If you’re planning a trip to Antelope Canyon in Arizona, you may realize it presents an enticing dilemma: should you explore Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon? Both are enthralling slot canyons with swirling, bright orange Navajo Sandstone walls that were shaped by flash floods and erosion. There are distinct experiences to be had here, and deciding which one is for you depends on your interests (although you could always plan enough time to explore both!). Up or down? It’s tough to choose between the adventures at this Arizona canyon.
The tour through Lower Antelope Canyon is longer and takes you deep into the canyon’s depths. Tours, typically lasting about an hour, wind through narrow canyon passages. The descent’s staircases could be challenging—but they definitely add to the adventure.
One of Lower Antelope Canyon’s greatest advantages is that it’s usually far less crowded than its Upper counterpart, so moments when you can capture photos without other travelers in the frame are much more numerous. Antelope Canyon’s famous sunbeams rarely occur here, so you’ll have to be okay with viewing the beam’s beautiful glow on the walls instead.
Upper Antelope Canyon, however, offers the opportunity to witness dramatic sunbeams piercing through canyon openings at midday. If catching some pics of these light rays is your goal, this is the canyon trek for you. Plus, the paths here are flat and accessible and, without any staircases, are suitable for all ages.
However, the combination of accessibility and the Instagrammable light rays mean Upper Antelope Canyon can become quite crowded, especially during peak times (such as when the midday sun shoots beams down into the canyon walls). The passages here are narrow like in Lower Antelope, which means they fill up quickly. Even if you’re not claustrophobic, you may not feel as though you have the time to enjoy the moment, as tour guides often are in a rush to keep their groups moving along.
Because Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land, you can’t access Lower or Upper Antelope without signing up for a guided tour. It’s wise to book your tour(s) well in advance, especially if you’ll be traveling during peak season. Native Navajo people are your guides, and they’ll share insights about the canyon’s history and geology throughout your tour.
Up or down? It’s tough to choose between the adventures at this Arizona canyon. Which will you choose? If you’ll be in the area, both canyons are incredible natural wonders worth experiencing.
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