Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which Is Best For You?

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are famous slot canyons carved by flash floods and wind.

The highly popular canyons, located on Navajo land in a remote portion of Northern Arizona, are extremely unique, even compared to other slot canyons.

Debating on Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon is a common predicament when planning a trip to Page, Arizona. Each is incredible, and I feel very lucky to have seen both, but there are a few distinctions separating the two. Read on to determine which is best for you!

What’s The Difference Between Upper And Lower Antelope Canyon?

First of all, Upper and Lower Canyon are part of the same wash system, but aren’t immediately connected. The slot canyons are about 7.5 miles apart. 

Upper Antelope Canyon is wide at the base and narrow at top, like an “A”. The opposite is true for Lower Antelope Canyon, it’s narrow along the footpath, with a wide opening over top, like a “V”. A seemingly small distinction, but with a surprising number of impacts.

Additionally, accessing the two canyons is quite different.

Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon 

Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two.

Professional photographers have flocked here for years, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s a photographer’s dream. The colorful sandstone walls rise well over 100 feet from the streambed, creating beautiful shapes and dramatic lighting.

Photographer or not, you’ll still be captivated by the incredible beauty of Upper Antelope Canyon. There’s something very special about this place!

Upper Antelope Canyon: Pros

Upper Antelope Canyon Is Prettier

Okay, pretty is subjective, but as I mentioned above, Upper Antelope Canyon is wide at ground level with long, wide passageways at the base.

The curved canyon walls then become more narrow as they rise up over 100 feet. At the top, only bits of sunlight are able puncture the canyon’s opening. The end result is very dramatic lighting and constantly-changing visual effects by mother nature herself.

Upper Antelope Canyon Is More Accessible

The entirety of Upper Antelope Canyon is flat and sandy. You do not have to climb in or out of the canyon, as you do at Lower Antelope Canyon.   

As a result, just about anyone can walk through Upper Antelope Canyon, including those with mobility issues. 

Note: In previous years, the canyon was two-way traffic, visitors entered and exited from the same spot. Today, traffic is one-way only. Visitors must exit the canyon and follow a staircase outside the canyon. The walk is uphill but still much easier than the ladders in Lower Antelope Canyon. 

Upper Antelope Canyon Has Light Beams

Light beams are the #1 reason Upper most often wins in the Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon debate. 

Due to Upper’s tall, narrow walls, sunlight peaks through in dramatic fashion, at times creating light beams. The beams only occur for a few hours each day during summer months.

The light show is so highly sought-after, that seeing the canyon during this occurrence comes with a hefty price tag.

When Can You See Light Beams In Upper Antelope Canyon?

The light beams only occur April – September and are best within 30 days of the summer solstice (which falls between June 20 – 22). 

Additionally, the beams only occur for a few hours, usually between 11 am and 1:30 pm. They are best at noon.

No matter the time of year, light beams will not be visible on a cloudy day. 

Tip: We booked the 11:40 am tour time which got us in the canyon right at noon.

Upper Antelope Canyon: Cons

It Can Be Difficult To Photograph 

Upper Antelope Canyon lets in much less light than Lower. It’s quite dim, even if visiting around noon, when the canyon is brightest. For this reason, Upper can be difficult to photograph.

Fortunately, we had a really awesome tour guide who was happy to help everyone get a good photo.

Higher Price & Lower Availability 

Upper Antelope Canyon is expensive due to popularity.

Additionally, it books out very far in advance. Some tours book out months in advance (looking at you, summertime tours).

We visited during February and still had to book our tickets a month in advance to ensure the best time slot available.  

Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is part of the same canyon system as Upper. The two are not technically connected, but the same water runs through both.

Lower Antelope Canyon is very narrow at it’s base and much wider at top, allowing lots of light to enter the canyon.

Thanks to the improved lighting, you’re able to see more color and detail on the canyon walls.

Lower Antelope Canyon: Pros

It’s More Of An Adventure

Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing a few sets of ladders and navigating the very narrow and winding canyon. Curving your way through narrow openings creates more of an adventure-feel than Upper Antelope Canyon. 

Just be sure to watch where you’re going! It’s easy to trip over the canyon edges or even run into the canyon walls if you’re not paying attention.

It’s Easier To Photograph 

You’ll find plenty of people who say Upper is better to photograph, however, there’s no doubt that Lower is easier to photograph. Especially for those of us who just use our phones.

The canyon’s wide opening provides bright lighting, which really shows off the vibrant orange walls. Even for an inexperienced photographer, it’s easy to capture the details of Lower Antelope Canyon.

Lower Prices & Higher Availability

Relatively speaking, Lower Antelope Canyon sees lower prices and less visitors. But to be clear, I would not call Lower Antelope Canyon cheap, it’s just less expensive than Upper.

Additionally, you do not have to book these tours as far in advance. During our winter visit we walked up and booked our tour 20 minutes before it began. If visiting in summer, I would book a few weeks in advance.  

Best Time Of Day To Visit Lower Antelope Canyon 

Morning and early afternoon are the best times to visit Lower Antelope Canyon, roughly 10 am to 12:30 pm. This is when the sun shines into the canyon and really amplifies the bright orange sandstone.

However, Lower Antelope Canyon is really beautiful any time of day. It’s not like Upper which gets very dark outside a specific window. 

We toured Lower Antelope Canyon at 2:15 pm with rain showers and overcast and still took spectacular photos.  

