Antelope Canyon is located not far southeast of Page, on the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is located in a perennially dry river channel and is divided into two independent canyons, the upper and lower canyons. 
The Upper Antelope Canyon, viewed from the air, looks like a ditch carved by flowing water in the rocks and sand, while the Lower Antelope Canyon is hidden in the cracks of the ground below, which is very mysterious. 
When the sun shines on the two deep and quiet canyons, the dance of light and shadow releases its charm here, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 
Lower Antelope Canyon, called "Hasdeztwazi" (meaning "arched spiral rock") in Navajo, is closed for approximately nine months of the year. Located underground, it requires climbing metal stairs and possibly using ropes to complete the trek. Due to its relatively difficult entry, it's less visited by tourists. However, it's a popular spot for photographers.
                     
Attractions Location: Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
All areas of Antelope Canyon can only be visited by guided tours. Guided tours are mandatory and must be booked in advance by contacting the relevant agency and guide.
Opening hours:  
07:30-17:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st) 
Time reference: More than 3 hours
Ideal for a quick visit to Page, AZ—a day devoted to the beauty of Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
Transport: Tour providers like Ken’s Tours offer round-trip transfers from Page hotels. Alternatively, rent a car in Page (~5–10 min drives).
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Page—Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell, La Quinta Inn, or Courtyard Marriott are highly rated. Dining options include local spots like Big John’s Texas BBQ or Prickly Pear Kitchen.
Souvenirs: Canyon-branded postcards and artwork, Navajo jewelry, books about geology and photography from the guide shops.
This extended itinerary gives you time to explore nearby Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center.
Transport: Self-drive or book a guided boat tour that departs from Page; rentals and tours readily available downtown.
Accommodation/Food: Continue staying in Page hotels. Dinner with lakeside views at Lake View Drive restaurants or back at local favorites in town.
Souvenirs: Lake Powell postcards, Navajo crafts, water-themed photography prints, dam-themed educational books.
This plan introduces you to lesser-known slot canyons and scenic viewpoints around Page.
Transport: Book combo tours or rent a car. Tours may include multi-canyon stops with pick-up from Page hotels.
Accommodation/Food: Stay again in Page. Try Fiesta Mexicana or Ranch House Grill for southwestern cuisine.
Souvenirs: Multi‑canyon photography, Navajo artwork, geology-themed gift items.
Explore more of the American Southwest by adding a side trip to the Grand Canyon’s East Rim.
Transport: Self-drive US‑89. Permits not required for public roads. Plenty of scenic stops en route.
Accommodation/Food: Back in Page hotels. En route, stop at roadside trading posts for Navajo tacos or souvenirs.
Souvenirs: Grand Canyon postcards, trading post jewelry, Native American crafts from Cameron Trading Post-style shops.
This itinerary broadens your cultural horizons by adding Navajo Nation heritage or iconic Monument Valley vistas.
Transport: Rent a car for flexibility. Monument Valley drive is scenic but remote—overnight possible if staying there or return to Page.
Accommodation/Food: Either stay one night near Monument Valley or return to Page. Try Navajo-run Red Heritage cultural dinner show.
Souvenirs: Navajo rugs, kachina dolls, traditional jewelry, cultural performance DVDs.
Combine your stay with a road‑trip loop to Zion or Bryce Canyon for dramatic canyon landscapes.
Transport: Rent a car; the Southwest road trip region is best explored by vehicle. Plan fuel and rest stops.
Accommodation/Food: Stay near Springdale or Bryce if overnighting; otherwise return to Page. Stop for local fare in small towns en route.
Souvenirs: National Park merchandise (postcards, patches), southwest prints, handmade stone carvings.
For a full week, enjoy a balance of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and relaxed lakeside leisure.
Transport: Mix of self-drive, guided tours, and leisurely walks. Boat rentals and tour pick-ups available near hotel areas.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at a central Page hotel like Hyatt Place or La Quinta. Evening dining at local restaurants or cultural dinner shows.
Souvenirs: Navajo crafts, canyon and Lake Powell photography, cultural performance merchandise, tribal food condiments and art.

You need to book your Antelope Canyon tickets in advance. I booked them on cellular (not cheap). You can search for them directly. (Take note!) After receiving the confirmation email, you need to check your email again 24 hours before the ticket is valid to see if the time has been adjusted. I was speechless. I booked on cellular, but the customer service didn't tell me in the confirmation email that the time might be adjusted. When I arrived at the ticket exchange location, I was told that the ticket was delayed by 2 hours. Since my US phone card had no signal, I had to borrow a local phone to call customer service. I even tipped the person who exchanged the tickets ($10), but they didn't solve the problem. As a result, the itinerary didn't go as planned (not very happy). Remember, be sure to check your confirmation email again 24 hours before going to the attraction. Remember! ! 
In addition to the ticket price, you'll need to pay an 8-dollar fee per person when redeeming your ticket. This fee applies to everyone, except children. After entering the scenic area by desert buggy, you'll need to tip the tour guide (actually the driver) at 3-5 dollars per person. It's best to give this tip before entering the site; they'll be very helpful in explaining how to take photos. Antelope Canyon actually looks beautiful in photos. Walking through it, the dust was flying, and it didn't feel particularly special. Later, the photos were truly stunning, with dreamy colors lingering around every spiral, imbued with a mysterious beauty. 
The Antelope Canyon is very small, about 200 meters. You can go back the same way after entering the end. The best time is between 11 am and 1 pm, and you can get out in 20 minutes. 

As for the best time to visit, the sun's position between October and April prevents you from seeing the sun's rays, so the difference of a few hours is minimal. The only possible factor is the slightly warmer midday weather. However, after 10 minutes in the back of your designated Indian guide's 360-degree, airtight pickup truck, that one or two degree temperature difference vanishes and becomes negligible. So it all depends on your schedule and the ticket price. 
Arriving at the entrance, the line from "Peach Blossom Spring" ("At first extremely narrow, only then passable") immediately came to mind. Even after a few dozen steps, there was no sign of a sudden, open path. A perfect fusion of wind and water, these "water-flown rocks" create breathtaking lines, forms, and a play of light and shadow. While you'll find that everyone's capturing similar images, from composition to color, under the guidance of the guide, you can't help but marvel at this genuine expression of nature, and be impressed by the romanticism and unique creative thinking of each visitor. 
Since we're just ordinary tourists, we don't have the dedicated staff to clear the scene and provide personal guidance like photography tours do. Therefore, the key to great photos is precise positioning, quick eyes and hands, but steady hands. Otherwise, there will be too many people in the background or insufficient exposure time, leaving you with a foggy, blurry image after review, and the feeling of "finally knowing the truth, tears streaming down my face." Therefore, smartphones are a much better choice for ordinary tourists. 
The entire tour time for an ordinary group is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. As for what kind of tour guide you follow and what kind of stories you can hear, there are big differences, but the essence remains the same. In this real society, as long as the tips are in place, we can really do our best to meet your needs for any story, question, photography technique or shooting mode. It is also open on January 1st, which is really rare in the United States, and the people in the protected area are still very hardworking. 

I chose Upper Antelope Canyon because Lower Antelope Canyon is difficult to access and because it's said that a beam of light shines through the Upper Antelope Canyon at noon (though it was cloudy that day). Antelope Canyon is an Indian reservation, so you must be led by a local guide. There are also restrictions on the size of the lenses you can use (probably to avoid scratching the walls). 
The carvings of nature are really amazing. These lines seem to be formed by the erosion of water. No wonder the Indians protect this place so much. 

Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. The Upper Antelope Canyon is above ground and is more popular with tourists. The Lower Antelope Canyon is underground and requires climbing stairs. It is slightly more difficult to visit, less visited, and more popular with photographers. We chose the Upper Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon ticket revenue and guide tips are the main sources of income for the local Native Americans. The Upper Antelope Canyon ticket costs $65, and a tip to the Indian guide is required after the tour. 
To enter Upper Antelope Canyon, due to the terrain, you must park at the entrance and walk about two miles on the sand. While private vehicles were once permitted, all visitors must now ride in the reserve's open-top jeeps. Walking permits have also been revoked to prevent accidents under the scorching sun. Visiting Antelope Canyon in the summer, the sun is so intense that it's easy to get a heat stroke. 
Antelope Canyon's geological formations are renowned for their red sandstone, sculpted by mountain torrents into a dreamlike landscape. Around noon, when the sun is at its peak, the canyon rocks are beautifully illuminated. Only for a brief moment at noon can sunlight penetrate through a few gaps to reach the canyon floor. The view is slightly less impressive at other times. Our visit was past peak viewing season; even between 11 and 12 noon, the sun couldn't reach the canyon floor, leaving no visible beams of light. The canyon was completely dark, making the view quite subpar. We recommend visiting at noon between April and September for stunning views, but reservations are essential during peak season. 
The entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon isn't very obvious, appearing from afar as a thin crack. Once inside, some areas are quite dark, with no direct sunlight reaching the ground. The rock walls rise about 20 meters, and the total length is approximately 150 meters. Due to the sheer number of visitors, capturing a single ray of sunlight and a deserted landscape requires patience. During peak tourist season, capturing a series of photos is challenging, as the canyon is so narrow that only one person can pass through in some areas. Our guide led us through Upper Antelope Canyon, explaining some classic photo angles along the way. If you're not sure how to take photos yourself, ask for help. After exiting the canyon, we rested briefly before returning the same way, but no stopping or taking photos were allowed on the way back. 

This scenic spot has been quite popular in the past two years and is a must-do for any self-funded activities. It seems to be a relatively new attraction, with many visitors. However, the interior is quite spartan. Perhaps these indigenous people prefer simplicity? Or perhaps they are simply too poor? The restrooms are basic, a rarity in any US scenic area, and the ticket office is a small wooden house. 
After waiting for a while, we successfully got the tickets. Our group was divided into two teams, led by two guides. Instead of issuing tickets to everyone, the staff would stamp the back of everyone's hand, as shown below~ 
Maybe my skin is too dry, it absorbs liquid very quickly, and soon it becomes unclear, and then it is difficult to wash off... 
Led by an uncle as a guide, we walked down the steps into the cave. It was truly a masterpiece of nature. There was soft sand under our feet, and there were naturally formed rocks of various shapes beside and above our heads. This one was a lion, that one was a bear, and so on. Exploring this kind of cave requires imagination. 
We were lucky, the weather was good, and we took beautiful photos while touring. I heard that it would be closed if it rained the next day, because the stairs would be slippery and the cave would be flooded, so for the safety of tourists... 

Arriving at Antelope Canyon, I deeply felt the wonders of nature. The hills that looked unremarkable on the outside concealed the secret of picking up the car. The sand eroded by heavy rain and wind showed the softness of the lines in an extremely hard way, and the gaps left for sunlight seemed to tell people that the stunning beauty is fleeting, making people want to cherish it even more. 
*Tips: Because it belongs to a different state, the time zone here has changed again, which is 1 hour earlier than Las Vegas. Friends who want to watch the sunrise by car, remember to check the time. 
*Tips: Upper Antelope Canyon tickets are $65, and Lower Antelope Canyon tickets are $55. We went to Upper Antelope Canyon because it's perfect for sightseeing and taking photos. Lower Antelope Canyon is more treacherous and challenging, located underground. You'll need to climb metal stairs and use ropes to complete the trek. Due to its higher entry barrier, it's better suited for outdoor enthusiasts. It's also closed nine months of the year. 
*Tips: The best time to enter in winter is 11:00-12:00. You must try to enter at noon. We entered at 13:00 and the effect was much worse. 
*Tips: There is a time limit for ticket sales here, and there are many tour groups coming to buy tickets, so if you come here by car, be sure to book your tickets in advance. 
*Tips: To enter the Upper Antelope Canyon, due to terrain restrictions, you must park at the entrance and walk about two miles on the sand. In the past, the reserve allowed private four-wheel drive vehicles to enter, and all tourists had to take the reserve's large four-wheel drive vehicles. 
*Tips: Everyone entering the Antelope Canyon must follow the local Indian guide. If you want to take photos from the best angle, you can give the guide a $2 tip, and they will help you choose the best photo location. This $2 seems a bit like a local unspoken rule. 

Antelope Canyon is very close to Horseshoe Bend, and it only takes ten minutes to drive there. The place where we got off the bus is still some distance away from Antelope Canyon, so we need to take the scenic area bus to enter, led by an Indian. Except for mobile phones, we cannot bring anything into the canyon, including wallets. The driver said that this is Indian territory and they have the final say. The car that goes into the canyon is a convertible, without any shelter. Sitting in the front seat, my ears were frozen like knives. I tucked my head into the collar of my coat to block the wind. The big boy next to me saw this and offered to switch seats with me. The car was almost in the canyon. I smiled and said, it’s okay, we should be there soon. 
Our guide was a chubby young man from Indiana who spoke a little Chinese. He led us into the canyon. He explained that Antelope Canyon was carved by torrential floods eons ago. The canyon is very narrow, in some places so narrow that only one person can pass through. The walls are smooth, with distinct layers of texture. The sunlight streaming in from the canyon ceiling makes the valley dazzling. Some areas resemble hearts, others waves, others butterflies, and still others cascading waterfalls. A closer look reveals the clear signs of the canyon's sides being carved. If a powerful strongman were to press the rocks inward, the canyon would likely return to its original seamless unity. 

Normally you need to arrive an hour in advance, but the weather was so bad that day and it was raining, so you only need to arrive half an hour in advance. We arrived too early and had nothing to do so we just took pictures everywhere. 
My dressing guide says: short sleeves + sun protection jacket, windproof scarf + sunglasses 
However, it’s all useless. What we need most at this moment is a raincoat! A raincoat!!! 
Due to the rain, the Lower Antelope Canyon was closed because it is underground and was flooded. The Upper Antelope Canyon was still open, and I was very glad that I booked the latter. 
Before reaching Antelope Canyon, you have to drive for 10 minutes. This road looks like the end of the world. 
The scene was still spectacular. 
Although the experience in Antelope Canyon was a bit poor, I can still share some tips with you. 
Tips: 
1. Upon arrival at the ticket exchange office, please line up in the reserved queue on the right and exchange your ticket with your confirmation slip and passport. At the same time, you must pay the Indian tribal protection fee of $8 per person in cash. 
2. At the end of the tour, it is recommended to give the local tour guide a tip of $2 per person. 

Antelope Canyon has been incredibly popular these past two years. Unlike the Grand Canyon, it's privately owned and located on Indian territory. Each visitor is charged a $65 entrance fee. With thousands of visitors daily, imagine how this family collects the money. 
Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The Upper Antelope Canyon is narrower at the bottom and wider at the top, while the Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. Therefore, most of the famous photos we see are taken in the Upper Antelope Canyon. It snowed on the day we visited. Our tour guide said that snow is rare in Antelope Canyon, so he decided to go and see it. 
When taking photos in Antelope Canyon, you must remember to adjust the white balance. After I adjusted it using the pro mode of mate20, the effect came out. 

Before coming here, we had seen countless mentions of the beauty of Antelope Canyon in travel guides, along with picturesque photos. This inexplicably fascinated us, and we felt it must be the filming location for a blockbuster film, offering the most beautiful scenery of our trip to the West. 
Because it's an Indian reservation, you must be accompanied by a guide to enter. You can book your time and tickets in advance online or on other travel websites. You'll also need to pay an $8 per person "Indian Conservation Fee" on site. The Antelope Canyon has also become a major source of income for the Navajo people. 
The tour guide led everyone into the park by truck. The wind and sand were very strong, so it was recommended to wear sunglasses and a hat. 
After the trip, everyone will give the tour guide a tip ranging from 1 to 5 yuan. Usually 1.2 US dollars is enough to express gratitude. 

