GO GO GO!!!! After watching, I was really questioning my decision to make the two hour+ drive, but decided to go anyway. Just returned from lower - used Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon. It was the most amazing experience. It cost $70 pp with tax and fees and we tipped the guide as well. Opted not to do the upper. Breathtakingly beautiful.
@@hbwproductions lower is ran by better people. kens tours are enjoyable. the other people are mostly assholes. and the price is affordable. $70 per person is reasonable.
The Lower Antelope canyon tour was the best tour I have ever taken. It is out of this world experience, even if it is indeed crowded, short and expensive for this matter. The beauty of that canyon is magnificent!
Yes, we did the tour in 2017 and it was brilliant! Even though there were so many people because we in small units, we never felt crowded. Talking about being a large family, in my experience in the States, I don't tend to come across "family" tickets. I am in the process of booking this year's US holiday and not one tour I have booked had "family" tickets, which as a Brit I find very odd!
I did Antelope X and for hikers or average travelers, I agree with Cheryl. It's very expensive, the facilities are . . . austere. We didn't find the workers to be very friendly - it was very much a "run 'em through" environment, for the most part. Frankly, I found that to be the case at a few of the reservation-run tourist locations. That said, for a photographer, this is a bucket list place to shoot photos. So unique and so scenic . . . it's just something you do so you can say you did it.
We did Upper last April and LOVED it! We honestly picked a company based on availability and went with Antelope Canyon Slot Tours. We had an 11:00 tour and our company seemed to be the only one with an enclosed van. Our tour guide was incredible and had some great stories. He had us wait a bit so we weren't on top of the group in front of us and we didn't feel like it was too crowded. We were lucky enough to see quite a few light beams some double beams as well.
It is absolutely a must go! I don’t like the tour structure or the time limit or the crowds. But they are there for a reason. If you have issues with crowd, plan if possible. We went the day after thanksgiving and nada, no one there. A private tour.
If you go, go to lower Antelope canyon. We were lucky to have an excellent guide that allowed us to take our time. Is was $70 pp at the time and we’ll worth it for us. Upper antílope is above ground and much more crowded. My 82 year old mother took the tour with us and she needed minor help from us but she is in fairly good health and active.
I have always found you both to be positive and understanding about situations and personal experiences. For you to advise against this really says a lot. Thank you for sharing, as always
I appreciate your honest review! I also had mixed feelings after our visit last year (June 2021). We had a good tour guide, but the cramped environment and waiting for pictures was not really my style. After visiting the Grand Canyon days prior I didn't feel this experience lived up to the high bar that was set in many other reviews. I am not as upset about the price though, and I am glad this land is native-owned. How many other natural wonders have been taken away from them for profit? I am glad this profit is going to the native-owned businesses, as many resources in the southwest are not. If an unpaved parking lot is a deal breaker for you, that's fine. It all comes down to your personal style for travel and experiences. I definitely agree that these tours will not be for everyone. I'm glad we went, but many of our other experiences in Page (the New Wave hike was incredible!) outshined this one.
Supply and demand $$. The canyons are on Navajo land and is a huge attraction for many around the world. The tour companies take great care of the canyons. I could only imagine the amount of vandalism from climbing the walls or carving into the sandstone would happen to the canyon if people were just left to “enjoy God’s creation” as you say. The tours are worth it!
I agree, and figured this out before watching your video, thank you for that, and your honest imput. Sorry some people can't appreciate that. Not sure why they have to even comment, it's all about upbringing.
Much more different experience when we kayaked into Lower Antelope Canyon with no tour guide. Much less people are willing to kayak on Lake Powell into the canyon then are willing to just take the tour. Kayaking along those tall walls after the mouth of the canyon was amazing. When you land the kayak to begin your hike, you aren't only going a short distance like the tours. We felt like we walked a decent clip with zero congestion of people. You hike until you get to a point where the only way to continue would be to use ropes, but I believe that is actually where the Ken's tour ends from the other direction. Often we didn't have anyone near us. While the beauty might not be quite as good as Upper Antelope Canyon, the kayak rental at the marina was only $45 for each for the entire day. Cheaper, more secluded, longer distant hike, plus a cool kayak ride made this our best choice. Instead of a 1 hour adventure, kayaking into the canyon made it more of a 1/2 day adventure.
@@tomcharters7051 The hike from the mouth of lake Powell ends where the tour from the other direction ends. This is a common hike completed by thousands each year. Additionally there is no signage suggesting otherwise and the marina where you rent the kayak provides you guidance on the location of the canyons mouth. Perhaps the natives own the land but not the waterway portion? Yet still no signage like you'd find near the trouble company entrances to the canyon.
We were just there last Thursday with our family and grand children. It was incredible. The money was worth the time and the excellent guide. Tory knows everything . It was certainly less expensive than a night in the Balagio or MandalayBay in Las Vegas.We also say Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon South Rim and Zion National Park. Worth every penny.
@@christophk2206 Upper . It was a beautiful tour. People told us we would be jammed in a large mass of people but that was not true. We were able to take lots of pictures and video. The kids loved it !
where did you stay in Zion?? planning our fall of 2025 trip right now. thinking of doing 2 nights at the Zion lodge. but also considering staying just outside the park in springdale.
Sounds like the tours have changed. Our family of 5 did upper 7 years ago. I remember being around $250. Our guide was fantastic. He pointed out the many figures and helped with picture settings. One of our favs was an area where the light shined on the wall in the shape of a dove, great for group photos. In addition, he played a Navajo musical instrument (flute-like) and the acoustics in the canyon was incredible. Very memorable to this day. Our group was able to slowly go through, and then we walked back through to the truck (before the outside walkway). Sad to hear it is not so breathtaking anymore. Thanks for the comparison.
I think my hubby and I had the same guide as you. I enjoyed the flute playing, the culture, and just the sense of humor the guy had. I think his name was Leonard. I’ve been to a lot of places, and I consider this to be #1. You can see lots of photos of this place, but actually being there is magical.
We visited last year and had tickets for Upper and Lower. We had mixed feelings after Upper and decided Lower was too much energy for us to expend for an experience that felt like we were rushed from photo station to photo station (we are in our 70's). And, for the most part, unless you shot your photos up the canyon walls, you had the group in front or back in the picture. Very disappointing for us. But, we met a young couple at our campground and gave them our tickets to Lower, and they emailed us a picture with a warm thank you. We were happy that they were young enough to appreciate it. We love your program and your advise.
Thanks Cheryl! I read your newsletter on this video. I am planning a surprise trip looping from Durango, around and finishing at Grand Canyon & Sedona with a stay at El Tovar Presidential Suite before finishing in Sedona. We have been to these places before but I was planning on squeezing in Monument Valley (quick drive through) and Antelope Canyons on the way to El Tovar from Mesa Verde. It was already going to be a long day, but now I can skip Antelope. I know it is completely a personal opinion, but in this particular instance, I believe I would have to agree with you. I think I can save the dollars & time, and skip a handful of pics. I appreciate your honesty! I LOVE you & Matt. Your videos are INVALUABLE, to me for making plans of attack for vacations. From bear spray, to what to pack. It’s no secret that my own movie of Yellowstone on UA-cam could not have been done without you. I do not mention this as a shameless way to promote Moose Anderson Productions, as I do not make a dime off my movie. It is a tribute to you guys for making things possible. If you guys never traveled out East, it would be fine by me. There is plenty to do in your area from Arizona to Montana, and your expertise in these locations is in depth from your experiences and invaluable to us wannabe “We’re in the Rockies” UA-camrs. Moose Anderson will stick with documenting my vacations for friends and family (as well as anyone else that may want to watch), while you guys lay out all the details for us. I promote your videos in Facebook groups, in hopes of educating future, or return, visitors to these wonderful destinations in an effort to help them make informed decisions and plans for, what could be, their once in a lifetime, family vacation. What you have done with your videos on UA-cam are amazing. I can’t say thank you enough for all you have done for us, for free, out of the kindness of your hearts. I did purchase both audio guides from you, for Grand Tetons & Yellowstone, from your website, but I want people to know that although you do make money, everything was born out of your hearts and just wanting to help others for free. Making videos are not easy, and nobody ever promised you that you would make a dime when this all got started back in the beginning. Please people, if you are reading this, like their videos, an SUBSCRIBE to their channel, We’re in the Rockies, as their videos are dead on…even if it means wearing a cowboy hat to look the part. Matt! Thanks guys! From my heart, Moose Anderson!🥰
I enjoyed your video because I used to live there and my friends & I used to go to all before social media made them into world sensations. We were always the only ones there and we would 4X4 through the deep sand, rain or snow to get to the entrances & that was fun too. We'd go anytime day or night and walk or run through. Btw, we never bothered to take pictures but just totally recreated without destroying. Later they started charging fees and using "cattle cars" & I was offered a free ticket and refused because I preferred to remember it the way I used to enjoy it. The fees have really increased, omg! 🥺. Unfortunately many tours & places worldwide have become like that with lines of people waiting to take pictures & being herded in & out of places 😧. Thanks for your honest review and, like you, it's hard for me to give bad reviews too knowing it may impact the owners & employees, but just stating your personal opinion with pictures gives customers more insight to make their own choices. Thx. I would like to add that just before there started to be tours enacted there was starting to be graffiti and trash left at the entrance and we used to bag it up and take it out and put it in garbage bins - so on that note, I can say it's now being saved from that. I'm glad the native Americans are getting the money too.