Lower Antelope Canyon: Cons

Limited Accessibility 

The adventurous aspect of this slot canyon will be a pro for some and a con for others.

Not everyone can do Lower Antelope Canyon, especially those with mobility issues or fear of heights.

Lower Antelope Canyon is set into the ground and can only be accessed using a series of ladders. The ladders are very sturdy and easy to use for those who are able.

Note: I don’t like heights and really didn’t like climbing down into the canyon, it was do-able though.

Additionally, the canyon floor is very narrow in spots. It’s easy to lose your footing especially if you’re distracted by the many excellent photo ops. 

The Canyon Walls Aren’t As Tall

The height of the canyon walls vary in both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. But there’s no doubt, Upper’s walls are much taller and more dramatic than Lower’s.

There’s No Light Beams In Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon’s wide top does not allow for pronounced light beams to shine through. It does not matter the time of day or season.  

Is It Worth Seeing Both Upper And Lower Antelope Canyon?

If you’re a nature-lover or photographer, it’s most certainly worth seeing both. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in each canyon. 

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours are operated by different companies. While the canyons are similar, we had two very different experiences in each due to our differing tour guides.

Can You Do Lower And Upper Antelope Canyon In One Day?

Easily, yes. Each tour requires about 1.5 hours and the canyons are not far apart. 

You’ll want to secure reservations for Upper first, since booking options are limited. Again, reserve Upper between the hours of 11 am and 1:30 pm. Once that tour is booked, schedule your Lower Antelope Canyon tour accordingly. Many say morning is best for Lower, however, it’s not as time sensitive as Upper.

When I visited, I toured Upper at 11:40 am and Lower at 2:15 pm.

How Far Apart Are Lower And Upper Antelope Canyon? 

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are less than 10 miles apart.

However, tour locations may be closer or further apart than that. We used Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (for Upper) and  Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Company. The parking lots are 1.1 miles apart. 

Upper Antelope Canyon Tours

As mentioned above, I booked my Upper Antelope Canyon Tour through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. My guide was Leo, he was great! He provided us with a ton of information about the area’s history, the geology of the canyon, and Navajo Nation’s history… in addition to helping with photos!

I would highly recommend booking through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours.

Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

I booked Lower Antelope Canyon through Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour. Cody was our tour guide and did a great job providing information about the canyon, especially in regards to Navajo Nation’s history here and their relationship with the canyon today.

I really enjoyed my Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour, and would recommend booking through them.

Can You Walk Around Antelope Canyon Without A Tour?

No.

Is Upper Or Lower Antelope Canyon Better For Photography? 

Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular to photograph due to the tall canyon walls, wide base, and famous light beams.

Lower Antelope Canyon is easier to photograph, and in my opinion, more fun. Lower allows more light into the canyon which really showcases the intensity of the orange sandstone. The canyon walls are also more winding and narrow, which creates fun silhouettes to photograph. 

Which Is Prettier Upper Or Lower Antelope Canyon?

Both are absolutely incredible and among the best slot canyons in the world — it would be silly to call either one of them ugly. 

Personally, I don’t think one is prettier than the other.

Tips & Information For Visiting Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon 

• Wear close-toe shoes with sturdy traction. 
• At both locations you will be walking through red sand for the entire tour, don’t wear shoes you don’t want to ruin. 
• The canyons are shaded and cool, even in summer months. However, while getting to and leaving the canyon, you will be exposed to sun and heat.
• Be sure to have plenty of photo storage and battery life on your camera or phone – you’ll likely take more photos than planned.
• Don’t bring backpacks, fanny packs, purses, tripods, selfie sticks, or food — they are prohibited in the canyon. You are permitted to bring cell phones, cameras, and water. 
• Bring cash for tips, some tour guides are volunteers and do not get paid to tour. Leave a tip!
• When visiting Upper Antelope Canyon you have a short, 10 minute drive to the canyon. Transportation is provided by the tour company, and the ride is often in an open truck, it’s very dusty. 
• When visiting Lower Antelope Canyon, there’s no drive but instead a short hike. The walk wasn’t more than 15 minutes, it was flat but there was no shade. 
• There are no trash cans or bathrooms at either canyon. Most tour companies only have porta potties at the tour meeting site.

For lots more information, check out: Antelope Canyon: Things You Must Know Before Visiting.

History Of The Canyon 

The Antelope Canyons are millions of years old and formed very slowly over time. They were first formed by water running through the soft sandstone, today flash floods and wind continue to shape the canyons.

The canyons are known by the Navajo as Tse’bighanilini, which means “The place where water runs through rocks.”

Navajo Tribe considers these canyons to be spiritual and sacred to their culture and way of life. The canyons are a symbol of the gifts of Mother Nature, the passage of time, and the fact that there are things larger and greater than themselves.

Today, over 1 million annual visitors tour these incredible canyons thanks to the permission of the Navajo people.

As you can see, both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon have amazing features and are worthy of a visit. I hope this helped you in deciding which best for you.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Page and US Southwest guides below.

More Information For Your Trip To Page, Arizona:

• Antelope Canyon: Things You Must Know Before Visiting
• Horseshoe Bend: Things You Must Know Before Visiting
• Page, AZ: 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
• Top Hotels In Page, Arizona

More Information For Your Northern Arizona Vacation:

• Flagstaff, Arizona Guides
• Grand Canyon Guides
• Sedona, Arizona Guides