Antelope Canyon: Tickets and Tours

Antelope Canyon is a sacred and surreal geological landmark hidden deep in the deserts of the American southwest. Located on Navajo land in Arizona, this world-famous slot canyon is a photographer’s paradise.

The colors of the unusual rock formations are set ablaze each morning when the sunlight penetrates the depths of the narrow canyon. It’s like nowhere else on earth.

Up next, find our comprehensive guide about Antelope Canyon, one of the most enchanting attractions in Page, Arizona.

Antelope Canyon ticket prices

The Antelope Canyon requires an entry permit of $8 per person, per day and per section of the park.

However, as solo entry to the park isn't allowed, this cost will be part of the mandatory tour package with a Navajo guide.

Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

• Adult: $65
• Child (4 - 12 years): $42
• Infants (under 3 years): free

Upper Antelope Canyon Tours

• Adult: $108
• Child (0 - 7 years): $72

Photography Tours (Upper Antelope Canyon)

• Adult: $160

This includes a professional photographer guide, a Navajo entry permit, and all booking fees. You will need to bring your own camera and tripod.

Best Antelope Canyon tours

The only way to visit this marvel of nature is on a guided tour. Group sizes are limited to ensure the area doesn’t get too crowded and to protect the sacred environment.

Lower Antelope Canyon tours

Group tours in Lower Antelope Canyon are 1 hour long, but the terrain is more adventurous than the Upper Canyon with ladders and boulders to negotiate.

Upper Antelope Canyon tours

Upper Lower Antelope Canyon tours are the most popular excursions into the canyon and last for 1.5 hours. You will be in the company of a local Navajo guide and a small group of like-minded travelers.

Photography tours

Thanks to its popularity, Upper Antelope Canyon does get crowded so snapping those perfect sunbeam shots can be a challenge.

Serious photographers can join a specialist photography tour where the guide will hold back other tourists for a couple of minutes at key sites for unobstructed views. You will receive tips on the best angles and camera settings to make the most of your visit.

To be eligible for this tour you must have a proper camera with an interchangeable lens and tripod. No mobile phones or GoPros are allowed.

Antelope Canyon combo tours

Combining your Antelope Canyon tour with other attractions in the area is a great way to tick off multiple famous sights on a single trip.

If you are visiting the Antelope Canyon from other cities nearby, it's a good idea to combine it with other attractions, such as the Horseshoe Bend, the Monument Valley or the Grand Canyon.

Multi-day tours are available from Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sedona.

Should I book Antelope Canyon tickets in advance?

Definitely! Antelope Canyon tickets are like gold dust if you leave it too late, particularly during the peak months. As entry is only possible on a guided tour, places are limited so advance reservation is essential.

Morning time slots are the most popular, so these tickets should be booked weeks, or even months ahead.

Antelope Canyon highlights

Antelope Canyon is split into two sections: the upper and the lower areas. Your Antelope Canyon entrance fee will cover just one location, so if you fancy exploring both the upper and lower canyon, you’ll need to book two separate tours.

Upper Antelope Canyon

The Upper section of the canyon is the most popular as it’s very accessible and home to some astonishing otherworldly rock formations. As you descend into the cool depths of this renowned slot canyon, you’ll discover secret chambers and towering sandstone walls that have been here for centuries.

This masterpiece of nature is at her finest when beams of sunlight cascade into the canyon. If you get your timings right, you’ll see the swirling rock walls illuminated in a kaleidoscope of color. Chiseled by sand, water, and wind over the centuries, this part of Antelope Canyon is truly mesmerizing.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Your Antelope Canyon ticket for the lower section of the site gives you access to ethereal passageways and Hollywood filming locations. It’s quieter than the Upper Canyon, so you’ll have more room to breathe.

A visit here requires a bit of physical effort, with ladders and boulders to negotiate during the mile-long hike through the rocky ravine. It’s narrow in places - sometimes only eight feet wide - which just adds to the thrill.

Traveling to Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a 10-minute drive east of Page, Arizona. However, the only way to enjoy an Antelope Canyon visit is on a guided tour so you’ll need to join an excursion from Page.

There are also tours starting from other cities:

• Antelope Canyon tours or multi-day trips from Las Vegas
• Antelope Canyon tours or multi-day trips from Phoenix or Scottsdale
• Antelope Canyon tours or multi-day trips from Sedona

Best time to visit Antelope Canyon

If photography is the main reason for your visit, book your Antelope Canyon tickets for a tour from 11 AM to 1 PM. This is when the light is at its best.

To avoid the crowds, time your Antelope Canyon entry for early morning or late afternoon. Or come from November to March when the site is less busy.

Travel tips

• Book your Antelope Canyon tickets well in advance, as slots sell out fast, particularly in the high season. Compare prices online for the best deals.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking along sandy passageways.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required to hike through the canyon, with several ladders to climb in the lower section. Total walking time is from 45 minutes to an hour.
• Bags are not allowed in the canyon, but you can carry a camera and a bottle of water to keep hydrated.
• Filming is not permitted, and you’ll need to leave the selfie sticks behind!