Explore Lower Antelope Canyon (Page, Arizona)

Antelope Canyon and all of its beauty was formed by the erosion of sandstone from flash flooding and other processes. Over time, heavy rain eroded passageways, deepening the corridors of the canyons and created the canyons incredible character that we see today. It’s impossible to cover the Lower Canyons without covering the Upper so let’s get into it. 

The Canyons in Page, Arizona are divided into two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. They are located on Navajo land and are only accessible via guided tours. You can not access both canyons with one tour. You must go through different companies depending on which canyon you choose to explore. But here’s the kicker … after talking to employees, there is a massive rivalry between Upper and Lower, both claiming to be better than the other. Upper thinks they are better because of the sun beams and overall experience, while Lower claims that it is simply better for photography and you get to spend more time in the canyon and less time in a truck.

Upper Antelope Canyons

The Upper Canyons are the more popular of the two, but not by much. The Upper Canyons tend to draw more attention because of the long light beams, high-canyon walls and falling sand. The light beams that seem to draw the crowds are best seen between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. So if you’re there for the beams, visit within that time slot. Another difference is that Upper’s entrance and entire canyon is at ground level, requiring no climbing and no stairs until you exit the canyons where you’ll climbs some stairs and take the walkway back to your ride. Upper Antelope Canyons also cost quite a bit more. You’ll spend $82 to see Upper compared to $50 to see Lower. And lastly, to access Upper Canyons you take a 20 minute ride out via vehicle to the Upper Canyon’s entrance. The walk through the Upper is 1/4 mile. Tours run 90-100 minutes from start to finish, 40 minutes of which is driving time to and from by authorized tour vehicles.

Lower Antelope Canyons

The Lower Canyons has grown in popularity of late because people are starting to realize just how stunning it really is. Unlike Upper where you access the canyons at ground level, Lower is accessed only by dropping into the canyon down a metal stairway. Once you’re in the canyon your tour guide is your best friend. At seemingly every turn they will be pointing out popular formations that are created by sandstone, light or both. From creating hearts on the walls, capturing light in your hand, creating a couples-mirrored effect or making funny sounds in the echo dome, Lower Canyons was packed with entertaining moments. And don’t worry, you don’t have to know anything before you start to explore. Your tour guide will point out anything that is worth your time so you won’t be left searching. Also, your phone is your best option for photography (at least in our case). Not sure what setting to use on your phone for the ever-changing canyon lighting? No worries, your tour guides just happens to know everything about your phone’s camera as well. Your only job is to explore and take it all in. They will show you all the great shots and ensure you don’t miss a thing. Speaking of which, as you climb the stairs and exit the canyon you will spot real dinosaur footprints in the sandstone — quite a nice surprise as your tour comes to an end. Also, take a glance back when you come out of the canyon and you’ll see just how incognito the Lower Canyons are. A slim crack at the surface is all the canyon reveals — hiding it’s stunning beauty within. 

Conclusion

The hike or exploration of Lower Antelope Canyon was one we’ll never forget. Because we visited in Covid times we didn’t deal with any crowds or lines. We essentially got a private tour of the canyon which made photography and our experience well worth any dollar amount (OK, maybe not any). We went through Kens Tours and we can’t say enough about how great they were. From our amazing tour guide to the random employees chopping it up about weather and the canyon’s history, our experience was elite-level ***t. If you’re looking for a great photography adventure, want to impress on the socials with stunning photos or want to experience something you’ll be talking about for years, explore either one of Arizona’s Antelope Canyon’s and let the fun begin.