Antelope Canyon: Upper & Lower Slot Canyon Day Tour

Summary

Walk deep into Arizona’s Antelope Canyons with Navajo guides sharing stories and photo secrets

You’ll follow Navajo guides into both Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon near Page, feeling cool stone under your hands and sunlight shifting above you. Expect some ladders and laughter in tight spots, plus stories you won’t find online. Includes snacks, bottled water, transport between canyons—and maybe a new way of seeing color.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a canyon breathe?” That’s what Thomas, our Navajo guide, asked as we waited at the entrance to Lower Antelope Canyon. I didn’t really know what he meant until we stepped down those metal stairs—74 of them, my knees counting each one—and the air suddenly felt cooler, almost damp. The walls closed in, orange and pink and somehow soft-looking, like they’d melt if you touched them. Thomas showed us how to spot faces in the rock—one looked like an old woman laughing. I tried to take a picture but my phone just couldn’t get it right. He grinned and said, “Put it away for a second.” So I did.

The walk through Lower Antelope Canyon isn’t exactly easy—there are ladders and some tight spots where you have to twist sideways (I got stuck for a second and everyone laughed). Sunlight slipped through cracks above us and made these weird moving patterns on the sand. It was quiet except for our footsteps and someone whispering about how this place used to be underwater. We stopped for snacks after climbing out—a picnic table under a faded awning, dust swirling around our shoes. It tasted like salt and trail mix but honestly I barely noticed; my head was still somewhere inside that canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon came later, after a bumpy ride out past the highway (my teeth still remember that part). This one felt different—wider at the bottom, easier to walk but somehow darker too. Our guide pointed out where photographers always try to catch those famous light beams, but today they were just thin lines cutting through the shadows. There was this moment where everyone went silent at once—I don’t know why, maybe just trying to hold onto it before we had to climb back up those 150 steps. My legs were tired but my brain wouldn’t stop replaying the colors inside those walls. I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons

• View Navajo Mountain from afar
• Hike Lower Antelope Canyon 1.1 miles
• Descend 74 steps into Lower Canyon
• Climb ladders and stairs inside Lower Canyon
• Receive photo and cultural tips
• Stop at picnic area for restroom break
• Pass by Grand Staircase-Escalante area
• Travel to Upper Antelope Canyon entrance
• Hike 1 mile roundtrip in Upper Canyon
• Climb 150 steps staircase after Upper Canyon

Top questions

How difficult is the hike in Lower Antelope Canyon?

The hike is moderate with 1.1 miles total distance and includes 74 stairs down plus ladders and small stairs throughout.

Are bags or backpacks allowed in Lower Antelope Canyon?

No bags or backpacks are allowed—including purses, hydration packs or fanny packs.

How long does the full tour take?

The combined Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon tour lasts about 4.5 hours total.

Is transportation between canyons included?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport between canyons is included in your tour.

Can I bring a tripod or selfie stick?

No tripods, monopods, stabilizers or selfie sticks are allowed on this tour.

What’s included with the day trip from Page?

Bottled water, snacks, local Navajo guide expertise and all ground transportation are included.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is provided but snacks are included; additional food can be purchased during the picnic stop.

How far do you walk in Upper Antelope Canyon?

The walk is about 3/4 mile roundtrip (1200 meters) with an incline exit involving 150 steps up.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle in Page, guided walks through both Upper & Lower Antelope Canyons with Navajo guides sharing stories along the way, all entry fees covered plus bottled water and snacks at a shaded picnic stop before heading back into town together.