This is a major attraction in the western United States. Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, which can be visited directly by car without a tour group. The entrance is directly across from Upper Antelope Canyon. Driving from Page, Upper Antelope Canyon is on the right and Lower Antelope Canyon is on the left. Upper Antelope Canyon can only be entered with a local Native American tour group. Tours are divided into general tours and photography tours. General tours cost less than $40 per person, while photography tours cost around $70.

This is a great place to visit, combining the light pillars of Upper Antelope Canyon with the vibrant colors of Lower Antelope Canyon. Most locals choose this spot for its affordability, time-saving value, and, most importantly, its smaller size and fewer people make it a great spot for photo opportunities. 
I want to say that I feel a little disappointed, so the colors of these pictures have been slightly processed. 
But I also feel that nature is truly a masterpiece of nature. 

Tourists are not allowed to enter the Antelope Canyon on their own and must be led by an Indian guide. This is to protect the economic interests of the Indians and also to protect the safety of tourists themselves. 
It takes about ten minutes to drive from the ticket exchange office to the entrance of the scenic area. There is yellow sand all the way, so it is best to bring a mask. 
Entering the canyon's crevice and gazing upward, you'll be immediately struck by the vibrant colors cast by sunlight on the wave-like rocks. This ripped-open fissure is the work of a flash flood, which carried sand and rock, tearing it apart bit by bit, carving out a surface as smooth and hard as flowing water. Combined with the sunlight, this creates a magical paradise on earth. 
The colors of the rocks change depending on your perspective. This purple photo was taken by our Indian guide, and you can only see it from a specific location. Since he wasn't very good at using my camera, he just took a photo with his phone. Without any post-processing, the original photo is this dreamy color. 
Here's a few tips for photographing Antelope Canyon: We didn't join a photography tour, so we couldn't use a tripod. If handheld, try to maximize the ISO and set the white balance to "Cloudy" for more saturated colors. Because the canyon is low-light, adequate exposure requires a relatively slow shutter speed. Therefore, most photos were taken at speeds under 1/100th of a second, which can easily cause blur. For high-quality photos, it's still necessary to join a photography tour and use a tripod. If you absolutely can't join a photography tour, it's best to have a camera with high ISO performance. 
My photos were all taken with the help of the better light at the top of the canyon. The bottom of the canyon was seriously lacking in light and there were so many tourists that it was impossible to take normal photos. This shows the importance of the photography tour: the photography tour not only doubles the tour time, but also clears the area for the photographers to ensure there are no interruptions. 

To enter the scenic area, you must be led by a Navajo guide. Each group of tourists transfers to their open-top trucks, carrying about 15 people. The 18-minute, terrifying drive to the canyon entrance takes place. The driver, who also serves as the guide, leads his or her group into the scenic area. Each group of tourists is allowed a certain amount of time between groups to avoid disturbing each other. 
The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is from 10 am to 2 pm. During this time, sunlight can shine into the valley, creating a dreamy scene, of course, provided that the weather is clear. 
We followed the guide into the canyon, and the scenery was as gorgeous as we had imagined. We were finally able to experience it firsthand. The entire tour took about an hour, and then we returned the same way. 
In general, the management of the scenic spot seems rough, but it is well organized. The number of people is controlled in different time periods every day, and the tour guides cooperate with each other tacitly. We sent six cars with nearly a hundred tourists at a time, but everything was in order and there was no sense of chaos. Domestic scenic spots should really learn from others. 

Antelope Canyon is one of the world's famous slot canyons and a favorite photography spot for photographers. It is located in northern Arizona, USA, with the nearest city being Page (Arizona), and is part of the Navajo Reservation. 
Antelope Canyon is divided into two separate parts in terms of topography, called Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. 
Waiting at the unified check-in area, a jeep came to pick up the car with a roof, but there was a lot of dust all the way, and it was a bit sunny during this section. 
There are a thousand forms of light and shadow in the hearts of a thousand people in Upper Antelope Canyon. I saw the healing "Dabai", what about you? 
Because the passage is narrow, tourists will be pushed forward without having to stay. 

Antelope Canyon is an Indian reservation, and visitors must join an Indian tour group. 
If there's one place in the world where photography is guaranteed to be stunning, whether with a phone or a camera, regardless of whether you know the settings or not, it's Antelope Canyon. It's truly a gift from nature. Its unique topography, clean lines, and stunning colors have made Antelope Canyon world-renowned. There are two types of tours to Upper Antelope Canyon: a standard one-hour tour that doesn't allow tripods or backpacks, and a photography tour that allows tripods. The guide will briefly break up the crowds so the photographers can take photos. Both tours can be booked online in advance, and I highly recommend booking in advance to ensure a spot. 
Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. To visit Antelope Canyon, you must sign up for a local tour group. The most popular destination is Upper Antelope Canyon. The tour group has limited places and is almost always full, so be sure to book in advance. 
The light inside Antelope Canyon is quite dim, so everyone in the photography group needed to bring a tripod and use a slow shutter speed. On the plus side, the guides were there to block the flow of people, giving us about 20-30 seconds to take photos at each location. However, the angles and locations were chosen by the guides, so there was no way around it, and we didn't have the time to find them ourselves. 
Antelope Canyon is very narrow, with some areas barely wide enough for one person to squeeze through. The photography group also followed the guide through the canyon, requiring tripods and cameras. Since most of the shots were from low angles, squatting and standing up was a real test of stamina. The Antelope Canyon section we visited wasn't actually very long, but because it was so crowded, the guide took us to a nearby canyon, where there were no other tourists, giving us a brief moment to snap some portraits. 

Highly recommended. I went directly to Lower Antelope Canyon in mid-November at 11:00 AM. The light was abundant, and the rock colors varied greatly. Perhaps the difference would be much greater if I went to Upper Antelope. Plus, the photos I took with my phone are probably even better than with a camera. Although many people say Antelope Canyon is a scam, the original photos I took with my iPhone this time were truly beautiful. The colors are only at the top of the rock (at the mouth of the canyon), not throughout the entire canyon. So, you can't really immerse yourself in the colors; you just need to see the shifts in light and color around the edges. The only downside was that I didn't like our guide. He was quite impatient with us, but he was very nice to the other two French people—typical bootlickers! The other guides in the canyon didn't have that problem; they were very friendly.

Pick up your online reservations first. You'll also need to pay an $8 per person "Indian Conservation Fee" (cash only). I saw a few people trying to buy tickets on-site, but they were told they were already sold out and asked to come early tomorrow. So, if you want to visit Antelope Canyon, remember to buy your tickets in advance! 
You're not allowed to bring bags into Antelope Canyon. No bags, no backpacks, no camera bags! Only your phone, camera, money, and water are allowed. Leave everything else in your car; the parking lot is safe. 
After redeeming the online ticket, wait for the staff to call your name under the awning. Then take an off-road vehicle like this to enter the scenic area. 
It makes sense to bring tourists into the scenic area by off-road vehicles. Ordinary cars really can't drive on this kind of road. The bumps are so loud that even your voice is shaking! The wind and sand here are very strong, so scarves or something can be used to block it. 
We booked a 12:45 entry into the canyon and were lucky enough to capture that beam of light. 12:00 is the best time, but it was too popular and we couldn't get a reservation. 
Flash floods and wind erosion have shaped this exquisite narrow corridor through the red sandstone. Here, light and shadow play in an ever-changing pattern. Without a high-end DSLR, it's impossible to capture its true beauty. You can only capture it with your eyes and preserve it in your memory! 

This is a place I've long admired. These rocks, shaped by the unique textures of millions of years of wind and sand, are truly a masterpiece of nature's uncanny craftsmanship. Their beauty is truly incredible! As I gazed upon and touched these variously textured red rocks, these beautiful stones bearing the marks of time and the passage of time, I couldn't help but ponder: Our lives are so fleeting. How can we make the most of the few remaining, quality-of-life moments? This is a question worth pondering.

The Antelope Canyon Tour needs to be booked long in advance, otherwise you may not be able to buy tickets even if you go there. 
Pay attention to the time zone. Almost every guide will mention that the Antelope Canyon tour requires check-in 30 minutes in advance. Of course, many people with plenty of time will choose to stay in Page for one night and then go to Antelope Canyon the next morning. I don’t recommend going in the morning because the best light is in the afternoon, and it’s best around two or three o’clock. 

