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When and how to visit Antelope Canyon

You’ve probably seen it around already—in photos or on social media: Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon with dramatic internal shapes carved by wind and water. Light enters only from above, creating stunning light effects, and at certain times of day it gives the sandstone an incredible range of colors: the shadows and the brilliant orange-to-purple hues of the walls, smoothed by the elements, make it a one-of-a-kind sight and one of the most evocative landscapes in the parks of the United States.


When and how to visit Antelope Canyon


What Antelope Canyon is

Let’s start from the beginning by explaining where Antelope Canyon is located. The canyon is in Arizona, near Page. 
The main feature of this slot canyon, which often causes confusion for first-time visitors, is that it is divided into two different sections that are not directly connected: Upper and Lower (actually, there is a third one as well: Antelope Canyon X). 
The Upper section is certainly the most famous and lies at the end of a dirt road that cannot be accessed by private vehicles, several kilometers from the second section, which is closer to Lake Powell, where the canyon itself begins. 
 

When and how to visit Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation, which requires a tourism fee. Unlike many other U.S. parks, visiting Antelope Canyon requires joining an organized tour and being accompanied by a guide.

How to book: As mentioned above, to visit Antelope Canyon you need to book a guided tour, so it’s best to reserve well in advance if you don’t want to risk finding no availability. Of course, it is also possible to book on site, but keep in mind that this is one of the most beautiful and best-known places in the entire United States: getting there and not finding a spot would be a real disappointment. Also consider that if you can’t find availability for Upper Antelope Canyon on the days you’ve chosen, you can always buy a ticket for Lower Antelope Canyon, which is usually a bit less crowded. Or alternatively, for Antelope Canyon X, which is even less well known.

Opening hours: The park is open 7 days a week (which is very convenient and makes planning easier). Each season has its own set opening and visiting hours. From late March to November 1—so in spring, summer, and fall—the hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From November 2 to early March, the hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Be careful with the Arizona time zone!  If you’re passionate about photography, and one of your goals in visiting Antelope Canyon is to come home with spectacular pictures, we recommend reading our article "Photographing Antelope Canyon: the best time to go.

Visit duration: most tours last about 2 hours, including the jeep transfer from Page. The Lower Antelope Canyon tour, on the other hand, lasts about 1 hour.


The best time to visit Antelope Canyon

The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is definitely during the summer months. This is because the summer season allows you to fully enjoy the extraordinary light effects created when the sun’s rays slip into the narrow canyon. The peak usually begins around March 15 and fades by October 7. However, keep in mind that August and September are usually rainy months.


Alright, alright—we’ve told you everything (or almost everything) we know. But if you really want to visit Antelope Canyon and set off on an amazing journey through the United States... take a look at our itinerary. 
 

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