Antelope Canyon is a total dream. We’re talking wave-like canyon walls that twist and swirl around you like sculptures come to life, sunlight slicing through narrow crevices, lighting the walls up in glowing shades of orange, pink, and gold. You’ll feel like you’re walking through the veins of the Earth, never sure what shape and patterns will come up next.
You already guessed it, Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s playground. Because of how undeniably unique this area in Arizona is, it’s a certified bucketlist must.
My parents aren’t really desert people, so imagine my surprise when they said they wanted to go to Antelope Canyon—the place they’d seen on screensavers and documentaries for years—in the hot month of June, no less!
So I took them, even though I don’t do well in extreme heat. Despite the triple-digit temps, standing inside those winding, light-filled sandstone walls was nothing short of magical for all of us.
For many, Antelope Canyon still holds that same once-in-a-lifetime magic. And how could it not? There’s truly nowhere else on Earth that looks like this. But if you think you can just roll up and wander in like people used to do years ago, think again.
These days, Antelope Canyon is tightly regulated—you need a Navajo guide, you need a reservation, and you need to know which part of the canyon you’re actually visiting. (Spoiler: there’s more than one “Antelope Canyon.”)
This guide breaks it all down: the differences between Upper, Lower, and Canyon X, the lighting, price, and crowd factors, and how to pair it with a visit to nearby Horseshoe Bend for one epic day.
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Table of Contents
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overview
If you’re on this guide, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what either of these natural landmarks are. Logistically, though, there are some quick facts to know.
First thing’s first: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are both super close to each other, sitting no more than 10 minutes away from each other. Both are easily accessible from the small town of Page, Arizona. Visiting them both on the same day is almost a no-brainer.
Quick Facts About Antelope Canyon
- The canyon is divided into three main sections: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X.
- Antelope Canyon can only be visited on a guided tour
- If you want to see the light beams, opt for Upper Antelope Canyon
- If you want to see swirling canyon walls (no light beams will be visible at any time of day), opt for Lower Antelope Canyon.
- If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, opt for Canyon X.
- Upper Antelope Canyon is the most ‘popular’ of the three (and more expensive to visit), but the other two areas are just as beautiful!
- Photography is permitted in the canyon, but recordings are not. Camcorders, selfie sticks, and tripods are not allowed.
- To this day, Antelope Canyon is a very sacred place to the Navajo people. Please respect the rules set by the Navajo when visiting Antelope Canyon so that such a beautiful place can continue to be open to the public.
Quick Facts About Horseshoe Bend
- Horseshoe Bend can be visited without a guide, but there is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle these days.
- You can access the bend by ‘hiking’ a short trail from a nearby parking lot. Honestly, it’s more of a walk than a hike!
- If you care about photography conditions, some times of the day are better than others. We’ll give you more tips on this below.
Antelope Canyon: Upper, Lower, and Canyon X
As I mentioned earlier, you can’t just show up at Antelope Canyon and expect to start exploring on your own. You need to pick which part you want to see.
Antelope Canyon is split into three main sections: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X.
Upper Antelope Canyon
This is the section you’ve probably seen on postcards and screensavers. It’s known for its famous light beams, which appear around midday between late spring and early fall—especially if you book a tour between 11 AM and 1 PM.
Because of that, it’s also the most photographed, the most crowded, and the most expensive.
The walk is flat and easy—no stairs or ladders involved—so it’s more accessible for all ages. However, it’s also much darker overall, since the canyon walls narrow toward the top (shaped more like an “A”), which limits how much sunlight gets in.
Recommended Tour – From Page: Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour (By Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours)
Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope doesn’t usually get as much love as Upper. We don’t fully understand why, because after visiting this area for ourselves, we can say for a fact that this area has gorgeous natural geography too!
While it doesn’t get the dramatic light beams Upper is famous for, the natural colors and shapes in the rock are incredible—and easier to appreciate with fewer crowds.
Lower Antelope is a bit more adventurous than Upper. You’ll descend into the canyon via a steep staircase that feels more like a ladder, and walk through tighter passages with twisting, curving walls. It’s brighter than Upper because the canyon is wider at the top (shaped like a “V”), allowing more sunlight to bounce around.
I visited Lower Antelope Canyon myself, and I personally very much prefer these views over Upper Antelope Canyon.
Recommended Tour – From Page: Lower Antelope Canyon Guided Tour (By Ken’s Tours)
👉 Pro Tip: If you have mobility limitations or have difficulty climbing stairs, I would recommend choosing Upper over Lower. Keep in mind, there are also some narrower canyon walls in Lower that could lead some to feel claustrophobic.
