Best Antelope Canyon Tours: Upper vs Lower Comparison

Antelope Canyon is arguably the most famous and beautiful slot canyon in the United States. Located in Arizona on Navajo tribal land, this stunning canyon consists of different sections that require a local Navajo guide for visiting.

Best Antelope Canyon Tours

We had a great experience with our Antelope Canyon tours. The price includes entry tickets and a local Navajo guide. Everything was communicated clearly via email, and a refund policy is in place for cancellations made in advance.

We’ve utilized tour services for various activities around the world, and they’re truly commendable. Highly recommended!

Antelope Canyon Comparison: Upper vs Lower vs X

• Scenery/Photography

One of the main attractions of any canyon visit is the scenery and the opportunity for stunning photographs. All three Antelope Canyon sections – Upper, Lower, and X – offer unique beauty; however, initial impressions may differ based on individual preferences.

Upper Antelope Canyon is most notable for its dramatic light beams visible during the summer months when the sun is high. Beams of light filtering through the narrow canyon roof create a spectacular effect, ideal for photography, although it’s somewhat overrated as it can only be experienced during specific times.

Lower Antelope Canyon features a shallower ‘V’ shaped chamber allowing more ambient light, making the early morning hours ideal for visits. This canyon boasts vibrant colors, twisting passageways, and interesting rock formations that enhance photography potential.

Antelope Canyon X showcases both light and dark chambers, making it suitable for photography in various lighting conditions. With a longer tour duration, it allows for more time to capture stunning images. In fact, I took more pictures in Canyon X than I did in the other two combined!

In my opinion, Upper is best for sunbeams, while Lower and X may be preferred for overall beauty and photography opportunities.

Winner: Tie

• Crowds

When considering crowds, unfortunately, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon rank low. Their popularity attracts significant tourist traffic, making movement and photography challenging. Retracing steps for pictures becomes nearly impossible as tours are strictly timed.

Our experience showed that crowds were more pronounced in Lower Antelope Canyon due to its larger size, accommodating more tours daily. In contrast, Antelope Canyon X offers a less crowded experience, allowing for easier photography and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Winner: Antelope Canyon X

• Duration

Regarding tour duration, the Upper Canyon is less favorable. Advertised as a 1.5-hour tour, the actual time spent inside is limited due to transit times and the rushed nature of the visit.

In contrast, the tours at Lower and Canyon X allow for a more leisurely experience. Notably, we spent over an hour inside Canyon X, enhancing the experience through uninterrupted exploration and discussions with our guide.

Winner: Antelope Canyon X

• Fun

Exploring the canyons for fun is subjective, but I found Lower Antelope Canyon provided the most engaging experience due to our guide’s insightful storytelling and the thrill of navigating through narrowing passageways.

Winner: Lower Antelope Canyon

• Accessibility

In terms of access and ease of hiking, Upper Antelope is generally the most accessible, with a ground-level entrance simplifying entry. A truck ride leads to the canyon, but overall, the journey is manageable for most visitors.

Lower Antelope Canyon offers a bit more challenge due to steep staircases; yet we found it suitable for most visitors. Conversely, Canyon X involves some elevation gain, but manages to maintain accessibility for most, with proper awareness of personal fitness levels.

Winner: Upper Antelope Canyon

• Availability

For availability, Upper Antelope tends to be the hardest to secure reservations for, often requiring planning well in advance. In contrast, Lower Canyon offers more flexibility, while Antelope Canyon X allows for last-minute bookings, making it the most approachable option.

Winner: Antelope Canyon X

• Prices

Tour prices vary based on booking timing, but generally, the Upper Antelope Canyon tour is the most expensive. In comparison, Antelope Canyon X offers excellent value at a significantly lower cost.

Winner: Antelope Canyon X

So Which Is Better? (Upper vs Lower vs X)

Determining the best Antelope Canyon is subjective. However, for an overall experience, Antelope Canyon X stands out for its value and opportunity for creativity in photography.

Although it may not offer some features similar to Upper and Lower canyons, its expansive touring time and less crowded environment allow for a more enjoyable visit. It’s also easier to secure a booking without significant advance planning.

Overall, Antelope Canyon X is an exceptional choice for exploring a stunning slot canyon without the disturbances and higher costs associated with the other canyon tours.

Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon (Upper, Lower, X)

Generally, the best time to visit Antelope Canyon is between late March and early October. For Upper Antelope Canyon, the ideal viewing time for light beams is between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM on clear days. The Lower Canyon is best in the morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting.

Canyon X can be visited at any time, as varying depths within it allow for stunning visuals throughout the day. To avoid crowds, considering timing from November to March can be beneficial, although lighting effects may differ notably.

Explore More Arizona Slot Canyons

The primary tours through Antelope Canyon are Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and X Canyon. However, several other beautiful slot canyons also exist within the same drainage system.

• Mountain Sheep Canyon
• Mystical Canyon
• Owl Canyon
• Rattlesnake Canyon
• Secret Canyon
• Waterholes Canyon

These canyons remain relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, providing a unique and quiet experience for those who venture to explore them.

If you’re coming from Las Vegas, consider a full-day trip to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, which involves pickups and drop-offs, providing an accessible option for travelers. However, note that this may come at a higher cost.