Lower Antelope Canyon: Entry Ticket & Navajo Permit Fee

Summary

Lower Antelope’s spirals glow at sunrise as Navajo stories echo

You’ll walk through Lower Antelope Canyon’s glowing corridors with a local Navajo guide who shares stories as sunlight shifts above you. Feel cool stone under your hands, hear only footsteps and wind, and notice details most photos miss. Entry ticket, Navajo permit fee, and free parking are all sorted—just bring water and curiosity.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I thought I’d seen enough photos of Lower Antelope Canyon to know what to expect. But stepping down those metal stairs, the air changed. It was cooler, almost still, and the walls glowed this soft orange-pink that didn’t look real. Our Navajo guide, Thomas, grinned when he saw me just staring up — “Wait until you see how the light hits in ten minutes,” he said. He was right. The sun crept across the V-shaped walls and suddenly there were these wild shadows everywhere, like moving sculptures.

We squeezed through some narrow spots (I’m not exactly small so there was a bit of shuffling and awkward laughter), and Thomas told us how his grandmother called this place “spiral rock arches.” He showed us where rainwater leaves marks on the stone — you could actually feel the grooves if you ran your hand along them. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it never looked like what my eyes saw. There was this quiet down there too, except for our footsteps crunching on sand and someone’s water bottle clinking against the rocks.

The whole thing took about an hour and a half, including check-in (don’t show up late — they’re strict about time). I kept thinking about how remote it felt; no shops, no noise except wind at the entrance. Bring your own water or you’ll regret it — Arizona sun doesn’t mess around even in the morning. When we climbed back out, squinting at that bright sky again, Thomas just nodded like he knew we’d all been changed a little by what we saw down there. I still think about that color on the walls sometimes when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Lower Antelope Canyon

• Arrive at Lower Antelope Canyon
• Explore spiral rock arches
• Hike through V-shaped canyon
• Take photographs in good lighting
• Ensure arrival one hour before tour

Top questions

How long does the Lower Antelope Canyon tour last?

The total duration is 1.5 hours, including 30 minutes for check-in.

Is hotel pickup included with my Lower Antelope Canyon ticket?

No, hotel pickup is not included—free parking is available onsite.

What should I bring to Lower Antelope Canyon?

Bring water since there are no stores nearby; backpacks and large bags aren’t allowed.

Are guides included for Lower Antelope Canyon tours?

A local Navajo guide leads each group through the canyon.

Can I use cameras or tripods inside Lower Antelope Canyon?

No tripods, monopods, GoPros or action cameras are allowed; regular photography is permitted.

Is Lower Antelope Canyon suitable for everyone?

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What time is best for visiting Lower Antelope Canyon?

Early hours and late morning offer better lighting inside the canyon.

If I arrive late to my time slot can I get a refund?

No refunds are given if you arrive late—plan carefully with time zone changes in mind.

What’s included

Your day covers entry to Lower Antelope Canyon with all required Navajo Nation permit fees already paid for you. You’ll have a local guide leading your group through the spiral corridors of the canyon. Free parking is included onsite—just make sure to bring your own water since there aren’t any shops nearby before or after your tour ends.