Antelope Canyon: A Half-Day Tour Through Upper Light Beams and Lower Ladders
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to descend and ascend steps and ladders, walk up to 1.1 miles on uneven, sandy ground.
Overview
Walk two of the Southwest’s most photographed slot canyons in a single half-day tour—Lower’s ladders and intimate chambers followed by Upper’s famed light beams. This Navajo‑run experience blends cultural insight, geology, and practical logistics for first‑time visitors.
Antelope Canyon: A Half-Day Tour Through Upper Light Beams and Lower Ladders
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You step off the shuttle into a corridor of sand and sky and the canyon takes the lead. In the wash of Page, Arizona, the narrow corridors of Antelope Canyon hush the group; light skims the walls and colors turn from honey to burnt orange to near-purple as the day shifts. Guides—Navajo citizens—move with practiced calm, calling attention to a streak of light like a theatrical cue and to the thin ripple of sandstone that centuries of water have carved into living pages.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Leave large bags behind
Lower Antelope Canyon does not allow backpacks, purses, or hydration packs—carry only essentials in pockets or use provided lockers if available.
Wear grippy shoes
Expect sandy, sometimes slippery steps and ladders; closed-toe shoes with good traction reduce the risk on narrow rock and metal rungs.
Time your photos
Upper Antelope offers light shafts near midday—plan to be patient and follow your guide's cues for the best shots.
Watch the weather
Tours cancel quickly for flash-flood risk—check forecasts and be prepared to reschedule if storms develop upstream.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Common raven and small lizards
History
Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land; the slot canyons were formed by millions of years of water eroding Navajo Sandstone and are guided today by Navajo families who share geological and cultural context.
Conservation
Visitor numbers and strict equipment rules help protect fragile sandstone surfaces; follow guides, stay on permitted paths, and pack out all trash to support preservation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Page, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking shoes
Grip and toe protection for sandy floors, stairs, and ladders.
Lightweight hydration (bottle pocket)
Stay hydrated in Page’s high desert heat; bottled water is provided but bring a personal bottle for the drive.
summer specific
Compact camera or smartphone with manual mode
Manual exposure helps capture the high-contrast light beams and rich sandstone hues.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Much of the wait and transfer time is in direct sun; protect skin and eyes while outside the canyons.
summer specific