Antelope Canyon: Upper Tour with Guided Walk & Exit Hike

Summary

Upper Antelope’s shifting colors, single path walk, guided stories

You’ll walk through Upper Antelope Canyon with a local guide who shares stories as sunlight shifts across sculpted walls. Expect an 80-minute tour with a single-direction walk, ending in a short hike out above the canyon. You’ll feel both wonder and quiet — plus that rush of daylight at the very end.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked under the metal gate and stepped into Upper Antelope Canyon, following our guide — I think her name was Marlene, Navajo and quick to laugh at my city shoes. The sand felt cool underfoot, even though it was already late morning in Page. Light beams were just starting to sneak through those narrow cracks above us, catching on the dust in the air. I remember Marlene pausing every few steps to point out shapes in the rocks — an eagle here, a flame there — and I kept squinting up because the colors changed every time a cloud moved. I didn’t expect it to feel so quiet inside, except for our footsteps and someone’s camera clicking behind me.

The tour itself is about 80 minutes, moving one way now (they said new rules), so you don’t double back. It’s not a loop anymore — you go forward through the canyon and then climb out at the end. There are some stairs: 21 up, 112 down (I counted because my knees complained). The exit hike is maybe fifteen minutes above ground; you get this sudden burst of sunlight and wind after all that orange shadow. I had to stop halfway up just to catch my breath and look back — honestly, that view sticks with me more than any photo.

Marlene told us how her family has worked these tours for years. She showed us how to spot where the sun would hit next season — apparently winter light is totally different. Someone asked if kids could come but nope, no one under eight allowed (and no pets either). The group felt small enough that we could ask questions without feeling awkward. I still think about how cold the rock felt when I brushed my hand along it on accident; it left this fine red dust on my palm for hours after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Join fully guided canyon tour
• Observe sunlight on canyon walls
• Walk single direction through canyon
• Exit via 15-minute hike
• Climb 21 steps up
• Descend 112 steps down

Top questions

How long does the Upper Antelope Canyon tour last?

The guided tour lasts around 80 minutes in total.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you must arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes early.

Are children allowed on the Upper Antelope Canyon tour?

No children under 8 years old are permitted on this tour.

How difficult is the exit hike from Upper Antelope Canyon?

The exit includes a 15-minute hike with elevation changes: 21 steps up and 112 steps down.

Is Upper Antelope Canyon accessible for people with limited mobility?

No, due to stairs and elevation changes, it is not accessible for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

Are pets or service animals allowed on this tour?

No pets or service dogs are allowed inside Upper Antelope Canyon.

What should I bring for the Upper Antelope Canyon tour?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for sand and stairs; bring water but pack light since bags may be restricted.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes for Upper Antelope Canyon, plus a fully guided walk led by a local expert who shares stories along the route. The experience covers your single-direction journey through the canyon itself and finishes with an above-ground hike out before you return on your own schedule.