The unique topography of Antelope Canyon creates a visual wonder, and there are many beautiful photos of it online. 
It's best to book a tour in advance to avoid waiting in line for an hour or so. There are two main tour providers: Ken's Tour and Dixie Ellis. Simply visit their websites to select a tour time. 
The hike from entrance to exit takes about an hour, and including the queue outside, it can take closer to two hours. The terrain here is dry and sandy, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Antelope Canyon is one of the few attractions in the western United States where you'll need to queue, and the canyon is always crowded, making it difficult to capture photos without pedestrians. 
The most interesting thing is to get out of the valley. You have to crawl out from the crack in the ground, which really fits the Chinese saying, "I wish I could find a crack in the ground to crawl into." 

If you want to enter, you must join a tour group and be led in by an Indian guide. The tour group clearly states that you should arrive an hour in advance... 
Pickup trucks were parked on the side of the road, each with a tour guide, about 10 people per truck. So we waited for an hour in the windy sand... 
It takes about 15 minutes to enter the Antelope Canyon. 
The entrance is a very small gap. So the guide will take some time to take pictures, but you have to follow him the whole time. If he stops taking pictures and keeps walking, you will be urged to keep walking... 
But as soon as I raised the camera, I found that the light in the viewfinder was so beautiful! 
Just be careful of the sand that falls from above your head from time to time. 
The light at 12 o'clock is the best, shining directly from above your head, so more light shines into the canyon 
We were urged to go back again, and we couldn't stop. The one-hour journey consisted of a half-hour drive and a half-hour sightseeing tour. But there's really no need to sign up for a photography tour, because as long as you pick up your camera, you'll find the scenery so beautiful that you don't even need to find a special angle! 

Antelope Canyon is located in the northernmost part of Arizona, about 30 kilometers from the small city of Page. It is a territory of the Navajo people, the largest tribe of North American Indians. Once a habitat for wild antelope, the canyon earned its name from the sightings of these animals. The scenery is breathtaking!

A natural work of nature, the dance of light and shadow is magnificent!

It is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world, magnificent and colorful.

Antelope Canyon is also a trip I am looking forward to. Unlike the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, you need to walk into the narrow and deep valley bottom of Antelope Canyon to feel its essence. 
The Antelope Canyon tour is divided into two areas: the Upper Valley and the Lower Valley. Because the time that sunlight reaches the valley bottom is very limited, there are limited time periods and number of people entering the valley every day. You need to do your homework and arrangements in advance and set off as early as possible, especially those who want to enter the Upper Antelope Canyon for photography. 
We chose the relatively entry-level Lower Antelope Canyon tour, which included a Native American tour guide who led us through the Antelope Canyon and then took us back to the parking spot. 

We arrived an hour early, expecting a long queue, but it wasn't necessary! After booking, we checked in. At the scheduled time, someone called our name and told us which bus to board. The road was very bumpy, so be sure to hold on to the kids! No bags were allowed; please leave them in your own bus. The driver of each bus was your guide, so just follow them. 
The Antelope Canyon tour takes about an hour, and it's truly stunning whenever the light is on! So, the best time to visit is from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM! Remember to book in advance, as tickets might not be available during your preferred time slot! 

It snowed the entire way there, so I'm glad I didn't drive myself, otherwise I wouldn't have known when I'd get there. I was worried the valley would be closed, but luckily, it was open when we arrived. To enter, you have to take an Indian guide in a jeep. He then takes you into the valley. Remember to tip him, and once inside, he'll help you find all the photo spots, angles, and colors you need. He's very professional.

Antelope Canyon is a tour led by an Indian guide. A considerable section is completely uncovered, and even in April and May, the sun was almost blinding. Entering Antelope Canyon requires descending a steep iron staircase to the canyon floor, where you finally emerge through a tiny crack in the ground. If you hadn't experienced it yourself, who would have imagined such a breathtaking scenery beneath such a desolate red sand? (Whispering aside, photo editing saves the day, haha~)

The Indian guide is a little fierce, like a strict teacher, but she will diligently tell you the history of the canyon and teach you how to adjust the camera to capture the light. Most guides are waiting for you to tip when you get off the bus back to the camp. 
Tourism development facilities are not yet complete, and queuing in the open space with wind and sand is still a bit suffering. 

Antelope Canyon is located on an Indian reservation, so entry requires an Indian guide. It's also the most expensive attraction on the trip, at $45 per person, and you get to enjoy the area. 
Our tour guide was a talkative Indian boy who helped us stir up the sand, find the angle, find Trump's face, find the dragon head, take photos... 
The Antelope Canyon tour took about an hour. The guide took good care of the small group. Don't be like my friend, who wore sandals to look good in photos, and ended up filling his shoes with sand. I asked the guide if the sand at the bottom of the canyon was blown in by the wind. The Indians said it was laid there for tourist safety, and there are many sharp points. Many of the paths in Antelope Canyon are one person wide, requiring a lot of climbing and navigating, so sneakers are more convenient. We ended up giving the guide a $10 tip as a thank you. 

The light is average at 2 pm, and the best time is at noon, when there are beams of light shining directly down. 
Most of the photos don't come out very good. However, after being eroded by wind and rain, the Antelope Canyon has formed unique fault lines. If you touch the lines from right to left, it will be very fine and smooth, while if you touch the lines from right to left, it will be very rough. 
The best places to capture the colors are actually at the entrance and exit. Of course, we actually need to return to the entrance to take the truck, so we are not allowed to take photos on the return trip. After all, there are too many people, which is reasonable. 
The whole process took about an hour, and I had to keep my head tilted back the whole time, which was a forced treatment for cervical spondylosis. 

This is Native American territory, home to Indian spirits. Located not far southeast of Page, it lies on the Navajo Indian Reservation and is divided into two separate canyons: the Upper and Lower. From the air, the Upper Antelope Canyon resembles a gully carved by flowing water through the rock and sand, while the Lower Antelope Canyon, hidden beneath the ground below, is a truly mysterious place. Tickets are around $50, more expensive during peak hours. I signed up for a photography tour, a six-person group that was transported by pickup truck. The wind was strong, the sand was strong, and the blue earth was thick. A tripod was essential for photography, otherwise it would be impossible to capture the view. 

Considering my parents' age and physical strength, we chose Upper Antelope Canyon, a relatively flat area. In a sense, Antelope Canyon is a tourist attraction monopolized by the local Navajo people. To visit, you must sign up for a tour group run by the locals. At first, you might think it's a bit forced, but after visiting, you realize this management approach is absolutely necessary. First, Antelope Canyon floods several times a year, and inexperienced tourists wandering around are essentially doomed. Due to past experience, entry must be guided by a local who is familiar with the terrain. Second, the number of people who want to visit Antelope Canyon is simply too high for the number of people it can accommodate. 
Led by our Indian guide, we entered the canyon, a truly unique wonder. Streaked by the combined forces of tectonic shifts and repeated floods, every inch of Antelope Canyon's red sandstone bears flowing lines, imbued with a sense of movement and movement. Sunlight filtering through the top, like a spotlight on a stage, casts the rock faces in a warm gradient of orange to red, creating a sense of being transported to another planet. Our guide pointed out the best spots for photography and filmmaking, drawing on generations of experience to introduce each of the most captivating features. "George Washington," "Lion," "Antelope"—they imaginatively named these rocks. As we carefully examined their shapes, the Antelope Canyon pillar of light suddenly appeared ahead of us. Our guide squatted down, scooped up a handful of sand, and tossed it into the air, bringing the shape of the pillar even closer. Impressed by his experience, I couldn't wait to capture the moment. If the weather is good, this kind of landscape where the sun shines through the gaps will appear two or three times a day, each time lasting more than ten minutes, or even shorter. This relatively fixed time period is called "golden time" by many travel companies, and this moment has become the signature scene of Antelope Canyon. 

Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, separated by a road. Both can be reached by car, but reservations must be made online in advance, as tickets are difficult to secure. The designated ticket office for Upper Antelope Canyon is a small, dilapidated house, conveniently housing a simple waiting area. The midday sun beams through various shaped cracks, creating a myriad of reflections that amaze you with the wonders of nature. The changing intensity and angle of the light create a myriad of unexpected and mystical colors within the canyon, from yellow to orange to brown to purple.

I almost gave up on Antelope Canyon because the road was even more desolate than any of the deserts I'd been on. The vast expanse, with crimson mountains everywhere, made me feel both the grandeur of nature and awe, even deep fear. But I was so glad I didn't give up! After crossing the awe-inspiring desert, I was greeted by a breathtaking spectacle of nature. 
We also went to the Upper Antelope Canyon and didn’t dare to venture into the Lower Antelope Canyon. 
The entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon is quite obscure, appearing as a thin crack from a distance. Once inside, much of the canyon is pitch black, devoid of light. However, our guide, a professional photographer, was incredibly helpful. He knew my camera a hundred times better than I did, and expertly helped me capture some stunning photos. 
He asked us to wait in the dark until other tourists left, and then he played the instrument on his back for us. It was like a very long stick with a bird on it. He said it was an ancient instrument, and let us quietly feel the sound of birds waking up the world in the morning. 
 

The main reason to go to Antelope Canyon is the dreamy beam of light that shoots down from the top to the bottom of the valley. 
Antelope Canyon is located in the Indian reservation. Tourists are not allowed to enter alone. They can only arrive under the guidance of an Indian guide, so joining a group tour is a must. 
Lower Antelope Canyon, approximately 500 meters long, is hidden in a crevice in the earth and requires a descent down a ladder. From the moment you enter the canyon, the light shifts constantly, and the rock formations undulate like flowing water. Slowly navigating the narrow canyon, you'll find a new scene with every step. Strangely, the breathtaking scenery is mostly overhead, as sunlight only illuminates the rocky summits of the canyon in most places. When you pause and gaze upward, a long, curved window lets in the midday sun, and the lofty peaks quietly glow golden beneath your gaze, illuminating the rock faces below. Everyone was stunned by this magical beauty, exclaiming in awe. Our guide, a local Indian, provided detailed explanations and enthusiastically helped everyone set up their cameras and take photos. Before we knew it, we had reached the end. 
Upper Antelope Canyon is noticeably wider than Lower Antelope Canyon. Our Indian guide explained that this section of mountain ridge, like a dam, stretches across a wide river valley. The valley is usually dry, with flash floods only occurring during the rainy season. Before we knew it, we reached the other end of the valley. Exiting the valley was just as abrupt as entering. We returned the same way. Since we were the second-to-last group, the return journey was nearly deserted, allowing us to savor the scenery once more. Returning to the entrance we had come from, we gazed back at the now-silent valley, as if trying to imprint this magical light and shadow on our minds. 

We arrived at Antelope Canyon at noon, sweltering. The drive took about five minutes to the canyon entrance. Our driver, our guide, provided reminders of precautions to take after descending. We entered Upper Antelope Canyon, known as the "underground paradise," formed by flash floods and wind erosion. This area is a Native American reservation, so only local guides are allowed inside. They are very environmentally conscious and no bags or belongings are allowed, only water. The narrow areas are only accessible by one person, and the rock is incredibly hard. Find the right angle and you'll find surprises. The guide also enthusiastically helped with photo opportunities.

Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Upper Antelope Canyon is popular with photography enthusiasts for its midday sun column, flat terrain, and rich play of light and shadow. Lower Antelope Canyon, by contrast, is dimmer, with fewer areas visible for daylight, and features uphill and downhill slopes, making it suitable for adventurous enthusiasts. Parking is available for Upper Antelope Canyon tour groups. All visitors must join a tour group, and a Navajo driver-guide will drive the tour group in and out of the area. 
Photography tours and midday tours must be booked in advance; there's no on-site ticket purchase available. However, all reservations require a second confirmation. 
Special note: Photography tours are allowed, and everyone must bring a tripod. Your guide will do their best to clear the area for you during your photoshoot. For noon tours and other scheduled tours, no bags other than cameras are allowed! Even women's handbags and lens bags are prohibited. In other words, only three items are permitted into Upper Antelope Canyon: cameras, cell phones, and drinking water. Selfie sticks and other items are also strictly prohibited! 
Roll call! A typical tour group consists of about 12 people, led by a Navajo driver and guide. You must stay closely with your guide throughout the tour and are not allowed to move around freely. 
It is recommended that you bring a mask or neck cover as a precaution. The management of the Upper Antelope Canyon is still very good. 
At the entrance of Antelope Canyon, you can see the texture of the stone under good lighting conditions. The light flows down from the top of the valley, and the texture lines on the rocks are beautiful, and the light and shadow are charming. 
Being able to photograph deserted landscapes requires skill and luck. Of course, what's more important is quiet appreciation. What you see with your eyes is more beautiful than what you can capture in photos! 
Here, one can only marvel at the wonders of nature. 
Sunlight filtered through cracks in the valley ceiling, illuminating sections of the rock wall, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow that was truly captivating. The sound of camera and cell phone shutters filled my ears, each eager to capture the most beautiful image for future remembrance. 
The sun shines like stars on the edge of the rock wall, creating a world of light and shadow here. 
Dead branches from who knows when fell between the rock walls, also becoming part of the scenery. 
Every ray of light is a magician, transforming ordinary rocks into magnificent scenery. 
Although the Upper Antelope Canyon trail is only 300 meters long and runs the same way in and out, an hour flew by so quickly that I really didn't want to leave. 

Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. To get to Lower Antelope Canyon, you'll need to walk across a stretch of incredibly soft sand, then trek down a steep staircase to the canyon floor. Then, you'll be mesmerized by the perfect blend of rock and sunlight. There, you'll encounter the iconic iPhone screensaver and a cute little antelope. 
In the Upper Antelope Canyon, you can take an open-air jeep. First, you'll be covered in sand in the desert, then your hat and sunglasses will fall all over the car [careful if you're prone to motion sickness]. Then you can enter a crevice in the rocks and experience the equally breathtaking wonders of nature. 
Antelope Canyon is located in the Arizona Indian Autonomous Region and is not under the management of the national park. Therefore, whether it is the Upper Antelope Canyon or the Lower Antelope Canyon, the national park annual pass cannot be used here. You need to pay an additional ticket and then divide into small groups of about 10 people and enter under the guidance of local Indian guides. 
Inside the canyon, the naked eye may not be able to detect the many variations in light and color, making Antelope Canyon a true paradise for photography enthusiasts. Local Native American guides typically provide basic photography tips at the outset, such as using an iPhone's built-in camera with a "warm color" filter for stunning results. Furthermore, local guides are highly experienced in framing and shooting angles, so visitors can be confident in their photography skills. 
Professional photographers, if you have the time and interest, can sign up for a professional photography tour, which requires your own camera and tripod. The route is the same, but your local Indian guide will spend more time in the canyon (at a higher price, of course), allowing you to capture more light and color at different times of day. 
The local culture in the United States attaches great importance to tipping, especially for small groups like this. If you can meet an Indian tour guide who is just as dedicated, it is strongly recommended that you give some tips, more or less. To some extent, this is a kind of respect. 
One thing to note: because Antelope Canyon's beauty is particularly dependent on light, booking a spot for noon is the best option, even though tickets are more expensive during this time. In this case, if you want to reserve a spot at the best time on the official website, you may need to go six months in advance. If you can't find a spot, you can search for "black technology" on domestic travel websites. While the price is slightly higher, many can be booked the night before! 

