Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is the most photographed slot canyon in the world, and it comes in two famous sections: Upper and Lower. Both sit on Navajo Nation land just outside Page, Arizona, and both are visited only on guided Navajo tours. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits your group, plus the third way to see Antelope Canyon, by water on Lake Powell.

Upper vs. Lower at a Glance

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon opens at ground level, so the walk inside is level and easy on sand. Because the canyon is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, the midday sun shines straight down in shafts of light from about late spring through summer, and those light-beam tour times sell out first. It is also the busier of the two, so expect to move through with your group.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is a crack in the ground that you enter down steep metal staircases. Inside it is narrower, longer and twistier, with more ducking and squeezing, and you climb back out at the far end. The light reflects off the walls all day, so it is beautiful at almost any tour time, and many visitors who see both say Lower felt more adventurous.

What to Know Before You Book

• Guides are required. Both canyons are in the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, and you can only enter with an authorized Navajo tour.
• Navajo permit fee. Every visitor pays a Navajo Nation permit fee. Some tours include it in the ticket and some collect it at check-in, so read your booking.
• Bags and tripods. Most general tours do not allow bags, backpacks, tripods or selfie sticks. Photography tours have their own rules.
• Time zones. Page stays on Arizona time all year, but the Navajo Nation changes its clocks in summer. From March to November, check which time your ticket uses.
• Weather. Tours close when flash floods threaten. Slot canyons flood fast, even from storms miles away.
• Book early. Summer, holidays and midday light-beam times fill weeks ahead.

The Third Antelope Canyon: By Water

Where Antelope Creek meets Lake Powell, its lower end is a flooded canyon you can explore by jet ski, boat, kayak or paddle board, no tour needed. You idle in at wakeless speed between towering sandstone walls until the water runs out. It is one of the best short rides on the lake from Antelope Point and Wahweap. Read Antelope Canyon by Jet Ski for how it works.

One Great Day Near Page

Ride Antelope Canyon by water in the calm morning, take an Upper or Lower tour midday, and finish at Horseshoe Bend in the late afternoon. See more things to do in Page, Arizona.