Getting our Cameras Dusty in Antelope Canyon

We’d visited Antelope Canyon a few years back, and decided that a return visit was in order with our newer cameras. If you’ve never heard of Antelope Canyon, you’ve likely seen photos of it.

We stayed at the Best Western, which isn’t the cheapest option but it is as good as it gets in Page. It happened to be the Fourth of July when we were there, and the parking lot had a great view of the fireworks.

There are lots of tour operators in Page that go out to Antelope Canyon. There are a few different canyons, but all activity starts from Upper Antelope canyon, which is about 6 miles outside of Page, between mile 299 & 300. This is where we found Adventurous Antelope Canyon tours, and met Lionel Bigthumb. We booked a full day photography tour, which included the Upper and Lower canyons, as well as visits to Rattlesnake and Owl canyons. Most importantly, this put us in Upper Antelope at the right time for the beams, gave us permission to use tripods, and included some degree of crowd control. Unless you want photos like this, go on a dedicated photography tour.

Lionel shoots Nikon, and gave us loads of tips throughout the day.

And a few photos for context (getting into and walking through the canyons)

The following day, we went on a boat trip on the Colorado River, and explored Horseshoe Bend.

On our last night, we did a night tour of Upper Antelope with Lionel. This turned out to be a highlight of the trip, as we got some great photo tips from Lionel and some great photos as well. Being in the canyon at night is an ENTIRELY different, crowd free experience.