Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon (Which to Visit in 2024)
Looking for more information about Upper Vs. Lower Antelope Canyon? You’ve come to the right place!
Antelope Canyon is an incredible slot canyon located in northern Arizona on Navajo Land. When visiting Antelope Canyon, many people don’t realize there are actually two canyons; Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon!
On our most recent RV trip through Arizona, we went on this tour of both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and absolutely loved our experience!
We wrote this article so we can tell you exactly what to expect if you plan to visit either canyon soon.
Because Antelope Canyon has become so popular over the past few years, it can be difficult to choose which canyon is best for the experience you’re looking for.
In this article, we’re going to tell you all about the difference between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon and what our experience was like at both.
This article will help you decide which canyon is best for you, or if you’d like to see both during your visit. So let’s get to it!
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Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
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The Difference Between Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon
The biggest difference between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon is the size of the canyon itself. The upper canyon is wider at the bottom vs. the top which is what produces such beautiful light beams inside the canyon.
Lower Antelope is much smaller at the bottom, and is shaped like the letter “V.”
Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to walk through but also is much darker than Lower Antelope Canyon due to the Upper Canyon being shaped like the letter “A.”
Lower Antelope Canyon vs Upper Antelope Canyon is a bit harder to walk through as the canyon walls are narrow and there are also staircases involved in getting around!
The History & Significance of Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, or the Navajo name- Tse’bighanilini, is located on Navajo land and means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Antelope Canyon was formed over the course of hundreds of years of water running through Navajo Sandstone.
Flash floods would come through this area and water would run into the narrow passageways and eventually start to erode the walls of the passageways. The water created the smooth edges and flowing characteristics that we see today.
According to Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, entering Antelope Canyon was and still is a spiritual experience. Entering a beautiful natural place like Antelope Canyon is similar to the feeling some get when entering a cathedral.
It is said that the canyon was discovered in 1931 by Sue Tsosie who was herding sheep when she was a young girl. Today, her daughter Carolene actually operates tours of Antelope Canyon!
The name “antelope” comes from the prong-horned antelope herds that roamed the area at the time of the canyon’s discovery.
Antelope Canyon is a very sacred and religious place to the Navajo. Please respect the rules set by the Navajo as well as Leave No Trace when visiting Antelope Canyon so the beauty can continue to be shared with others.
All About Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon (in Navajo language “Tse bighanilini”, or “the place where water runs through rocks”) is a slot canyon located in Northern Arizona and is probably the most famous slot canyon in the entire world.
You’ve probably seen photos of the famous light beams coming down from the crack at the top of the canyon and swirling around.
If you didn’t know, the most famous photo ever sold was actually photographed in this canyon!
The photographer, Peter Lik, captured Antelope Canyon’s famous light beams with an eerie ghost-shaped figure inside. The photo sold for over $6 million dollars!
Besides the famous light beams, the canyon walls are taller here than in Lower Antelope Canyon making you feel deep inside the canyon when you walk through.
The way the walls curve and swirl from thousands of years of water running through makes it even prettier and of course, the colors change all the way from oranges and reds to deep purples and blues!
Many people choose to visit Upper Antelope Canyon vs Lower Antelope Canyon due to the entrance, exit, and canyon floor all being on ground level, making it very accessible.
We’ll talk more about the canyon’s length and what difficulty to expect further in this article.
All About Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon (or “Hazdistazi” in Navajo meaning “spiral rock arches”) is located just a few miles away from Upper Antelope Canyon and used to be the less popular canyon to visit until the word got out and now it’s unfortunately just as popular!
As we mentioned above, it’s a very similar canyon to Upper, but the walls aren’t quite as deep and since they form a V instead of an A there is a lot more light in this canyon.
Even though it’s just as popular and you won’t get to see the famous light beams at this canyon due to the shape of the canyon, it’s still definitely worth visiting!
Keep reading for all the pros and cons of each canyon so you can decide for yourself which one you’d like to see.
Is Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon Prettier?
If you’re wondering, “Is Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon prettier?” Both canyons are gorgeous! If you’ve never experienced a slot canyon before, we think you will love either one.
Everyone will have their own opinion about which one is prettier than the other, but we really think it’s about the experience and having the right expectations.
By reading this blog post, you’ll know exactly what to expect when visiting either one, so you can make an informed decision about which one you’d rather see, or if you’d like to see both!
Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon Pros & Cons
In this section, we will detail the pros and cons of Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon so you can be 100% informed about what experience you will have at each canyon and decide for yourself which one you’d like to see!
