Antelope Valley Tours

We did the lower, self guided tour. It was spectacular! Can't imagine the 'Photographers' tour can be that much better considering you don't have to stand around while ALOT of 'so-called' photographers take endless pics. Wear something to protect your face and back of the neck & camera. There is always very fine sand dust falling & blowing everywhere. You'll need a good bath before getting in the car going home.

azdryheat...That was Upper.

vermilye...Love your pic!

Upper you enter at canyon floor level. Lower you descend the stairs into the crack in the earth.

Both are equally beautiful. Both are similar, just different shapes, shadows and lighting. For the famous sunbeam shots, go to Upper at mid-day when sun is high.

Don't fret about the choice. You will be awestruck with either one.

I've done the upper canyon twice & the lower once, all as photo tours. The upper canyon has a flat, sand floor, easy to hike, but usually very crowded - there are multiple touring companies all doing tours at the same time. As others mentioned, the photo tours are best, at least for photographers. The guides know when to be at different locations for the best light, and they will hold up the other tours to let you take photos (within reason!)

The lower canyon is more rugged with built in staircases/ladders in several locations. Far less crowded, particularly if you go early in the morning. I didn't find the lighting as interesting as it was at the upper canyon. When I was there there were no guides - you paid & they turned you loose for a couple of hours.

I have a page on my website with lots of photos and information that might be helpful: Antelope Canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon

You should change the title to Antelope Canyon from Antelope Valley. The latter is 300+ miles West. Also did the canyon tour. Had no idea there was an upper and lower. We just drove out of Page and did the tour with a guide. Ours was in the afternoon when the sun was still high and did the whole dust in the air to show the sun beam thing. Got some great pix.

We did the upper, with guide from town, light into canyon is the thing to watch for, sun directly over head. They have been doing it a long time and are better than self guided. Also liked Canyon X, different colors there.

We did one of those tours but don't remember if it was upper or lower but it was terrific. Wear a kidney belt for the bouncy ride to the site.

Get the photographer tour from the Chief, costs a few bucks more but well worth it as you get better photo ops and the right place at the right time.....