We don’t have any regrets doing upper. It was an amazing experience and we left with lifetime memories. I wouldn’t go in expecting an adventure hike though. I think people should definitely do one of the slot canyons if they’re in the area. I don’t know if one is better than the others or a better value. We went in December, BTW and we’re told they were running 1/2 capacity. I’m sure that made the experience better. Plus not 100+ degrees.
I've done both canyons, not in the same year. I paid extra for a private tour on Lower tour (Ken's). It was same as group tour but just 4 people with one guide...but it was worth it, as more relaxed, personable and less crowded, did this in 2019 (we followed in a distance behind large group). I LOVED BOTH CANYONS & RECCOMEND BOTH!! NAVAJO LAND WAS STOLEN BY our ancestors, CITIZENS OF THE USA. Yes, these are Pricey but the tribes are sharing their precious land with the world. Hiking in other areas requires planning, prep, resources of equipment & so on... Getting lost out in the hot sun or having car trouble is also a concern, that's one reason I say it's worth it. The Upper Canyon was most crowded but so much easier walk & guide was Fantastic!! It does offer photo tours for people wanting to do more serious photography
Am on my way to Antelope Canyon for the first time, and so have no opinion about the tours per se, but agree with your take on the attitude of this video. I am an old white guy. When I think about what people who look like me have done, and what the resulting life is like for the Navajo today, in part because of what people who look like me have done, I cannot begrudge the Navajo people for making a little money from people who look like me.
Thank you for your transparency about both places. I love to hike and Antelope is on my bucket list. I will be out at the wave in March and considered including Antelope if there was time. I love the photography aspect of hiking. That’s what inspires me to go places. So I appreciate your review. Thankfully I won’t have to pay anything near 1,000! So maybe it will be worth it. But I would definitely get frustrated at not being able to move at my own pace and having to stop & wait. Happy hiking & God bless!
We just went there and we had a great time going through lower antelope canyon and our tour guide was awesome he took amazing photos of us little pricey but still well worth it!
Took my family of 5 on the Upper Antelope Canyon tour July 2022 during the early morning session. We absolutely loved this experience and would do it again! We have the most amazing pictures from this experience. Don't miss this!!!!
Went on this tour and it was a blessing of a lifetime! The tour guide Irene was precious and amazing. The Navajo could have kept this all to themselves. Indeed when the tribe chose to open it up to the public, the elderly women of the tribe cried and cried. It was taking a sacred space and commercializing it. So if they hadn’t done this, us white folk would have never been able to see it. Pay the money and go on the tour!
We're so glad you had a great time. We enjoyed it too. Many people love Antelope Canyon but we want to help those who haven't been there know what they will be getting. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
This is SO helpful! I’ve seen the photos and seen the hype online but HOW to get to these spots I had no clue about! Your videos are the BEST! 🎉 thank you!!
Haha - family of 7 here, almost everything we do is expensive so I can relate. Lol 😅 I’d probably opt to do this type of trip with just my husband and I and find a spot (like the Black Hills/Custer State Park, thanks to your videos!!) to explore with the kids.
Ive done both Upper and Lower twice...once in 2018 and 2021. I went with Adventurous Antelope Canyon for the Upper and Dixie Ellis. The first time was in late Sept and the second time in July. I had a great experience with both. Of course after Covid things were a little different. If you want the best lighting (and light beams) mid-day go in the Summer months. Yes, it's hot...but worth it! The lighting in the canyons was still pretty good in late Sept...just make sure to get there earlier around 10 or so.. For Lower use Dixe Ellis! lol
I don’t even understand your review. I did the Lower last fall and the Upper a couple of years ago. Both experiences were outstanding and my guides were nothing like you are describing. It was not crowded or rushed. I’m guessing you did not know what to expect.
We did the canyon x tour and enjoyed it. It was at 3 p.m. on a weekday, mid October. We were lucky enough to be the only people on our tour. Judging by the pictures, it looks a lot like upper antelope canyon. I agree that I wouldn't pay for a family of 6 to visit either! But for a couple, it was nice.
We’re going to upper canyon and doing a tour. Thanks for your video & Info. Since this will probably be our last long long 8 week road trip (in our mid-70’s). Your videos are great. We’re heading to grand canyon & Yellowstone as our primary stops with many parks in between.
Thanks for your honest review and thanks for pointing out the stairs and tight quarters especially for the lower canyon. I’m in my 60s, no mobility issues but an hour moving slowly in those tight quarters would make me very claustrophobic.
Antelope Canyon offered separate tours for serious photographers up to a few years ago. From what I've read, they were significantly more expensive than the regular tour (something like $200 a person plus gratuity; the regular tour probably cost half of what it does now). The photography tours were restricted to 4 people and a tripod was required. I think they took a couple of hours and participants could take their time and compose their own shots. If there were light beams, the tour guide would toss sand into them for photos. Now Antelope Canyon doesn't allow tripods, because when you use a tripod you take a little time to set up a shot and take up a little more space. That isn't going to work when they're trying to push a bunch of people through like a herd of animals. From a strictly financial point of view, it's understandable that the photography tours make no sense for the operator when they can push busloads of people through for $70-$90 a head.
I took one of the photo tours a few years back. I came away with some amazing photographs of both Antelope and Rattlesnake canyons, but my favorite shots came from Rattlesnake canyon. My Antelope shots were all the cliche ones.
Live in the UK and very unlikely to visit the area, but loved this review. Your honest opinions, descriptions and photographs of the actual canyons were excellent, as was your summing up. Nothing nasty, but informative., and honest (again). Wish more UA-camr reviews were like this one. Will be looking up more of your reviews. Keep up the good work
You guys seem kind of down on the tours. We had an amazing experience. One of the top things I've ever done. Go near noon to upper canyon during the summer. You'll be stunned and amazed! Your individual guide probably makes a difference. Ours was great and helped ensure we all got great shots! I tell everyone, Do Not pass this up!
Our aim is to help our watchers make an informed decision, many people LOVE Antelope Canyon and would pay any amount. We're happy you are one of them and that you had an unforgetable experience! We want to help people know what they're getting with a tour ticket. Thanks for watching!
And to add to this, it is why I have been to Grand Canyon three times in the last three years. I wanted to go to the West end of the GC, but when I realized their steep 'pay wall' I decided not to
Thanks for the honest review. I felt exactly the same last September as I mentioned in your Monument Valley video. Great slot canyon but not a must do. I noticed you shot your video at Wahweap overlook. For a next time I highly recommend the New Wave hike that is almost across the street, 4 miles towards the Glenn Canyon dam from Wahweap overlook. You will find a campsite and across the dirt road of the campsite, you will find a small parking lot. New wave hike is a great place small hike of about 1-1,5 hour (to see the new wave, leave the path a bit and climb over the slick rock). Although I am sure the Wave is much more beautiful (I did not even attempt to participate in the lottery hahaha), this little hike is great too.
