more interesting because of fewer people visiting this time of year.
If you want to kayak to Antelope Canyon via Lake Powell, it is best to go from March to early June. Any earlier than March and it will be pretty cold and could be windy. After June, the water levels could drop really low, making the lake, in general, less enjoyable.
What to Pack for Antelope Canyon
Hiking Boots / Shoes
Having the right shoes is super important. Whether you like lighter shoes like I do or a sturdier hiking boot, Hoka One One and Salomon are my go-to products. I would say that sneakers are ok to visit Antelope Canyon via tour and you don’t necessarily need hiking boots – although they may give you more grip on rocks on Lower Antelope Canyon
Water Shoes or Sandals
If you are kayaking via Lake Powell, you will want to bring water shoes or sandals. Do not wear flip-flops or anything without straps! You want something durable that will be easy to get in / out of the kayak, and so you can hike to Antelope Canyon. I have used all of these brands and I believe they are a personal choice. I personally prefer Keen’s the most because they have the best fit for my foot.
Sun Protection
Sun protection is super important to visit Antelope Canyon – especially in the summer as it easily gets above 100 degrees! Here are some of my favorites
Water Storage
I personally prefer using an MSR Drom Bag because I’m fairly lazy to take water bottles out of my bag, but both options are great. Make sure to bring plenty of water, even if you are on the Antelope Canyon tours. As a reminder, I saw guests pass out from the heat and dehydration! If you are kayaking, I would recommend bringing at least 3 Liters of water for your 4 hour adventure in the summer.
How to Choose between Upper, Lower Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell
Upper Antelope Canyon – The Most Popular Route, Truly a Tour
Antelope Canyon is Mother Nature’s take on opposites. The Upper Antelope Canyon has a smooth sandstone face with gently undulating lines that resemble the unique grain patterns of natural wood. It is peaceful and can move anyone’s senses.
Hiking the Upper Antelope Canyon floor is like walking on the marbled flooring of a famous Gothic cathedral. You get this almost magical feeling when bright daggers of light pierce through the rocky ceiling and bounce off the mirror-like canyon walls. And then you see the halos people have been dying to capture in still images.
Lower Antelope Canyon – For Fewer Crowds, More Adventurous But Still Easy
If Upper Antelope Canyon is the epitome of Mother Nature’s beauty, the Lower Antelope Canyon is its raw and unspoiled charm. It is still beautiful but with sharp edges, craggy sides, and uneven terrain features, making it look like you are on the surface of an asteroid.
The sun still shines through the cracks on the canyon roof. However, the effect is not as stunning as what you will get from Upper Antelope Canyon.
The good news is that the Lower Antelope Canyon is perfect for adventure seekers, the Indiana Jones-wannabes, or anyone who prefers exploring crevices and shadows. It is also less crowded than the other slot canyon since most visitors prefer taking snapshots of The Crack’s crowning light to post on Instagram and other popular image-sharing sites.
So, how do you choose between the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons?
If you seek adventure, relish explorations, and do not mind traversing uneven and treacherous terrain, the Lower Antelope Canyon is for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more serene and safe environment, complete with a solid ground for propping your camera tripod, the Upper Antelope Canyon is where you should be.
Antelope Canyon via Lake Powell – For the Adventurous
The Antelope Canyon Lake Powell route is another option worth considering. You can explore the Glen Canyon Dam, the Hite Crossing Bridge, and the Rainbow Bridge before paddling your way towards the Lower Antelope Canyon.
The best part about this trip is that you do not have to book a recognized tour guide to visit Antelope Canyon. Once you reach the canyon, you can disembark from your kayak and take a 1 mile / 20 minute hike. Exploring the wondrous canyon features takes a whole new meaning if you kayak from Lake Powell.
You will miss the glorious spectacle that the Upper Antelope Canyon has to offer. On the bright side, there are no time constraints and you can have the canyon floor to yourself. You also do not have to endure long lines and large crowds. When we took this photo, we were the only group there. We passed around 10 people on the hike back.
When you are done, you can always head back to Lake Powell and go fishing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, and other water-related activities.
By the way, if you choose to skip the tours, there are many other ways you can support Navajo Nation, including through the Navajo Water Project.
Conclusion
Whether you visit Antelope Canyon via a tour from Page or kayak your way from Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon is a must-visit for anyone bored with the usual holiday getaways. The canyon is a symphony of color and light, made more captivating by the rich culture and history of the land. If you decide to visit Antelope Canyon via tour, ensure to book with a licensed tour operator to get the most out of your adventure.
One Comment
I have always wanted to visit Antelope Canyon! Thanks so much for sharing – proud ASU grad here and can’t wait to get back to AZ and explore some more!