Antelope Slot Canyon Page Arizona
Posted By admin On 10/04/22Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the world. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona, and managed by Lake Powell Navajo Tribal. Location Antelope Canyon is nestled in the desert landscape southeast of the city of Page, AZ at the Arizona-Utah border. Page is a 4-hour and 45 minute drive from Las Vegas and 2 hours north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Antelope Canyon is one of the most recognized slot canyons in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land just east of Page, AZ. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as 'Upper Antelope Canyon' or 'The Crack'; and 'Lower Antelope Canyon' or 'The Corkscrew'.
Antelope Slot Canyon
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Few, if any, slot canyons in the world can come close to rivaling the awe-inspiring curves and undulations of the sandstone slot canyons near Page, Arizona.
The Page, Arizona slot canyons offer a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors. Though popular amongst hiking enthusiasts and professional photographers, the canyons are beautiful enough (and accessible enough) to appeal to just about any crowd. I mean, you’ve seen the pictures, right? Who wouldn’t want to see this for themselves?! Please note that all four of the canyons below require a Navajo guide to accompany you...don't go adventuring off on your own!
1. Upper Antelope Canyon
Typically visited by day, as pictured above, this slot canyon can also be visited at night through a tour with Lionel Bigthumb; your adventure may yield some photos similar to the below image. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — “the place where water runs through rocks”, is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won’t have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won’t be alone. If you’re impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour. Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
2. Lower Antelope Canyon
If you only have time to visit one of Page’s famous slot canyons, Lower Antelope Canyon has my vote. Known as “Hazdistazí” (meaning “spiral rock arches”) to some, Lower Antelope Canyon brings the most bang for your buck if you have limited time. Even though it is only a quarter-mile long, its landscape is dense in amazing features, including some of the most iconic undulating formations in the rock walls, along with amazing lighting and coloring. Even amateur photographers can take incredible photographs in this canyon! Check out Mark Handy's post for more details.
3. Rattlesnake Canyon
A tributary to the larger Antelope Wash, Rattlesnake Canyon is not as tall or as long as either Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. It also doesn’t have the famous “light beam” phenomenon that those canyons are known for. However, the color quality of the rocks, the superb lighting, the unique formations, and the winding passageways of this canyon give it a feel and appearance that is spectacular in its own right. Factoring in a number of elements, I have to admit this canyon is my favorite! Check out Eric Harris's post for more details.
4. Mountain Sheep Canyon
As its name suggests, Mountain Sheep Canyon offers a rugged feel and more strenuous hike than the other slot canyons. The trek is longer than it is for the other canyons (about three-quarters of a mile), and there is quite a bit of scaling ladders along the way. The ladders are all secured to the rock, but a few of the climbs might be enough to make you a bit nervous…especially with younger children. Also, beware that this canyon is not immediately adjacent to the Antelope Wash, where the others are located; you will have a bit more adventurous (read: bumpy) ride to get to Mountain Sheep Canyon. Check out my post for more details.
For more details, history, and photography tips on the Page Slot Canyons, check out this post.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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Added by Mark Handy
Explore breathtaking slot canyons with wonderful lighting throughout the day. The tours are guided tours by local Navajo.
Antelope Canyon is the most-visited and most-photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona, and requires you to book a tour guide. But don’t let that dissuade you – this natural marvel is well worth it, and this is a must-do for amateur and professional photographers alike.
The canyon is divided into two primary areas: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means 'the place where water runs through rocks.' Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed. Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, or 'spiral rock arches.' Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.
Tours can be purchased in nearby Page, Arizona and range from $30 to $80 per person, depending on the time of the day and length of the tour.
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Join the communityReviews
Andrew Ho
🥇Top Contributor
2 months ago
Beautiful
The photos here can get a bit cliche but they are still amazing. You need to get a tour to visit Antelope Canyon. It's a really popular spot and most likely you have seen photos from here on any Arizona ad.
4.0
Andreas Brokalakis
🥇Top Contributor
3 months ago
Unforgettable experience
I have visited only the upper Antelope canyon and can attest that it is something that you should at least once in your life see with your own eyes. Since you can only visit the canyon with a guide or tour company, it is really easy to access and safe. However this is also the downside, as visiting in groups leads to a very crowded situation inside the narrow canyon making it hard to really enjoy the marvel of the nature. If I am not mistaken, tours can be organised in more private fashion with the aim of photography, but they can be quite more expensive and also may require more planning (i.e. booking several days earlier).
5.0
Crystal Sibson
🥇Top Contributor
5 months ago
Beautiful Canyon
I have been to both upper and lower Antelope Canyon. I think they are both worth a visit. The upper canyon gets more dramatic light beams and the lower canyon in much narrower. The only downside is that the canyons get quite crowded.
5.0
Elena Pearson
🥇Top Contributor
5 months ago
Beautiful canyon
It's an absolutely beautiful canyon. It can get chilly down there. You're required to sign up for a tour.
5.0
Natalie F
🥇Top Contributor
6 months ago
Touristy, but totally worth it!
Guided tour, but so worth it. Colors blend together so intricately. Tour gave you a nice history of the area. Beautiful! So much to do in this area too!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Antelope Slot Canyon National Park
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Antelope Slot Canyon Tours Page Arizona
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.