Antelope Canyon Tours and Secret Locations

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the American Southwest, located in Arizona near the Utah border, that attracts more than a million visitors each year. It is one of the most mystical and ancient landmarks hidden within the United States. Explorers here can explore winding canyon corridors, massive sandstone rooms, and capture images of the photogenic beams of sunlight that radiate down to sandy bottoms.

Antelope Canyon is located just outside of Page, Arizona on the south shore of Lake Powell, It is a 30-mile long and is comprised of a number of different sections visitors can access to see this world famous spot.

The main canyon is actually divided into two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. While both regions feature equally spectacular rock formations and photo opportunities, touring the two canyons are slightly different experiences.

Upper Antelope Canyon is known as Tsé bighánílíní 'by the Navajo which means 'the place where water runs through rocks.' Upper Antelope Canyon is the most popular attraction because it is stunning and the entrance and entire length are at ground level, requiring no climbing.

Lower Antelope Canyon is called Hazdistazí, or 'spiral rock arches' by the Navajo. It is a more difficult hike that is a bit longer, and it isalso situated below-ground and guests will have to climb up and down a number of stairs along the hike.

If you are looking for a non-crowded alternative to the aforementioned destinations, then Secret Antelope Canyon is for you. If you visit Secret Antelope Canyon you will not be rushed or dealing with massive crowds. As an added bonus, these tours allow you to use a tripod for capturing longer explore photographs.

Papillon offers tours to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas that utilize guides from Horseshoe Bend Tours for a memorable trip to both Secret Antelope Canyon and a private Horseshoe Bend overlook.

No matter which Antelope Canyon tour you choose, this ethereal canyon which belongs to the Navajo Nation is a must see on any trip to the American Southwest! Papillon offers a variety of possibilities, including Antelope Canyon Helicopter Tours, to achieve your dream of experiencing an Antelope Slot Canyon tour for yourself. Book your tour today!

• Tower Butte Landing with Horseshoe Bend Helicopter Tour
• Horseshoe Bend Flightseeing Tour

Antelope Canyon is nestled deep in the Arizona desert, but it certainly isn’t alone. In fact, there are several spectacular natural rock formations and landscapes to be seen in the surrounding area, especially from the sky. From the Grand Canyon to Lake Mead, Tower Butte, and the world-recognized Horseshoe Bend, you can see them all on both Upper Antelope Canyon tours and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

When traveling to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas by either helicopter or airplane, your aircraft will undoubtedly fly over the Grand Canyon. Aerial views of this monumental landmark are simply indescribable. From the striped cliff walls of the Grand Canyon National Park to the lush Kaibab forest surrounding the tremendous rock gorge, you’ll capture breathtaking sights before even arriving at Antelope Canyon.

Antelope Canyon and the surrounding area are actually ancient Native American land. In fact, to this day members of the Navajo Nation reside just a short distance from their ancient canyon. While the Navajo reservation cannot be visited, another popular destination is the nearby Lake Powell. This man-made reservoir can be a quick day trip for visitors to the Antelope Canyon area and offers boating, watersports, and beaches. If you don't have time to relax on the shores of Lake Powell, you can still see the expanse of its sparkling waters from the sky on your flight to Page, Arizona.

Tower Butte is yet another stunning landscape in the Arizona desert. Believe it or not, this colossal "tower" is a natural rock formation. Like Antelope Canyon, buttes like this one are created as water runs through rocks over millions of years. Tower Butte is just a short distance from the Page Municipal Airport, and of all Papillon is the only of all tour operators with permission to land helicopters atop this remarkable attraction. You can book your Antelope Canyon tour including a Tower Butte landing and experience both phenomena in one day!

Horseshoe Bend is probably the closest a person can come to witness the erosion of the Colorado River. This section of the river curves into a near-perfect circle, creating a monumental peninsula. Because of its unique curvature, Horseshoe Bend is a favorite destination for photographers and sightseers alike. Visitors can stand right on the edge and gaze down and the Colorado River rushing below.

The best way to experience the entirety of Horseshoe Bend, though, is from the sky. Horseshoe Bend Air Tours fly directly over this stunning river bend and passengers can fully capture its incredible canyon walls and snap professional-looking aerial photos.

Which Antelope Canyon tour is better? Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southwest United States, and it's no wonder why. The canyon is a stunning marvel of nature, with its deep sandstone canyons carved out by years of rain and wind erosion. There are two main parts to Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon, known as the "Corkscrew," and Upper Antelope Canyon, known as the "Crack."

Lower Antelope Canyon is also generally less crowded than Upper Antelope Canyon, making it a great choice for those looking to avoid the crowds. But Lower Antelope Canyon is more physically demanding. It requires a short, steep walk on an uneven rock surface to a series of stairs. The Upper Antelope Canyon, which is equally, if not more beautiful, than Lower Antelope Canyon, is also much more crowded than the lower canyon, so it's important to book your tour well in advance if you're hoping to get a spot.

Can I go to Antelope Canyon without a tour?

No, you cannot access Antelope Canyon without a tour. Located on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is a highly popular slot canyon and a popular destination for photographers and sightseers alike. However, due to safety reasons and the delicate nature of the area, an experienced guide is required in order to access either the Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. The only way to visit these canyons is by booking one of the many tours available in Page, AZ or with one of the Papillon tours to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas.

What is the best time to tour Antelope Canyon?

The most popular time to visit Antelope Canyon is spring or fall. In general, the weather is most pleasant between late March to early October. This window offers the best season to capture similarly famous photos you have seen of this destination and avoids the crazy summer heat.

If you are looking to avoid the peak crowd season, we recommend November, which can still bring fall-like temps, and February, which is a very beautiful month of gradual warming, cool mornings and nights, and the occasional cool rainstorm.