Upper Antelope Canyon Ticket: Slot Canyon & Light Beams

Shafts of sunlight cut through narrow sandstone walls, and a Navajo guide is leading you deeper into the canyon.

You enter Upper Antelope Canyon on a timed slot with a Navajo guide who controls the pace and photo stops, so crowds don't pile up at the best light-beam spots. The walk is ground-level with no climbing, and parking, the permit, and the guide are all included. Bring your own water and arrive early, since late arrival means no refund.

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see Upper Antelope Canyon's light beams without arranging a guide, permits, or parking separately—the timed-slot system and Navajo guide handle the logistics and crowd flow so you can focus on the canyon itself.

What’s included

• Your ticket includes a Navajo tour guide who leads your group through the canyon, the Navajo Nation permit fee required to enter tribal land, parking at the entrance, and all booking fees.
• You'll receive your meeting location and exact time by email after booking.
• Bring your own water, as none is available on-site, and plan to arrive early since late arrival forfeits your entry with no refund.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Upper Antelope Canyon in Page

• Receive meeting instructions by email
• Arrive at meeting location on time
• Enter Upper Antelope Canyon at ground level
• Explore deep corridors and smooth edges
• Observe sunlight beams through canyon openings

The Experience

Upper Antelope Canyon sits on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, about two hours northeast of Flagstaff. The canyon itself was carved by water flowing through Navajo Sandstone over thousands of years, leaving behind corridors so narrow in places you can touch both walls at once. What makes this slot canyon different from Lower Antelope Canyon—the other famous one nearby—is that you walk at ground level the whole time. No ladders, no climbing down into a slot. The light beams that photographers come for happen most reliably here, those dramatic shafts of direct sunlight pouring down from openings far above your head, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is high.

Your visit starts with a timed entry slot—options run at 8:45am, 11:05am, 1:25pm, and 3:45pm, though peak season can shift your actual time even after you've booked. A Navajo tour guide meets your group and walks you through the canyon, controlling the pace and the photo stops. This matters because the canyon gets crowded, and each group gets an assigned window at each scenic point. You move through, take your shot, then step aside so the next group can do the same. It sounds regimented, but it's the only way to manage the flow without turning the place into a standstill. Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods aren't allowed—just you, your camera, and the light.

Bring more water than you think you'll need. The canyon is remote, there are no shops inside or near the entrance, and the narrow passageways can feel warm even when the outside air is cool. Backpacks and large bags stay behind—only what fits in your hands or a small shoulder bag. Your parking is included in the ticket price, as is the Navajo Nation permit fee (required to enter tribal land) and the guide service itself. Meeting location and exact time come by email after booking, and arriving late means forfeiting your entry and your money, so plan to arrive early and confirm the time zone—Arizona doesn't observe daylight saving time, which catches a lot of visitors off guard.

Top questions

What's the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?

Upper Antelope Canyon is ground-level with no climbing required and has more direct sunlight beams. Lower Antelope Canyon requires ladders and climbing but offers a different visual experience. Upper is more frequently visited.

What time slots are available?

Standard time slots are 8:45am, 11:05am, 1:25pm, and 3:45pm. During peak season, your actual entry time may shift even after confirmation due to visitor limits.

Can I use a tripod or selfie stick?

No. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are prohibited inside the canyon.

What's included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the Navajo tour guide, Navajo Nation permit fee, parking, and booking fees. You do not pay separately for these.

Can I bring a backpack?

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the canyon. Bring only what fits in your hands or a small shoulder bag.

Is there water available inside the canyon?

No. There are no stores or water sources inside or near the canyon. You must bring your own water.

What happens if I arrive late?

Late arrival results in forfeiture of your entry and no refund. Meeting location and time come by email; plan to arrive early.

Is this accessible if I have mobility concerns?

The walk is ground-level with no climbing, but the passageways are narrow and uneven. Check the detailed accessibility information on your voucher before booking.