Antelope Canyon (1AI-2AI)

Location: Navajo Nation, near Page, AZ
Rating: N/A (not a canyoneering route-guided access only)
Length: 1 to 2 hours
Mileage: 1-2 miles
Longest Rappel: Not permitted
Start: Guided tour entrance only
End: Guided exit
Permits: Required through authorized Navajo guides
Wetsuit: Not needed
Shuttle: Not applicable

Overview: Antelope Canyon is one of the most scenic and photographed slot canyons in the world, known for its narrow sandstone walls, flowing shapes, and light beams.While often associated with canyoneering, Antelope Canyon is not accessible for independent exploration and should not be considered a traditional canyoneering route.

Access is strictly controlled by the Navajo Nation and is limited to guided tours.

Access and Tour Requirements: All areas of Antelope Canyon within the Lake Powell region are only accessible via guided tour. Tour guides are mandatory for all Antelope Canyon locations.Visitors must book through an authorized Navajo Nation tour operator. An entry fee of ~$17 (subject to change) per person, per location, per day is required, with guided tours available at an additional cost.

You enter at your own risk and should remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Authorized Tour Operators are found by Clicking Here (or see below)

• Upper Antelope Canyon

  • Antelope Canyon Tours, Inc.
  • Tse Bighanilini Tours
  • Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours
  • Antelope Slot Canyon Tours
  • Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
  • Antelope Hogann Tours

  Lower Antelope Canyon

  • Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
  • Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

  Other Nearby Canyon and Tour Options

  • Mystical Antelope Canyon Tour
  • Antelope Hogan Canyon Tours
  • Wind Canyon Slot Tours
  • Black Streak Canyon Tours
  • Deer Spring Canyon Tours
  • Taadidiin Tours, LLC
  • Eggshell Tours, LLC
  • East Grand Canyon Navajo Tours
  • Grand Canyon Native Trails
  • JHANI’S, LLC

• Additional Experiences

  • Tower Butte Trail Ride
  • Horseshoe Bend Trail Rides
  • Horseshoe Bend Tours
  • Horseshoe Bend – City of Page

  Helicopter Tours

  • ABEARCO, Inc.

Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is rated 1A I and is a fully guided, non-technical experience with the easiest access of the two sections. The route consists of flat walking with no ladders or climbing required, making it suitable for all visitors. It is best known for its iconic light beams and photography opportunities, but it is also the most crowded and structured of the Antelope Canyon experiences.

Lower Antelope Canyon is rated 2A I and remains a guided, non-technical route, though it is more physically engaging. Visitors must climb ladders and navigate tighter, more confined passages throughout the canyon. While still popular, it tends to have slightly fewer crowds than Upper Antelope Canyon and offers a more adventurous experience overall.

Which Should You Choose

• Choose Upper Antelope Canyon for easy access and photography
• Choose Lower Antelope Canyon for a more active and engaging experience
• Both options are guided and non technical, with no independent exploration allowed

Approach: Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona, within Navajo Nation lands. From Page, head east on Highway 98. Access to both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is located a few miles outside of town along this highway.

For Upper Antelope Canyon, turn onto the signed access road leading south from Highway 98 toward the canyon entrance. This area is managed by authorized tour operators, and parking is typically arranged through your tour provider.

For Lower Antelope Canyon, access is also directly off Highway 98, with designated parking areas near the tour operator check in locations.

All visitors must arrive through a scheduled guided tour. You cannot drive directly into the canyon or access it independently. It is recommended to arrive early, as tours operate on strict schedules and late arrivals may not be accommodated.

Route Description: Guided tours lead visitors through narrow sandstone corridors shaped by water erosion. You may expect extremely narrow passages, smooth sculpted walls, short walking distances, and ontrolled group movement.