The best time to visit is 12 noon. It's recommended to book in advance, as tickets are often sold out during peak season. Don't worry about picking up your tickets on-site; there's a Chinese person there to exchange them. I saw some people also go to Lower Antelope Canyon, which is a bit more complex than Upper Antelope Canyon, but also less crowded. 
No backpacks or small bags are allowed in Antelope Canyon, meaning you can only bring your phone or camera, water, and a dollar bill (you have to tip the Indians afterward). The sand in Antelope Canyon is truly fine sand! Fine sand, fine sand! It permeates every pore. Back at the hotel, we did laundry, and my denim jacket came out yellow. My husband's camera lens also got sand in it, which really broke his heart. So, be sure to bring a scarf, sunglasses, or a mask to prevent sand from getting in your mouth and nose. From the ticket office to Upper Antelope Canyon, you'll ride in an open-top truck, experiencing the warmth of the desert and eating sand all the way. The Indian guide will lead a group of about 10-15 people, entering on the right and exiting on the left. Everyone lines up to explore and take photos. The light beams in Antelope Canyon are actually the countless sands coming together to create a beautiful dance. 

Because of its danger, you must go to the Antelope Canyon with a local travel agency. We booked a 10 o'clock visit to the Antelope Canyon. 
One thing to note is that from early March to early November, this area is on daylight saving time, with no time difference to Las Vegas. From early November to early March, it's winter time, and Antelope Canyon is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. So be sure to check in time to avoid being late, as being late won't be tolerated. 
When it's time to meet up, the Indian guide will drive a truck to the Antelope Canyon for about 10 minutes. After entering, it's still quite shocking. Sometimes you have to sigh at the magic of nature. 

If you want to take a blockbuster photo, please sign up for a photography group. It all depends on fate. Without the light column, everything is in vain.

The world-famous Antelope Canyon can be booked in advance in Page Town. There are regular tours and photography tours. The main visiting time is not necessarily the best time to go at noon. It is difficult to get a spot if there are too many people booking. As far as I know, Antelope Canyon had to be booked a long time in advance a while ago. In fact, don't book too late or too early. The time range in between can enjoy the special scenery in the valley.

The Antelope Canyon tickets I bought on China-TravelNote weren't any cheaper than those on the official website, but they did offer a much-needed time slot. The recommended time slots are 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, when the sun shines directly at a 90-degree angle to the horizon. The canyon is bright and bright, making it easy to take great photos. For a photography enthusiast like me, this time slot is perfect. According to the Chinese instructions on the order form, the canyon entry time is 12:45 PM, so it's recommended to arrive at the ticket exchange point an hour and a half before. The latest exchange time is one hour before entry, accounting for the time spent waiting in line, so the safest time to arrive is 11:00 AM. 
There's still a half-hour until you officially enter Antelope Canyon. Therefore, the "Enter" time when purchasing your ticket refers to the departure time for the bus. Entering the canyon for photography should be postponed by another half hour. Photographers should note this: the best time to purchase tickets is between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Of course, if the weather is bad, overcast, or there's a large cloud cover overhead for the entire time, don't worry. 
During the Upper Antelope Canyon tour, the entrance and exit paths are the same. Some areas are so narrow that only one person can pass through. Therefore, the tour guide stipulated that photos were allowed on the way in, but not on the way back out, to avoid disrupting the flow of people. Backpacks, shoulder bags, and beverages are not allowed, but drinking water is permitted. If you're not on a photography tour, tripods are not permitted. Since photography tours don't allow children under 12, I only signed up for the standard tour. Our journey from entrance to exit took about an hour, while the photography tour lasted about two hours. The tour guide would point out many popular "influencer" photo spots, wait for everyone to finish their photo, and then rush everyone to catch up, leaving little time for scouting and finding your camera position. Shooting quickly is crucial; otherwise, if you're at the back of the group, you'll be instantly overwhelmed by the group entering the canyon. It's recommended to adjust your camera's white balance from automatic to sunny or warm mode and increase the ISO sensitivity to create dreamy shots. 
After the tour, don’t be stingy with your tip to the tour guide, usually $3 per person. I gave the chubby tour guide $5 as soon as I entered, and naturally I also got more advice on the scenery! 

Later I realized that I had no idea how much dirt I would eat on this trip, so I protected my camera and other equipment in advance, and also protected myself with a scarf and mask. Don’t even think about wearing fancy clothes, otherwise you’ll be covered in dirt when you come back...

Upper Antelope Canyon, located above ground, is the more popular of the two, making reservations difficult. Its hallmark is the light pillars, and the best time to view them is midday. Photos show the canyon's beautiful shapes and vibrant colors. 12:00 PM is indeed the best time to view the canyon (it was slightly cloudy the day we visited, so the longed-for light pillars didn't appear until we were heading out. I'm not sure if it was because the sun was out or because it was directly overhead at noon). However, tours outside of midday rarely see the light pillars in Upper Antelope Canyon, and without them, the canyon's appeal is significantly lower. The advantage of visiting during off-peak times is that there are far more visitors, giving you ample time to take photos and explore. But isn't the whole point of visiting Upper Antelope Canyon to see the light pillars? I regretted following someone else's advice and bringing a wide-angle lens; I ended up using the kit lens for my Micro Four Thirds. I think a 24-70mm lens with a normal focal length would have been better, allowing me to capture scenes with sharp contrasts, creating the perfect backdrop for my online photos. Photography enthusiasts should definitely choose a photography tour. No one's rushing you, and the guide will help clear the area and clear the sand. Of course, if I'd been there shooting for two hours with my camera, I'm sure my wife would have killed me. Bags are not allowed in Antelope Canyon; don't change lenses amidst the flying sand and rocks. When we first entered, the canyon was nearly dark, and the rocks appeared mostly dark brown and black, much to the dismay of the Chinese tourists we were traveling with. I kind of believe the claims that the colors in Antelope Canyon are photoshopped. But as time approached noon, a beam of light gradually filtered into the canyon, transforming the entire canyon into a vibrant, vibrant array of colors. You could see orange, yellow, red, and even blue rock faces. As we neared the end of our return trip, at noon, the sun shone directly down into the canyon floor, and we finally saw the pillars of light that Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for. To ensure smooth passage through the canyon, stopping to take photos on the return trip is prohibited, as they might disturb the tourists who had just entered. Our Indian tour guide was not as enthusiastic as some tour guides described on the Internet. He gave us almost no introduction throughout the whole trip. He symbolically took a few photos for us at the beginning and then started paddling like crazy. It seemed that he skipped a few attractions in order to catch up with the main group.

What I didn't realize was that Antelope Canyon isn't a safe place. Its rainy season runs from July to September, and when heavy rains hit, the canyon closes. My guide used a vivid metaphor: when it rains, the canyon floods, and people inside are like clothes in a washing machine. There were indeed accidents in the last century. This is why visiting Antelope Canyon is a guided tour.

Antelope Canyon is a world of light that can produce great images. Our Indian guide was very attentive, helping us take photos and pointing out the best shooting spots. Although it was not the best time at noon, we still got a lot of good photos.

How should I put it, the actual experience is indeed not as good as I imagined, but it does not prevent it from becoming one of my favorite attractions. 
Noon is said to be the best time to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, so we booked this section online early. The beams of light were perfect, and even the photos taken with my phone were stunning. I remember the tour guide saying that the scenery changes every 15 minutes, and the photos will look completely different. Speaking in a remarkably clear American accent, the tour guide described a tourist death that had occurred there. It seemed like a torrent suddenly surged in from the top, leaving the crowded tourists unable to avoid or escape. I can't remember how many people died. She urged us to keep up with her pace and follow her instructions. 
Antelope Canyon is full of diverse lines and patterns. The guide would point out which piece resembled a certain leader, which resembled a certain celebrity, where the eyes, mouth, and nose were, and so on. I took the photo on my iPhone in warm-toned mode; the canyon at noon didn't need any Photoshop. Of course, I later saw a lot of pink Antelope Canyon in the China-TravelNote photo album, so I guess that was Photoshopped... 
It's worth mentioning that we were the only two people wearing masks (thanks, China-TravelNote!). They saved us 80% of the super dust storm we would have experienced in the canyon, and also earned us countless envious looks. Even after wearing masks the entire time, we still managed to spit out half a mouthful of sand when we got back to the car. I hope everyone reading this will remember to wear a mask when visiting Antelope Canyon. 

