Upper Antelope Canyon

Location: Page, AZ

Distance: 1/2 mile

Kid Friendly: Yes!

Family time is hard to get when life is so busy! We decided to get out of town and enjoy the longer weekend.  I am so glad we did because we created so many memories.  One being Upper Antelope Canyon.  What an amazing canyon!  It is amazing what water can do in carving rocks.  This canyon is every bit as beautiful as in the pictures. 

To visit Antelope Canyon you must be with a tour guide as the canyon is on the Navajo Nation. The canyon is divided into two parts Upper and Lower. We visited the Upper but I would love to do the Lower someday.  We booked our tour through Navajo Tours and were very happy with our tour and guide. 

The cost was $40 for adults and $20 for children with an $8 cash fee per person for the Navajo Parks Fee.  This seemed to be mid range price for the tours - some more expensive some cheaper.  I did get my reservations a few months ahead of time but you can show up the day of if they have openings. I would recommend reservations.  You do not have to pay until you take the tour. 

We drove up to Page the night before and stayed in a hotel.  Our tour time was at 10am but they asked us to be there an hour before to check in.  It was a 5 minute drive from our hotel to the tour check-in.  I did learn that the earlier morning tours and off season is less busy.  We happened to be there for both.  Spring and Summer are peak seasons because of the lighting in the canyon. We were the first to check in for our tour time so we got the first truck that left to the 5 minute drive to the canyon. 

I wish I had a picture of the 15 passenger van that was lifted and had huge off road tires.  This was our vehicle and our tour guides name was Jazz.  She was a great tour guide.  Interesting for the younger kids, had great photo tips for us and our older kids, and was very knowledgeable about the Canyon.  She didn't need to entertain though because the Canyon was amazing enough to keep our attention.

With it being off season and we were the first in the canyon we did get to be alone in the canyon a few times.  On our way out it was pretty busy.  The total hike through the canyon is only a 1/2 mile.  It is a very easy hike, no climbing, and would work for most people.  I believe the Lower has a little climbing.