Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a Photographer’s Dream Destination

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The American Southwest is packed with unbelievable and otherworldly landscapes that are a real treat for nature lovers from around the world. But if you have any interest in outdoor photography, then a trip to Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ., is an absolute must. This is a picturesque slot canyon in the heart of Navajo Nation and a favorite spot among both amateur and professional photographers.

Although commercialized, this canyon is stunningly beautiful and mystifying for anyone who passes through it. The canyon is open year-around and is easy to hike through, with railings and ladders installed for better accessibility in the Lower Canyon. In total, the Upper Canyon is about 600 feet in length, and the Lower Canyon is about half a mile long.

There are a few different tour options to choose from when visiting Antelope Canyon, but they all come with fees. The cost for a 1.5-hour guided tour will typically run between $68-$78 per adult and $50-$68 per child, and the fees include tax and permit costs as well. Visitors who sign up for certain tours are driven out to the canyon site in 4WD vehicles.

Just be prepared to be among crowds when you visit Antelope Canyon, because these tours are very popular. Upper and Lower Canyon visits are separate tours, and the Lower Canyon is a bit longer, deeper, and more challenging. Some scrambling and squeezing through tight spaces is necessary if you visit the Lower Canyon, so anyone with mobility challenges should choose the flatter and wider Upper Canyon option.

The most magical time to visit Antelope Canyon is when the light beams in through the rock, typically between 10 am and noon. It’s also amazing to see the pouring sand effect, which occurs when sand is blown above the canyon or when a guide throws sand against a canyon wall. It really is something you have to see first-hand to really understand!

For your visit to Antelope Canyon, make sure to bring drinking water, comfortable walking shoes, and maybe a bandana. Low film speeds and no-flash settings typically work best for photography in the canyon. Also make sure to use the restroom before your tour begins! Consider staying a day or two in Page, Ariz., to check out some of the other nearby sites as well. Glen Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are other top natural attractions in the area and excellent spots for photography too.

Antelope Canyon