We put together a table so you can see the pros and cons of each canyon quickly. Keep reading for more details about each pro and con.
| Upper Antelope Pros | Lower Antelope Pros |
|---|---|
| Light beams | More adventurous |
| Easier hike | Easier to photography |
| Tallest canyon walls | Cheaper |
| Most famous | Less crowded |
| Upper Antelope Cons | Lower Antelope Cons |
|---|---|
| More expensive | Harder/longer hike |
| More crowded | No light beams |
| Harder to photograph | Might feel claustrophobic |
Pros & Cons of Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon
Pros of Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon:
Light Beams
The biggest difference between upper and lower Antelope Canyon is that Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for the iconic light beams that you will see in everyone’s pictures of the canyon.
However, this is entirely dependent on the time of day you choose to visit so if this is a must for you, make sure you book a tour during “primetime.”
If you are dead set on seeing the light beams, plan to visit the canyon between May – October and between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This is when the sun is the highest in the sky.
You will also need to visit on a cloudless day if you want to see the beams! Learn more about the best time to visit Antelope Canyon in our guide here.
No Stairs
Previously, there were no stairs on the tour of Upper Antelope Canyon.
On our most recent visit, we found a walkway & stairs have been built where you exit the canyon to get to the spot where the Jeeps pick you up instead of walking back through the canyon.
The stairs are a bit steep, but they are short and the walkway to get to the Jeeps is short as well.
The total walk through the canyon is approximately 1/4 mile and the walk back to the jeeps is approximately another 1/4 mile. Do beware though that the ride in the 4x4s or Jeeps to Upper Antelope Canyon can be a bit bumpy.
Photography Tour
Another big difference between Upper Antelope Canyon vs Lower Antelope Canyon is that you can only go on a photography tour in Upper Antelope Canyon.
If you are looking to spend more time in the canyon photographing the light beams, you can only do so at the upper canyon.
*The photography tour is no longer offered, so unfortunately this is not a pro of visiting Antelope Canyon any longer.
Cons of Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon:
More Crowded
This is definitely a drawback of Antelope Canyon Upper vs Lower. Upper Antelope Canyon is much more crowded since it is the most famous of the two.
We ran into a photography tour while we were there, and the other guides definitely catered to the photography tour more than us.
The first time we visited Upper Antelope Canyon there was also two-way traffic that you had to deal with. When you got to the end of the canyon, you turned around and walked back through the canyon.
This was both a pro and con. It was a con because it made the narrow canyon path feel a lot more crowded with two-way traffic. It was a pro because you got to walk through the canyon twice.
This is no longer the case. On our most recent visit to Upper Antelope Canyon, you no longer walk back through the canyon. Stairs and a walkway have been built that you follow to get back to the Jeeps which will take you back to your car.
More Expensive
One of the main differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is the price. The price is actually almost double for an Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon tour!
If you’re looking to still experience a beautiful slot canyon but don’t want to pay the high price it costs to go on the Upper Antelope tour, we recommend this Lower Antelope Canyon tour we went on and loved.
Tours Sell Out Fast
When choosing Antelope Canyon tours Upper or Lower, just know that you will probably have to book Upper further in advance than Lower.
Upper is more well-known and if you want to book during “primetime” I would recommend doing so months in advance. We booked about a month in advance and were lucky to get the primetime slot we got!
Read our guide for more information about the best Antelope Canyon tours here.
Pros & Cons of Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon
Pros of Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon:
A Little Less Crowded
Lower Antelope Canyon vs Upper Antelope Canyon crowds sadly aren’t as different as they used to be.
There was a time when Lower Antelope Canyon was less crowded than the upper canyon but now they are about the same.
However, since Lower Antelope Canyon is longer, it may seem to be less crowded than Upper.
We got very lucky when we went on our tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and were put in a small group. Our guide also did a great job of spacing our group our from the other groups so we were alone in the canyon with just the few others in our group.
Lower Antelope Canyon is Cheaper
In terms of price, Antelope Canyon Lower vs Upper is quite a big difference. Lower Antelope Canyon is significantly cheaper than Upper.
If you are on a budget but still want to see a beautiful slot canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon might be the better choice for you.
Cons of Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon:
Stairs/Narrower Walls
Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are quite different in terms of adventure. To some people, this might be a drawback and to others, this might be a good thing.
There are steep ladders/stairs to enter Lower Antelope Canyon and other ladders and stairs throughout the canyon as well as when you exit.