Thank you so much for being so transparent...I am planning to go there, now I know what not to do. And you're totally right about paying too much for something that God created ❤ Thanks
The best part of the video is that they explained about the authorized tours are listed in the Navajo nation website. Great help for planning the visit!
WARNING note: My family was going to take the tour but a few local folks warned that there was a good chance of thunderstorms in the area north of the canyon and cautioned not to go. So, we took a great day boat ride in Lake Powell ... * that afternoon we learned that one tour company took 8-10 people in the lower canyon and all of them drowned and washed into Lake Powell. The current was so swift they were stripped of all clothing (oddly the tour guide was the only one to survive). The storm was 5 miles away from the canyon but the water eventually ran into the canyon creating a flash flood as you might imagine. CHECK THE WEATHER!
That's horrible. Yes! It's always important to check the weather (especially upstream of where you will be). It might not be raining where you are but could be raining further away and cause a flash flood.
@@kaerfull nope it actually happened. I lived nearby at the time. It was extremely tragic. Most of the tourists were Europeans and their poor children were left orphaned
Ya I did lower canyon a week ago and was awestruck by it. We had a great guide and he was very informative. We went at noon with the sun right over our heads and it was mesmerizing walking the sunlight dance across the walls. Worth every penny.
Agree with your assessment 💯 %! My husband & I experienced the Upper Canyon 3 yrs ago. We would say, we weren’t impressed with the process! Masses of ppl being funneled through a sieve. We now have a picture book of photos that my husband took. And to be totally honest, looking at a collection of pictures of it-is ALL YOU NEED! Save your $$ & time!!!🙆🏼♀️
Thanks for this video, I love your content! We visited Upper Antelope Canyon in November, 2021, it was not crowded and we had a great time. We then drove down the road and did Canyon X, it was great! We had a tour from a Navajo Chief and he was amazing, likely 75 or older and only 6 people on the tour. This was a great deal vs. Upper Antelope, and doing both was fun!
Refreshing review and thank you. Saved me some money and time to travel elsewhere. I'll Google it and experience endless professional photographers images!!
I was on a group tour and one of our stops was antelope canyon so the cost was part of what I paid for my entire trip. I loved it. It was the one thing that I really wanted to do and whatever the cost it was worth it. It is beautiful, magical. Trip was in September so perhaps we didn't run into the crowds that maybe you did during your time. But I completely disagree with most of what you said in this video
Thank you for great assessments. This is what I would have loved to hear before any vacation because the experience we want is about hiking and observing. It sounds like these tours give the vacationers the pictures of a lifetime to show people back home but they leave out the awe and mystic with the herding aspect in such a short hike. Great details from you guys! I've got knee troubles so the stairs will have to be considered when booking the best time for us. Thank you again!
We accessed the Lower Canyon by kayak (not on a group tour) just a couple of weeks ago, in early July (over 100°). Once the creek dried out we left the kayaks behind (in the mud) and walked another 45 minutes, until we hit a fork in the crevasse. We could have continued another 2 hours to reach the more famous Upper Canyon from the top end, but we were running out of daylight. To me, the canyon walls were just as picturesque as the more famous Upper Canyon… and it wasn't crowded at all. We're like you in that we were more interested in the hike itself rather than taking photos every 100 ft. Great experience!
It sucks for photography. Way too many people, no time to shoot and no tripods now. I did both recently and 10 years ago. They previously allowed tripods and had photography tours which weren’t great but much better to get some good shots.
1500 people x $90 a head is $135000 a day. Not to shabby. Hoping to head this way in the fall. Thought about going here with my 90 y/o father. Not sure it is worth it.
I went during covid. Upper and lower were closed due to the Navajo being overly cautious. We booked kayaks on lake Powell and hiked all the way to lower canyon. It was amazing. No crowds aside from the 8 people in our kayak group.
Bless The Both of You . . . I live in Hurricane, Utah near Zion NP, Snow Canyon, Kanarraville Falls & Bryce. Really enjoyed your review of Antelope, Canypn. If you're in the neighborhood, come on by, will put you up for a shoe string, as a Thank you for your honest & fair review . . . Bill👍👍
Just about to visit this area so finding this amazingly informative guide is really awesome! Just one question guys, I see that many many people in the vids are wearing masks, is this still a requirement on the Navajo Nation and this area in particular?
Excellent review, thank you, I searched it a lot and then decided not to go, instead, me and my dad did the Antelope X, it was good, we did a photograph tour so it was expensive, we both like photography but I more wanted it so we don't end up in a big group. The guides are a draw of luck as you stated unfortunately, we had two in the same day and I was so close to writing a horrible review for the first and not tipping a penny, but the second guide totally reversed the experience, and we left happy. At the end, they even drove us to our car cause they noticed that my dad was getting tired walking up. A good day all in all. Would love to try the secret canyon next time or lesser-known ones. Crowds are my turn off
Something to take into consideration is that this is Navajo Land, some of the only places left, and they are taking a piece of what they deserve & what was TAKEN from them. Pay them well, appreciate their business because they had most everything stolen from them. Have a full perspective before saying it was too expensive...they land, rights and lives were taken from them.
I totally agree with your conclusions. We toured that area and passed by Page but did not take any of the Antelope Canyon tours. I found that the price was outrageous and the canyon was crowded. A lot of people just don't mind paying the money as you can see from many of the comments but a lot more people do mind the cost/benefit ratios. Nothing can compare with the National Parks.
Thank you for your thoughts. We are travelling from the UK this Fall (2024) and are planning a trip to Page and Antelope Canyon. Oddly perhaps, I would be interested to know your location for the video, would not want to miss that view!! Thank you for your reply. Debbie & Trevor
Not odd at all! It’s Wahweap Overlook. So many incredible sites around this area. FYI, I’m compiling them all in our North Grand Canyon guide, which will be live on our website next week. I have Wahweap and lots of other hidden gems in there. If you’re needing help, check it out to see if it’s for you. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the US! We are going to France and Netherlands this year. Next Europe trip: UK.
@@WereintheRockies Thank you. I will look out for the video. We are only passing through Page from Monument Valley on the way to Bryce! We are looking forward to the very different landscapes. Enjoy France and the Netherlands!
I 100% agree with making people understand this is not a hike in any way, shape or form. However, to discourage people from going is also 100% clickbait.
just went to the upper one in 2023 summer, it was 120/adult at noon time. Won't say it is expensive or worthy at all... (because of the peak season maybe?) The truth told in the video is totally true!!! (the tour guide asked for group photo always and it was rush, stopping and waitting again) I would say the scene do be unique and the photos taken from the guide are super amazing, but same conclusion as yours in the video. For travellers who are considered 'rich' and have lots of time, definitely visit! For hikers and people seeking deep-dive of the nature, not recommended.
I can remember just walking out in the desert and finding the entrance - spending an hour or two explorings, Before it was discovered, and no tickets, no lines, and no other people. It is still a fabulous place to visit. About 10 years ago my friend and I re-visited the lower Canyon - bought a ticket and our guide - a Navajo man named Walking Buffalo spent an hour with us in the canyon telling stories and we were the only people in the Canyon. Hope you can visit some day and enjoy the beauty of the Navajo Land.
thank you for all the great info. this is still on my bucket list and at 72 I'm working on it. Next year is France and Australia and New Zeeland . then back to AZ. in area I recommend the Wave! based on your comments I know you will enjoy it. easier to photograph, smaller crowds , but a longer hike from the trail head to the site. I would love to see you do a review!
