Are you headed to Page, AZ and want to see Antelope Canyon – but don’t know which one to visit first? Choosing between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon can be hard – especially if you don’t know the difference.
I have just been to Page – and was confronted with the choice myself! There are pros and cons to each one of the canyons.
Since you need an (expensive) tour for each of them – you’ll probably be faced with the same fate of only being able to visit one of them.
To help you make the choice easier for you, I have created this ultimate guide!
Psst: I prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon!
Table of Contents
What To Know Before You Go
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon in Page, Northern Arizona.
It is famous for its narrow sandstone walls and magical light beams. It’s divided into two sections: Upper and Lower Canyon.
Since it is located on Navajo land, guided tours are the only way to explore it. They are pretty expensive and can cost up to USD 400,00 per person, depending on the time slot.
Tours take about 1,5 hours – and you need good mobility to participate (there are ladders and stairs involved).
You can either visit both canyons in one day or combine your visit with other attractions in the area.
Here is some more detailed info that can come in handy for your visit:
1 Awesome Day in Page, Arizona: Itinerary and Insider Tips
Visiting Arizona: Everything You Need to Know
Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon
Upper
Easier to access with a flat walk
Stunning light beams during midday
Wider spaces, less claustrophobic
More popular and crowded
More Expensive
A jeep drive from base camp is needed
Lower
Less Expensive
Smaller Crowds
More Adventurous (ladders, narrow spaces)
No light beams
Uneven terrain (not for all mobility levels)
Lower Antelope Canyon
The Lower Antelope Canyon is a mesmerizing slot canyon with twisting sandstone walls and vibrant colors. Lower Antelope Canyon is my favorite of the two – for a couple of reasons.
Lower Canyon offers a more adventurous experience. There are narrow passages and ladders to climb as you explore its depths.
The ladders are sturdy and well-placed. But it can bit challenging for visitors with limited mobility, but they also add to the canyon’s charm.
This canyon is often less crowded, so the tours will feel a bit more serene and personal. While it is still expensive, it’s also slightly more budget-friendly than Upper Antelope Canyon.
There are none of the iconic light beams in the Lower Antelope Canyon. According to our tour guide, they are also pretty rare in the Upper Antelope Canyon.
The Lower Antelope Canyon has a V-shape, which means the slot canyon is super narrow on the ground but opens up toward the sky.
We took some amazing photos and had a great time on our tour, so I prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon over the Upper Antelope Canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous and accessible of the two Antelope Canyons.
It is also known as “The Crack,” because it has wider, flat pathways. Since it is so flat, it is ideal for all visitors, including families and those with limited mobility.
The Upper Antelope Canyon is famous because of the stunning light beams that filter through the narrow canyon ceiling, especially around midday.
The walls of the Canyon are smooth and tall, so it has a cathedral-like ambiance.
Sadly, its popularity means it can get crowded, and tours are typically more expensive compared to Lower Canyon. Especially tours around light-beam time are super expensive (and they are in no way guaranteed).
Without the famous light beams, the canyons are pretty much the same. For that reason, I prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon.
Is Antelope Canyon Worth Visiting?
At this point, you’ve probably checked the prices of the tours and are wondering if it is even worth it.
To be honest, Antelope Canyon is definitely worth visiting, despite the tour prices.
For me, it was an experience unlike any other, and I was glad to have the tour guide there with me. For one, they make sure to get you out in time in case of a flash flood. But they also have a lot of knowledge and can show you the best photo spots.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I definitely recommend doing it if you have the choice. If money is not an issue, opt for a small-group or private tour to have a better experience.
Keep one thing in mind: while the canyon’s colors are pretty amazing – most pictures on Instagram are still edited and color-graded as well. I’ll attach you an un-edited picture below here.
Plus, Page AZ has a lot to offer, so you can easily combine your visit with the iconic Horseshoe Bend or the Vermillion Cliffs.
What is The Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon depends on what you want to experience:
- For Light Beams (Upper Canyon): Visit between late March and early October, during the midday hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) when the sun is high. This is when the iconic light beams shine through the canyon walls, creating magical photo opportunities.
- For Fewer Crowds (Both Canyons): Opt for the early morning or late afternoon tours, especially in the off-season in winter (November to February). While there are no light beams during this time, the soft lighting still highlights the canyon’s rich textures and colors beautifully.
- For Comfortable Weather: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer mild temperatures, making them ideal times to visit. Summers can be very hot, and while the canyon is cooler inside, the surrounding desert can be intense.
Summary Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a bucket-list destination with two distinct sections: Upper and Lower. Personally, I prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon – but as we saw in this post, there are pros and cons to both of them.
Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its breathtaking light beams, wide pathways, and ease of access. On the other hand, Lower Antelope Canyon offers a more adventurous experience with ladders and narrow passages. It is also a quieter and more budget-friendly alternative.
While Upper Canyon shines during midday with its iconic beams, Lower Canyon captivates with its twisting formations and dynamic lighting throughout the day.
Both require guided tours, but your choice depends on your priorities. But no matter which one you pick, they are both awesome!
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
