Upper/Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon is nothing short of mesmerizing! If you are ever in Arizona, you can not leave without seeing this place.

Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon:

There are two canyon slots that you will want to see. Lower Antelope and Upper Antelope and it is necessary to reserve a spot through a tour company to see both. You can not go alone because it is part of Indian Reservation territory so it is necessary to hire a guide.

Lower: We used Ken’s Tours for Lower Antelope. The average charge is $40/per person, the tour lasts for an hour, and you will walk for about a mile.

When exploring Lower Antelope you will be guided down several ladders below ground level (as pictured below). Lower is shaped like a V with an open top, because of this lower is brighter and warmer than upper. Full of twists and turns the walking space is more narrow and feels more fun.

Upper: Tours start at $63/per person.

It is shaped like an upside down V. Narrow at the top with a wider walking space. Due to the narrow walls upper is darker and cooler.

Left: Upper Antelope Canyon, Right: Lower Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend: It is not necessary to reserve a tour for this. It is in the same area as the slot canyons within a 20 minute drive. There is a parking lot available and signs guiding you where to go. The path is about 1.5 miles and it will take about an hour to explore. The walkway is a steep and sandy hill before reaching flat land that ends at the cliff. There are no barriers and people have fallen off, but it is possible to get near the edge to enjoy the view while staying safe. Just proceed with much caution.

Horseshoe Bend, Page Arizona

Location: Page, AZ // The Upper & Lower Canyons are a 15 minute drive from each other. They are both accessed by Hwy 98, a long, straight road that heads east out of Page.

Time to go: We went in early June and it was not overwhelmingly packed. Best time to visit is end of March through early October, but it’s best to call the tour company to confirm with them. Also, it is now necessary, to reserve your tour ahead of time because they sell out. Regardless of the time of day you go the slots are beautiful, but depending on the time of year there are specific times that illuminate the slots best. Those tour times tend to sell out first, so if you want to book those do it asap.

Time of day to go: Depends on the season. Call the tour company to ask.

What to wear: Although the area tends to stay warm during the day it can get very cold at night, in the early morning, and in shady spots. Wear layers when entering the slots because the temperature drops in the shade. Hiking shoes are a good idea. No sandals.

Things to bring: Hiking shoes, Camera, Sun Screen, Chapstick

Tipping: Carry cash to tip your tour guide. We tipped $10/per person.

This area is home to indigenous people that have lived in the preserved area for many generations. Tourist attractions such as these stimulate their economy so please remember to tip.