Thanks for posting this excellent video. I followed your channel this year when we visited Grand teton and Glacier on vacation from Scotland. We have booked airbnb's next September in sedona and duck creek village to visit zion and bryce, and had been looking forward to Antelope canyon, but i think we'll give it a miss, and go to escalate instead. Seems like a rip off. 🏴🇺🇲
Do go and visit the Navajo Nation. We toured Antelope Canyon several years ago. It was amazing. We were in the first or second group and not many people were in front of us. We also toured Mystical Canyon and highly recommend it. We were the only ones in the canyon at the time of our tour and it is worth every penny. Also, there are many other slot canyons one can visit. Wire Pass Canyon is very beautiful and a small day fee. Crowds are a bummer in any nature visit. Frankly people spend more money on things that are so wasteful. Yes, folks, go visit the Navajo Nation. GO! I could care less about a Vatican tour. It isn’t nature.
great insights and educational, planning a trip to page, az and stumbled on your video! I completely agree with the paywall comment and its absolutely insane once you calculate how much money these companies are making off the tourists.
I have been into both upper & lower antelope canyons twice. It was not recently, but some time ago(I paid $24 to spend a hour in the upper canyon). I also did a photo tour which cost a little more at the time. It has now become a overpriced rip-off. You are no longer allowed to bring tripods. When they were allowing tripods, it cost extra. It also costs more if you want to go at "prime time" when the light beams can be seen. They are more interested in herding as many people as possible through the canyons. It is nearly impossible to get a picture without someone else in it unless you point your camera straight up. There is no way I would ever pay the outlandish fees that they charge today. In a few years I can easily see them charging $500 for just 1 person in upper antelope canyon. The massive price increases will never end until people get fed up and stop going.
my wife and I went in lower in 2011, the price was about the same you mention $24 and a little extra for 'photographers pass' I was allowed to take my tripod and we had a real small group, maybe 8 total. The guide let us stay in as long as we wanted till the next small group came in, was able to get a lot of photos. Crazy how popular it has become now.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. 👍 We've never tried it because of the insane amount of people we've always heard about. We'll be sticking to Wire Pass, Wills Creek, and Little Wild Horse slot canyons. 😀
You sound humdrum about this tour experience being shared WITH you. I have visited lower antelope canyon four times, never disappointed. Fully thankful the Navajo families that live in that area shared their backyard with me. Can't believe your complaining about weather. I agree with you about toilets and parking lot.
I'm glad I was able to go years ago. We just drove down the dirt road to the upper canyon. On the way, you just stopped and handed $5 to one of the tribal members. Then you could continue and explore at your own leisure.
I went to both tours in one day, it was just me and my camera and I had fabulous time and also went to horseshoe bend all in a day, man I had the best time. They treated me fantastic at both places I still have great from the experience...
I rode in the truck, more than 10 years ago for Upper Antelope Canyon. As a photographer that understands the need for a tripod in dim light, I came prepared with my tripod. The older guide saw me with my tripod and immediately I received favoritism. He personally guided me through the tour and somewhat ignored everyone else. A couple times he even asked people to back up to get out of sight for a composition he was going to direct me toward. Needless to say, I got some terrific images with light beams with sand dust to make them stand out, sand flowing off ledges and perfectly curved stone. My advice, bring a tripod because even during mid-day like when I was there, the light is dim and requires longer shutter speeds unless you crank up the ISO which causes lots of noise in your photos.
We did a Utah/Lake Powell/North Rim trip back in 2021. The Navajo lands were still closed so we were unable to to visit any of the commercial slot canyons in and around Page. We ended up going to Willis Slot Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and enjoyed it immensely. We were one of maybe 2 or 3 other families there and it ended up being around a 3 mile hike in the canyon.
A few years ago, we went to Antelope Canyon (I think it was the lower canyon) to take a tour. To our surprise, we were told tours would be closed for the rest of the day, as it was going to rain. It seemed odd to me but, oh well, we went to a museum in Page instead. It began to rain as we entered the museum. After visiting the museum, we stepped out and everything was wet, it was still raining and nothing was draining. Flooding was everywhere.! The road back to our hotel was covered in water and we just barely made it back to our hotel. There was a huge waterfall coming down a rock wall that had been completely bare that morning. It was July, and the ground was so dry that even rain couldn't find its way below ground. At that point, I was happy we hadn't been in a canyon that afternoon and I was grateful for the closure! I don't live in the US and I had not seen anything like this ever.
I just went to the upper canyon with my husband back in October 2022. My husband is a photographer and I purposely booked this tour and we drove pretty far out of way from Zion/Bryce so he could get some good shots. We were so rushed that he didn’t even have time to get shots he wanted. The tour guide just took our iPhones and took the pictures for us 😂. We do have some cool photos but I would agree it’s not worth the cost- they actually ask you to tip your tour guide after paying all that money too! As they said - plenty of other beautiful sites to see for free or at least much cheaper.
GO GO GO!!!! After watching, I was really questioning my decision to make the two hour+ drive, but decided to go anyway. Just returned from lower - used Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon. It was the most amazing experience. It cost $70 pp with tax and fees and we tipped the guide as well. Opted not to do the upper. Breathtakingly beautiful.
Why did you choose lower vs upper.
@@hbwproductions lower is ran by better people. kens tours are enjoyable. the other people are mostly assholes. and the price is affordable. $70 per person is reasonable.
Can confirm entering from the water is AWESOME. Not crowded, and you can spend hours swimming and hanging out on the rocks on the way back out
The Lower Antelope canyon tour was the best tour I have ever taken. It is out of this world experience, even if it is indeed crowded, short and expensive for this matter. The beauty of that canyon is magnificent!
Thank you for sharing!
Yes, we did the tour in 2017 and it was brilliant! Even though there were so many people because we in small units, we never felt crowded. Talking about being a large family, in my experience in the States, I don't tend to come across "family" tickets. I am in the process of booking this year's US holiday and not one tour I have booked had "family" tickets, which as a Brit I find very odd!
Thank you for your opinion too.
Were you able to take photos
What our?
I did Antelope X and for hikers or average travelers, I agree with Cheryl. It's very expensive, the facilities are . . . austere. We didn't find the workers to be very friendly - it was very much a "run 'em through" environment, for the most part. Frankly, I found that to be the case at a few of the reservation-run tourist locations.
That said, for a photographer, this is a bucket list place to shoot photos. So unique and so scenic . . . it's just something you do so you can say you did it.
Thanks for sharing.
Cattle tour
Thank you for being so honest and kind. I personally ruled out the tour because of the cost. I can appreciate God's beauty without the cost. Thank you
We did Upper last April and LOVED it! We honestly picked a company based on availability and went with Antelope Canyon Slot Tours. We had an 11:00 tour and our company seemed to be the only one with an enclosed van. Our tour guide was incredible and had some great stories. He had us wait a bit so we weren't on top of the group in front of us and we didn't feel like it was too crowded. We were lucky enough to see quite a few light beams some double beams as well.
Thanks for sharing!
It is absolutely a must go! I don’t like the tour structure or the time limit or the crowds. But they are there for a reason. If you have issues with crowd, plan if possible. We went the day after thanksgiving and nada, no one there. A private tour.
Thanks for sharing. 😊
If you go, go to lower Antelope canyon. We were lucky to have an excellent guide that allowed us to take our time. Is was $70 pp at the time and we’ll worth it for us. Upper antílope is above ground and much more crowded. My 82 year old mother took the tour with us and she needed minor help from us but she is in fairly good health and active.
What is the best time to go? Hows the weather in May?
I have always found you both to be positive and understanding about situations and personal experiences. For you to advise against this really says a lot. Thank you for sharing, as always
Thanks for watching. 😊
Tourist Trap and the massive irony is that there are other slot canyons so close by and NOT on their land
I appreciate your honest review! I also had mixed feelings after our visit last year (June 2021). We had a good tour guide, but the cramped environment and waiting for pictures was not really my style. After visiting the Grand Canyon days prior I didn't feel this experience lived up to the high bar that was set in many other reviews. I am not as upset about the price though, and I am glad this land is native-owned. How many other natural wonders have been taken away from them for profit? I am glad this profit is going to the native-owned businesses, as many resources in the southwest are not. If an unpaved parking lot is a deal breaker for you, that's fine. It all comes down to your personal style for travel and experiences. I definitely agree that these tours will not be for everyone. I'm glad we went, but many of our other experiences in Page (the New Wave hike was incredible!) outshined this one.
