If you’ve never heard of Antelope Canyon, it’s a breathtaking slot canyon in the Arizona desert, famous for its narrow passageways and stunning orange and purple sandstone walls, sculpted by wind and water over many years. This natural wonder, located on Navajo land, can only be visited with a guided tour led by a local Navajo guide. Due to its popularity, the tour system helps manage the large number of visitors, making it essential for crowd control.
In this review, we’ll share our personal experience touring the Lower Antelope Canyon, complete with photos, tips on the best times to visit, and everything else you need to know before planning your trip.
Best Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
We booked our tour through GetYourGuide, which provided a smooth experience, including entry tickets, the Navajo permit fee, and a knowledgeable local guide. Communication was clear, and they even offer a refund policy if you need to cancel ahead of time. GetYourGuide also offers tours for Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Canyon X, and other less crowded canyons in the area. We’ve used GetYourGuide for various tours worldwide and highly recommend them.
What to Expect on the Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
The Lower Antelope Canyon tour takes you through an underground slot canyon. After a short, sandy walk, you’ll descend metal stairs into the canyon and walk through it in single file at a relaxed pace before ascending stairs back to the starting point.
Our tour began with a surprise—a free Navajo tribal dance performance with music. No payment was requested, but tips were welcome. After the performance, we walked for about 10 minutes through the desert to reach the canyon entrance. The desert heat can be intense, so the coolness inside the canyon is a welcome relief.
From above, the canyon is just a crack in the ground, but once inside, the perfectly smooth, wavy walls and vibrant sandstone colors are awe-inspiring. Our guide pointed out interesting shapes in the canyon walls, like a dragon, an eagle, and a tribal chief. Photography inside the canyon is easier than you might think; even smartphone cameras capture the beauty well, especially with a wide-angle lens.
Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Photos
The Lower Antelope Canyon is just as stunning in person as it appears in photos. Despite the inevitable crowds, we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and managed to take plenty of great pictures without anyone else in the frame. We spent nearly an hour inside the canyon, and the experience was not diminished by the number of visitors.
Best Time to Visit Lower Antelope Canyon
The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. To avoid crowds and the heat, November to March is ideal. However, the lighting is most spectacular during the summer. The Lower Canyon’s wider ceiling allows for more sunlight, which can be too bright for photos. Morning or late afternoon visits are best for softer lighting.
We visited during midday and still found the canyon’s lighting to be beautiful. Unless you’re a professional photographer, the time of day might not make much difference to you.
Is the Tour Worth It?
Absolutely! Lower Antelope Canyon is a must-see for its unique and stunning scenery, even though the crowds can be overwhelming. While the tour price isn’t cheap, it’s more affordable than Upper Antelope Canyon, where prices can reach $150 per person in the summer. The Lower Canyon offers a better value with a more relaxed tour experience.
Lower vs Upper Antelope Canyon: Which is Best?
After touring all the sections of Antelope Canyon, we found Lower Canyon to be our favorite, despite Upper Canyon’s famous light beams seen during summer. Lower Canyon’s tour is longer, more relaxed, and more affordable, with comparable scenery to Upper Canyon. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, Antelope Canyon X is a newer, less crowded section worth considering.
Tips for Your Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
- What to Bring: A driver’s license or passport for check-in, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera or phone for photos.
- What Not to Bring: Bags, backpacks, strollers, drones, tripods, and other bulky items are not allowed. You’ll need to leave these in your car.
- Prohibited Activities: Smoking, climbing, flash photography, and video recording are not allowed inside the canyon.
Additional Tips
- Bathrooms: Restrooms are available at the tour office but not during the tour, so plan accordingly.
- When to Book: Reserve your spot at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer.
- Time Zones: The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time, while the rest of Arizona does not. Set your clocks to Page, AZ local time to avoid any mix-ups.
- Arrival Time: Arrive 45 minutes early for check-in. The tour operators are strict about punctuality.
- Getting There: The tour starts at Indian Rte 222, Page, AZ 86040, just a 10-minute drive from Page, Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Lower Antelope Canyon?
It’s a slot canyon on Navajo land near Page, Arizona, and one of the most famous parts of the Antelope Canyon complex. - Why is it called Lower Antelope Canyon?
Unlike Upper Canyon, which is above ground, Lower Canyon is below ground. Despite the name, it’s not inferior—many find it more enjoyable. - Best Time of Day to Visit?
Any time of day is great, but morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting. Midday visits can also be beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Lower Antelope Canyon is an unforgettable experience and a true icon of the American Southwest. We hope you find this review helpful in planning your visit, and don’t forget to explore other amazing slot canyons in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada on your road trip!
