Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Review & Photos

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Our comprehensive review of the Lower Antelope Canyon tour in Arizona after visiting both Upper and Lower Canyon sections.

Discover the stunning beauty of Antelope Canyon, a narrow passageway in the desert featuring smooth, curved walls of orange and purple sandstone. This breathtaking slot canyon was formed over many years by the forces of wind and water.

A key point to keep in mind is that Antelope Canyon is situated on the Navajo reservation, meaning that visitors can only access it through a tour with a local Navajo guide. Due to its popularity, the tour system is essential for managing the crowds.

Exploring Lower Antelope Canyon: A Personal Review and Guide

Top Lower Antelope Canyon Excursions

We arranged our Lower Antelope Canyon tour through GetYourGuide and it was a fantastic experience. The cost covers admission tickets, Navajo permit fee, and a knowledgeable local Navajo guide. They provided clear communication via email, and offer a refund policy for cancellations made in advance.

They offer tours of Upper Antelope Canyon, Antelope X, and other lesser-known canyons in the same area with fewer visitors.

We have utilized GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities worldwide, and we highly recommend their services.

Secure Your Spot: Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Reservations

Review of Lower Antelope Canyon: A Guide to Touring the Canyon

Explore the Lower Antelope Canyon on a guided tour through a stunning slot canyon below the surface.

Walking to the slot involves a brief, sandy stroll, followed by descending metal stairs, proceeding through the slot one by one at a leisurely pace, and then ascending stairs to return to the starting point.

As we began the tour, we were invited to observe a brief Navajo tribal dance accompanied by music, which was provided as a complimentary part of our experience. This unexpected treat was a nice bonus, and there was no pressure to leave a tip.

We walked through the desert for about 10 minutes after watching the Navajo dance to reach the slot entrance. The heat can be intense, so it’s best to get inside the slot as soon as possible, as the temperatures are much cooler there.

The stunning transformation of Antelope Canyon from a seemingly ordinary crack in the ground to a mesmerizing display of smooth, wavy walls and vibrant sandstone once you step inside.

Our Navajo guide showed us various interesting shapes in the canyon walls, such as a dragon, an eagle, and a tribal chief. The scenery here is just as beautiful as it appears in the pictures.

Capturing Photos Inside the Canyon with Ease: Even Phones Can Do Well

Full transparency: Lower Antelope Canyon tours are consistently crowded, making it difficult to avoid the crowds unless visiting during the off-season. Even then, there are no guarantees. More information on this to come.

We managed to enjoy the scenery and take plenty of great pictures in the slot canyon, despite the large crowds. Even though it was busy, it didn’t detract from our experience.

During the same week, we also went to the Upper Antelope Canyon, but it felt more crowded and chaotic compared to the Lower Canyon, making it difficult to take photos. Overall, we found the Lower Canyon to be a more enjoyable experience.

When is the optimal time to explore Lower Antelope Canyon?

When is the ideal time to visit Lower Antelope Canyon?

This canyon has a wider ceiling compared to the Upper Canyon, allowing for more ambient light from the sun. As a result, the interior can become very bright, possibly too bright for ideal photos.

The ideal times to visit Lower Canyon are in the morning or late afternoon, when the lighting and contrast inside the canyon are not too intense.

Don’t discount a midday visit to Lower Antelope Canyon – it’s still very nice, even for non-professional photographers.

Should I go on the tour?

Absolutely, the Lower Canyon is worth visiting for its stunning sights and scenery, despite the slightly crowded conditions. It is undeniably one of the most exceptional and picturesque slot canyons in the United States.

The tour may not be cheap, but it is still more affordable than the Upper Antelope Canyon, which can cost up to $150 USD per person in the summer. Lower Canyon also provides better value as the tour is not as rushed.

Which Antelope Canyon is Superior: Lower or Upper?

Which Antelope Canyon offers a better experience – Upper or Lower? That’s a valid inquiry.

After experiencing all Antelope Canyon tours within a week, we found the Upper Canyon to be the least impressive, although it was still a breathtaking sight.

Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its striking light beams, visible during the summer months when the sun is at its peak. If you’re not keen on the sunbeams, Lower Canyon is generally a better option.

In my opinion, the Lower Canyon tour offers a longer, more relaxed, and fun experience compared to the Upper Antelope tour. It is also more affordable and easier to secure a spot on a tour since they run more tours each day. I would say that the scenery is also quite similar between the two.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting Antelope Canyon X, a newer section of the canyon that has only been open to the public for a few years. It is less crowded and touristy than the main canyons.

Check out my comprehensive review comparing all Antelope Canyon tours (Upper, Lower, and X) in terms of photography, crowds, fun, access, prices, and availability! Click the link to read more.

