Navajo Name: Tse' bighanilini
Elevation: 4,000' at upper Antelope Canyon

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Antelope Canyon is at once one of the most breathtaking and tranquil places on earth.  Gently carved from the Navajo sandstone over the course of countless millenniums, the slot canyons are majestic and narrow passages, just enough space for a small group to walk the sandy floor - and for the occasional shafts of sunlight to shine down from above.

It is really two separate canyons - Upper and Lower Antelope.  Each contains the hidden "slots" carved from the swirling sandstone, and both drain from the south into Lake Powell (once the Colorado River).  The canyons are so narrow in places that one can stretch out his or her arms and touch both sides.

The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks."  Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed.  Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdestwazi, or "spiral rock arches."  Both are located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

Though dry most of the year, Antelope Canyon runs, and sometimes floods, with water after rains.  It is the water, slowly wearing away the sandstone grain by grain, that has formed the beautiful and graceful curves in the rock.  Wind has also played a role in sculpting this fantastic canyon.

You must have an authorized guide to Upper and Lower areas of Antelope Canyon. You can contact one of the outfitters below, to make reservations.

HISTORY
A long time ago, herds of pronghorn antelope roamed freely in Antelope Canyon, which explains the canyon's English name. It is not known exactly when people first discovered Antelope Canyon. According to local Navajos, who have lived here for some time, the canyon and the LeChee area were places where cattle grazed in winter.

To older Navajos, entering a place like Antelope Canyon was like entering a cathedral.  They would probably pause before going in, to be in the right from of mind and prepare the protection and respect.  This would also allow them to leave with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer, and to be in harmony with something greater than themselves.  It was (and is) a spiritual experience.

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GENERAL INFORMATION top of page
Entrance Station Hours (Mountain Standard Time year round)
Summer (March-Oct) 8:00am - 5:00pm

Entrance Station is closed for the winter season (Nov - Feb)
but Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon are both OPEN.

Office Hours (Mountain Standard Time year round)
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

Entry Fees
General Admission - $6.00
Ages 7 or younger - Free

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See Map for Location

Guided Tours

Special Note: ALL ACCESS TO UPPER & LOWER ANTELOPE CANYON WILL BE BY GUIDED TOURS ONLY. Tour fees are extra and not included with general admission fees.

Photography:
2-Hour Limit per day- Upper Antelope Canyon
4-Hour Limit per day - Lower Antelope Canyon

FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES
A permit is required for fishing any lakes or streams, and also for hunting for game on lands under the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation.  Permits, fees and dates can be obtained from the Fish and Wildlife Department.
Navajo Fish & Wildlife Dept.
P.O. Box 1480
Window Rock, Arizona  86515
(928)871-6451

Contact top of page
Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park Office
Effie Yazzie, Park Manager
P.O. Box 4803
Page, AZ  86040
(928) 698-2808 voice  (928) 698-2820 fax
email : ac@navajonationparks.org


Directions to our Office: see Map
The office is located next to the LeChee Chapter House, which is three miles south of Page, Arizona on Coppermine Rd. (Navajo Route 20). Information and permits can be obtained for Water Holes Canyon and the Rainbow Bridge trails.

Please call for summer days and hours. Information and permits can be obtained for Water Holes Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Rainbow Bridge trails. There are two entrance booths with a set fee for both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon.

Antelope Canyon - no camping
Call Chamber of Commerce, 928-645-2741 for more information about camping in Page, Az.
Water Holes Canyon - no camping
Rainbow Bridge trails - overnight camping allowed
14 miles on the north trail
13 miles on the south trail

Overland Canyon Tours & Grand Circle Adventures(listed above): shuttle for hikers coming from Page, Az. to Navajo Mtn. trailhead to hike Rainbow Bridge Trail. Overland Canyon Tours also shuttles an all day trip to Monument Valley Tribal Park. Please contact each company to make reservations.