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Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as Tsé bighánílíní — “the place where water runs through rocks”, is typically the most crowded of the slot canyons near Page, Arizona for a number of reasons. For one, this canyon has the largest caverns, meaning that it can accommodate even the largest of tour groups. Additionally, the entire canyon is at ground level, so no climbing is involved to get to or through the canyon. This makes it accessible to just about everyone. You won’t have any trouble finding a great tour that visits this canyon, but know that you won’t be alone. If you’re impatient with crowds, this might not be the best destination for you. If you are hoping to catch a photo of the canyon without people in it, you DEFINITELY have to sign up for a photography tour.

Before you rush to cancel your trip because this canyon is crowded, consider another reason for its popularity: Upper Antelope Canyon is absolutely stunning. With spacious caverns, amazing natural “flowing” shapes in the rock, and beams of light shining through shafts in the ceiling (most striking in the late spring/early summer around midday, when the sun is high in the sky), there are sights in this canyon that you just won’t see anywhere else.

Although the entire canyon is about eight miles long, don’t expect that long of a walk. Tour groups only venture in a short distance, and gaining access to the further passages is extremely rare (you need to have a Navajo friend with access!).

I know of one tour company that offers a night tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, which gives you a new, magical perspective of this popular attraction. Standing in the caverns with the desert stars above and a Navajo flute echoing off the canyon walls — it’s pretty enchanting.

Please note that you MUST have a Navajo Guide to visit the canyon, typically provided through one of the authorized tour operators. See the link below for more information.

Upper Antelope Canyon

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