Thanks for sharing 😊
It is a must do if you are a photographer!
Thank you so much for your honest opinion! So happy there are people out there who still give honest opinions.
We went several years ago and loved it. I understand it has become “famous” since then so glad we went at that time. It is a magical place.
thanks to social media, it's highly monetized
Supply and demand $$. The canyons are on Navajo land and is a huge attraction for many around the world. The tour companies take great care of the canyons. I could only imagine the amount of vandalism from climbing the walls or carving into the sandstone would happen to the canyon if people were just left to “enjoy God’s creation” as you say. The tours are worth it!
Yes, I am sure they would be in worse shape if they were public. Many people love the tours and Antelope Canyon but we wanted to give our opinion.
That's your opinion
I agree, and figured this out before watching your video, thank you for that, and your honest imput. Sorry some people can't appreciate that. Not sure why they have to even comment, it's all about upbringing.
Rip off! Greedy Injuns😮
Much more different experience when we kayaked into Lower Antelope Canyon with no tour guide. Much less people are willing to kayak on Lake Powell into the canyon then are willing to just take the tour. Kayaking along those tall walls after the mouth of the canyon was amazing. When you land the kayak to begin your hike, you aren't only going a short distance like the tours. We felt like we walked a decent clip with zero congestion of people. You hike until you get to a point where the only way to continue would be to use ropes, but I believe that is actually where the Ken's tour ends from the other direction. Often we didn't have anyone near us. While the beauty might not be quite as good as Upper Antelope Canyon, the kayak rental at the marina was only $45 for each for the entire day. Cheaper, more secluded, longer distant hike, plus a cool kayak ride made this our best choice. Instead of a 1 hour adventure, kayaking into the canyon made it more of a 1/2 day adventure.
This is awesome and something we might try in the future!
Technically, you're not allowed to hike up as this is reservation land, that's why they have the tours by the locals.
@@tomcharters7051 The hike from the mouth of lake Powell ends where the tour from the other direction ends. This is a common hike completed by thousands each year. Additionally there is no signage suggesting otherwise and the marina where you rent the kayak provides you guidance on the location of the canyons mouth. Perhaps the natives own the land but not the waterway portion? Yet still no signage like you'd find near the trouble company entrances to the canyon.
Was the kayaking part of a tour or was it self-guided? Any recommendation on where to rent the kayaks as well as what kayaking route to take…thanks
We were just there last Thursday with our family and grand children. It was incredible. The money was worth the time and the excellent guide. Tory knows everything . It was certainly less expensive than a night in the Balagio or MandalayBay in Las Vegas.We also say Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon South Rim and Zion National Park. Worth every penny.
Great to hear!
At the lower or at the upper Antelope Canyon??
@@christophk2206 Upper . It was a beautiful tour. People told us we would be jammed in a large mass of people but that was not true. We were able to take lots of pictures and video. The kids loved it !
@@darrylkenes7424 which tour group did you go with?
where did you stay in Zion?? planning our fall of 2025 trip right now. thinking of doing 2 nights at the Zion lodge. but also considering staying just outside the park in springdale.
Thank you for your brave honest thoughts, and thank God for the national park system.
Sounds like the tours have changed. Our family of 5 did upper 7 years ago. I remember being around $250. Our guide was fantastic. He pointed out the many figures and helped with picture settings. One of our favs was an area where the light shined on the wall in the shape of a dove, great for group photos. In addition, he played a Navajo musical instrument (flute-like) and the acoustics in the canyon was incredible. Very memorable to this day. Our group was able to slowly go through, and then we walked back through to the truck (before the outside walkway). Sad to hear it is not so breathtaking anymore. Thanks for the comparison.
Thanks for sharing.
I did it in 2014. It was 30$ in December. It was on my birthday when I did it. I remember how they mention the entrance was the exit.
I want to go in Oct. Pls tell me which tour company I should take. Thanks.
I think my hubby and I had the same guide as you. I enjoyed the flute playing, the culture, and just the sense of humor the guy had. I think his name was Leonard. I’ve been to a lot of places, and I consider this to be #1. You can see lots of photos of this place, but actually being there is magical.
It's still beautiful
We visited last year and had tickets for Upper and Lower. We had mixed feelings after Upper and decided Lower was too much energy for us to expend for an experience that felt like we were rushed from photo station to photo station (we are in our 70's). And, for the most part, unless you shot your photos up the canyon walls, you had the group in front or back in the picture. Very disappointing for us. But, we met a young couple at our campground and gave them our tickets to Lower, and they emailed us a picture with a warm thank you. We were happy that they were young enough to appreciate it. We love your program and your advise.
Wow, how nice of you. Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for the support!
Thanks Cheryl! I read your newsletter on this video. I am planning a surprise trip looping from Durango, around and finishing at Grand Canyon & Sedona with a stay at El Tovar Presidential Suite before finishing in Sedona. We have been to these places before but I was planning on squeezing in Monument Valley (quick drive through) and Antelope Canyons on the way to El Tovar from Mesa Verde. It was already going to be a long day, but now I can skip Antelope. I know it is completely a personal opinion, but in this particular instance, I believe I would have to agree with you. I think I can save the dollars & time, and skip a handful of pics. I appreciate your honesty! I LOVE you & Matt. Your videos are INVALUABLE, to me for making plans of attack for vacations. From bear spray, to what to pack. It’s no secret that my own movie of Yellowstone on UA-cam could not have been done without you. I do not mention this as a shameless way to promote Moose Anderson Productions, as I do not make a dime off my movie. It is a tribute to you guys for making things possible. If you guys never traveled out East, it would be fine by me. There is plenty to do in your area from Arizona to Montana, and your expertise in these locations is in depth from your experiences and invaluable to us wannabe “We’re in the Rockies” UA-camrs. Moose Anderson will stick with documenting my vacations for friends and family (as well as anyone else that may want to watch), while you guys lay out all the details for us. I promote your videos in Facebook groups, in hopes of educating future, or return, visitors to these wonderful destinations in an effort to help them make informed decisions and plans for, what could be, their once in a lifetime, family vacation. What you have done with your videos on UA-cam are amazing. I can’t say thank you enough for all you have done for us, for free, out of the kindness of your hearts. I did purchase both audio guides from you, for Grand Tetons & Yellowstone, from your website, but I want people to know that although you do make money, everything was born out of your hearts and just wanting to help others for free. Making videos are not easy, and nobody ever promised you that you would make a dime when this all got started back in the beginning. Please people, if you are reading this, like their videos, an SUBSCRIBE to their channel, We’re in the Rockies, as their videos are dead on…even if it means wearing a cowboy hat to look the part. Matt! Thanks guys! From my heart, Moose Anderson!🥰
Thanks for sharing Moose! You’re going to have a great trip. Appreciate all the kind words!
@@WereintheRockies You earned them!
I enjoyed your video because I used to live there and my friends & I used to go to all before social media made them into world sensations. We were always the only ones there and we would 4X4 through the deep sand, rain or snow to get to the entrances & that was fun too. We'd go anytime day or night and walk or run through. Btw, we never bothered to take pictures but just totally recreated without destroying. Later they started charging fees and using "cattle cars" & I was offered a free ticket and refused because I preferred to remember it the way I used to enjoy it. The fees have really increased, omg! 🥺.
Unfortunately many tours & places worldwide have become like that with lines of people waiting to take pictures & being herded in & out of places 😧.
Thanks for your honest review and, like you, it's hard for me to give bad reviews too knowing it may impact the owners & employees, but just stating your personal opinion with pictures gives customers more insight to make their own choices. Thx.
I would like to add that just before there started to be tours enacted there was starting to be graffiti and trash left at the entrance and we used to bag it up and take it out and put it in garbage bins - so on that note, I can say it's now being saved from that. I'm glad the native Americans are getting the money too.
