Antelope Canyon

About

Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, located on Navajo Nation land just east of Page, Arizona. Carved by centuries of flash flooding through Navajo sandstone, the canyon features flowing, wave-like rock formations in shades of orange, red, and purple that shift dramatically with the light throughout the day.

The canyon is divided into two separate sections. Upper Antelope Canyon, also known by its Navajo name Tse bighanilini (meaning "the place where water runs through rocks"), is the more visited of the two. It sits at ground level, making it the easier section to access. The canyon is roughly 200 yards long, and sunlight streaming through the narrow opening above creates the famous light beams that photographers travel from around the world to capture, particularly during the summer months around midday.

Lower Antelope Canyon, called Hasdeztwazi ("spiral rock arches"), requires descending metal stairways to reach the canyon floor and involves climbing through narrower passages. While equally beautiful, it is significantly more physically demanding to navigate.

All visits to Antelope Canyon require a guided tour led by authorized Navajo tour operators. Tours cannot be done independently. Several tour companies operate out of Page, and booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season from March through October. Tour lengths typically range from one to two hours.

The landscape surrounding the canyon is high desert at roughly 4,000 feet elevation. Summers are hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so bringing water and sun protection is essential. The area around Page also offers other notable attractions, including Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam, making it a worthwhile multi-day destination for travelers exploring northern Arizona and southern Utah.

Accessibility

Accessibility at Antelope Canyon varies significantly between sections, and visitors with mobility considerations should plan carefully.

Upper Antelope Canyon is the most accessible section. The terrain is relatively flat and at ground level, and some tour operators have accommodated wheelchair users in the past. However, the sandy canyon floor and narrow passages can present challenges, and wheelchair or scooter access may be restricted on busy days when crowds make navigation through tight spaces difficult. Contact your chosen tour operator directly before booking to confirm current wheelchair accommodation policies and any limitations.

Lower Antelope Canyon is not accessible to wheelchair users. Entry requires descending steep metal stairways and navigating narrow, uneven passages with additional stairs throughout.

The canyon surface is natural sand and rock, not paved. Footing can be uneven, and the sand can shift underfoot. Visitors who can walk but have limited stamina should note that Upper Canyon tours involve walking roughly 400 yards round trip on sandy ground.

Parking areas near the tour staging points are generally flat, unpaved desert ground. Restroom facilities are available at tour company staging areas, though accessibility features vary by operator.

The canyon environment is enclosed, shaded, and cooler than the surrounding desert, which may be beneficial for heat-sensitive visitors. It can also feel confined, which is worth considering for visitors with claustrophobia or anxiety in tight spaces.

For the most current and specific accessibility information, contact Navajo Parks and Recreation or your selected tour operator before visiting, as policies and physical conditions can change.

More accessible places in Arizona

• Horseshoe Bend (Page)
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson)
• Children's Museum of Phoenix (Phoenix)
• Heard Museum (Phoenix)
• Musical Instrument Museum (Phoenix)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)