Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope Canyon Travel Guide

4.6 (350)

Discover the magical world of Upper Antelope Canyon, a sacred Navajo site sculpted by time and illuminated by breathtaking light.

Home
Travel Guides
Arizona
Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon, or Tsé bighánílíní ('the place where water runs through rocks' in Navajo), is a stunning slot canyon near Page, Arizona, within the Navajo Nation. Carved over centuries by water and wind, it's renowned for its sculpted sandstone walls and the ethereal light beams that illuminate its depths.

A brief summary to Upper Antelope Canyon

Arizona, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Upper Antelope Canyon.

Book your tour well in advance, especially if visiting during peak season (March-October) or if you want to see the famous light beams.
The best time to photograph the light beams is between 11 am and 1 pm during the summer.
No backpacks are allowed on the tour, so bring only essential items like water and your camera.
Protect your camera from dust by using a rain jacket or plastic bag, especially when changing lenses.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand, and be prepared for a short hike over the canyon after exiting.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Antelope canyon

Ken's Tours Lower Antelope Canyon

Rattlesnake Canyon

Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours

Explore Upper Antelope Canyon on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Upper Antelope Canyon, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Most tours to Upper Antelope Canyon depart from the town of Page, Arizona. Tour operators are located a short drive east of Page on Highway 98. After checking in with your tour company, you'll be transported in a 4x4 vehicle to the canyon entrance. The drive is approximately 10 minutes. Cost: Tour costs vary depending on the season and tour operator, typically ranging from $50 to $90 per adult. This usually includes the Navajo Parks & Recreation permit fee. Check with your tour company for the exact cost and inclusions.

Discover more about Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon, a mesmerizing slot canyon sculpted from Navajo sandstone, lies on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona. Known to the Navajo as Tsé bighánílíní, meaning 'the place where water runs through rocks,' it's a sacred site embodying nature's power and the passage of time.Formed over millions of years by flash floods and wind erosion, the canyon's narrow passageways and smooth, flowing shapes create a surreal, otherworldly experience. The canyon is relatively short, approximately 660 feet long and 120 feet deep.Upper Antelope Canyon is the most visited and photographed slot canyon in the American Southwest. Its popularity stems from its accessibility, with a ground-level entrance and relatively flat walking surface. The canyon is famous for the shafts of sunlight that penetrate its depths, creating dramatic light beams and illuminating the colorful sandstone walls, especially during midday in the summer months.Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon requires booking a guided tour with an authorized Navajo tour operator. These tours provide insight into the canyon's geology, history, and cultural significance to the Navajo people. The Navajo consider the canyon a spiritual place and a symbol of Mother Nature's gifts.