You have to go down the ladder at the beginning backward because of how steep it is. It’s also about a ¼ mile walk from the parking lot to the entrance of the canyon.
If you have mobility limitations or are elderly and cannot climb stairs- I would shy away from Lower Antelope Canyon. The walls inside Lower Antelope are also a bit narrower and can lead some to feel claustrophobic.
No Light Beams
It is unlikely to see any light beams on a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon. The light does come through the top as the walls are more open than Upper Antelope Canyon but it’s unlikely to create any light beams.
Looking for the best Antelope Canyon Tour?
Learn all about the best tours here
So Which is Better, Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
When choosing between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon there are a few different factors you have to consider:
Antelope Canyon Upper OR Lower are both amazing and if you are ever in Arizona, I would highly recommend visiting at least one of them. Although beware (with both experiences) it can be crowded and thus not a unique and peaceful time.
If you have kids (not too young, especially if stairs will be difficult for them) and are looking for more of an adventurous experience and do not care about the iconic light beam photos- I would recommend visiting Lower Antelope Canyon.
Also if you are looking for a cheaper tour, Lower Antelope Canyon is definitely your best bet!
If you have the time and money and want to visit both canyons (while also experiencing the primetime light) the best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon is 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and the best time to visit Lower Antelope Canyon is around 1:30 p.m.
*Note: these times do change throughout the year. When making your booking, you’ll know which time is “primetime” because it will either say primetime or it will be more expensive.
If you don’t care about the best time for lighting in either canyon, booking one of the last tours at either canyon will give you fewer crowds.
Upper Antelope Canyon Length/Difficulty
Upper Antelope Canyon is very flat and easy to walk through. You will arrive on a 4×4 vehicle at the entrance of the canyon and walk directly into the canyon. The walk through the canyon is 1/4 mile long.
You will walk through the canyon and once you get to the end you will exit and walk up a short hill where you’ll then climb a flight of stairs and walk along a walkway to get to the Jeeps that will take you back.
The hike through Upper Antelope Canyon is approximately 1/2 mile total.
The canyon doesn’t ever really get very narrow or require any maneuvering around obstacles like other slot canyons in the area. There are some deep sandy sections to walk through, but mostly it is fairly packed dirt and the sandy sections don’t last long.
This can be great for some people or disappointing for others looking for a challenge and/or adventure.
Lower Antelope Canyon Length/Difficulty
Lower Antelope Canyon isn’t difficult but does require a bit more effort than Upper Antelope. You will arrive by tour vehicle and then walk for ¼ a mile to reach the entrance of the canyon.
Upon entering the canyon you will need to descend a 75-foot set of stairs.
On the stairs, there is one section that is steeper than the others that you’ll need to descend backward to get down, but there are handrails on both sides to hold onto.
We would recommend not choosing this tour if you have an extreme fear of heights as the stairs can be quite steep at times.
Lower Antelope is a bit narrower than Upper but is still easy to walk through and you’ll never have to squeeze through at any point. There are a few more stairs and ladders once you’re inside the canyon and you will need to climb a set of stairs/ladders to get out of the canyon.
The canyon is 1.5 miles roundtrip in length. If you are concerned at all about difficulty, we would recommend going on the Upper Antelope tour instead of the Lower Antelope.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous time, Lower Antelope Canyon will be right up your alley!
Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon Price
Because you can only visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon by going on a guided tour and with how popular these canyons have become in recent years, tour prices have skyrocketed over the years.
Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon is actually quite a bit cheaper than visiting Upper. Many people choose to visit both canyons in one day which saves some money because you can avoid paying the Navajo Park Permit fees twice.
Upper Antelope Canyon Tours
There are 5 different licensed tour operators to choose from when deciding to visit Upper Antelope Canyon.
3 of these tours meet at the Tribal Park entrance of Upper Antelope off of US98 and the other 2 offer round-trip transportation from downtown Page.
It is asked that you arrive 60 minutes prior to your reservation or it will be canceled without a refund.
If you’re looking for the best tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, this is the tour we went on and we had a great time. We met at the Tribal Park entrance and really loved our tour guide!
Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
There are 2 operators that will take you on tours to Lower Antelope Canyon.
Each tour operator has a new facility built close to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. You will meet at whichever provider you choose for your tour and walk the 1/4 mile to the entrance of the canyon.
We really enjoyed this tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and its brand-new facility with beautiful photography framed on the walls and a nice gift shop.
Read our guide all about the different Antelope Canyon tours to find out other best tours that we recommend.
