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Everything you need to know about Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon

Antelope Canyon, nestled in Arizona’s Navajo Nation, is a masterpiece of nature. Its sandstone walls were turned into the winding passageways of the canyons over millions of years because of flash floods and now it's a sacred site for the Navajo p...

Also Known As

Tse' bighanilini

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Quick Information

ADDRESS

22 S Lake Powell Blvd, DamPlaza, Page, AZ, 86040, United States

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

TICKETS

From $ 69

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

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Did you know?

The Upper Antelope Canyon is also called “The Crack,” and the Navajo name for it is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks".

The Navajo name for Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, which means "spiral rock arches", but it is more commonly known as “The Corkscrew”.

The intricate formations of the slot canyon were created by flash floods and wind erosion over millions of years, making Antelope Canyon a geological wonder. Its sandstone walls are prehistoric in age, about 190 million years old.

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Book Antelope Canyon tickets

Antelope Canyon Tour with Navajo Guide

Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

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from

$69

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour with Navajo Guide

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 13 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

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$89

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour with Navajo Guide

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Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 13 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

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$129

Antelope Canyon X Tour with Navajo Guide

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 13 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

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from

$69

Formation and history of Antelope Canyon

The slot canyon’s formation began 5 to 6 million years ago and continues to change with every flash flood and rainfall. Here’s a brief timeline of the history of the canyons.

190 million years ago: The sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon began to take shape during the Jurassic period.
5 to 6 million years ago: Flash floods and heavy rainfall caused “slots” to form over time, creating the canyons we see today.
8 to 9 centuries ago: The Navajo people settled in lands around the canyons.
40 to 50 years ago: Antelope Canyon became a protected site under the Navajo Nation, is a part of the Navajo Tribal Park, and can only be visited with a Navajo guide present.

Take a deep dive into Antelope Canyon’s history

What makes Antelope Canyon unique

The flash floods that shaped the passageways of Antelope Canyon filter sunlight in a way where you can see light beams pass through the canyons creating a natural light show. It’s a spectacular sight that draws visitors from all over the world.

Upper, Lower, and Antelope Canyon X are all unique in their own way and offer different experiences, from adventure to quiet exploration.

The sandstone walls of the canyons are multiple shades of vermilion and they keep changing color throughout the day depending on the amount of sunlight they get.

Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the world, and when you visit, you’ll see why. Each corner of the canyon will leave you in a state of awe. It’s a photo-op like no other!

The canyon is more than just a visual treat, it also holds a lot of value and meaning to the Navajo people. When you take the tour, you get to learn about the history of the canyon, its many legends, and its significance.

More interesting facts about Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon sections explained

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams that shine down through the narrow openings, especially around midday. This canyon is easy to navigate, with its flat floor making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The tall sandstone walls create a dramatic play of shadows and colors, making it the most photographed section of Antelope Canyon. It’s the most popular out of the three canyons, so if you want to take this tour, you should book at least a few weeks in advance to get the slot of your choice.

Why visitors love Upper Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon gives you a more adventurous experience with its winding paths, steeper descents, and narrower slots. Visitors need to navigate a series of stairs and ladders to be able to explore the canyon, but the effort is easily worth it. The walls of Lower Antelope Canyon are more intricately shaped and textured as compared to the upper section. It also tends to be less crowded because it requires more dexterity and a higher fitness level so it’s less accessible. Its dynamic angles make it a favorite among photographers looking for less conventional shots.

What makes Lower Antelope Canyon special

Antelope Canyon X

Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known part of the canyons, offers a quieter and more relaxed experience. It’s named after the X-shaped patterns formed by intersecting rock layers, which are just as striking. Canyon X has wider paths and fewer stairs to navigate when compared to Lower Canyon. Because it sees fewer visitors, it provides a more peaceful way to enjoy the canyon’s beauty, making it perfect for those who want to take in the views without the hustle of larger crowds.

Why visiting Antelope Canyon X is recommended

Frequently asked questions about Antelope Canyon

Why is it called Antelope Canyon?

The canyon is named after the pronghorn antelopes that once roamed freely in the area in large herds.

Is Antelope Canyon suitable for all ages?

Upper Canyon is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, except for pregnant women and those with mobility issues. Lower Canyon requires navigating stairs and ladders, making it less accessible. Antelope Canyon X is fairly accessible compared to Lower Canyon, but more challenging than Upper Canyon.

What makes Antelope Canyon unique when compared to other slot canyons?

Antelope Canyon has multiple sections that each offer a different type of experience, making it suitable for all types of visitors. Whether you're exploring the canyons as a family with children, a seasoned adventurer, a photographer, a traveler seeking cultural significance, or a tourist looking for scenic sights, you'll have a great time here. The history, legends, and culture of the Navajo people, the sandstone walls, world-famous light beams, and countless opportunities for photographs, when combined, make it stand out from other slot canyons.

How has Antelope Canyon changed over the years?

While the foundation of the canyon remains the same, flash floods and natural erosion subtly reshaped its passageways, adding new textures and layers. Over time, natural erosion caused by wind, water, and sand added fine details to its structure, ensuring that the canyon remains a dynamic, evolving masterpiece of nature.

Are there any legends about Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon holds a lot of importance and meaning to the Navajo people. Your Navajo tour guide will tell you about the history of the canyons and more about their legends surrounding spiritual energies, the whistling winds, and mystical light beams during your tour.

Is Antelope Canyon wheelchair accessible?

No, Antelope Canyon is not wheelchair accessible.

Is Antelope Canyon open year-round?

Yes, the canyon is open daily, but tour availability may vary depending on weather conditions, especially during monsoon season when flash floods can occur.