If you want to visit both canyons, I recommend visiting Upper Antelope Canyon at 10:30 am (best chance to see those light beams but make sure you book your tickets well in advance!) and Lower Antelope Canyon at 1:30 pm (even with a reservation, you might have to wait 30 minutes or longer to enter Lower Antelope Canyon …
Additionally, When should I go to Lower Antelope Canyon? If you don’t care about the light beams and want to avoid the crowd, the best months to visit Antelope Canyon are from November to February. There are a lot fewer people going through slot canyon so your guided tour may not be as full plus the weather in the southwest is really nice this time of year.
How hard is Lower Antelope Canyon? The hike is fairly easy and not super difficult. Lower Antelope Canyon is a little more rigorous, there are stairs to climb.
Subsequently, Is it worth seeing both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon? All in all, both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are worth visiting – however, given that tours are likely to cost a minimum of $50/60 with taxes and tips, most people will want to choose between the two.
FAQ
Can you do Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day?
Can you do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day? Yes, you can book tours for both in one day. You can also visit Horseshoe Bend later in the same afternoon. Plan about two hours between bookings to make sure you have plenty of time to finish up with one before heading to the other.
Is Antelope Canyon a difficult hike? The hike is fairly easy and not super difficult. Lower Antelope Canyon is a little more rigorous, there are stairs to climb.
How many stairs are there in Lower Antelope Canyon? In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon. They are all made of metal, and the longer sections have sturdy handrails on both sides. Here are some more photos of the stairs. These are stairs you have to descend.
Is Lower Antelope Canyon claustrophobic? The Canyon is tight in places, but has plenty of expanded sections, typically up to 15 feet wide. jstein53 is correct – there are slits of sky, but only here and there. The primary claustrophobic concern is the crowds – they can be oppressive.
How hard is Horseshoe Bend hike?
It’s not too difficult although summers can be very hot as there is no shade with the exception of a small gazebo structure halfway to the overlook. The hike will start from the parking lot and is extremely easy to follow. The first part of the trail up to the gazebo is all uphill, but it is a gentle climb.
Can you see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in one day? Don’t worry — you can experience some of the most breathtaking sights that the American Southwest has to offer by visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in a single day.
Can you see Antelope Canyon without a tour?
Some may wonder if they can visit Antelope Canyon without booking a tour — you might even be one of them. The answer might surprise you: no, Antelope Canyon can only be visited through a guided tour.
Can you visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour? Short Answer: Yes! It is possible to visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour or guide. Many visitors to Horseshoe Bend make a point to see the neighboring Antelope Canyon, which requires you to book a tour through a certified Navajo tour company.
What’s the difference between Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon?
The biggest difference between Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon is the size of the canyon itself. The upper canyon is wider at the bottom vs. the top which is what produces such beautiful light beams inside the canyon. Lower Antelope is much smaller at the bottom, and is shaped like the letter “V.”
What is the best time to go to Horseshoe Bend?
“Horseshoe Bend is best viewed late morning or mid day. The ‘bend and river are in shadow at other times. At or just before sunset, the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. It’s best viewed mid day to early afternoon.”
Is Horseshoe Bend worth visiting? Once a quiet cliff-side lookout that offered expansive views of this dramatic bend in the Colorado river from over a thousand meters above, today Horseshoe Bend is far from quiet, but it’s just as beautiful as it was before tourism discovered it, and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Arizona.
Is Antelope Canyon claustrophobic? The Canyon is tight in places, but has plenty of expanded sections, typically up to 15 feet wide. jstein53 is correct – there are slits of sky, but only here and there. The primary claustrophobic concern is the crowds – they can be oppressive.
Can you walk around Antelope Canyon without a tour?
Some may wonder if they can visit Antelope Canyon without booking a tour — you might even be one of them. The answer might surprise you: no, Antelope Canyon can only be visited through a guided tour.
Do you need hiking shoes for Antelope Canyon? Boots or other sturdy closed-toed shoes are your best choices for footwear, as you will be exploring an outdoor environment that consists of sand, dirt, and dust. It is a good idea to wear SPF sunscreen and UV-protectant sunglasses all year, as the sun can be strong in the desert even if it is the middle of January.
What is the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend?
“Horseshoe Bend is best viewed late morning or mid day. The ‘bend and river are in shadow at other times. At or just before sunset, the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. It’s best viewed mid day to early afternoon.”
Do you have to have a tour guide for Antelope Canyon? While you cannot explore Antelope Canyon without tour guides present, and you must pay for a park permit, you do not need reservations when you visit through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. However, you may prefer to book your tour in advance for several reasons.
Does Antelope Canyon get snow?
Snow is very rare. Canyon closures due to winter conditions did happen in the past but they are very unlikely. What is this? In the warm summer months, thunderstorms can occur during ‘Arizona’s Monsoon Season’: From roughly mid-June until mid-September.
Can you visit Horseshoe Bend on your own? Short Answer: Yes! It is possible to visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour or guide. Many visitors to Horseshoe Bend make a point to see the neighboring Antelope Canyon, which requires you to book a tour through a certified Navajo tour company.
Can you do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day?
Can you do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day? Yes, you can book tours for both in one day. You can also visit Horseshoe Bend later in the same afternoon. Plan about two hours between bookings to make sure you have plenty of time to finish up with one before heading to the other.
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