Antelope Canyon Tour and What You NEED To Know

Last year I took a bucket list trip that I had been wishing for to Page, Arizona, courtesy of Aramark. We fit in so much exploring during our short time there. One of my favorite parts was going on an Antelope Canyon Tour. 

I had never gone on a slot canyon tour before, and it was even more incredible than I imagined it would be. After the tour was over I realized that there were things I wish I had known first.

I want to share my experience and what you need to know so you can better prepared to truly enjoy the incredible beauty of this tour. 

Can we go to Antelope Canyon without a tour?

It is very important to know that you can not enter Antelope Canyon Arizona (take an Upper Antelope Canyon tour or a Lower Antelope Canyon tour) without a native Navajo guide. 

That means this is one travel experience you will absolutely have to book a tour in order to visit. 

Which Antelope Canyon tour is best?

Our group went on the Guided Sightseers Tour which I highly recommend as a perfect way to see Antelope Canyon.

When our group first arrived at the convenience type of store to get our tour tickets, I had no idea what to expect.

Next we hopped into a 4×4 teal blue truck which transported us in an exciting way to the opening of Antelope Canyon.

Once our tour guide gathered us all together and gave some important instructions, we were finally ready to see this incredible natural wonder.

The tour lasts about one hour in the canyon. They offer 7 different departure times and the prices are:

• Adults – $60 per person
• Children – ages 0-12 are $30

The price includes tax and also the Navajo Parks & Recreation permit.

This slot canyon tour is very informative as your Navajo guide shares the history and geology of the canyon, popular photo spots also cultural stories. 

I appreciated our tour guide not just showing us all the best spots to take photos at inside the canyon, but even taking my phone and capturing some of these impressive shapes and colors within the canyon. 

What is the best month to visit Antelope Canyon? 

The best months to visit Antelope Canyon are between March and October. We visited mid-October and the light shining through the slots in the canyon were spectacular.  

They say that the light beams entering Upper Antelope Canyon during these months create unique bright haloes, which you will miss during the wintertime. 

Since it is fairly dark inside the canyon, it feels even more impressive when the sunlight shines through the slots.

We visited on a sunny day in the early afternoon which seemed liked the perfect time.

The way the natural light shows off the variety of colors in the flowing rocks is truly beautiful.

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Antelope Canyon Tour and What You NEED To Know

Important tips to help you prepare before your Antelope Canyon tour:

• Make sure you book your guided tour in advance. You CANNOT enter Antelope Canyon without a native Navajo Guide.
• Don’t wear your best clothes or shoes (no Tieks), because you will get dusty and may get a little dirty.
• I recommend wearing sneakers because you will be walking through sand the entire time.
• The canyon has some tight passages (be prepared if you are claustrophobic)
• Cameras are welcome but no tripods, monopods or selfie sticks are allowed. 
• You can’t take bags or purses of any kind in the canyon. Only a phone/camera and a travel water bottle, which is one of my best travel essentials. 
• Ask your tour guide to show you the best places to take pictures inside the canyon.
• Don’t be afraid to ask your guide to take some pictures with your phone or camera for you.
• BEST TIP: if you have an iPhone change your camera setting to Vivid Warm for amazing pictures.

Why You Should Visit

Antelope Canyon has quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the American Southwest. The rays of sunlight that enter through the slots of the canyon and make the walls glow in shades of red, orange and even purple are breathtaking.

I am in still in awe that the sculptured masterpieces we saw were created by wind and water over time.

The guides are knowledgeable and you will be sure to leave with priceless photos to help you remember the feeling of this unforgettable experience. 

Remember that Antelope Canyon is a sacred site to the Navajo so please treat it with respect.

If you are looking for additional places in Arizona to stay and explore, besides the Antelope Canyon Tour, I have some great ideas for you:

• Hot Air Balloon Rides and What You Need to Know
• 7 Reasons Why You Want to Stay at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale
• Sanctuary on Camelback Resort Has This Unique Luxury Amenity

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