At first glance, it doesn’t look like much, just a thin crack in the desert floor outside of Page, Arizona. But follow a steep staircase down into that narrow gap and you’ll find yourself in a world of swirling sandstone, sculpted by water and time. This is Lower Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon that feels more like a piece of abstract art than a natural landscape.

While it may be less famous than its neighbor, Upper Antelope Canyon, the lower section offers a longer, more immersive hike through curved rock walls and warm, shifting light. It’s an experience with stunning, photo-worthy scenes around every bend.

We’ve visited Lower Antelope Canyon more than once, and it’s just as impressive the second time. In this post, we’ll share our experience with the tour, how it compares to other parts of Antelope Canyon, and what you should know before you go.

For an audio account of our experiences in the canyon, check out our podcast episode #52: Antelope Canyon

How Many Antelope Canyon Tours Are There?

As Antelope Canyon has become more popular, the number of ways to experience it has expanded. In this post, we cover some of the most well-known tours, though there are others available as well.

Antelope Canyon is a long, twisting slot canyon that stretches for nearly 12 miles, beginning in the remote Cardiac Canyon area in the southeast and winding its way northwest until it empties into Lake Powell. The entire canyon lies within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and is considered sacred land by the Navajo people.

Most visitors only experience a small section of the canyon on guided tours, but the full extent of Antelope Canyon includes a series of distinct areas, each with its own character and way to explore.

Upper and Lower

The two most famous sections are Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Both are accessed just outside the town of Page, Arizona, and require Navajo-guided tours. Upper Antelope is known for its wide, level floor and dramatic shafts of sunlight that beam through openings in the canyon ceiling.

Lower Antelope, on the other hand, is narrower and requires navigating a series of metal stairs and ladders. It’s a bit more physically demanding but offers incredible views of swirling rock formations up close.

But wait, there’s more!

For those seeking a quieter experience, Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative. It offers similar scenery with fewer crowds and is also accessed through a guided tour on Navajo land. The canyon walls here are tall and beautifully sculpted, and the experience feels more personal due to the smaller tour group sizes.

Farther upstream is Cardiac Canyon, the most remote and challenging section open to visitors. It involves a moderately strenuous hike and is only available through special guided tours. Because it’s less traveled, this part of the canyon offers a sense of solitude and an opportunity to experience the canyon in a more rugged, natural setting.

Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon tours are offered by Taadidiin Tours. Both tours leave from the Taadidiin Tours parking area off Highway 98 about 10-15 minutes outside of Page.

You can also kayak into the canyon

At the far western end of the canyon, where it meets Lake Powell, visitors can explore a section of Antelope Canyon by water. From Antelope Point Marina, it’s possible to kayak into the lower reaches of the canyon, paddling between the tall, smooth rock walls.

Paddling into the canyon is a calm and scenic experience, especially in the early morning when the water is still and the light is gentle. It’s a popular activity, so keep in mind that it can get crowded by midday, especially on warm days.

What Makes Lower Antelope Canyon Special?

Lower Antelope Canyon, also called “the Corkscrew” by the Navajo, is more than just a beautiful hike. As water from Upper Antelope flows downstream, it enters Lower Antelope through a narrow opening, creating a corkscrew effect as it twists through the soft sandstone. This natural motion carved out the canyon’s smooth, swirling walls that photographers love.

Unlike Upper Antelope Canyon, which is shorter and level, Lower Antelope is longer, more physically engaging, and fully underground, though always open to the sky. It’s not a cave, but some sections are tight enough that you’ll walk sideways or use staircases to continue.

What to Expect on the Tour

The entrance to Lower Antelope Canyon is unassuming, just a thin crack in the ground that you’d walk past without a second glance. But once you descend into the canyon via a set of steep metal stairs, you’ll enter a hidden world of color, light, and rock.

At 1.1 miles long, this is the longer of the two (Upper and Lower) Antelope slot canyons. Expect to spend the full 90 minutes in the canyon itself, with no hiking to or from the site required beyond the initial descent and final climb out. You’ll be moving through tight spaces, climbing stairs, and stopping frequently to admire and photograph the scenery.

In recent years, the tour operators have updated the ladders at the entry and exit points. On our most recent visit, the route started at the lower end of the canyon and followed a one-way path uphill. Visitors now enter at the bottom, hike through the length of the canyon, and exit at the top.

For the basic tour, groups typically range from 5 to 15 people, ours included just seven. They’re led by Navajo guides who not only share their knowledge of the canyon, but also help you capture great photos. Our guide, Chloe, was especially helpful with phone camera tips, framing the iconic rock formations like “The Lady in the Wind” (which is shown in the cover photo for this blog post) and pointing out hidden shapes in the stone (we spotted a grizzly bear, a sea horse, and even a laughing shark).

One Canyon, Two Tour Companies

There are two tour operators at Lower Antelope Canyon: Ken’s Tours and Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. They are right next door to each other, run by brother and sister, and offer identical experiences. We’ve toured with both over the years and found no real difference in quality or organization. They’re both great!

Ticket prices at Ken’s range from $55 to $170 per person depending on the size of the group and length of the tour. The tours we’ve taken were the lowest price options that lasted 90 minutes and we thought they were perfect for us. Dixie’s website only offers one tour variation, a 60 to 90-minute tour for $55 (as of 2025). This is a popular activity, so we strongly recommend making advance reservations, especially during peak season.

Important Rules and Accessibility Notes

Before you go, be aware of a few key rules:

• No backpacks, purses, or even fanny packs are allowed.
• You can bring a water bottle and your phone or camera.
• Tripods and monopods are not permitted on the standard tours.

Accessing Lower Antelope requires descending several steep staircases. While not technical, it does require careful footing, especially if you have knee issues or mobility challenges. The stairs are narrow enough that many people turn sideways to descend.

Safety Measures and Flash Flood History

Safety is taken seriously here, especially after a tragic flash flood in 1997 claimed the lives of 11 hikers. Since then, the Navajo Tribal Parks have implemented strict safety protocols, including evacuation drills, warning sirens, and emergency exits.

Our guide Chloe explained how their team monitors weather forecasts closely and takes quick action if there’s any flash flood risk, even if the storm is many miles away.

Tips for Your Visit

• Reserve in advance: Especially in spring and fall.
• Arrive early: At least 30 minutes before your tour starts.
• Wear closed-toe shoes: You’ll be climbing stairs and navigating uneven ground.
• Check the weather: Avoid booking during monsoon season if possible.
• Bring a water bottle and your camera (or phone)—nothing else.

Wrapping Up

Lower Antelope Canyon is a must-see if you’re exploring the Page, Arizona area. It’s not just a natural wonder; it’s a sacred place maintained with care by local Navajo families. Our experience was made even more meaningful thanks to the stories, hospitality, and deep knowledge of our guide Chloe.

We’ve done all the Antelope Canyon tours (some multiple times), and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite—they’re all incredible in different ways. But if you only have time for one and want the best overall experience for the time and cost, Lower Antelope Canyon is a great choice.