Antelope Canyon: An Arizona Wonder That Will Leave You Speechless

If you are looking for an adventure that makes you feel like you are in a different world, Antelope Canyon in Arizona must be placed high on your bucket list. This gorgeous canyon is unlike many others that dot our remarkable country. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in northern Arizona with tall sandstone walls, unique natural designs, and visiting is an experience that you will never forget.

Antelope Canyon is located on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona.

It is approximately 10-miles from the town of Page, Arizona. This canyon is just a little more than two hours away from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.

Antelope Canyon isn’t a wide, majestic canyon.

Rather, it is a slot canyon. This type of canyon is created as water falls into the cracks in the sandstone. Over the years, these small cracks turn into large, narrow gorges that are beautiful and deep.

The Navajo Nation holds the canyon as a sacred site, but has been generous enough to open it to visitors who travel through with permitted guides.

In 1997, the Navajo Tribe turned Antelope Canyon into a Navajo Tribal Park. Due to this change, you will now need a permit to explore the photo-worthy canyon.

Once you arrive at Antelope Canyon, it is easy to see why it is one of the most famous slot canyons in the southwest.

There are two parts to the canyon for you to explore: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

The Upper Antelope Canyon is one of the more popular areas of the canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon is unique as the entrance into the slot canyon is at ground level. You do not have to climb or repel to access this area of the slot canyon.

To explore the lower Antelope Canyon, you will have more of a climb.

If you choose to explore this fascinating area of the canyon, be prepared for stairs and ladders to climb.

You cannot explore the slot canyon on your own.

To visit this remarkable slot canyon, you will need to schedule a tour with an authorized tour guide.

Most tours last for several hours and you can visit this incredible slot canyon in a single day.

As you hike, you’ll move through some narrow passages.

Make sure you bring excellent hiking shoes, plenty of water, and your camera. Bring a handkerchief, hat, jacket, or other materials to protect your body from the sand, particularly on windy days.

You can find a listing of permitted guide companies on the Navajo Nation Parks website, right here.

No matter what part of the canyon you choose to explore, you will create memories and capture photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

To learn more about Antelope Canyon and authorized tours into the canyon, click here.

General Information:

Accessibility: Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair accessible. While a wheelchair can reach the upper canyon’s entrance, the ground is sand, making it extremely difficult for those with mobility impairments to move. The lower canyon is not wheelchair accessible as there are stairs and ladders you must climb.

Pet-Friendly: Antelope Canyon is generally not pet-friendly. As you cannot hike on your own throughout the canyon, you must follow all rules and guidelines from your tour company. However, if you choose to bring your family pet to Arizona, there are pet-friendly lodging options and short-term boarding facilities in the nearby town of Page.

Parking: There are public parking areas near Antelope Canyon. However, since there are no self-guided hikes throughout the canyon, you will likely meet your tour at designated areas in Page, Arizona. You will receive parking instructions from your specific tour company.

Seasonal Access: Antelope Canyon is open year-round. However, March to October tends to be the peak season of this outdoor attraction. During these months, you will have a more difficult time scheduling a tour and you will find more people inside the canyon. The canyon may be closed on days with heavy rain.

Cost: The cost to access the slot canyon will depend on the type of tour, the amount of time spent in the canyon, and the tour company you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between $50 to $120 per adult for each tour.

When looking for a tour company, make sure to ask about all included permits, fees, etc. Most authorized tour companies will include the permits in the overall cost of the tour.

Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of Maroon Bells in Colorado, Ruby Falls in Tennessee, and Acadia National Park in Maine, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.