Hopefully, you’re doing your research and reading this guide further in advance than I did. I simply assumed it was like any other National Park where you pay a fee to enter and then explore at your leisure. This rule came into effect in 1997 and the canyon was no longer available to the public in an effort to reduce vandalism and better protect this sacred landmark.Īs I mentioned at the beginning of this guide, I had no idea that booking a tour guide was required to visit Antelope Canyon until only a day before our trip. Only authorized tour guides may take visitors into the canyon. Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation. Because without booking a tour, you won’t get to visit! Why do you need a guide to visit Antelope Canyon?Ĭan you go to Antelope Canyon on your own? Unfortunately, no. This is the most important tip offered in this guide of what you should know before visiting Antelope Canyon. In order to visit either the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, you have to book a tour guide. When researching Antelope Canyon, one of the most-asked questions is “Can we visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?” The answer is no. You need a tour guide in order to visit Antelope Canyon. Note: Because of the stairs that are required to pass through the Lower Antelope Canyon, those with limited mobility that cannot use stairs should book a tour for the Upper Antelope Canyon which is entirely flat. But I haven’t gotten to tour Lower Antelope Canyon yet so I can’t personally confirm this.

Because of these features, many people agree that the Lower Antelope Canyon is more “fun” to tour.

Lower Antelope Canyon is also known for the ladders that are used throughout it. The Lower Canyon is narrower and longer, which makes it more interesting to twist and turn through the passages (maybe not if you’re claustrophobic or anything like that though). Lower Antelope Canyon is less popular, but this means it is generally less crowded and the tours don’t sell out as quickly as those for the Upper Canyon. If you’re a photographer, people recommend that this the Upper Antelope Canyon is the one you should visit. This is the more photographed and recognizable of the two canyons. But if you want to avoid the crowds and are willing to miss out on the light beams, aim to book your tour for early morning or later in the afternoon. Why is it more popular? Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its signature light beams and high canyon walls. The more popular of the two canyons, the Upper Antelope Canyon is usually the more crowded of the two canyons and more likely to sell out in advance.

Lower antelope canyon ken or dixie