The Best Antelope Canyon Tours in 2023 (Family Approved)

Looking for the best Antelope Canyon tours to visit with your family?

Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon near Page, Arizona. In fact, it’s one of the most photographed and popular slot canyons in the world. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty and unique rock formations.

Today, I’m sharing with you 7 of the best Antelope Canyon tours to book this year. Note that none of the tours of wheelchair or stroller-accessible.

Thinking of visiting Antelope Canyon on your own? It’s sadly impossible to visit Antelope Canyon on your own. The Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon.

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What is Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is divided into three sections:

• Upper Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon is more accessible and easier to navigate. It’s approximately 660 feet long and about 120 feet at its deepest.
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing ladders and maneuvering through narrow passageways. It’s 1335 feet long but only about 75 feet deep.
• Antelope Canyon X: Antelope Canyon X is the start of the canyon and is much less crowded. It’s the shortest canyon of the 3, with a length of 150 feet, but it’s 125 feet deep at some locations.

All sections are known for their smooth, flowing sandstone walls eroded over time by flash floods and wind. The Navajo sandstone has been shaped and coloured into what you now see over the years.

Now what are the best Antelope Canyon tours to book?

Best Lower Antelope Canyon tours

Lower Antelope Canyon is the longest of the 3 canyons. It’s also deeper than Upper Antelope Canyon. It’s a bit harder to walk through the narrow walls of the canyon. Plus, you’ll have to climb some ladders.

Below are two of the best Lower Antelope Canyon tours. On both walking tours, you’ll follow a local Navajo guide in the canyon, where you’ll learn about these curious rock formations and the history of the land.

Those are the best Antelope Canyon photography tours if you are into photography.

Page: Lower Antelope Canyon Walking Tour with Navajo Guide

⭐ Rating: 4.8/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for the Lower Antelope Canyon Walking Tour

“Beautiful canyon, with plenty of photo opportunities. It was much longer than expected, but went by very quickly. Past the entry steps (ladders) the trail was easy for most. A few people struggled with some bigger steps and narrow passageways. Not a lot of canyon “history” but you can figure that out on your own, and a lot of people would rather enjoy the sights and sounds than have the constant drone of a tour guide. Just make sure you follow the rules. Especially about when to have your phone out, they’re there for your safety (and so you don’t drop your phone on the person below).Review from GYG”. Read more reviews here.

Lower Antelope Canyon: Admission Ticket and Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for the Lower Antelope Canyon Guided Tour

“The experience was amazing. Went to visit Zion National Park and very happy with our decision to drive out to Page, Arizona and take in the Beauty at Lower Antelope Canyon. Our guide was amazing and made sure we captured these wonderful memories. Will forever have your picture of the time we visited Antelope Canyon. You won’t be disappointed when you visit this place.Review from GYG”. Read more reviews here.

What to know when visiting Lower Antelope Canyon

Due to the nature of the terrain, the guided walking tours require you to be able to move and climb moderately steep ladders with minimal assistance.

How to get to Lower Antelope Canyon?

The meeting point for both tours is at Ken’s Tours location. You must arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to reserve your spot.

Can you go to Lower Antelope canyon without a tour?

No, you can’t go on a Lower Antelope canyon without a tour.

How to visit Lower Antelope Canyon?

There is a 10-minute walk to the canyon entrance, with stairs ranging from 3 ft to 25 ft long, with handrails for stairs over 8 ft. It requires about 1.1 miles of walking where you’ll descend 5 flights of stairs (35 meters), then gradually ascend 8 separate staircases.

Best Upper Antelope Canyon tours

Unlike Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon is relatively flat. It requires less physical capacities and is thus more suitable for families.

The canyon walls in Upper Antelope Canyon are also wider and smoother than those in Lower Antelope Canyon.

This section of the canyon is particularly famous for the “shaft of light” phenomenon that occurs when sunlight shines through a narrow opening in the canyon and illuminates the sandy floor below. It usually occurs mid-day from April to September.

Want to see the “shaft of light” phenomenon? Book a tour from April to September between 11 AM and 1:30 PM.

Page: Upper Antelope Canyon Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for the Upper Antelope Canyon guided Tour

This tour starts with a scenic ride to the canyon. It takes approximately 10 minutes on a paved road, plus 10 minutes within the dry wash of the Antelope Canyon.