The Upper Antelope Canyon needs to be booked in advance. If you want to book a tour until 12:00 noon, it is not too early to book half a year in advance. 
Arrive about an hour in advance and wait in the shed nearby for the staff to call your name. 
Bags (any bag, no matter the size) and tripods (unless you are part of a photography tour) are not allowed into the valley. 
You're not allowed to enter the canyon alone. A group of about 14 people will be led by a local Navajo man, and you must strictly follow his instructions. For example, if it starts to rain in the canyon, you'll be told to move forward quickly, as there's a risk of flooding. On the way back (returning the same route), you'll be told not to take photos, as this will slow you down. 
Remember to tip!!! 
We booked a tour of the Upper Antelope Canyon at 11:00, but in order to travel in the afternoon, we did not book the highlights tour. 
Before we set off, our tour guide told us that if we use an Apple phone, the third filter with bright warm colors will be the best. 
Just take a picture and it will become a postcard 
The other side of the canyon is closed, so you can only return the same way. No photos are allowed on the way back. 

Drive along Highway 98 and you will reach Antelope Canyon when you see the three iconic chimneys. Highway 98 separates the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. The Upper Antelope Canyon is to the south and the Lower Antelope Canyon is to the north. 
I'd seen plenty of stunning videos taken by beekeepers before, but upon entering this narrow canyon in person, I was completely captivated by the unique spectacle. The entire canyon, bathed in sunlight, unfolds into a magical world of light and shadow. The changing light illuminates the red sandstone, revealing dreamlike colors, graceful lines, and intricate textures. The gently shifting sands, with their various shapes visible from different angles, are a truly breathtaking spectacle. Near noon, the unique light pillars of the Upper Antelope are the ultimate highlight. From certain angles, the massive pillars descend from the sky, like a teleportation portal from a movie, transporting us to another world. One cannot help but marvel at the beauty of nature! 
Our tour guide was also very enthusiastic. She explained each point in detail and guided us on how to take the best photos of Antelope Canyon (she was very knowledgeable about the modes and filters for various phone brands). The entire tour lasted about an hour. If you think your tour guide was good, please share some tips. 

The Upper Antelope Canyon has good lighting, and you can see light pillars at noon, which is great for taking photos, but tour groups often come here, so there are a lot of tourists. The Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively quiet and less crowded, but the distance is longer and you have to climb up and down. 
The best time to visit the Upper Antelope Canyon is around 12 noon, but you have to book the ticket at least one month in advance, otherwise you won’t be able to get it. 
The Upper Antelope Canyon, called "Tse bighanilini" in Navajo, means "rock through which water flows." Because the canyon is wider and located above ground, it is the most visited section. The Lower Antelope Canyon, called "Hasdeztwazi" in Navajo, means "arch-shaped spiral rock," and is closed for approximately nine months of the year. 
Located underground, you need to climb metal stairs deep into the ground, and you may need to use some ropes to walk through the Lower Antelope Canyon. Due to its high difficulty, it is less visited. The canyon has many changes, and some passages are not tall enough for people. 
Taking photos with filters will be closer to reality. Without filters, the photos will be very dark and you won’t be able to capture the vivid light and shadow. 

The vertical light that shines into the canyon at noon makes the Antelope Canyon present a strange light and shadow. Unfortunately, I couldn’t buy a ticket to enter the canyon at noon even though I booked two weeks in advance. At two o'clock in the afternoon, I took a car into the canyon under the guidance of an Indian tour guide and viewed the shape of the Antelope Canyon from different angles.

It was almost 11:30 when we arrived at the Upper Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours meeting point, but we still had half an hour before our 12:00 departure time. However, the staff pointed to our booking and said we had to redeem our tickets an hour in advance, so we could only delay our departure until 12:45. This was a blatantly unfair policy; they were essentially reselling the tickets to tourists who had purchased them on-site after 11:00. (I noticed some foreigners arriving at the meeting point just before departure were also able to depart immediately. I couldn't complain, so I just endured it.) 
The Antelope Canyon is part of the Indian reservation, so to go to the Antelope Canyon you must join a local tour group, led by an Indian guide, with one team in one car, raising dust all the way, and moving forward under the scorching sun. 
As if showing off, various colors dance with enchanting curves 

Visitors cannot enter alone. Visitors must gather at the tour company half an hour in advance and be taken to the Antelope Canyon by vehicle. 
Legend has it that many antelope once inhabited and bred here, hence the name Antelope Canyon. Formed primarily by flood and wind erosion, the canyon is quite dim, with sunlight filtering through only at noon from March to the end of September. The refracted light creates a magical effect of light and shadow. 
A dedicated tour guide will advise visitors on camera settings, typically setting the white balance to cloudy, ISO 800 (in my experience, the higher the better, as long as noise is tolerable), and setting their phones to cloudy mode. More experienced photographers can sign up for a photography tour. 
The Navajo tour guide pointed a laser pointer everywhere to show everyone: this one looks like a bear, that one looks like an eagle, this one is Washington, and that one is Lincoln. 

When you get to the Upper Antelope Canyon, you must listen to the leader's instructions. The leader will usually teach you to adjust the phone or camera mode to the corresponding mode, that is, to make the photo more saturated. The micro single camera is usually in dusk mode. . . The actual scene is still not so saturated. This is probably a "cheat" in the photo. But it is still very shocking. 
If you want to take a photo in a place with obvious contrast between light and dark and strong sense of layers, the photo will be more dreamy instead of monotonous and boring. If you want to take a beautiful orange-red photo, just adjust the white balance to cloudy white balance. If you change the white balance to color temperature and adjust it to the lowest value, you will get a charming purple. 

The Upper Antelope Canyon is in the shape of an A, smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, so there is a strange sight of beams of light shining into the canyon like pillars. 
The Upper Antelope Canyon is on the ground. Looking down from the air, it looks like a gully washed out by flowing water. There are many more people in the Upper Antelope Canyon than in the Lower Antelope Canyon. 

This is a must-see attraction, with one guide taking about 10 tourists. The ticket price is much more expensive than other attractions in the western United States. The crowds inside Antelope Canyon are so huge that it's difficult to move around. The guide will constantly instruct you on the angles to take photos. Although the rock formations are also very strange, the actual Antelope Canyon is far less beautiful than in the photos. It's a place you wouldn't consider visiting again after visiting it once.

I personally prefer the feeling of depth from top to bottom, so I resolutely chose Upper Antelope Canyon as my destination. If it is not the peak season, you can book tickets online one or two days in advance. You can search for guides online and decide based on your personal preferences. 
Because the Antelope Canyon area is owned by the local Indians, an $8 USD per person Indian tribal protection fee is required along with your ticket. You cannot drive to the Antelope Canyon; you must ride in a large, four-wheeled Indian jeep, which is about a ten-minute drive from the ticket office. 

It's managed by Native Americans. Entry requires a fee and a guided tour, which must be booked in advance. I booked through cellular services, recommending a midday time slot for the best lighting. Booking on-site usually requires several days' waiting. There are two sections of Antelope Canyon: Upper and Lower. I went to Upper Antelope Canyon. The guide, Native American, explained the camera settings to adjust for photography, recommended various camera angles, and even provided hands-on guidance. He was very professional.

Because Antelope Canyon is located on an Indian reservation, you must be accompanied by an Indian guide to enter. We booked our Upper Antelope Canyon tickets over a month in advance on the *** website (48 dollars per person), and then paid cash on site. The noon tours are quite popular, so we recommend booking in advance. The temperature in Upper Antelope Canyon was low and the wind was strong, so our down jackets came in handy. We entered Upper Antelope Canyon in groups, riding in super-cool convertibles. It was cool, but the dust was so strong that we were covered in dust after the ride. The driver was our guide, and we were a small group of 10 people following him. We had to tip the guide after the tour.

Visiting Antelope Canyon is a must, with a local tour group and an Indian guide. They'll teach you how to set your camera settings beforehand, so the Huawei camera lets you shoot with ease, instantly capturing everything. The iPhone captures vibrant, warm colors, while the DSLR has an ISO of 1600 and autofocus. 
I chose the 12 noon group to see the light column. I saw three beams of light perfectly. The Huawei shot was blue light. It was beautiful. 

