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The most photographed slot canyon in Northern Arizona, let alone the United States, Upper Antelope Canyon has been capturing the attention of visitors’ and photographers’ cameras since tours were first permitted.
Upper Antelope Canyon is located in the Navajo Nation, and you must hire a guide and book a tour to see this wondrous place. The Navajo call Upper Antelope Canyon Tsé bighánílíní, which means, "the place where water runs through rocks."
Because of its intense popularity, expect to be ushered in and out within an hour—this is not a slot canyon for meandering and exploring. That said, it is one of the prettiest rockways in the Southwest, and one of Mother Nature’s best masterpieces, period.
This gently carved Navajo sandstone has been shaped by wind and water to form a tight slot canyon. The shapes and curves are fairly unique and often recognizable in photographs. The canyon is approximately 660 feet long—relatively short compared to other Southwest slot canyons—and about 120 feet at its deepest.
The hues of the sandstone are the richest in the early morning and late afternoon, although if you’d like to take in the canyon’s famous beams of light, heading in around high noon is best—especially during the summer.
The canyon is quite unique, and if you don’t mind the crowds and guided tours, it is a must. Additionally, the entrance and entire walkway are flat, making the hike accessible for all.
The shafts of light beaming in through the canyon are simply stunning. You’ll most likely take a zillion photos, and you’ll remember trying to decide which you think is best.
Rock and canyon lovers; photographers, both professional and amateur; anyone in awe of breathtaking rock and light beams; people who don’t mind crowds.
The Navajo Nation has restricted access to this canyon. You’ll need to pay a fee and hire a guide to visit. Prices fluctuate but generally hover around the $40 mark; this does not include the $8 fee for admittance by the Navajo Parks & Recreation office. It’s recommended to book in advance if you’d like to see the light beams, because these highly sought-after slots fill up quickly. Additionally, you can book tours at guide services in Page or at the entrance to Navajo Nation, east of Page.
Spring to fall are ideal times to tour Upper Antelope Canyon. Summers and weekends can become incredibly busy. Due to the light changing with the seasons, the ideal time to see light beams will fluctuate, but a good gauge would be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dogs are not allowed in Upper Antelope Canyon.
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Written by Austen Diamond for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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