Family Fun at Lower Antelope Canyon
Our guide pointed out various rock formations throughout the canyon.
Can you see the eagle from a postage stamp?
Lower Antelope Canyon was the highlight of our two-day trip to the Lake Powell area in northern Arizona. Our kids loved this, as did we! It’s always nice to find a beauty that the entire family can enjoy together. Be sure to do your research and book reservations in advance as its popularity requires it.
The slot canyon, located on Navajo Nation land, was named for the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the area long ago.
There are two options you can tour- Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons.
They are actually across the street from one another but are quite different. We chose to do Lower Antelope because it is longer, less crowded, and cheaper in comparison. In order to go through the canyon, you must book a tour but you can do so by just driving to the parking lot and signing up. We did this and easily got on the next tour and were on our way within 10 minutes of arriving around 11 a.m. Our guide was a student at the University of Arizona, who is a native of the area. Our kids were quick to follow her and led our group of 12 the entire way!
We paid $28 for each adult (13 and older) and the kids were $20 which includes an $8 Navajo Park Permit; Kids 6 and under are free. You can only pay by cash (or travelers’ checks). Tours start at 8:30 AM and end at 4 PM and are scheduled every 20 minutes. They usually last about an hour but can also depend on your guide and group. Ours definitely went longer!
The canyon is a photographer’s paradise and our entire group was constantly snapping photos. Lower Antelope Canyon is open seven days a week year-round. Be aware that they will close Antelope Canyon for any rain forecast around Page due to possible flash flood risk.
The upper canyon is an easier walk because it is more spacious at the base, but the lower one we did requires a little more effort with its ladders and tight quarters at times, which actually adds to the adventure. Our whole family was in awe and highly recommend doing Lower Antelope if you come to Page, Arizona.
Larry and I were taken there in February of 2009 by our fulltime RV friends Jeff & Jan Van Horn from Austin, TX. It was one of the highlights of our 2 month trip out west from Virginia in our 2007 Tiffin Allegro Bus. So glad you went. We did the upper canyon, and it, too, was magnificent!!
Mary Jo you were one of two people who gave us this idea!! Thanks! We loved it!
Love all the pic’s…so beautiful. XOXO
Hi Amy! I want to do this – but with a pregnant friend… 😉 What do you recommend? And is the park open during a certain season? I don’t know where to start my research on where to go and park 🙂
xx!
Hello! Yes the Canyons are open year round. It is easy enough to do if she is healthy pregnant. Probably best to do it before it gets too hot! There are lots of tour companies in the town that you need to book in advance. We just drove right up, parked and had one of the local Navajo guides. Easy. As a photographer, you will love it!! Let me know when you figure out when you’re going!
Hi Amy I wanna really go there with my wife but my wife pregnant is that okay with her to traveling there ?
Thanks
Hi there! Yes, she could do the canyon depending on how far along she is. It’s not strenuous but still something you want to do in good health. You may want to wait until after so she can fully enjoy it! It is really beautiful and something you for sure want to do!
Hi Amy, I am 3 months pregnant and want to do the canyon. Do you think the upper canyon is fine? I have heard that it is really bumpy. Do you recommend doing either the Upper or Lower Canyon? Any information and advice you can give me would be very helpful! Thank you!
Hi Sam! You will absolutely be fine doing this at your stage of pregnancy. I can only speak for Lower, as that’s all we did. It is fairly easy. It’s more for the beauty than getting exercise! You will love it!