Canyon X
Canyon X is your third option. It’s a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to experience Antelope Canyon-like views with fewer crowds and at a much lower price point.
Canyon X tours are half the price of Antelope Canyon tours!
It’s run by a different Navajo tour operator and includes a mix of both narrow and wide canyon sections. While it doesn’t have the name recognition or the dramatic beams that Upper offers, the lighting is still excellent, and you’ll have more room to breathe—great if you’re not into being shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers for an hour.
The crowd levels at Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are no joke. I’m not going to sugarcoat it — the crowds definitely take away from the tranquility of being in the slot canyon!
If you’re visiting mainly for the experience (not for professional photography), Canyon X offers fantastic value and still delivers the signature swirls, textures, and colors of Antelope Canyon.
Recommended Tour – From Page: Antelope Canyon X Guided Tour (By Taadidiin Tours)
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Choosing between the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is fully dependent on what you want to see, how much time you have, and how much money you want to shell out for a guided tour.
Upper Antelope guided tours tend to be more expensive and more crowded than Lower Antelope Canyon tours.
While Lower Antelope Canyon doesn’t have light beams, it’s still incredibly beautiful! You’ll be walking through a maze of colorful slot canyons that’ll make you feel like you’re in a natural labyrinth all your own.
If you do not care about light beams in your photos, opt for the Lower Antelope Canyon!
If you’re interested in seeing both parts of the canyon and have the time to do so, this convenient half-day tour offers the chance to explore both ends of the canyon in one go.
Do I Really Need To Book A Guided Tour?
These days, visiting Antelope Canyon always requires a Navajo guide, no exceptions.
The canyon sits on protected Navajo land, and entry without a guide just isn’t allowed anymore—even if you’re just hoping to sneak in for a few quick shots.
But it wasn’t always this way. I have several friends who explored the canyon on their own back in the day, long before social media turned it into the photo-op hotspot it is now. They were lucky to have experienced it in a more rugged, authentic way—just you, the canyon walls, and the silence.
While that kind of access is gone (thanks to over-tourism and a wave of disrespectful visitors), we should still be grateful it’s open to the public at all.
The good news? Today’s tours are led by Navajo guides who truly know the land. They’ll show you the hidden rock formations, help you line up the best photo angles (trust me, they’ve mastered all the iPhone angles), and share cultural context you’d never get wandering through on your own.
When it comes to choosing which tour company to go with, I personally don’t think it matters because honestly, each tour operator will offer a pretty similar experience. Nevertheless, here’s a breakdown of the main tour operators:
Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Operators
- Antelope Canyon Tours
- Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Operators
- Ken’s Tours Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
- Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
Canyon X Tour Operators
- Taadidiin Tours
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit Antelope Canyon?
Peak Season For The Famous Light Beams (May – September)
The most popular time to visit Antelope Canyon—especially Upper Antelope—is from May to September, when the iconic light beams shine down through the canyon’s narrow openings.
These are the months everyone wants to come, so tours often sell out well in advance. If you’re traveling during this time, book your tour as early as possible!
Booking even two weeks out might be too late — most of the best time slots (11 am – 1:30 pm) will be taken by then.
Best Season for Fewer Crowds (November – February)
If you’re not chasing the light beams and just want to enjoy the canyon with fewer people around, plan your visit between November and February.
The weather is cooler, the crowds are much lighter, and daily tours are less likely to sell out. The canyon’s natural shapes and colors are still incredible to see—just without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of summer.
Shoulder Season Is Great Too (March, April, October)
If light beams are not important to you, March, April, and October are great months to go.
These shoulder-season months offer decent lighting, comfortable temperatures, and fewer people than peak summer. You might not get the light beams, but you’ll still get great photos and a less chaotic experience.
Best Time of Day to Visit
No matter the season, the best time to tour Antelope Canyon is between 11 AM and 1:30 PM. This is when the sun is at its highest, allowing light to flood into the canyon and bring out the rich reds, oranges, and purples in the rock.
If you’re visiting Upper Antelope Canyon and want to catch the light beams, this midday window is essential. Lower Antelope and Canyon X also look their best in full sunlight, but don’t have the iconic beams.
Our most recent Lower Antelope Canyon tour was scheduled for 11:30am, and the colors at this time of day were just perfect. Take a look below!
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit Horseshoe Bend?