“Everything went smoothly for our tour. Antelope Canyon is a busy tourist location but these people know what they are doing! Everything ran like clockwork. Our tour guide, Oscar, was friendly, funny, informative, and very helpful in showing us the optimal way to use our phones for the best pictures and showed us the best spot for pictures. Thanks to him, I came home with several photos I plan to print and frame! Two things to keep in mind. The time zones in Page, AZ, and the surrounding areas can wreak havoc with your phone. Make 100% certain that your phones/watches are set for the Page, AZ time zone. The Navajo Nation and Utah may be a different time. [ … ]Review from GYG”. Read more reviews here.

Page: Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour with Navajo Guide

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for the Upper Antelope Canyon Guided Tour

For this tour, you’ll meet your guide at the entrance to the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park, just three miles east of Page. Sadly, no children under 6 years old are allowed on this tour.

“Amazing experience to see the Upper Antelope Canyon on Navajo land. To see its colors, shadows, shapes, light wells, etc. Truly a must for anyone to visit this cave. Our tour guide Frank was great! Teaching the canyon history, the best pictures to capture and any question to the land. This was also a first snowing on the Canyon which made it more special. Highly recommended!Review from GYG.” Read more reviews here.

What to know when visiting Upper Antelope Canyon

Can you go to Upper Antelope Canyon without a tour?

No, you can’t go on an Upper Antelope canyon without a tour.

What is the best time to see Upper Antelope Canyon?

The best time to see Upper Antelope Canyon is between April and September, from 11AM to 1:30PM. where you’ll get to see the “shaft of light” phenomenon.

Antelope Canyon X tours

Antelope Canyon X is a separate canyon from Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, but it is similar in its natural beauty and features. Antelope Canyon X is known for its smooth, flowing walls, vibrant colors, and narrow passageways.

Canyon X is the start of the slot canyons in the area. If you were to walk through the canyon, you would start at Canyon X and end up at Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Page: Antelope Canyon X Guided Tour

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for the Antelope Canyon X Guided Tour

On this tour, you’ll enjoy the newest and the quietest slot canyon of Antelope. It’s the tour we did when we visited with our two boys and we loved it.

It’s great with young kids also.

What to know when visiting Antelope Canyon X.

Why it’s called Antelope Canyon X?

The flood erosion and winds on the sandstone carved out a “X” shape at the top of the canyon.

“Antelope Canyon X was a great choice. They seem to run much smaller tour numbers than some of the bigger options in the area, and the result is that the tour felt completely unrushed. (I was initially hesitant to do any of the canyons on account of friends’ tales of “tour bus groups being herded through,” but that wasn’t my experience with Canyon X at all). All the staff were tops as well, but a special acknowledgment goes out to our guide Lane and driver Clyde. I really can’t recommend this highly enough”.”Review from GYG. Read more reviews here.

Best Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas

If you’re considering exploring Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas, here are the best Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas.

But be warned: They are day-long tours departing early in the morning and returning late in the day. Pickup time is at around 6AM and it’s a 4.5 to 5 hours bus ride each way.

On both tours, you’ll visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. You’ll meet your guide in Las Vegas and enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned luxury coach bus ride.

On the bus ride, you’ll enjoy views of the Virgin River Gorge and rock formations at the Escalante/Grand Staircase National Monument. You’ll pass Page before visiting Antelope Canyon.

Depending on the tour, you may visit Lower Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon X.

Then, you’ll go to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, where the Colorado River has carved the famous horseshoe-shaped turn. Note that it’s a 1.4-miles (2.4-km) round-trip hike, full exposure.

On returning to Las Vegas, you’ll have scenic views of Glen Canyon Dam.

All admission tickets are included. Snacks, water and sandwiches were provided.

From Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Tour & Lunch

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 13 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for this Las Vegas Bus Tour

“Although the journey from Las Vegas to and from Las Vegas by bus is long, it is worth it. The Antilope Canyon and the Herradura Bend are a wonder of nature worth seeing. It is the best thing I have seen in my life. I recommend the tour”. Read more reviews here.

Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour with Pickup

4.8/5 | Day trip: 15 hours

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars | ⏰ Tour Lenght: 13 hours | 🎟️ Book Now

Check price and tour availabilities for this Las Vegas Bus Tour

Note that this tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old.

“It was amazing trip! We are a family of 2 adults and 11 years old boy. Our driver was Kurt I believe. He picked us up from a hotel in Las Vegas at 5 am and drove us to first stop at Horseshoe Bend and we spent about one hour. It was really nice scenery. Then next stop was Lower Antelope which our tour time was at 12:30ish and last about 1 hr 15 mins. And we had a Subway lunch which was included in our tour fee. We arrived at Las Vegas around 7:30 pm. It’s about 5 hours driving from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon so it starts very early. Our tour group was 14 people and our son was only kid in the group but he did like it. Our van was little tight with 14 people but doable. Kurt was great and a good driver. We had couple stops for restroom and scenery”. [ … ] Read more reviews here.

Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon

Below are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Antelope Canyon.

Possibility of closure

Antelope Canyon is subject to closures due to the weather especially when there are risks of flash floods.

Any decision to close Antelope Canyon due to weather comes from the Antelope Canyon operators and/or Navajo Parks and Recreation National Park Express has no control over these closures

Things not to bring when booking ab Antelope Canyon tour:

• Professional camera and/or video recording are not permitted during the guided tour of Antelope Canyon
• Backpack, Binocular Case, Camera Bag, Clear Backpack, Tinted Plastic Bag, Fanny Pack, Purse, Oversized Tote, Printed Pattern Plastic Bag, Mesh Bag are prohibited.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, monopods

Things to bring when booking an Antelope Canyon tour:

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes

F.A.Q Antelope Canyon tours

How to visit antelope canyon?

You need to book a tour with one of the authorized Najavo tour companies in order to visit all three sections of Antelope Canyon including Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon and Antelope Canyon X.

Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?

No. You can’t visit Antelope Canyon without a tour.

Can you go to Antelope canyon without reservation?

Yes. You can go to Antelope Canyon without a reservation, but it’s recommended to book your tours in advance. Antelope Canyon is really popular and can get sold out in the peak season. You’ll want to reserve well in advance.

Which is the best tour of Antelope Canyon?

All tours of Antelope Canyon are similar and worth doing. If you’re travelling with young children or have low physical strength, I recommend booking an Antelope Canyon X tour. Plus, it’s the less crowded of all tours.

How much does Antelope Canyon cost?

The cost of a tour of Antelope Canyon varies depending on the tour operator and the section of the canyon. You can plan between $60.00 to $150.00 per person for a 1.5 hour tour.

Is Antelope Canyon worth it?

Yes. Antelope Canyon is worth visiting if you have the budget for it.

Is Antelope Canyon kid-friendly?

Antelope Canyon is kid-friendly, but not all tours are suitable for young children. Antelope Canyon is not stroller-friendly. I would recommend Antelope Canyon X if you’re visiting with young children.

Is it better to see Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?

People generally agree that Lower Antelope Canyon is more fun, with narrow passageways and ladders to climb. It does require better physical effort, but it’s worth it. Plus Upper Antelope Canyon is usually busier.

What to do at Antelope Canyon?

When visiting Antelope Canyon, you’ll go on a guided walking tour of one of the sections of the canyon. It’s a great opportunity to take some photos.

Where is Antelope Canyon in Arizona?

Antelope Canyon is located just outside Page, Arizona on the Native American Navajo land. It’s close to Lake Powell at the border of Utah.

Do you need a permit for Antelope Canyon?

Yes, You need a permit to visit Antelope Canyon. The Navajo Nation Park permit fee is $8 per person. It’s included in some tours, while on other tours, you need to pay the fee in cash.

Is Antelope Canyon a national park?

No. Antelope Canyon is not a national park. It belongs to the Navoya Nation Parks.

Is Antelope Canyon free?

No. Antelope Canyon is not free. You need to pay for a tour to visit Antelope Canyon. Plus, you need to pay the Navajo Nation Park permit fee.

What time is it in Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon follows Arizona Standard Time (MST) and doesn’t observe daylight savings, like the rest of Arizona.

During the winter time ( November to March), Antelope Canyon is 1 hour ahead of Pacific time. During the summer time (March to November), Antelope Canyon is the same as Pacific time, so 1 hour ahead of Utah time (which will be in MDT).

Where to stay at Antelope Canyon?

The best place to stay when visiting Antelope Canyon is in Page, Arizona.

Is Canyon X as good as Antelope Canyon?

Upper Antelope Canyon is only about 50 feet deep, while Antelope Canyon X can be more than 125 feet deep in some sections. This allows for more light to enter into the upper slot canyon. Canyon X is a lot cheaper to visit than Upper Antelope Canyon.

Final thoughts: Which is the best Antelope Canyon tour?

There are many Antelope slot canyon tour options. At the end it all comes down to your budget, your physical capacities and the tour availabilities.

We’ve personally did the Antelope Canyon X tour and believe it’s a great option for families.