Upper Antelope Canyon Review: Stunning Views, But Not Worth It?
If you haven’t heard of Antelope Canyon before, it’s one of the most famous slot canyons in the American Southwest — a narrow, twisting sandstone passage with smooth, colorful walls shaped by years of wind and water erosion. The result is a surreal natural wonder, with orange and purple hues that glow in the light.
In this review, I’ll share my honest experience visiting Upper Antelope Canyon. While the scenery was breathtaking, the tour itself felt rushed, overly crowded, and surprisingly expensive. I’ll also suggest a few alternative slot canyons that offer a better, more peaceful experience in my opinion.
2. It’s Too Expensive
Upper Antelope Canyon is by far the most expensive section to visit, and in my opinion, the price just isn’t justified.
Yes, the cost is driven by popularity and limited access — classic supply and demand. But when you compare it to other parts of Antelope Canyon, the difference is dramatic. For example, Antelope Canyon X tours can be as low as $60 USD, while Upper Canyon tours often run $120 to $150 USD per person during peak season.
For that kind of price, I expected a truly exceptional experience… but I left feeling shortchanged.
You’re essentially paying more for a shorter, more crowded tour, and unless you happen to catch the light beams at the perfect time (and weather), it’s hard to say the cost is really worth it. There are better — and cheaper — alternatives nearby, which I’ll share below.
3. It Feels Way Too Rushed
My biggest disappointment with Upper Antelope Canyon was how rushed the entire experience felt.
I booked my tour with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, but based on what I’ve heard from others, the fast pace seems to be the norm across most companies.
From the moment we entered the canyon, it felt like we were on a conveyor belt. We were constantly being herded forward, barely able to stop and take in the beauty. At one point, a guide from another group behind us was literally yelling at us to move faster — it felt more like a theme park queue than a nature tour.
While the tour is advertised as 1.5 hours, most of that time is spent on logistics: checking in, waiting for the shuttle, and driving to the canyon entrance. Actual time inside the canyon? Maybe 30 minutes — and even that felt rushed. You’re not allowed to pause or linger in one place for more than a few seconds, which makes it hard to get good photos or fully enjoy the atmosphere.
For such a high price tag, I expected more time to soak it all in.
When we finally entered the main chamber — the iconic spot where the light beams shine down — our guide allowed each person to quickly pose for a photo. When it was my turn, I told the guide I didn’t need a picture of myself, but I kindly asked if I could just take a quick shot of the light beam instead.
Unfortunately, the guide either didn’t hear me or just didn’t want to wait, because she immediately rushed us into the next room without letting me take a single photo. I completely missed the best photo opportunity of the tour.
What made it even more frustrating was that I was the only person in the group with a proper camera — everyone else was snapping quick pics on their phones. Nothing against phone cameras, but I was hoping to get a more thoughtful shot, and I wasn’t even given the chance.
For a place that’s famous for its photography, that felt like a huge letdown.
My Recommendation: Where To Go Instead
If you’re looking for a better experience than the rushed and overpriced tour at Upper Antelope Canyon, I highly recommend visiting either Lower Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon X instead.
I had a totally different (and much more enjoyable) experience at both of those. Our guides were patient, and everyone in the group had plenty of time to take photos — literally hundreds if they wanted to!
You still need to keep moving, and you won’t have the canyon entirely to yourself, but it’s way more relaxed than the Upper Canyon. The guides actually allow you to pause, enjoy the scenery, and get the shots you want.
In terms of beauty, Lower and X are just as stunning as Upper Antelope Canyon, in my opinion. The only thing they lack are the famous light beams — but even those are seasonal and not guaranteed at Upper anyway.
Plus, the tours are significantly cheaper. That alone makes them a much better value.
If you want a detailed comparison, I put together a full review of Upper vs Lower vs Canyon X — including pros and cons for photography, crowds, pricing, and overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions: Upper Antelope Canyon
Why Is It Called Upper Antelope Canyon?
The name comes from its elevation — Upper Antelope Canyon is located above ground, while Lower Antelope Canyon descends below ground through a series of metal staircases.
Despite the name, “Upper” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or more scenic. In fact, many visitors (including us) prefer the Lower Canyon because it’s less crowded, more adventurous, and offers better photo opportunities.
How Far Is Upper Antelope From Lower Antelope Canyon?
The two canyons are just a few minutes apart — located on opposite sides of the highway near Page, Arizona.
However, to reach the Upper Canyon, you’ll need to take a guided truck ride about 3 miles (5 km) off-road from the check-in point.
You can also book combo tours that visit both canyons in a single day. These typically include hotel pickup, transportation, and sometimes additional stops in the Page area — but they are more expensive due to the added convenience and extras.
More FAQs About Upper Antelope Canyon Tours
🕒 How Long Does the Upper Antelope Canyon Tour Take?
The tour duration is about 1.5 hours, but only 30 minutes of that time is spent inside the slot canyon. The rest includes:
- The off-road truck ride (15–20 mins each way)
- Check-in and safety briefing
- Walking back to the parking lot after the tour
While short, the time inside the canyon is action-packed — just be prepared for a fast-paced experience.
🚶 How Hard Is the Tour?
The Upper Antelope Canyon tour is easy and accessible. It’s suitable for most fitness levels. Here’s what to expect:
- Walking distance: ~1 mile (1.6 km)
- Terrain: Mostly flat and shaded
- Mild uphill slope on the return walk to the parking lot
There are no ladders or steep stairs like in Lower Antelope Canyon, so it’s ideal for those looking for a gentler experience.
👧 Is the Tour Kid-Friendly?
Yes! Children of all ages, including babies, are welcome on most Upper Antelope tours. Just be sure to:
- Bring water, snacks, and sun protection
- Double-check the age policy with your tour provider at the time of booking
Most families find this an easy and enjoyable outing for kids.
🤰 Is the Tour Safe for Pregnant Women?
Technically, yes — pregnant women are allowed on the tour, although most companies advise against it for liability reasons.
Things to consider:
- The ride to the canyon involves bumpy sand roads (about 15 minutes)
- The walk is short and mostly shaded
- No climbing or stairs involved
If you’re pregnant, you can request to sit in the cab of the tour truck for a smoother ride. Always check with your doctor beforehand and go with what feels right for your health and comfort.
🚫 Can You Visit Upper Antelope Canyon Without a Tour?
No. All parts of Antelope Canyon, including the Upper Canyon, are located on Navajo land and require a guided tour with a licensed Navajo guide.
DIY visits are not allowed due to both tribal regulations and safety concerns.
🚌 Is There Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off?
Most standard tours do not include hotel pickup. You’ll need to drive yourself to the check-in location near Page, Arizona.
However, there are combo tours available (like on GetYourGuide) that include hotel pickup and drop-off, and also combine:
- Upper Antelope Canyon
- Lower Antelope Canyon
- Horseshoe Bend
These are more expensive but ideal if you don’t have a car or want to see multiple sites in one day.
More Slot Canyon Guides
Thanks for reading! I hope you found my honest review of Upper Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona helpful.
Even though the Upper Canyon tour felt rushed and overpriced, don’t let that stop you from exploring the incredible natural beauty of this region. There are plenty of other slot canyons nearby that are just as stunning — and far more enjoyable in my experience.
👉 Be sure to check out my guides for Lower Antelope Canyon, Canyon X, and other hidden gems around Arizona and the Southwest!
Happy adventuring — and may your camera get all the time it needs. 😊