The best time of day to see Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is gonna be a nuanced answer. Ultimately, it depends on what you want from the experience. Here are the ‘best times’ of the day, ranked in order:
Late Morning to Early Afternoon (~10:30 AM–1:30 PM)
- Best for: Illuminating the entire canyon evenly with no shadows—both the river and cliffs are fully visible.
- Pros: Ideal lighting for clear, vibrant photos with no dark patches. The river will pop in pictures!
- Cons: It’s hot, especially in warmer months. This time slot can be tricky if you’re also trying to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, which shares the same best time window.
- Photo tip: Bring sunglasses and water—there’s little to no shade. But if photo clarity is your priority, this is your window.
Early Morning (Pre-Sunrise)
- Best for: Avoiding crowds and getting soft, even light with minimal shadows.
- Pros: Very few people around; great if you want uninterrupted selfies or a quiet moment to take it all in.
- Cons: You have to get there right at sunrise to avoid harsh shadows and blown-out skies in photos. In summer, that could mean arriving around 5:00 AM. With that said, Horseshoe Bend doesn’t open until sunrise, so getting to the overlook before sunrise is not even an option!
- Photo tip: You won’t get dramatic light rays or a glowing sky, but your shots will be evenly lit without distracting shadows.
Sunset (~6–7 PM Depending on Season)
- Best for: Dramatic skies, golden light, and that classic “sun dipping over the edge” moment.
- Pros: You’ll get a unique shot of the canyon. There’s great lighting on you, even if the canyon is shadowed.
- Cons: The sun will be in your eyes as you face the canyon, and the bend itself may already be in shadow depending on the season.
- Photo tip: If you have a camera that handles tricky lighting well, you can capture amazing silhouettes and sun flares. But for phone cameras, you might struggle with contrast.
How To Get Near-Perfect Photos Of Both Landmarks
Since the best times to visit are nearly the same timeframe, the best way to see both in their prime is to do them on separate days.
If your trip allows for a one or two-night stay in Page, this is the most stress-free way to do it.
Day 1
- Early Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel in Page or drive in that morning from wherever you’re coming from (Las Vegas, Phoenix, etc).
- Late Morning (~11 AM): Go on your tour of Antelope Canyon
- Afternoon: Grab lunch, check out Lake Powell, or take a boat tour.
- Sunset: Head to Horseshoe Bend for golden hour photos and that famous sunset view.
Day 2
- Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel in Page
- Late Morning: Head to Horseshoe Bend again to see / photograph it in its prime!
- Afternoon: Drive out to your next destination.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend: 1-Day Itinerary Ideas
If you don’t have time to be seeing Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend across two days, here are some other options for you:
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Itinerary: Back-to-Back
This itinerary is best for people who want to capture photos of both landmarks in the most ideal photography conditions possible. It does require a little bit of hustle to get from place to place, but is totally doable.
- 11am: Antelope Canyon – Book the earliest prime time timeslot (11am). The Antelope Canyon tour will take about 60-80 minutes from your tour start time, but be sure to account for driving time to get back to Page and Horseshoe Bend.
- 1 – 2:30 pm: Horseshoe Bend – Horseshoe Bend can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on walking speed and how long you plan to linger at the viewpoints.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Itinerary: Early Start
This itinerary is good for those who like waking up early for sunrise hikes and want to avoid walking during the hottest times of the day.
- Sunrise: Horseshoe Bend – The gates are locked until personnel arrives at the fee booth, which is usually a bit before sunrise.
- Early Morning: Head back to your hotel for breakfast (and maybe a nap)
- 11 – 1:30 pm: Antelope Canyon – The Antelope Canyon tour will take about 60-80 minutes from your tour start time.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Itinerary: Sunset
This itinerary is good for those who are staying an extra night in Page, AZ, and can take more time between seeing both landmarks.
- 11 – 1:30 pm: Antelope Canyon – See Antelope Canyon at prime time for light beams and colors.
- Sunset: Horseshoe Bend – If you’re here for the photos, visiting at sunset will allow you to capture the sunburst/sun flare phenomenon right before the sun dips over the horizon.
No matter what time of day you visit Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon, be sure to bring your camera and plenty of water. After your activities, be sure to fuel up! Some of my favorite restaurants in Page, Arizona include:
- El Tapatio – a fun and colorful Mexican restaurant serving a huge menu of traditional dishes
- BirdHouse – best fried chicken dishes in town!
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need an Overnight Stay in Page to See Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend?