Antelope Canyon is divided into the Upper and Lower Canyons. The Upper Canyon is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The light pillar can be seen between 11:00 and 12:00, so we chose the Upper Canyon. As for the timing of the light pillar, since daylight levels vary with the season, the timing of the light pillar also varies. You can refer to the departure time of the photographer tour group to choose the time to enter the scenic area. This time, we chose 11:00, which was just in time to see the light pillar. Tickets for Antelope Canyon can be purchased online, which is cheaper than through local travel agencies in the United States. There are regular tours and photographer tours. The photographer tour costs more than double the regular tour price, and you must bring a tripod to join. Even if you purchase a ticket but don't have a tripod, you won't be allowed to enter the scenic area. Regular tour participants are only allowed to bring water; no other items such as bags, handbags, selfie sticks, or tripods are allowed. The photographer tour guide will arrange for the photographer to take photos at the most photogenic locations and will also blow sand to enhance the clarity of the light pillar. The regular tour group has one guide for every 12 people. Our guide was a humorous and friendly guy who didn't rush us, leaving us plenty of time for photos. 
Having seen the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and the colors of Zhangye's Danxia, I was still shocked by the light and shadow and gradient colors of the Antelope Canyon. 

If it wasn't for taking pictures, I really wanted to wrap my head with a scarf, or just wear a raincoat. Uh uh uh, it was so sandy that I was blind. I felt that my ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth and shoes were all full of sand hahahahahaha

I have to say, the refraction of light is truly amazing. The reason why noon is the best time to enter Antelope Canyon is because the angle of the sunlight is just right at that time, creating the most beautiful refraction effects inside the cave! Don't worry if you can't get tickets on the official website; the websites recommended by China-TravelNote definitely have tickets, except during the peak summer season when lunchtime may be a bit crowded.

You need to make an online reservation in advance to visit Antelope Canyon. The best time for light is at noon, but we only booked it for the evening. Even though it was cloudy in the evening, the light was slightly poor, but it was still stunning! 
The Antelope Canyon Indian guide is an absolute master photographer. Under his guidance and guidance, you can even take award-winning photos with your phone. The trip to Antelope Canyon requires a group ride in an open-air pickup truck. The ride is incredibly thrilling, with lots of bumps and dirt. 

The Antelope Canyon is worth visiting. The colors are bright and the eyes are bright.

Upper Antelope Canyon 
Antelope Canyon, one of the world's most famous slot canyons and a favorite photo spot for photographers, is located in northern Arizona, USA, closest to the city of Page. It is part of the Navajo Reservation. The canyon is divided into two distinct sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. 
Antelope Canyon is the place I personally look forward to and like the most during this trip to the western United States, because it is so unique. 
Antelope Canyon, located in Page, Arizona, is divided into two canyons: the Upper and Lower. Private vehicles are not allowed into the Upper Antelope Canyon, so you must join a tour group. The 11:30 am tour is very popular because you can see the pillars of light cast by the sun shining into the canyon. Bookings must be made well in advance, and the price is a bit higher. 
Arrive at the travel agency an hour early. After the staff confirms your name, we board a modified pickup truck. There are about 12 people in the vehicle. Be prepared. The canyon is very windy and dusty, so sandals are recommended. Wear protective gear for your camera, including sunglasses and a hat to protect it from the sun. If you're prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness medication. The road before reaching the canyon is extremely bumpy for about 10 minutes. Once you've arrived, follow your driver and guide. Don't get left behind, or you'll miss out on the beautiful scenery. The canyon scenery is truly spectacular, with wind tunnels eroded by floodwaters and naturally weathered to create a reddish-brown color. Using different camera settings, you can capture everything from ripples in the reddish-brown rocks to vibrant images of sunlight against the black rocks, like dragon eyes, Batman, and hearts. It's a true photographer's paradise. 

Very good. If the weather is good, the scenery will be very good. If the weather is bad, it is okay. You can go there at noon. The ticket is a bit expensive.

I was fooled into going there by the photos online, which are heavily photoshopped. Upper Antelope Canyon only receives sunlight from 12:00 to 1:00 noon, when the sun is directly overhead. We entered at 12:30, and even then, it was quite dark inside, and the photos came out dark too. It took a lot of patient post-production editing to achieve the vibrant colors you see online. It's just a short walk inside, and we came out quickly. Personally, I found it average, a bit of a bummer, and not a must-do!

You can't go in on your own. You must sign up for a local tour, which is led by an Indian guide. You will follow a fixed route and can only stay within a specified time. This is not only to protect the natural landscape, but also for the safety of tourists. 
If you're planning to go, I recommend booking your tour online early. You can also sign up on-site, but it can be full during peak season, especially the 11:30 am tour. Tours at this time are the most popular and the most expensive. It's best to book online in advance. 
The entrance to the Upper Antelope Canyon is not very obvious. From a distance it looks like a narrow crack. In fact, it is also very short, with a total length of only 150 meters. However, these 150 meters of soul-stirring beauty can keep you walking for 2 hours. 
Finally, we reached the end and found that the exit of Antelope Canyon was the same as the entrance, only one person wide. Even though the inside was as beautiful as mountains and rivers, its exterior was so low-key that it was in the dust. 

Antelope Canyon isn't big, but the scenery is incredibly stunning. If it weren't for the exorbitant price (I joined a photography tour, which cost over $40 for two hours, which is exorbitant compared to other US national parks. Unfortunately, this is Indian territory, so I had to accept the high price), I'd actually give it five stars. The scenery along the way is truly spectacular, and the bus rides are truly captivating. Every shot feels like something straight out of an American road movie. If you time it right and catch the "Heavenly Lights" at noon, you'll be able to capture stunning photos of both the scenery and the people in the canyon! 
The road outside the canyon is a dirt road, the wind and sand are quite strong, and the temperature is extremely high, so you must pay attention to sun protection and sand protection when going to Antelope Canyon. Sunglasses and sunscreen are must-brings. It is best to wear a silk scarf to protect you from wind and sand, which is also a good prop when taking pictures. 
A trip to Antelope Canyon is truly a journey of light. The reason you come here is to witness the magical effect of the "light of heaven" filtering through the narrow slits at noon. We booked late and missed the 12:00 PM tour, so we only got the 1:00 AM tour. The lighting wasn't quite as perfect, but it was still beautiful. The tour guides were knowledgeable about photography and would tell you which angles offered the best shots and even help you set some simple parameters. This was a great touch and worth the price of admission. :) 
If you're a photography enthusiast, Antelope Canyon is a must-see. Be sure to book a noon photography tour online in advance. Portraiture enthusiasts can bring a glamorous long dress for stunning photos. If you're not a photography enthusiast, a standard sightseeing tour is also fine and offers better value. 
We had booked an Upper Antelope Canyon tour online for 1:00 PM. That afternoon, we arrived at the departure point according to the address on our reservation. It was actually a small Indian-run shop selling souvenirs and other items, and also offering guided tours of various tourist attractions in Page. After visiting Lower Antelope Canyon, we were on a tight schedule for the Grand Canyon. When we arrived, six people on the previous bus hadn't arrived by the scheduled time. I asked the Indian driver if the four of us could board the same bus. Despite repeated requests, he refused, so we had to wait patiently. The bus arrived—a vehicle similar to a Jiefang truck, but smaller and lower. It had a simple shelter on top, with passengers seated on either side. Thanks to the morning rain, the road to Upper Antelope Canyon was dust-free. Admiring the scenery, the car drove into a flat desert. We arrived at Upper Antelope Canyon. The Antelope Canyon tour consisted of the Indian guide teaching us how to capture the beauty of the canyon with our phone. To this end, the guide will help you stir up the sand, tell you the location of the scene, and can guide you very easily with all kinds of mobile phones. Antelope Canyon is not very meaningful for people who want to visit the scenery. Photography enthusiasts can choose to enter during the period of good light to take pictures.