Inside Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon: Half-Day Slot Canyon Tour from Page, AZ

Explore both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon in a single half-day tour from Page, AZ. Walk narrow ladders and sunlit chambers with a Navajo guide, learn canyon history, and capture dramatic light shafts with practical tips for timing and gear.

Page, Arizona•

Approximately 4 hours (including transfers)

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

The bus eases away from Page before sunrise and the desert opens like a page turned. By the time you step onto sandy ground, the canyon walls are already drawing the morning light into long, warm fingers. In a small group with a Navajo guide, you descend into Lower Antelope Canyon first: laddered sections, narrow squeezes and chambers where the sandstone curves like the inside of an enormous shell. The slot breathes—cooler and darker in the coils—then spills you out to the scrub and a brief picnic before the short transfer to Upper Antelope Canyon, where light shafts fall in toward midday and the red walls glow from within.

Before You Go

Book morning or midday intentionally

Choose morning for cooler temperatures and Upper at midday for light beams; availability is limited so reserve early.

Sturdy shoes and secure camera

Closed-toe shoes with grip and a wrist- or neck-strap for your camera keep you steady on sand, slick rock and ladders.

Pack only essentials

Bring water, ID, and a small pack—large bags may be cumbersome and some sites restrict tripods during busy times.

Respect Navajo rules

Follow your guide’s instructions, stay on the path, and avoid touching or climbing the sandstone to protect the formations.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Stop at the nearby overlook for a panoramic view of the canyon rim and Glen Canyon before or after tours
•Visit the Navajo-owned booths near the parking areas for locally crafted jewelry and stories from artisans

Wildlife

•Desert cottontail
•Common raven

Conservation Note

Tours are regulated to limit impact on fragile sandstone and to ensure proceeds support the local Navajo community; follow guide rules to minimize erosion and wear.

Antelope Canyon formed in Navajo Sandstone through centuries of flash flooding and wind; the canyons are on Navajo Nation land and visits are guided under tribal management.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Morning for cooler tones and fewer crowds, Midday for Upper canyon light beams, Late afternoon for richer red-orange hues

Key viewpoints:

• Lower Antelope ladder sections (for texture and narrow views)
• Upper Antelope alcoves where light pools on curved walls
• The scenic roadside overlook near the Upper/Lower transfer for canyon rim panoramas

Subjects to capture:Slot canyon textures and curves, Light shafts and dust motes, Close-up rock striations and patterns

What to Bring

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Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential

Grip and toe protection for sand, slick rock and short ladders.

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Hydration (1L+ water)Essential

Desert sun and exertion dehydrate quickly—carry a refillable bottle.

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Lightweight daypackEssential

Carries water, ID, sunscreen and camera without impeding movement.

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Camera with wrist strap or smartphone

Capture light shafts and textures; secure it for narrow passages.

Common Questions

How long is each canyon visit?

Expect about 45–60 minutes in Lower Antelope Canyon and roughly 60–90 minutes in Upper Antelope Canyon, plus transfer time.

Are tripods allowed?

Tripod policies vary: some tours restrict them during busy times; check with the operator ahead if you plan long-exposure or studio-style shots.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No; Lower has ladders and narrow passages and Upper has uneven sandy floors—this tour is not suitable for standard wheelchairs.

Do I need a permit?

Yes; admission to both canyons requires Navajo permits, which are included with the tour.

What is the best time to photograph light beams?

Midday (roughly 11:00–1:30) in late spring through summer offers the best chance for strong light shafts in Upper Antelope Canyon, depending on weather.

What should I wear?

Layered, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes and a hat for time outside between canyon visits; sunscreen is essential.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

Approximately 4 hours (including transfers)

Location

Page, Arizona

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness required—able to descend/ascend ladders, walk on sandy and uneven surfaces, and stand for up to an hour

Free cancellation available

Topics

Adventure Tours Bus Tours Likely to Sell Out Likely To Sell Out Nature and Wildlife Tours Walking Tours Nature Walks Short term availability Hiking Tours Half day Tours Seasonal Small Group

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