Comparing Antelope Canyon: Upper vs Lower vs X

Things to do and not to do during the tour

What You Should and Shouldn’t Bring and Do for Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

Additional Advice for Exploring Lower Antelope Canyon

[Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon: Prepare for your visit to Antelope Canyon by making sure you use the bathroom before the tour, as there are no facilities available during the tour. It’s recommended to book your spot at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during the spring and summer months. Be aware of the different time zones in the area, as the Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time while the rest of Arizona does not. Make sure to set your clocks to Page, AZ local time. Arrive at least 45 minutes early for check-in, as the Navajo Nation is strict about tardiness. The tour starts and ends at Indian Rte 222, Page, AZ 86040, USA, just a 10-minute drive from the town of Page.]

Lower Antelope Canyon Review: Commonly Asked Questions

Lower Antelope Canyon: A Slot Canyon in Navajo Tribal Land near Page, Arizona

What is the reason behind the name “Lower Antelope Canyon”?

Distance between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
The distance between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is very short, with their offices located across the highway from each other. To reach the Upper Canyon, visitors must take a company truck off-road for approximately 3 miles (5 km). Combo tours are offered for visiting both canyons in a day, but they are relatively expensive as they include hotel pickup/drop-off and other activities in the Page area. Bookings for combo tours can be made here.

When is the optimal time to visit Lower Antelope Canyon? In all honesty, any time of day is suitable. The most favorable lighting can be found in the morning or late afternoon, when the canyon is not overly bright. However, we visited in the middle of the day and still had a very enjoyable experience. Unless you are a professional photographer, I recommend choosing a time that suits your schedule.

Is it possible to see light beams in Lower Antelope Canyon? Unfortunately, the wide ceiling prevents the visibility of light beams in this area. These can only be observed at specific times in the Upper Canyon.

What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts a total of 1.5 hours. Typically, approximately 1 hour is spent inside the canyon, with the remaining time allocated for receiving instructions and walking to and from the office.

Is the tour difficult? The tour is not difficult, and almost anyone can do it. The total walking distance is approximately 2/3 of a mile (1 km), and most of it is on flat ground. Climbing in and out of the slot involves a slightly steep metal staircase, but it’s manageable. If you can handle a regular staircase, you can handle this tour. There’s no rush through the stairs, and they’re not slippery. Just take your time and be cautious.

Is the tour suitable for children? Absolutely, the tour is designed with kids in mind and many children participate every day. Even if your kids are too small to climb the stairs, you can use a baby carrier in the canyon. It’s a good idea to confirm this with them after making your reservation.

Is it safe for pregnant women to go on the tour? Although tour companies advise against pregnant women visiting Antelope Canyons, my wife did it in her second trimester without any issues, and I know other pregnant women who have gone even later in their pregnancies without any problems. I’m not a doctor, but I think the main concerns for pregnant women would be the heat, bumpy roads, and the stairways in the Lower Canyon. The bumpy road is not really an issue as it’s only for a short distance before reaching the office. The heat may be a concern, but the walk is short and once inside the canyon, it feels much cooler. In our experience, everything was relatively mild, but ultimately you should make your own decision based on your personal health, fitness, and your doctor’s advice.

Is it possible to explore Lower Antelope Canyon without a guided tour?
No, regrettably, it is not possible to visit Lower Antelope Canyon without a guided tour and a local Navajo guide. This rule applies to all slot canyons on Navajo land.

How to reserve a Lower Antelope Canyon tour? You can make a reservation for a top-rated Lower Antelope Canyon tour through GetYourGuide. We personally used this tour company, and the cost covers your admission ticket and a local Navajo guide.

Are there transportation options to and from the hotel for the Antelope Canyon tours? Typically, the regular tours do not offer transportation services. You would need to drive yourself to the site. However, GetYourGuide offers a combined excursion to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend that does include pickup and drop-off from Page, Arizona. It is more expensive, but it could be a viable option if you are visiting Page without your own transportation and still want to experience Antelope Canyon.

Additional Slot Canyon Guides

We appreciate you taking the time to read our review! We hope you found our insights on the Lower Antelope Canyon tours in Page, Arizona to be enjoyable. Witnessing this renowned symbol of the American Southwest was truly a remarkable experience for us.

Make sure to explore my comprehensive guide to the top slot canyons in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada for your upcoming road trip!

Additional Resources

Comparing Antelope Canyon Tours: Upper, Lower, and X – Review, Photos, and Experiences, Plus the Best Slot Canyons in Arizona, Utah, and Near Las Vegas, Nevada