How Hard Is Lower Antelope Canyon Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The hike is

fairly easy and not super difficult

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

Is Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon easier?


Upper Antelope Canyon

is shaped like an upside-down “V,” narrow at the top and wide at the base. This canyon is wider at the bottom than Lower Antelope Canyon, so it feels less claustrophobic and it’s easier to walk through.

How long is the hike through Lower Antelope Canyon?

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour Overview:

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

.

Can you hike Lower Antelope Canyon without a guide?


No, the Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon

. Safety and preventing vandalism are the main reasons why everyone needs a guided tour; the canyon became unavailable to the public in 1997.

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.

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 .

What is the best time of day to visit 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.

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 many steps 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.

How much do you need to walk to see 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!

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.

What is the best time of year 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.

Is Upper Antelope better than lower antelope?

As a result the tour can be a bit more enjoyable and there are fewer people to get in the way of your new Facebook cover photo. Upper Antelope Canyon is more internationally famous and therefore busier. However

Upper is better equipped to handle larger crowds than Lower during peak season in mid to late summer

.

Can you hike 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.

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 Antelope Canyon better than Grand Canyon?


Antelope Canyon Wins All Around


The guests

on my tours not only preferred Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon, many of them preferred Antelope Canyon to every other place they have ever traveled in the world.

Is it hot inside Antelope Canyon?

Since Antelope Canyon is located in the Southwest of Arizona,

it stays fairly warm all year round

. This makes it a great destination during any time of the year since it is accessible during the winter months.

How deep is the water in Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon Antelope Canyon Navajo Nation, Coconino County, near Lechee, Arizona Floor elevation 3,704 ft (1,129 m) Length Upper Antelope Canyon: about 660 feet (200 m) Lower Antelope Canyon: about 1,335 feet (407 m) Depth

about 120 feet (37 m)

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.

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.

How many days do you need in Antelope Canyon?

Day 2: Depending on which canyon you went on day 1, you now visit either Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. Please keep in mind that you can of course visit for one day only. However, staying

2 days

is an expierence you’ll love: More relaxed, more to see and really unique to visit both Upper and Lower.

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 Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in one day?


Yes, it can be done

. Total time required for all 3 is around 5-6 hours. I recommend you start with Horseshoe bend early in the morning (1-1.5 hrs). Then do the Upper Antelope Canyon (~1.5 hrs) and end with the Lower Antelope Canyon (1hr).

Can you bring a backpack to Antelope Canyon?


You can only bring a small personal bag into the Canyon

, so make sure that you have one and can fit all of your belongings inside of it. Antelope Canyon weather varies depending on the time of year, but not as much as many other locations around the United States.

What is the difference between Upper 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 Horseshoe Bend good for kids?

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning overlook spot where you can see a panoramic view of a 270 degree bend in the Colorado River.

It’s a great place to take your family for a nice stroll and for a lovely family picture

. Give yourself about 1 hour here.

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.