{"id":4423,"date":"2016-06-29T12:06:23","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T12:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=4423"},"modified":"2025-08-24T10:59:57","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T17:59:57","slug":"9-tips-visiting-lower-antelope-canyon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/9-tips-visiting-lower-antelope-canyon\/","title":{"rendered":"9 TIPS FOR VISITING LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lower Antelope Canyon\u2019s copper-colored walls twisted around me in uncalculated patterns, and my feet \u2013 covered in a chalky gold dust \u2013 were taking me further away from the sunlight, and deeper into a sea of crevasses. As I descended below ground, one (terrifyingly small) step after another, I was convinced we\u2019d left planet Earth. <\/p>\n

\"antelope-canyon-arizona\"<\/p>\n

While it feels much more Mars than middle America, Lower Antelope Canyon is a quick, easy, and unforgettable adventure in Page, Arizona. It\u2019s a little over two hours from the Grand Canyon, and an easy stop on the way to Zion or back to Las Vegas. But when I say \u201cquick and easy,\u201d I\u2019m not talking about the hike itself. Oh no. While it\u2019s absolutely doable, Lower Antelope Canyon is a tougher trek than its neighbor Upper Antelope Canyon \u2013 but the unusual, lesser-known spot is well worth the effort. If you\u2019re planning a trip out to Lower Antelope Canyon, here are 9 things to keep in mind before you go.<\/p>\n

\"Stairs-into-the-Canyon\"<\/p>\n

IT’S DUSTY! <\/h3>\n

Seriously, so dusty. I was planning to wear my white Converses, but thankfully had my dust-filled running shoes on hand, because the second I saw the ground we were walking on, I knew my Chucks would be ruined. Plan ahead and bring dark footwear like hiking boots or running shoes.<\/p>\n

THE STAIRS ARE STEEP<\/h3>\n

To get into Lower Antelope Canyon, you have to descend multiple sets of stairs \u2013 and the steps on these stairs can get pretty narrow. There\u2019s really no fix for this, so if you\u2019re terrified of heights and have poor balance, you may want to consider the more easily accessible Upper Antelope Canyon.<\/p>\n

\"Lower-Antelope-Canyon-Photography\"<\/p>\n

SUNBEAMS HIT MID-MORNING<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s rare to see sunbeams in Lower Antelope Canyon \u2013 that\u2019s Upper\u2019s claim to fame \u2013 but I\u2019m living proof it can be done! If you visit between 9:30 and 11 a.m., you have a decent shot at seeing those beams \u2013 and let me tell you, it\u2019s absolutely worth waking up early.<\/p>\n

\"Sun-Beams-in-Lower-Antelope-Canyon\"<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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PREPARE TO PHOTO BINGE<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s impossible not to take a ton of photos. I took double the amount of photos I planned to, and even then felt I needed more. #TravelProblems. Bring extra memory cards, and if you\u2019re using a smartphone, download the Cortex Cam app. It slows down your shutter speed so you can get really get some interesting, more professional-looking photos \u2013 right on your phone!<\/p>\n

BRING CASH WITH YOU<\/h3>\n

You can purchase your tickets with a card on-site, but there\u2019s a cash-only entrance fee (about $8\/person) to park, and you\u2019ll want to tip your guide after the tour. Speaking of that\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Horseshoe-Bend\"<\/p>\n

LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON IS A GUIDE-ONLY TOUR<\/h3>\n

You must go with a professional guide, because the canyons got too dangerous for tourists to go in alone. I\u2019m talking flash floods and deaths. We went with Dixie Ellis<\/a> and they were great!<\/p>\n

PACK WATER – ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER<\/h3>\n

We had the good fortune of visiting Lower Antelope Canyon during record-breaking heat (ouch), and were extremely grateful to have packed water for the 1.5-hour hike. Once you\u2019re in the canyon, it\u2019s cool and comfortable, but woof, can that sunny hike out get hot.<\/p>\n

\"Guides-Necessary-at-Lower-Antelope\"<\/p>\n

EXPECT CROWDS<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, there\u2019s no avoiding the crowds. Lower Antelope Canyon is less crowded than Upper, but visitors flock to both places. The stairs get a little backed up during late morning to early afternoon hours, particularly in the summer. Once you\u2019re in the canyon, crowds ease up, so you\u2019ll still get plenty of stranger-free shots. (Even if you get yelled at to \u201ckeep moving\u201d a few times \u2026 like me \u2026 always.)<\/p>\n

RENT A CAR<\/h3>\n

While tour buses will take you out here, a rental car gives you the freedom to check out more unusual spots surrounding the canyon, including downtown Page for lunch and Horseshoe Bend<\/a> for even more incredible photography. It\u2019s just down the road, and very worth the side trip!<\/p>\n

\"Walking-through-Lower-Antelope-Canyon\"<\/p>\n

While the canyon’s coordinates may say Page, Arizona, with the twists, bends, colors and unreal photography, Lower Antelope Canyon is truly out of this world!<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Lower Antelope Canyon. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/b><\/p>\n

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute<\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Pay Less, Travel More<\/h2>

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n

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Read More About Antelope Canyon<\/em><\/h4>\n