Page Arizona ~ Tours ~ Navajo Nation
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Hiking Tour Overview
Upper Antelope Canyon is an easy, guided slot canyon hike near Page, Arizona that winds through narrow sandstone corridors carved by flash floods and erosion. Access is only permitted with an authorized Navajo guide and includes a short 4×4 ride through Antelope Wash, followed by a walk through the canyon where light beams, smooth walls, and changing colors make it one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world.
Type of Hike : Loop
Hike Length: 0.6 miles
Tour Length: 1 hour (includes 4×4 drive)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat Sand, Mild Hills, Metal Walkways
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Dog Friendly: No
Park Pass/Permit Required: No (Included in the tour price)
Time Zones: Daylight Savings Time is currently in effect until Sunday, November 2, 2025 – At this time the Navajo Reservation and Utah are one hour ahead of Arizona. Your phone might bounce back and forth in this area, making it very confusing so it is advisable to lock your phone’s time zone to Phoenix Mountain Standard Time in your settings to avoid this issue.
Tripods & Monopods: Are NOT allowed on the hiking tour.
Backpacks & Bags: No backpacks, bags or fanny packs are allowed unless they are clear and see through. No solid bags are allowed within clear bags.
Directions to the Hike
The parking lot for your tour sits on Navajo Tribal Land, located two miles from Page, Arizona, on the south side of Highway 98 at mile marker 299.5. You’ll spot it easily from the highway. Visitors must hire a guide to access the canyon. For the best experience, book with Dineh Tours. They will pick you up right at your doorstep, so you won’t need to worry about directions or logistics.
Upper Antelope Canyon Hike Description
Upper Antelope Canyon is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Travelers from around the globe visit this part of the Navajo Indian Reservation for a guided hike through this iconic slot canyon, just outside Page, Arizona. The hike takes you through narrow, winding passageways sculpted over millennia by water and wind. You’ll encounter striking rock formations, vibrant sun-drenched light beams, and otherworldly textures that make the canyon a photographer’s dream.
Your guide will provide insights into the canyon’s geology, history, and cultural significance, helping you connect with this sacred site on a deeper level. As you wander through the smooth, flowing curves and bold colors of the canyon, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs. With such beauty, you won’t take a bad picture!
This hike is easy and suitable for all levels of hikers, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most iconic geological formations in the American Southwest.
Your adventure starts with a 4×4 truck or van ride over soft sand through the twists and turns of Antelope Wash. The temperature during this ride can vary greatly, depending on the season, so check the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly. Be prepared for a section of the hike that will expose you to the sun, so remember to pack sunscreen and a hat, especially during the hotter months.
Essential Items to Bring on Your Upper Antelope Canyon Hiking Tour
Prepare for your Upper Antelope Canyon adventure by bringing these essential items:
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for navigating uneven terrain and slippery surfaces. - Water Bottle
Hydrate regularly in the desert heat. Bring plenty of water to stay refreshed during the hike. - Sunscreen
Protect your skin by applying sunscreen with a high SPF before and during your tour. - Lightweight Layered Clothing
Wear breathable, lightweight layers to stay comfortable as temperatures change. Thicker layers may be necessary during cooler months. - Camera or Smartphone
The canyon offers unparalleled photo opportunities. Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views (be mindful of any restrictions on photography equipment). - Personal Identification
Keep your ID handy, as you may need it for check-in or security purposes. - Snacks
Bring small, energizing snacks like trail mix or granola bars to maintain your energy during the hike. - Cash or Card for Tips
It’s customary to tip your guide, so bring cash or a card to show appreciation for their expertise. - Charged Phone
Ensure your phone is fully charged in case of emergency or to snap more photos.
Bring these items to stay comfortable, safe, and fully prepared for your Upper Antelope Canyon Hiking Tour!
Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon: Key Differences
While both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are stunning slot canyons located near Page, Arizona, they offer distinctly different experiences. Here’s a comparison of the two to help you decide which one best suits your adventure:
1. Location and Access
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon is an easier hike and often considered the more popular of the two.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: Situated a little further south of Upper Antelope, Lower Antelope Canyon is slightly less accessible. To explore it, visitors must navigate some stairs and ladders, making it a bit more physically demanding than Upper Antelope.
2. Difficulty of the Hike
- Upper Antelope Canyon: The hike through Upper Antelope Canyon is considered relatively easy. It’s mostly flat, and the narrow passageways allow for easy movement. It’s suitable for most visitors, including families and those with limited mobility.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon requires more physical effort. Visitors must descend and ascend ladders to navigate the canyon, which can be more challenging, particularly for those with mobility issues. It also involves some more narrow, twisting passageways, making it slightly more adventurous.
3. Lighting and Photography
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Known for its dramatic light beams, Upper Antelope Canyon is the place to visit for those seeking that iconic, sunbeam-filled shot. These beams typically occur from late morning to early afternoon, when the sun is directly overhead. The narrow corridors and vibrant red-orange colors also make it a photographer’s paradise. This canyon is deeper and darker, which makes it more difficult to get a good photographic exposure if the light isn’t penetrating the depths of the canyon. Also, video is allowed on this tour whereas the Lower Antelope tour does not allow it which is a huge plus in favor of the Upper Canyon.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: While Lower Antelope Canyon doesn’t feature the famous light beams of Upper Antelope, it is still a fantastic location for photography. The light is more diffused, casting beautiful shadows and offering unique perspectives with its deeper and longer passageways. The canyon walls are not as tall so the sun permeates deeper into its contours which makes for more vibrant photos from top to bottom. This tour does not allow you to video while on the tour due to trademark issues.
4. Tour Experience
- Upper Antelope Canyon: More popular, therefore it is more crowded.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: Less crowded than Upper Antelope, visitors often find it to be a more serene and intimate experience.
5. Crowds
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Due to its fame and accessibility, Upper Antelope Canyon tends to be much more crowded. Expect larger groups, especially during peak tourist seasons, which can make the experience feel more commercial.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: While still popular, Lower Antelope Canyon tends to have fewer crowds, providing a quieter and less rushed experience. The narrower and more challenging terrain may also act as a natural deterrent for some visitors.
6. Price
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon are typically slightly more expensive due to its popularity and the need for specialized guides.
- Lower Antelope Canyon: Tours for Lower Antelope Canyon tend to be slightly more affordable, though prices can vary depending on the tour provider and season.
In Summary:
- Upper Antelope Canyon is perfect for those looking for an easier, more accessible experience, with dramatic light beams and iconic photography opportunities.
- Lower Antelope Canyon offers a more physically challenging adventure with fewer crowds and unique photography angles, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter, slightly more adventurous experience.
Ultimately, both canyons offer incredible beauty, and many visitors opt to see both for the full experience of Antelope Canyon’s splendor!