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Night Photography Tour in Upper Antelope Canyon — Starry Sky & Slot-Canyon Light

Night Photography Tour in Upper Antelope Canyon — Starry Sky & Slot-Canyon Light

Explore Upper Antelope Canyon after dark with a guided, photographer-focused three-hour tour. Capture star-filled skies and the canyon’s sculpted walls using tripods and long exposures while learning framing tips from a pro guide.

Page, AZ
3 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring a sturdy tripod

The canyon’s low light and long exposures make a stable tripod essential for sharp images.

Use a red-headlamp

A red-light mode preserves night vision for framing and prevents harsh light from washing out long exposures.

Layer up for cold nights

Temperatures drop quickly after sunset in desert canyons; pack an insulating layer and a wind blocker.

Scout and communicate

Arrive early to check gear and listen to the guide’s safety briefing — canyon corridors are narrow and require coordinated movement.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Photograph the canyon’s narrower side pockets for isolated light shafts
  • Head outside the entrance for unobstructed night-sky compositions away from canyon walls

Wildlife

  • Desert cottontail
  • Coyotes (heard more often than seen)

Conservation Note

Tours limit numbers to reduce impact and guides enforce stay-on-path rules to protect fragile sandstone and cultural sites; avoid using intense flash near rock surfaces.

Upper Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land; the slot was formed by flash floods over millennia and is managed by Navajo guides who protect access and cultural practices.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Starry night (new moon), Blue hour into early night, Just after moonset
Key viewpoints:
  • Entrance corridor for sky-to-rock compositions
  • Wider chambers where the canyon opens to the sky
  • Narrow side pockets for abstract texture shots
Subjects to capture:Slot-canyon textures and patterns, Night sky and Milky Way, Close-up sandstone details

What to Bring

Sturdy tripodEssential

Provides stability for long exposures and low-light compositions.

Mirrorless or DSLR camera with manual controlsEssential

Needed for long exposures, high-ISO performance, and lens interchangeability.

Headlamp with red-light modeEssential

Hands-free light for navigating the canyon while preserving night vision.

Warm, windproof layer

Desert temperatures drop after sunset; an insulating shell keeps you comfortable between shots.

Common Questions

Do I need to bring a tripod?

Yes. Tripods are required for this tour because most shots are long exposures in very low light.

Can non-photographers join?

Yes — tag-along guests are allowed but only registered photographers may bring camera equipment.

Is this a photography workshop?

No. Guides offer framing tips and logistical help, but the tour assumes participants have basic manual camera skills.

What is the meeting point?

Meet at Highway 98 Road & Milepost 302 near Page, AZ; directions are provided at booking.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant travelers?

Not recommended for pregnant travelers; children may join but conditions are narrow and may be challenging for very young kids.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour; tours may be canceled for bad weather.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

3 hours

Location

Page, AZ

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Requires steady footing, ability to walk on uneven sandstone and stand for extended periods; basic mobility expected

Free cancellation available

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