Thanks for sharing. And thank you for helping clean it up!
This is exactly why I don’t post photos online of places I don’t want destroyed via the whole “bucket list dude bro!”
Best review ever! Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
We did upper antelope canyon and we liked it. But we loved Sedona pink jeep tour more. Probably the best one in our Arizona trip
We don’t have any regrets doing upper. It was an amazing experience and we left with lifetime memories. I wouldn’t go in expecting an adventure hike though. I think people should definitely do one of the slot canyons if they’re in the area. I don’t know if one is better than the others or a better value.
We went in December, BTW and we’re told they were running 1/2 capacity. I’m sure that made the experience better. Plus not 100+ degrees.
Thanks for sharing!!
Love an honest review
I've done both canyons, not in the same year. I paid extra for a private tour on Lower tour (Ken's). It was same as group tour but just 4 people with one guide...but it was worth it, as more relaxed, personable and less crowded, did this in 2019 (we followed in a distance behind large group). I LOVED BOTH CANYONS & RECCOMEND BOTH!! NAVAJO LAND WAS STOLEN BY our ancestors, CITIZENS OF THE USA. Yes, these are Pricey but the tribes are sharing their precious land with the world. Hiking in other areas requires planning, prep, resources of equipment & so on... Getting lost out in the hot sun or having car trouble is also a concern, that's one reason I say it's worth it. The Upper Canyon was most crowded but so much easier walk & guide was Fantastic!! It does offer photo tours for people wanting to do more serious photography
Thank you for sharing 😊
Am on my way to Antelope Canyon for the first time, and so have no opinion about the tours per se, but agree with your take on the attitude of this video. I am an old white guy. When I think about what people who look like me have done, and what the resulting life is like for the Navajo today, in part because of what people who look like me have done, I cannot begrudge the Navajo people for making a little money from people who look like me.
Thank you for your transparency about both places. I love to hike and Antelope is on my bucket list. I will be out at the wave in March and considered including Antelope if there was time. I love the photography aspect of hiking. That’s what inspires me to go places. So I appreciate your review. Thankfully I won’t have to pay anything near 1,000! So maybe it will be worth it. But I would definitely get frustrated at not being able to move at my own pace and having to stop & wait. Happy hiking & God bless!
You're welcome. Have fun hiking the Wave and possibly Antelope Canyon!
Near the Wave is Buckskin Gulch, a very cool natural slot canyon.
We just went there and we had a great time going through lower antelope canyon and our tour guide was awesome he took amazing photos of us little pricey but still well worth it!
Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching.
Took my family of 5 on the Upper Antelope Canyon tour July 2022 during the early morning session. We absolutely loved this experience and would do it again! We have the most amazing pictures from this experience. Don't miss this!!!!
Thanks for adding your experience! This helps people a lot
Went on this tour and it was a blessing of a lifetime! The tour guide Irene was precious and amazing. The Navajo could have kept this all to themselves. Indeed when the tribe chose to open it up to the public, the elderly women of the tribe cried and cried. It was taking a sacred space and commercializing it. So if they hadn’t done this, us white folk would have never been able to see it. Pay the money and go on the tour!
We're so glad you had a great time. We enjoyed it too. Many people love Antelope Canyon but we want to help those who haven't been there know what they will be getting. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
This is SO helpful! I’ve seen the photos and seen the hype online but HOW to get to these spots I had no clue about! Your videos are the BEST! 🎉 thank you!!
Haha - family of 7 here, almost everything we do is expensive so I can relate. Lol 😅 I’d probably opt to do this type of trip with just my husband and I and find a spot (like the Black Hills/Custer State Park, thanks to your videos!!) to explore with the kids.
Glad it was helpful!
Ive done both Upper and Lower twice...once in 2018 and 2021. I went with Adventurous Antelope Canyon for the Upper and Dixie Ellis. The first time was in late Sept and the second time in July.
I had a great experience with both. Of course after Covid things were a little different. If you want the best lighting (and light beams) mid-day go in the Summer months. Yes, it's hot...but worth it! The lighting in the canyons was still pretty good in late Sept...just make sure to get there earlier around 10 or so.. For Lower use Dixe Ellis! lol
We're glad you have had great experiences. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t even understand your review. I did the Lower last fall and the Upper a couple of years ago.
Both experiences were outstanding and my guides were nothing like you are describing.
It was not crowded or rushed.
I’m guessing you did not know what to expect.
I’m glad you had a better experience. We were there over Labor Day weekend
We did the canyon x tour and enjoyed it. It was at 3 p.m. on a weekday, mid October. We were lucky enough to be the only people on our tour. Judging by the pictures, it looks a lot like upper antelope canyon. I agree that I wouldn't pay for a family of 6 to visit either! But for a couple, it was nice.
Im visiting canyon X today, Lot of
My friends mentioned canyon X is not that beautiful compared to lower or
Upper ones. What do you recommend?
@@nithinrao7191 I thought it was beautiful. I think you'll be happy
We’re going to upper canyon and doing a tour. Thanks for your video & Info. Since this will probably be our last long long 8 week road trip (in our mid-70’s). Your videos are great. We’re heading to grand canyon & Yellowstone as our primary stops with many parks in between.
Have a great time Rob!
Thanks for your honest review and thanks for pointing out the stairs and tight quarters especially for the lower canyon. I’m in my 60s, no mobility issues but an hour moving slowly in those tight quarters would make me very claustrophobic.
Glad it was helpful!
Antelope Canyon offered separate tours for serious photographers up to a few years ago. From what I've read, they were significantly more expensive than the regular tour (something like $200 a person plus gratuity; the regular tour probably cost half of what it does now). The photography tours were restricted to 4 people and a tripod was required. I think they took a couple of hours and participants could take their time and compose their own shots. If there were light beams, the tour guide would toss sand into them for photos. Now Antelope Canyon doesn't allow tripods, because when you use a tripod you take a little time to set up a shot and take up a little more space. That isn't going to work when they're trying to push a bunch of people through like a herd of animals. From a strictly financial point of view, it's understandable that the photography tours make no sense for the operator when they can push busloads of people through for $70-$90 a head.
I took one of the photo tours a few years back. I came away with some amazing photographs of both Antelope and Rattlesnake canyons, but my favorite shots came from Rattlesnake canyon. My Antelope shots were all the cliche ones.
from the financial side I get that, but its nature, and these locals make a thieving off the ridiculous prices they charge for a place made by nature.
There are no poor American Indians. They get money from the taxpayers given to them by the federal govt.
@@thefrugaljeeper4054 exactly. Sooo much money
There’s plenty of canyons out there waiting for you. Just don’t post photos online as they’ll become the new “bucket” list nightmare.
Live in the UK and very unlikely to visit the area, but loved this review. Your honest opinions, descriptions and photographs of the actual canyons were excellent, as was your summing up. Nothing nasty, but informative., and honest (again). Wish more UA-camr reviews were like this one. Will be looking up more of your reviews. Keep up the good work
Thank you guys for being so honest about these canyons! It help in a big way to get an idea.
Our pleasure!
You guys seem kind of down on the tours. We had an amazing experience. One of the top things I've ever done. Go near noon to upper canyon during the summer. You'll be stunned and amazed! Your individual guide probably makes a difference. Ours was great and helped ensure we all got great shots! I tell everyone, Do Not pass this up!
Our aim is to help our watchers make an informed decision, many people LOVE Antelope Canyon and would pay any amount. We're happy you are one of them and that you had an unforgetable experience! We want to help people know what they're getting with a tour ticket. Thanks for watching!
I like the honesty here... and it is good to include the kids opinions since often they are harder to please... and have a different perspective
And to add to this, it is why I have been to Grand Canyon three times in the last three years. I wanted to go to the West end of the GC, but when I realized their steep 'pay wall' I decided not to
Thanks for the honest review. I felt exactly the same last September as I mentioned in your Monument Valley video. Great slot canyon but not a must do.