Which is The Best Antelope Canyon Tour?
Choosing which Lower vs Upper Antelope Canyon tour company you go with depends on what you are looking for.
Honestly, each tour operator offers a similar experience. However, some operators might offer more knowledge about the canyon and the Navajo history with the canyon.
From what we have experienced, it really just depends on your guide. Some guides from the same company might be great, and others might be just so-so.
We have gone on 4 different tours of Antelope Canyon (& even kayaked to Antelope Canyon!) with different tour operators and in our experience have never had a bad tour. The guides have all been interactive and knowledgeable about the canyons!
We recommend asking your guide questions about the canyon and of course, tipping your guide if you enjoyed your tour.
Is it Worth it to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon at “Primetime?”
If you’re wondering, is it really worth it to see Upper Antelope Canyon at primetime, the answer actually completely depends on your preference.
Most of the time whenever anyone sees a photo of Antelope Canyon, they see the iconic light beams that shine down from the canyon walls. If you feel this is something you have to see and photograph when visiting Upper Antelope Canyon, then we’d say it’s worth it!
Keep in mind that because there are many people that also feel this way, this is always the busiest time of day and all other tour operators besides yours will have a full group as well.
If you’re not too set on seeing the light beams, it’s cheaper and easier to book a non-primetime tour. The canyon is still gorgeous at any time of the day.
Can You Do Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in One Day?
You can definitely visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day! The canyons are only 7.5 miles apart, making it easy to visit both in one day. This tour is a perfect and easy way to visit both canyons in one day.
Many people like to also visit Horseshoe Bend when in the area. It’s definitely doable to visit both Upper and Lower Canyons as well as Horseshoe Bend all in one day.
But you may be wondering – is it worth it to do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?
We think it’s definitely worth it to do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Even though the canyons are similar, there are a few key differences that make each experience unique.
Photographing Upper Antelope Canyon
There used to be photography tours of Upper Antelope Canyon but they are no longer offered.
On the photography tour, you were able to bring a tripod and the tour lasted longer so you could stop to set up your tripod and adjust your settings to get the perfect picture.
Due to the way the Upper Antelope is shaped, it is really dark inside the canyon making it pretty difficult to get a good photo without a tripod.
You are not allowed to use a flash inside the canyon which makes things even more difficult.
When we were there our guide showed us how to change settings on our phone to take photos of the canyon that looked the best.
Honestly, the photos I took on my phone looked pretty good to me, so I wasn’t too worried about getting photos with my camera as they just kept coming out blurry.
However, if you want to get the perfect shot with a camera, be warned you will have to hold it in your hands. The guides are very strict about what you can bring inside the canyon, so sneaking a tripod most likely won’t work.
You are only allowed to take photos in one direction on the tour and will get shuffled along and yelled at for stopping too long on the way back. I was lucky and got to stop and rest my camera on my knee to get a shot of the famous light beam coming down from the ceiling.
Photographing Lower Antelope Canyon
Tripods aren’t allowed in Lower Antelope Canyon either, but the good news is this canyon is so bright you won’t need one!
It is totally possible to take amazing, non-blurry photos of this canyon by just holding your camera. Also because there are (usually) fewer people in this canyon it makes it easier to take photos without people in them.
Lower Antelope is a bit twistier as well, making it easy to take photos ahead or behind you even if someone is coming around the bend. Because you’ll be walking one way and the canyon is much longer, you’ll have ample time to photograph the canyon.
Good to Know: If you would like to visit Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon in the high season (May-October) you probably need to book your tickets months in advance.
The Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon
When trying to make the choice between Upper versus Lower Antelope Canyon it’s important to look at the best time of year to visit as well.
The best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, as well as Lower, is in the spring, fall, or even the winter. This is because in the summertime it can be extremely hot and not enjoyable.
Keep in mind that the light beams only occur between May-October so if you are looking to see the beautiful beams of light, you will need to choose to visit Upper Antelope or Lower Antelope Canyon then.
Another important thing to keep in mind when choosing a time to visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is the crowds.
May-October are the busiest months and tickets sell out far in advance during this time.
November- February is the best time to visit Antelope Canyon if you’re looking for a little bit of relief from the crowds.
The weather in the winter is a bit colder and snow is rare in this area during the winter. Average temperatures reach around 50° Fahrenheit during the day and 25° Fahrenheit at night.
So when you are thinking “Is Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon better?” It might be a better idea to think about when you want to visit rather than which canyon to visit since they are both breathtaking.
