The Antelope Canyon is a slot sandstone canyon in the Navajo region of Arizona, renowned for its dramatic geology and massive size. Once here, you’ll be dumbfounded by the way beauty, wonder, and magic combine effortlessly within the canyon. Specifically, the beams of sunlight that hit the interiors of the canyon is a picture-perfect beauty and a sight you’ll never forget in a hurry. I can boldly say that visiting this canyon will be sensational and unforgettable, especially if it’s your first time. However, you can’t do it without the help of Navajo guides who ensure you make the most out of every moment spent here. As a result, exploring the Antelope Canyon is always via the various Antelope slot canyon tours available in summer and spring.
In this guide, I’ll outline and explain the various Antelope Canyon tours you can indulge in today and maximize your experience in this Amazing geological location. Diverse Tour Experiences You Must Try Related article: Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which is Best to Visit?
Upper Antelope Canyon Sightseeing Tours
One of the most thrilling and scenic Navajo nation tours comes in exploring the 120-foot depth of the upper Antelope Canyon via guided sightseeing tours. Be ready to drop your jaws at the staggering expanse, depth, and wondrous geology on its interiors, which are awe-inspiring.
Roam its sandstone walls and see how nature via wind and water has transformed this geological landmark over the years. As a sightseeing tour, you have limited workouts – no climbing, paddling, or boating. This is partly because the upper canyon is easily accessible on ground level and requires no climbing, making it a hotspot for tourists.
All I did was lace up my hiking boots, keep an open mind, and embark on a visually pleasing adventure, capturing nature’s elegance and brilliance within the sandstone walls. You could use my template – lace up and keep an open mind to explore the Antelope Canyon and trust me, you won’t go wrong if you take after me.
Since time is essential, let me give you a heads-up on how long you’ll be spending here. The tour typically lasts about an hour and forty-five minutes or two hours, incorporating walks, photography moments, stories, and explanations by tour guides.
While one of two hours might seem like a very short time to relish this wonder, the memories are for a lifetime. Still, on timing, you’ll enjoy more of this canyon when you visit between March and September as the sunlight beams are more spectacular and prominent during this period.
Lower Antelope Canyon Sightseeing Tour
The lower Antelope canyon is quite separated from its upper variant by several miles, but they spot similar features. However, they are not entirely the same as you would discover after exploring both. Unlike the upper canyon that is accessible at ground level, the lower canyon requires climbing a flight of metal stairs to access it in most areas. This was a turn on for me as I felt something was lacking while exploring the Upper Canyon.
Hence, exploring the lower canyon is more challenging because some sections are narrow and the stairs are longer. If you are not up for the challenge, you can stick to the upper canyon and you would be fine.
Moving forward, one thing I found very peculiar and remarkable about the lower canyon is its V shape. It is wider at the top and narrow at the base, but not as deep as the upper canyon. Due to its wider top, it receives more lighting best seen in the early hours of the day.
While many tourists tend to patronize the Upper Antelope Canyon, the Lower Canyon doesn’t fall short in its ability to inspire wonder and abstract photography sessions. So, be prepared for some thrilling sights on this guided tour.
Like the Upper Antelope Canyon, the Lower Canyon is best visited between March and September when the sunlight beams are enchanting. I visited in May and I was lucky because that happened to be the best time anyone can visit the canyons.
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Rattle Snake Canyon Tour
The magnificence and wonder in the Navajo Nation do not stop at the Antelope Slot Canyon tours, which include the Upper and Lower slot canyons. No, there’s the rattlesnake slot in the canyon for you to explore, and it’s no less spectacular than its neighbors. You’ll be blown by its textured sandstone walls and dramatic curves radiating sunlight in picturesque orange, red, and gold colors. I recommend that you come with a camera or use your smartphone to capture nature’s elegance in these sandstone formations.
It shares the same visiting season like the other canyons and can be explored alongside them. I didn’t spend much time here, but it was worth every second as the walls of these canyon are extremely curvy, which explains its name – Rattle Snake. This canyon is the curviest of them, you would be held spellbound all through.
Upper Antelope, Owl, and Rattle Snake Canyon Tours
Experience adventurous Antelope Canyon tours like never by hopping three slots canyons in the Navajo Nation and having memories to relish. While one slot canyon is enough to marvel already, combining three is subscribing to a day filled with a flurry of sensations ranging from excitement to bursts of adrenaline and wonder. If you have the time and budget, you can explore the three canyons on a half-day tour and experience the prime natural wonders of the Navajo Nation come alive. From the sensational depths of the upper Antelope Canyon and the dreamy curves of Rattle Snake down to the vast expanse of Owl Canyon, wonder unfolds at every turn. Gear and brace up for a hike of a lifetime, and a handy camera will be excellent to do justice to the sights that await.
Antelope Canyon Photography Tours
If you are particularly interested in the photographic aspect of these canyons, a photography tour is the best way to satiate that craving. On this unique tour, you can visit any slot canyon of your choice, spend ample time on it, and capture the sights from different angles. Otherwise, visit all three at once in a week-long photography Odyssey and capture a collage of fascinating natural sights. Tours like these will include guides that make the best recommendations on places to capture and angles that reveal the postcard-perfect beauties of these geological marvels. You may also engage in a lot of physical activities like climbing and walking. The goal, however, is to ensure you get the best Antelope Canyon tours and photography experience.
Antelope Canyon Boat Tour
The Antelope Canyon boat tour offers a unique way to explore the canyons and see them from a different perspective. In my experience, this tour is as unique as they come, and is perhaps, the most thrilling and picturesque. The boat tour involves riding a boat on the lower end of Lake Powell, where the towering canyons and high-walled Navajo Sandstones cast a shadow upon the lake. The boat winds through the narrow water body framed by the sandstone, creating a picturesque scenery that deserves a camera. You would be hard-pressed to find such views anywhere within the canyons. Tour highlights include boating through the Glen Canyon, across 4 miles of the Antelope Canyon before it narrows down. Also, you’ll feel like you are on a set of an adventure movie as the boat sails in between the high walls of the Navajo Sandstones in their characteristics red and orange colors.