I noticed you shot your video at Wahweap overlook. For a next time I highly recommend the New Wave hike that is almost across the street, 4 miles towards the Glenn Canyon dam from Wahweap overlook. You will find a campsite and across the dirt road of the campsite, you will find a small parking lot. New wave hike is a great place small hike of about 1-1,5 hour (to see the new wave, leave the path a bit and climb over the slick rock). Although I am sure the Wave is much more beautiful (I did not even attempt to participate in the lottery hahaha), this little hike is great too.
I really wanted to do the new wave but just didn’t have the time. Next time!
Thank you so much for being so transparent...I am planning to go there, now I know what not to do.
And you're totally right about paying too much for something that God created ❤
Thanks
The best part of the video is that they explained about the authorized tours are listed in the Navajo nation website. Great help for planning the visit!
WARNING note: My family was going to take the tour but a few local folks warned that there was a good chance of thunderstorms in the area north of the canyon and cautioned not to go. So, we took a great day boat ride in Lake Powell ... * that afternoon we learned that one tour company took 8-10 people in the lower canyon and all of them drowned and washed into Lake Powell. The current was so swift they were stripped of all clothing (oddly the tour guide was the only one to survive). The storm was 5 miles away from the canyon but the water eventually ran into the canyon creating a flash flood as you might imagine. CHECK THE WEATHER!
That's horrible. Yes! It's always important to check the weather (especially upstream of where you will be). It might not be raining where you are but could be raining further away and cause a flash flood.
you went in 1997?
This sounds made up. Just sayin'.
@@kaerfull nope it actually happened. I lived nearby at the time. It was extremely tragic. Most of the tourists were Europeans and their poor children were left orphaned
Ya I did lower canyon a week ago and was awestruck by it. We had a great guide and he was very informative. We went at noon with the sun right over our heads and it was mesmerizing walking the sunlight dance across the walls. Worth every penny.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
What company did you use?
I Truly Appreciate your Honesty and Real Life experience, I think this was a balanced review....
Thanks for watching.
Great review - thank you!
My pleasure!
I did the Upper Canyon in May and found it to be breathtaking. It was worth every penny.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.
Agree with your assessment 💯 %! My husband & I experienced the Upper Canyon 3 yrs ago.
We would say, we weren’t impressed with the process!
Masses of ppl being funneled through a sieve.
We now have a picture book of photos that my husband took.
And to be totally honest, looking at a collection of pictures of it-is ALL YOU NEED!
Save your $$ & time!!!🙆🏼♀️
Thanks for this video, I love your content! We visited Upper Antelope Canyon in November, 2021, it was not crowded and we had a great time. We then drove down the road and did Canyon X, it was great! We had a tour from a Navajo Chief and he was amazing, likely 75 or older and only 6 people on the tour. This was a great deal vs. Upper Antelope, and doing both was fun!
Thanks for sharing. We love to hear about other people's experiences.
If you had to visit only one part of antelope canyon again, would you pick upper or X canyon?
Thanks so much for this review. I was debating going with our kids, and this is just what I needed to pass on it.
You're welcome. We want people to make their own decisions but also want to show people what it is really like.
Thanks for a great review. These tours are very expensive for a family. Free slot canyons in Escalante may be a better alternative.
I've been to the Grand Canyon and it was beautiful
Refreshing review and thank you. Saved me some money and time to travel elsewhere. I'll Google it and experience endless professional photographers images!!
yeah, the cover charge for the mandatory tours seems awfully steep compared to pretty much any other major national monument
I was on a group tour and one of our stops was antelope canyon so the cost was part of what I paid for my entire trip. I loved it. It was the one thing that I really wanted to do and whatever the cost it was worth it. It is beautiful, magical. Trip was in September so perhaps we didn't run into the crowds that maybe you did during your time. But I completely disagree with most of what you said in this video
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching.
Thank you for great assessments. This is what I would have loved to hear before any vacation because the experience we want is about hiking and observing. It sounds like these tours give the vacationers the pictures of a lifetime to show people back home but they leave out the awe and mystic with the herding aspect in such a short hike. Great details from you guys! I've got knee troubles so the stairs will have to be considered when booking the best time for us. Thank you again!
You're welcome. We want people to make their own decisions but also want to show people what it is really like.
We accessed the Lower Canyon by kayak (not on a group tour) just a couple of weeks ago, in early July (over 100°). Once the creek dried out we left the kayaks behind (in the mud) and walked another 45 minutes, until we hit a fork in the crevasse. We could have continued another 2 hours to reach the more famous Upper Canyon from the top end, but we were running out of daylight. To me, the canyon walls were just as picturesque as the more famous Upper Canyon… and it wasn't crowded at all. We're like you in that we were more interested in the hike itself rather than taking photos every 100 ft. Great experience!
Awesome, glad you had a good time.
It sucks for photography. Way too many people, no time to shoot and no tripods now. I did both recently and 10 years ago. They previously allowed tripods and had photography tours which weren’t great but much better to get some good shots.
1500 people x $90 a head is $135000 a day. Not to shabby. Hoping to head this way in the fall. Thought about going here with my 90 y/o father. Not sure it is worth it.
Big thank you !! One of the best informative video
Glad it was helpful!
I went during covid. Upper and lower were closed due to the Navajo being overly cautious. We booked kayaks on lake Powell and hiked all the way to lower canyon. It was amazing. No crowds aside from the 8 people in our kayak group.
What a cool experience.
Bless The Both of You . . . I live in Hurricane, Utah near Zion NP, Snow Canyon, Kanarraville Falls & Bryce. Really enjoyed your review of Antelope, Canypn. If you're in the neighborhood, come on by, will put you up for a shoe string, as a Thank you for your honest & fair review . . . Bill👍👍
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Just about to visit this area so finding this amazingly informative guide is really awesome! Just one question guys, I see that many many people in the vids are wearing masks, is this still a requirement on the Navajo Nation and this area in particular?
The mask mandate was in effect when we were there but was lifted on Jan 20, 2023. No more masks!
Excellent review, thank you, I searched it a lot and then decided not to go, instead, me and my dad did the Antelope X, it was good, we did a photograph tour so it was expensive, we both like photography but I more wanted it so we don't end up in a big group. The guides are a draw of luck as you stated unfortunately, we had two in the same day and I was so close to writing a horrible review for the first and not tipping a penny, but the second guide totally reversed the experience, and we left happy. At the end, they even drove us to our car cause they noticed that my dad was getting tired walking up. A good day all in all. Would love to try the secret canyon next time or lesser-known ones. Crowds are my turn off
Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience!
Something to take into consideration is that this is Navajo Land, some of the only places left, and they are taking a piece of what they deserve & what was TAKEN from them. Pay them well, appreciate their business because they had most everything stolen from them. Have a full perspective before saying it was too expensive...they land, rights and lives were taken from them.
Thanks for watching and for sharing.
I totally agree with your conclusions. We toured that area and passed by Page but did not take any of the Antelope Canyon tours. I found that the price was outrageous and the canyon was crowded. A lot of people just don't mind paying the money as you can see from many of the comments but a lot more people do mind the cost/benefit ratios. Nothing can compare with the National Parks.
Yes, many people LOVE it and that's wonderful! We want everyone to make an informed decision. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for your thoughts. We are travelling from the UK this Fall (2024) and are planning a trip to Page and Antelope Canyon. Oddly perhaps, I would be interested to know your location for the video, would not want to miss that view!! Thank you for your reply. Debbie & Trevor
Not odd at all! It’s Wahweap Overlook. So many incredible sites around this area. FYI, I’m compiling them all in our North Grand Canyon guide, which will be live on our website next week. I have Wahweap and lots of other hidden gems in there. If you’re needing help, check it out to see if it’s for you. Thanks for watching, and welcome to the US! We are going to France and Netherlands this year. Next Europe trip: UK.
@@WereintheRockies Thank you. I will look out for the video. We are only passing through Page from Monument Valley on the way to Bryce! We are looking forward to the very different landscapes. Enjoy France and the Netherlands!