Antelope Canyon In The Winter
Antelope Canyon in the winter is actually a best-kept secret these days. There are significantly fewer crowds at Antelope Canyon in the winter and the prices are lowered during the offseason (mid-October to mid-March.)
I would recommend still waiting until November – February to visit if you are looking for fewer crowds. Also, make sure to visit during the week as weekends at Upper Antelope Canyon during the winter can still be pretty crowded.
Alternatives Slot Canyons To Visit
If you want to skip the crowds totally but still experience a slot canyon, there are lots of other options for slot canyons in this area! We would recommend checking out Antelope Canyon X.
Canyon X is actually part of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, it’s just not quite as well known.
We absolutely loved this tour of Antelope Canyon X! The guides were magnificent & it’s a very highly-rated tour.
Another awesome canyon to check out in the area is Waterholes Canyon. This canyon isn’t quite as narrow as the other slot canyons, but it is still gorgeous and you will likely have the entire canyon to yourself!
Looking for more slot canyons in the Page, Arizona area?
Learn more about all the slot canyons in the area as well as secret canyons not many people know about!
How to Get to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
The only way to see Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is through a tour. Tours often leave from Page, Arizona which is only a 15-minute drive from the canyons.
If you’re going to be flying into the area then Las Vegas is one of the best airports to fly into. Taking a road trip from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is also a lot of fun.
If you don’t want to fly into Vegas you can learn about all of the airport options here including the absolute closest airport to Antelope Canyon.
Another popular place to fly into and road trip from is Phoenix to Antelope Canyon. There is a ton of stuff to see along the way!
Once you get to Page there are lots of great places to stay, but keep in mind it is the only town with accommodation within 2 hours in any direction.
There are lots of other incredible things to do in this area such as checking out Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, the other slot canyons in the area, the Toadstools, Glen Canyon Dam, or even a day trip to Zion National Park.
Best Places To Stay Near Antelope Canyon
The closest town to Antelope Canyon is Page, Arizona. Although Page is a bit on the smaller side, there are definitely some great options at super affordable prices!
All of these places to stay are also close to the best restaurants in Page, so you won’t be searching for a place to eat either.
Here are some other great choices for accommodation in Page that are close to Antelope Canyon:
- This adorable little rental house is in a great central location for your adventures in and around Page. It is stocked with everything you need to cook your own meals and have a nice relaxing time. This house is also brand new and has a lot of parking, 2 bedrooms, and an adorable backyard!
- Wingate by Wyndham has the highest-rated reviews of any hotel in the Page area, and for good reason! This hotel is exceptionally clean, has great views, and has a great breakfast.
- The Red Rock Motel is a great budget pick for anyone visiting Antelope Canyon. The rooms are clean, there is a kitchen for cooking your own meals, and the owners of this motel are the sweetest people. Every room also has its own little patio area. For the price, you really can’t beat this place!
If you don’t want to stay in a hotel there are tons of great places to camp near Antelope Canyon such as RV Parks, campgrounds, and dispersed camping spots that are really close to Antelope Canyon.
Packing for Visiting Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon
You will want to be prepared when visiting Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. The canyons are located in the desert so we have listed below the things we highly recommend bringing to ensure you are prepared and have a great time!
- Wide Brim Sun Hat – The sun (even in the winter) can be intense in this part of the country. Bring a wide-brimmed hat to make sure you protect your face.
- Water Bottle Holder – You’re not allowed to take backpacks/large bags into the canyons due to lack of space, so if you want to bring water along you need to either carry it or buy one of these nifty water bottle holders.
- Buff/Bandana – Depending on what tour company you choose, you could be riding to and from Antelope Canyon in an open-top jeep-like car. A buff/bandana is highly recommended for the dust that will inevitably go into your mouth and eyes!
Wrap-up – Which is Better: Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
The easy answer is – both! Hiking both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is gorgeous and deserves a visit, but we can understand not everyone wants to take the time or spend the money to see both.
If we had to lean towards one, we’d choose Lower Antelope Canyon. It’s possible to have fewer crowds, and the ladders/stairs make this experience feel more adventurous. It’s also easier to take photos so you won’t feel sad when all your photos don’t turn out.
Also, since this canyon is only one-way traffic, you won’t be dealing with lots of people passing you at the same time you’re trying to get through the canyon.
However, if you really want to see the famous light beams- you’re going to have to choose the Upper Canyon- or just do both like we did!
We hope this article about the best Antelope Canyon tours helps you decide which tour to take. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!