While an overnight stay in Page is definitely not required (you can see both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in ~4 hours total), it definitely helps make your life easier.
Antelope Canyon is best seen in the morning to early afternoon, so if you’re driving to Page from somewhere else, it would be best to drive in the night before and rest up for a tour the next morning.
Is Antelope Canyon Open Year Round?
Antelope Canyon is open year-round. You will be able to see the beauty of this canyon even during the winter months!
However, every season is different when it comes to light beams, the level of crowds, and the best time of day to visit.
The best time to see the canyons bursting in color is between the months of April to October and during the times of 11am to 1:30pm on sunny days.
Is Horseshoe Bend Open Year Round?
Horseshoe Bend’s opening hours are from sunrise to sunset, year-round, so you can visit at any time of year.
How Far Is Antelope Canyon From Las Vegas?
From Las Vegas, Antelope Canyon is about 275 miles away, or a 4.5-hour drive.
Don’t feel like making that drive yourself? You don’t have to! There are actually convenient full-day tours from Las Vegas that’ll take you right to Antelope Canyon!
- Lower or X Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Small Group Tour – full-day, 15-hour tour from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Small-Group Overnight Tour – tour with an overnight stay in Page or Flagstaff, departs from Las Vegas
How Far Is Antelope Canyon From The Grand Canyon?
Antelope Canyon is approximately 2 hours from the Grand Canyon, making both landmarks a popular day trip destination for those wanting to see both in one visit.
If you’re coming from Las Vegas and want to see both these spectacular landmarks, here are a few popular tours that come highly recommended:
- Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day Tour – 17-hour tour that covers 3 amazing landscapes in the Grand Circle in just one day! Departs from Las Vegas.
- Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Small-Group Overnight Tour – tour with an overnight stay in Page or Flagstaff, departs from Las Vegas
Can You See The Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon In One Day?
Most definitely! Antelope Canyon is about 2-3 hours from the Grand Canyon (depending on which side you’re on), making both of these landmarks a very popular day trip for those wanting to see both in one go.
Here are the distances from the different rims of the Grand Canyon.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon North Rim is ~130 miles, a 2 hour 30-minute drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon East Rim is 45 miles, a 1 hour drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon South Rim is ~150 miles, a 3 hour drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon West Rim is 350 miles, a 5-hour 50-minute drive.
Again, if you’re looking for a done-for-you tour where you won’t have to worry about any of the logistics of driving or figuring out where to stop, check out the tours listed above.
Essential Tips For Visiting Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon
- Tour guides are mandatory for Antelope Canyon. Make advanced reservations as soon as you know you’ll be visiting. Booking in advance ensures you’ll be able to visit during the best time of the day!
- You won’t be able to bring backpacks, fanny packs, video cameras, GoPros, selfie sticks, or stabilizers.
- You are allowed to bring water, hats, sunglasses, cameras, and clear plastic bags to carry your belongings in.
- Absolutely no video recording of any kind! If you are caught recording, the guides will very likely make you delete the videos. Worst case, they’ll even escort you out of the canyon before the tour is finished. Please, just respect and follow their rules!
- If you have trouble with descending stairs, I would recommend going with the Upper Antelope Canyon tour instead of the Lower Antelope Canyon tour.
Horseshoe Bend
- Admission to the park is free, but you do have to pay for parking, which is mandatory as you’ll be passing through a parking booth in order to get into the lot.
- Since Horseshoe Bend is managed by the town of Page, your America The Beautiful Pass will not work here.
- Your parking payment only works ONCE and is not a day pass. Meaning if you want to visit Horseshoe Bend at different times of the day for photography/lighting purposes, you’ll have to pay for parking each and every time.
- If the parking lot is full, visitors must take a shuttle to the trailhead. The shuttle costs $5 roundtrip and leaves from downtown Page.
- The hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook is 0.6 miles one way. Your Horseshoe Bend experience will be between about 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace and the amount of time spent at the overlook.
- The Horseshoe Bend trail is a sandy, dirt path. The dirt/sand on the path gets quite hot during the summer, so I’d advise you to avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
Looking for more Arizona travel tips? You may also like:
- 4-Day Arizona Road Trip: Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix
- 5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope Canyon
- 12 National Parks Near Las Vegas to Visit This Year
- 10 Cool Cities Near Grand Canyon National Park To Visit
- Arizona Magic: 70 Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit
- 7 Destinations In The USA That Really Shine in the Spring
Wow, thank you Elle!! Really great info!!