Travel guide

AI-generated illustration: Metal stairs between Antelope Canyon sandstone walls for the Upper versus Lower Canyon guide

Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon

Updated October 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Both are stunning slot canyons near Page, Arizona — but the experience is quite different.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Shaped like an 'A', wider at the bottom, Upper is easy to walk and famous for the light beams that shine through the opening around midday from late spring to early fall. It is the most popular of the canyons, so tours are busy and time slots sell out.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Shaped like a 'V', Lower is longer and narrower, with sculpted corridors and more sustained color throughout the day. You will climb several staircases, so it is less suited to visitors with limited mobility.

Which to choose

For easy walking and light beams: Upper. For a more adventurous route and fewer people per square foot: Lower. If you have time, many visitors do both, and Antelope Canyon X is a quieter alternative.

Upper Antelope CanyonLower Antelope CanyonAntelope Canyon X

Related experiences

Conditions change. Check the National Park Service and tribal park websites for current access, fees and closures before you travel.