I 100% agree with making people understand this is not a hike in any way, shape or form. However, to discourage people from going is also 100% clickbait.
So many Slot Canyon’s around that region that are FREE … just need to live their to know where to go. 👍
You've no idea how much I appreciate your honest review. Thank you!
I think you have to do a photography based tour - probably expensive but the only way to not be rushed
just went to the upper one in 2023 summer, it was 120/adult at noon time. Won't say it is expensive or worthy at all... (because of the peak season maybe?)
The truth told in the video is totally true!!! (the tour guide asked for group photo always and it was rush, stopping and waitting again)
I would say the scene do be unique and the photos taken from the guide are super amazing, but same conclusion as yours in the video. For travellers who are considered 'rich' and have lots of time, definitely visit! For hikers and people seeking deep-dive of the nature, not recommended.
Thanks for sharing and for watching. ❤️
I just went and it was so worth it. Upper Canyon was so amazing. Highly recommend going to check it out!
Glad you loved it! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you guys for the tips and information. It is very helpful for future trips.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for this great & honest review!
I can remember just walking out in the desert and finding the entrance - spending an hour or two explorings, Before it was discovered, and no tickets, no lines, and no other people. It is still a fabulous place to visit. About 10 years ago my friend and I re-visited the lower Canyon - bought a ticket and our guide - a Navajo man named Walking Buffalo spent an hour with us in the canyon telling stories and we were the only people in the Canyon. Hope you can visit some day and enjoy the beauty of the Navajo Land.
What a great experience! Thanks for sharing.
thank you for all the great info. this is still on my bucket list and at 72 I'm working on it. Next year is France and Australia and New Zeeland . then back to AZ. in area I recommend the Wave! based on your comments I know you will enjoy it. easier to photograph, smaller crowds , but a longer hike from the trail head to the site. I would love to see you do a review!
Have fun overseas! We've heard great things about the Wave.
Thanks for posting this excellent video. I followed your channel this year when we visited Grand teton and Glacier on vacation from Scotland. We have booked airbnb's next September in sedona and duck creek village to visit zion and bryce, and had been looking forward to Antelope canyon, but i think we'll give it a miss, and go to escalate instead. Seems like a rip off. 🏴🇺🇲
Thanks for watching. I'm glad we could help you visit Grand Teton and Glacier.
Couldn’t agree with you anymore, Thank you for honest review for anyone who is considering visiting by spending crazy money 💰
I am thinking about taking my family of 4 there in May, but now I know it's out of my budget.
Do go and visit the Navajo Nation.
We toured Antelope Canyon several years ago. It was amazing. We were in the first or second group and not many people were in front of us.
We also toured Mystical Canyon and highly recommend it. We were the only ones in the canyon at the time of our tour and it is worth every penny. Also, there are many other slot canyons one can visit. Wire Pass Canyon is very beautiful and a small day fee. Crowds are a bummer in any nature visit.
Frankly people spend more money on things that are so wasteful.
Yes, folks, go visit the Navajo Nation.
GO!
I could care less about a Vatican tour. It isn’t nature.
Thank you for sharing. Many people love Antelope Canyon and we're happy for them!
great insights and educational, planning a trip to page, az and stumbled on your video! I completely agree with the paywall comment and its absolutely insane once you calculate how much money these companies are making off the tourists.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the tips. We are planning a family trip from Australia. This is really helpful.
I have been into both upper & lower antelope canyons twice. It was not recently, but some time ago(I paid $24 to spend a hour in the upper canyon). I also did a photo tour which cost a little more at the time. It has now become a overpriced rip-off. You are no longer allowed to bring tripods. When they were allowing tripods, it cost extra. It also costs more if you want to go at "prime time" when the light beams can be seen. They are more interested in herding as many people as possible through the canyons. It is nearly impossible to get a picture without someone else in it unless you point your camera straight up. There is no way I would ever pay the outlandish fees that they charge today. In a few years I can easily see them charging $500 for just 1 person in upper antelope canyon. The massive price increases will never end until people get fed up and stop going.
Lol, I have dozens of photos from my trip with zero people besides those in my group.
my wife and I went in lower in 2011, the price was about the same you mention $24 and a little extra for 'photographers pass' I was allowed to take my tripod and we had a real small group, maybe 8 total. The guide let us stay in as long as we wanted till the next small group came in, was able to get a lot of photos. Crazy how popular it has become now.
Thanks for sharing your opinion. 👍 We've never tried it because of the insane amount of people we've always heard about. We'll be sticking to Wire Pass, Wills Creek, and Little Wild Horse slot canyons. 😀
You're welcome.
You sound humdrum about this tour experience being shared WITH you. I have visited lower antelope canyon four times, never disappointed. Fully thankful the Navajo families that live in that area shared their backyard with me. Can't believe your complaining about weather. I agree with you about toilets and parking lot.
I'm glad I was able to go years ago. We just drove down the dirt road to the upper canyon. On the way, you just stopped and handed $5 to one of the tribal members. Then you could continue and explore at your own leisure.
This was super helpful! Thank you for your honest review!!
I went to both tours in one day, it was just me and my camera and I had fabulous time and also went to horseshoe bend all in a day, man I had the best time. They treated me fantastic at both places I still have great from the experience...
That is awesome! We are so glad you had a great time! Thanks for sharing.
candid opinion, thx
I rode in the truck, more than 10 years ago for Upper Antelope Canyon. As a photographer that understands the need for a tripod in dim light, I came prepared with my tripod. The older guide saw me with my tripod and immediately I received favoritism. He personally guided me through the tour and somewhat ignored everyone else. A couple times he even asked people to back up to get out of sight for a composition he was going to direct me toward. Needless to say, I got some terrific images with light beams with sand dust to make them stand out, sand flowing off ledges and perfectly curved stone. My advice, bring a tripod because even during mid-day like when I was there, the light is dim and requires longer shutter speeds unless you crank up the ISO which causes lots of noise in your photos.
Thanks for sharing. We're glad you loved it!
Thought you did a thorough and good review
We did a Utah/Lake Powell/North Rim trip back in 2021. The Navajo lands were still closed so we were unable to to visit any of the commercial slot canyons in and around Page. We ended up going to Willis Slot Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and enjoyed it immensely. We were one of maybe 2 or 3 other families there and it ended up being around a 3 mile hike in the canyon.
We're glad you discovered those options! Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed Willis wash too. At my own pace and few people.
A few years ago, we went to Antelope Canyon (I think it was the lower canyon) to take a tour. To our surprise, we were told tours would be closed for the rest of the day, as it was going to rain. It seemed odd to me but, oh well, we went to a museum in Page instead. It began to rain as we entered the museum. After visiting the museum, we stepped out and everything was wet, it was still raining and nothing was draining. Flooding was everywhere.! The road back to our hotel was covered in water and we just barely made it back to our hotel. There was a huge waterfall coming down a rock wall that had been completely bare that morning. It was July, and the ground was so dry that even rain couldn't find its way below ground. At that point, I was happy we hadn't been in a canyon that afternoon and I was grateful for the closure! I don't live in the US and I had not seen anything like this ever.
Glad you stayed safe. Yes, flash floods are real and can be scary.
I think White Pocket is much nicer and it’s free with 4wd. Thank you for this video, it’s the most comprehensive review I’ve seen.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts.
I loved Antelope Canyon. I was there Feb. 2023, I let everyone about our experience and to go if they ever get the chance.
Thanks for your feedback. Glad you had a great time.
Thank you so much .. I agree with ur judgement ❤
I just went to the upper canyon with my husband back in October 2022. My husband is a photographer and I purposely booked this tour and we drove pretty far out of way from Zion/Bryce so he could get some good shots. We were so rushed that he didn’t even have time to get shots he wanted. The tour guide just took our iPhones and took the pictures for us 😂. We do have some cool photos but I would agree it’s not worth the cost- they actually ask you to tip your tour guide after paying all that money too! As they said - plenty of other beautiful sites to see for free or at least much cheaper.
Thanks u saved me a long road trip of disappointment