Antelope Canyon
Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon
Two canyons, a short drive apart, that look nothing alike. Which one is worth your morning, and what it actually takes to walk each.
The short answer
Which Antelope Canyon should you visit?
If you only see one, see Upper Antelope. It has the light beams, the floor is flat and there are no ladders. Choose Lower Antelope if you want the more dramatic canyon and you do not mind 82 steps down and eight ladders coming out. If you can spare a morning, do both. They are a short drive apart and they look nothing alike.
| Upper Antelope | Lower Antelope | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | A-shaped. Wide at the floor, narrowing to slots overhead. | V-shaped. Wide at the top, narrow at the base. |
| Light beams | Yes, around midday, roughly mid-March to mid-October. | No. Colour rather than beams. |
| Getting in | A ten minute open-air 4×4 ride, then you walk in at ground level. | Five flights of stairs, 82 steps down. |
| Getting out | A covered walkway: a 45 degree climb, then a staircase down. | Eight ladders, each with handrails. |
| The walk | About a quarter mile, one way, flat sand. | 1.1 miles, one way, on sand. |
| If you are claustrophobic | Open overhead. The easier of the two. | The walls lean in. Not recommended. |
| How long | About 2.5 hours, pickup to drop-off. | About 2 hours 15 minutes. |
| Our price | $185 per adult | $145 per adult |
Still deciding?
Tell us who is coming and what matters most to you, and we will say which of the two we would book.
Would rather ask a person? (928) 660-0687 or book@shundiincanyontours.com.
Pick by what matters to you
You came for the light beams
Then it is Upper Antelope, at midday, between about mid-March and mid-October. That is when the sun is high enough to send shafts of light all the way down to the sand. Outside those months the canyon is still beautiful, but the beams are not there. See the Upper Antelope tour.
You came for the photographs
Lower Antelope is the sculpted one. The walls twist closer as you go and the colour shifts from amber to violet to rose along the 1.1 mile path. It asks more of you physically and it gives more back on a camera. See the Lower Antelope tour.
Stairs or tight spaces are a problem
Go to Upper Antelope. There are no ladders, the floor is flat sand and the canyon is open overhead. Lower Antelope is not recommended if you are claustrophobic or have significant mobility limitations, and neither canyon is wheelchair accessible. If you have had recent knee, hip or back surgery, call us before you book.
You have a morning, not an hour
Then do not choose. Our Bucket List Duo puts you in Lower Antelope at 10:15 am and Upper Antelope at noon, with the driving, the permits and both check-ins handled, and has you back in Page by about 1:45 pm. See the Bucket List Duo.
One thing nobody warns you about
Every tour in Page runs on Arizona time, which never changes for daylight saving. The trouble is that Utah sits just north and the Navajo Nation wraps around the town, and both of those do change. Between March and November a phone near Page can quietly jump an hour ahead on its own, and guests miss tours over it.
Set your phone to Phoenix for the day. Before your tour shows the Arizona time right now next to the time on your own device, so you can see at a glance whether they agree.
Questions people ask about the two canyons
What is the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper Antelope is A-shaped and above ground: wide at the floor, narrowing to openings overhead, which is what makes the light beams possible. Lower Antelope is V-shaped and below ground: wide at the top and narrow at the base, so the walls lean in as you walk.
Which is better, Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper if you want the light beams and the easier walk. Lower if you want the more sculpted canyon and do not mind 82 steps down and eight ladders coming out.
Which Antelope Canyon has the light beams?
Upper Antelope. They appear around midday, roughly mid-March to mid-October, when the sun is high enough to reach the canyon floor. Lower Antelope is known for colour instead.
Can you visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day?
Yes. Our Bucket List Duo is built for it: Lower Antelope at 10:15 am, Upper Antelope at noon, back in Page by about 1:45 pm, with the driving and both check-ins handled.
Which Antelope Canyon is easier to walk?
Upper Antelope. A flat quarter-mile on sand and no ladders. Lower Antelope is 1.1 miles with five flights of stairs down and eight ladders out.
Which Antelope Canyon is better with young children?
Upper Antelope, because there are no ladders. Toddlers 2 and under can ride in a wrap, sling or carrier in either canyon.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a guide?
No. Both canyons are on Navajo Nation land and every visit is on a guided tour with a licensed Navajo guide. The permit is part of your booking.
Is either Antelope Canyon wheelchair accessible?
No. Neither is wheelchair accessible, and there are only portable restrooms at the canyon check-in sites.
How it works
We lead the journey. Our Navajo partners guide you inside.
Shun'Diin handles your pickup, permits, timing and the stories on the drive. Inside each canyon, licensed Navajo partner guides lead the walk and know exactly where the light falls.
Ready when you are
Come as a guest. Leave like family.
Let our family handle the logistics while you make the memories.