Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon

May 25, 2022

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon

One of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, Antelope Canyon is a destination that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. Made up of Lower and Upper sections, these breathtaking slot canyons are the result of flash floods eroding rock over thousands of years to create otherworldly landscapes. (Picture slim twisting passageways of red sandstone and glowing beams of light shining through the dusty air!)


In this guide, I will share tips on what you should know before visiting Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. It includes the best time to visit, how to book a tour, what to pack, and etc. So that you may simply take in Antelope Canyon's beauty, hopefully, it can help you escape the stress.


How to Get to Antelope Canyon


Antelope Canyon is located less than 10 minutes from the City of Page, Arizona going East on Highway 98. Antelope Canyon is often combined with day trips and tour packages to nearby Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and Las Vegas.


Please be aware that Antelope Canyon follows Arizona Standard Time (MST). It shares the same time as the City of Page, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and Phoenix. During Daylight Savings (starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November) guest will experience a time change driving through the Navajo Reservation and the state of Utah. Your electronic devices will take that into consideration and also move 1 hour ahead.


When is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon


Upper Antelope Canyon


The peak season at Upper Antelope Canyon runs between May and September. This is because those are the months where the famous light beams are visible for visitors to enjoy. You will want to make sure you visit during this time of year if the lights are your primary reason for booking a tour.

If you would like to avoid crowds or are less concerned about the lights, consider an off-season visit to Antelope Canyon. The walls produce beautiful changing colors that peak season visitors miss out on. All seasons provide visitors with astonishing Antelope Canyon photography and viewing opportunities.


Even the sunniest of days will only produce light beams at the Canyon at certain times of day. The sun is at its peak between 11 am and 1:30 pm, so this is the time range to aim for if you want to see the lights. Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours offers guided tours during this timeframe. You can book a tour in advance to ensure that you do not miss your window of opportunity to see this unique display of light.


Tours are also available in winter but if there is rain, you run the risk of your tour being canceled last minute. (For safety precautions, tours are not given in bad weather in case of flooding.)


Lower Antelope Canyon


The peak season at Lower Antelope Canyon runs between April and October, is the busiest time of year, due to the warmer weather and summer colors reflecting throughout the canyon. The best times to take the tour during peak season are usually in the morning between 7:30 am and 11:00 am or between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm in the late afternoon. These are the best times to witness the incredible changing colors of the canyon, including the dark purples and dark pinks as the sun moves beyond its peak position and shadows begin to appear in the canyon. Due to the changing position of the sun during the winter months (off-peak season), all tour times throughout the day are ideal for lighting, and capturing that perfect photo. The most popular tour times are between 11 AM and 1:30 PM.



What should I Wear to Antelope Canyon


Some of your clothing choices at Antelope Canyon will vary depending on the time of year. Here are some tips for what to wear to Antelope Canyon when visiting:


Year-Round: Be sure to wear heavy pants or jeans and a durable t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun outside and the sand falling inside the canyon. Consider wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and sturdy closed-toed shoes, as well.


Summer: The Canyon and surrounding desert are very hot and sunny in the spring and summer, so be sure to wear a protective hat.


Winter: Be prepared for changing temperatures when moving from the outside to the inside. Consider bringing a jacket or other warm layers so you can cover up if you get chilly in the shaded canyon.


Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon


Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell is located 7 miles from Antelope Canyon, 5.4 miles from Horseshoe Bend, 600 feet from Page Airport, and is the best option to stay near Antelope Canyon

Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel is also a great place to stay in Page. It's one of the greatest places to stay close to Antelope Canyon because it is only a 10-minute drive from the canyon and a 15-minute drive from Lake Powell. It also has a fantastic view of the well-known Glen Canyon Dam.






Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel

Address: 716 Rimview Drive, Page, Arizona 86040 United States

Phone: +1 928 645 8868





Hampton Inn & Suites is another very good Antelope Canyon accommodation option. It's a 15-minute drive from the property.






Hampton Inn & Suites Page - Lake Powell

Address: 294 Sandhill Road, Page, AZ 86040, United States

Phone: +1 928 645 0075






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