USA Upper Antelope Canyon

There’s no denying Upper Antelope Canyon is beautiful. People come from all over the world to see it. Lower Antelope Canyon is just across the highway and is also spectacular. Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two because of the photos with light beams but the throngs of people crowded in the canyon almost ruins the experience. You are literally shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of others. There’s probably a dozen tour operators in Page, Arizona that can arrange a tour and will drive you to the canyon parking area “Photography Tours”(that allowed tripods) that were previously available are no longer possible. Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours are now by reservation only. Walk-ins are no longer offered. You must call in advance or register online to reserve a specific tour date/time. You can only tour the canyon with a Navajo guide. This is true for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.

If you want the opportunity to photograph light beams in the canyon, you must be there between 10:30 and 3:00 (depending on the time of the year). Check with the tour operator to be sure. Photography tours that allowed tripods are no longer available. There are other requirements (fees) for commercial use of your photos. Again, check with your tour operator. Upper Antelope Canyon is generally much darker than Lower Antelope, making photography more difficult. In any case, all the Navajo guides are exceptionally skilled and will gladly help you with camera settings if asked. They can help with top of the line Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. or with a smartphone.

To get there, take US89 to Arizona just past Page, Az, turn left on AZ98 and drive 7.1 miles. Turn right into the Upper Antelope Canyon parking area. (Lower Antelope Canyon parking is directly across AZ98).