Does Lower Antelope Canyon Need Stairs Climbing?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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After you reach the bottom of the last of the five flights of stairs, it is a slow climb to get out of the canyon

. There are about 4 more medium flights of stairs and a few small flights of 4-5 stairs going up. In total, there are about 130 steps inside Lower Antelope Canyon.

How difficult is Lower Antelope Canyon?

Lower Antelope Canyon is more of a hike than the stroll that people take at Upper Antelope Canyon, however, it is still

fairly easy

. The pace is slow because of the other hikers and all the photo-taking. The most difficult portion is the initial descent into the canyon, by 5 flights of stairs.

How many ladders are in Lower Antelope Canyon?

The Lower requires a climb down

6 ladders

to get into down about 60′. There were toddlers and a family on the lower tour and they could handle the climb down; otherwise once down its about 1/4 mile through and then out the other end-ending up at Kens for the Lower .

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.

Can you walk through Antelope Canyon without a tour?

Many tourists look forward to visiting Antelope Canyon. 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

.

Is Upper or Lower Antelope better?

If you are looking for a fun experience and like the idea of exploring a narrow canyon, then

Lower Antelope Canyon

gets our vote. To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit this canyon early or later in the day, if you don’t mind missing out on the ideal lighting. For photographers I recommend Upper Antelope Canyon.

Which Antelope Canyon has stairs?


Lower Antelope Canyon

has a set of stairs that lead into the canyon.

How long is the walk through Lower Antelope Canyon?

As you begin your 1 – 1.5-hour adventure (all-walking) with Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, your experience will span roughly

1,800 meters (1.1 miles) round trip

.

What time is best for Lower Antelope Canyon?

The best time of day to visit Lower Antelope Canyon Arizona is

between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM

. More light enters the canyon during this time so you can see more colors in the walls.

How hard is the hike to Antelope Canyon?

The hike is

fairly easy and not super difficult

. Lower Antelope Canyon is a little more rigorous, there are stairs to climb.

What is the best month to visit Antelope Canyon?

The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is

between the end of March and the beginning of October

. In terms of the best time of day to visit the canyon, going between 11 am and 1:30 pm will give you the highest chance of seeing Antelope Canyon light beams in the Upper section of Antelope Canyon.

What should I wear to Antelope Canyon in the summer?

During your Antelope Canyon trip, you will be subjected to the Arizona sand that falls into its openings. Consider wearing

a hat and covering your shoulders with sleeves

, whether you are visiting in May, July, or December.

Can you go to 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.

How do you take pictures of Horseshoe Bend?

  1. Top Tips. Wide Angle Lens – You’ll manage to fit all of Horseshoe bend into even a 24mm lens if your camera has a full frame sensor. …
  2. Get Some People in Your shot. …
  3. Any time of day is good. …
  4. Recommended Equipment. …
  5. Try a Different View. …
  6. Getting There. …
  7. Accommodation. …
  8. Dining.

How far apart are Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon?

Horseshoe Bend is

less than 5 miles

from Antelope Canyon, and is a must do if you are in the area. If it free to visit, and is only a . 75 mile hike to the overlook. Horseshoe Bend is a meander in the Colorado River that forms a horseshoe shape.

Can you do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend 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 visit 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.

What is the difference between Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower 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.”

Is Lower Antelope Canyon kid friendly?


Infants and toddlers are allowed on Lower Antelope Canyon tours

, but here again, careful consideration is warranted before committing to this activity. Although kids 0-7 travel free, a space must still be reserved for them on the tour.

How far apart are Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?

It’s one of the most photogenic slot canyons, and it has two different sections, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. At a mere

7.5 miles

apart, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists can see both of these amazing canyons in the same day, without having to walk 7.5 mile distance between the two!

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.

Can you hike Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is one of those rare places that is absolutely breathtaking, yet it is

accessible to people of all hiking skill levels

. A very short hike off a highway takes you to the top of a cliff overlooking Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River over 1100 feet below.

Can you jet ski to Antelope Canyon?


You can rent jet skis or boats from the Antelope Point Marina

, the same place you would rent the kayaks. **Keep in mind that if you kayak on a day where the lake isn’t busy, the kayaking wouldn’t be too hard.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.