The Amazing Upper Antelope Canyon in Arizona

The Upper Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona, and it is one of the most surreal places we have ever been to! We visited the Upper Antelope Canyon in winter and here we'll share some amazing pictures and important information you should know before you go.

Our visit to Page and the Antelope Canyon was part of a great 10 Day Road Trip in the American Southwest. Check everything we did here!

Can I visit the Antelope Canyon by myself?  Should I make reservations to visit the Antelope Canyon?

The Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon (a tight canyon formed by erosion from wind and water, mostly flash floods). In 1997 a group of seven people that were on their own died due to a flash flood and since then visits are only allowed with official tour guides.

For this reason you can't (or perhaps shouldn't) just arrive in Page and pick a tour company because there is a great chance you just won't find availability (or will end up having to use the services of an unknown tour company). We did a lot of research and chose Antelope Canyon Tours because it had the best reviews - and price 😉

What's the best time of day to visit the Antelope Canyon?

We went on the 11:30am tour, as it is the best time of the day to visit the Upper Antelope Canyon in winter because it's when you get the most amount of sunlight inside the canyon. During summer it is even better because the sun rays go all the way to the canyon floor at this time of the day. 

Should I visit the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?

The difference between the Upper Antelope and the Lower Antelope is that the Upper canyon is at the ground level while the Lower is, as the name says, in a lower position and you have to go down a ladder. They are very similar, but we chose the Upper Antelope due to the easy access.

Can I take a backpack or a bag? Can I take a selfie stick and a tripod to the Antelope Canyon?

No backpaks or bags of any kind are allowed, and no selfie sticks or tripods. And if you are with a baby you can take a bag, but you must leave it in the vehicle by the canyon entrance. If you go on a photographic tour you can take a tripod. And it's always good to check with the tour company what you can take to the Antelope Canyon.

How far is Page from the Upper Antelope Canyon?

From where the tour operator is located to the canyon it's a 20 minute drive, part of it on a dirt road with lots of dust, so bring something to cover your mouth and nose - as well as cameras! If visiting in winter, a good protection from wind and a hat are a must!

How many people visit the Canyon at the same time?

We were in a group of 12 people and at the same time there were a few more groups (from the same tour company). When we got to the canyon, our guide, Ricky, asked us to stay close to hear him and to better navigate the canyon.

At first we thought that 12 people in one group would be a lot of people, and also that having other groups at the same it would be almost impossible to take pictures, but the groups are so well organized that they are never on the same place at the same time. We had many opportunities to take pictures of an empty canyon!

• Pay attention to the guide's photo tips. They are amazing and you will end up with fantastic pictures! If the guide offers to take a picture of you, go for it! They are incredible as they know how to operate a camera in that environment. And don't forget to show your appreciation by giving a tip.

How long are the tours?

The tour inside the canyon lasts about 40 minutes and it's almost impossible to resist the urge to take a picture at every step you take! The whole tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Are there other tours?

Many tour operators provide photographic tours, with less people and longer. But they are more expensive 🙂

Where to stay to visit the Antelope Canyon?

The best option is to stay in Page. We stayed at the Best Western View of Lake Powell and it was great! It's close to Glen Canyon Dam (we visited it before our tour) and close to downtown Page. They offer a very good free breakfast, and the hotel has an amazing view! For other hotels in Page click here.

The Antelope Canyon is one of those places that seems like it's from another world! But it's real and you should plan a visit. You won't regret!