Upper Antelope Canyon prices

Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks

Yep! They charge whatever prices they want, and they're insane. But like us tourists (me included), we pay up, so why would they lower their rates!

Otherwise, the two are quite different. Lower is a bit more intimate, more winding, so you feel less of the group in front and the one behind you. Upper is more grandiose and offers an easier walk. However, you get there after about ten minutes in a pick-up truck (same on the way back). It’s bumpy—don’t do it if you have back problems. Plus, this time, you really feel the presence of the groups ahead and behind.

From my humble point of view, I’d say yes, it’s worth doing despite the price, and: - Lower is more about the emotion - Upper is more about the beauty.

Don’t hesitate to add a boat ride on Lake Powell—it’s also worth the trip. But that’s even more $$$$$!

+ the paid parking (from what I recall)...

Hi there,

There are plenty of other great slots to explore in the area: - Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulch in Grand Staircase, - Willis Creek, - Zebra Canyon, - Buckskin Gulch.

They’re stunning and not as crowded as Antelope, which is super touristy. And the only cost is the sweat from the hike to get there (sometimes long for Spooky Gulch and Peek-A-Boo, but they’re the two most beautiful).

Jean-Jacques

+ the paid parking (from memory)...

We went there this summer and I don’t remember it. Also, there’s the Navajo tax to pay, but it’s automatically added when you pay for the reservation.

However, Horseshoe Bend is now paid entry. Is my memory failing me, or are you mixing it up?

Hey Caussat, You got me doubting myself. So I just checked my notes from 2015! (Wow, time flies!) Turns out it wasn’t the parking that was paid, but the entry onto Navajo territory. $8 back then to add to the cost of the visit. But what blows my mind is that I just realized that in 2015, the Lower visit was $28! Good luck prepping for Canales.

thanks for your feedback.

Hi Isabelle, The price you mentioned is for what’s called the "photographer’s tour"—a small group with a guide who points out the best angles and, most importantly, keeps the large, very intrusive, and disrespectful groups (like some Chinese tour groups) from crashing your photo group. So there’s a "basic" tour for around $70. Best regards,

The price you mentioned is for what’s called the "photographer’s tour"

Uh... not really! This summer for 2 people on "classic" tours, tickets bought in February, Navajo tax of $8 included: - Lower AC: $146 (8:15 AM tour) - Upper AC: $303 (this was a slightly pricier tour since it was late morning—11:15 AM. But not the photo tour. From what I recall, it was about $15 cheaper for the other tours).

@Canales: If you decide to go, book fast!

Hi. It surprises me because this tour no longer exists, I think.

The prices have become insane! ... 😐 I wouldn’t go back at those prices—no way

Hi there,

Yeah, prices have skyrocketed—it’s the price of fame.

Plus, it’s one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the West (way better than the ones mentioned above), and most tourists only go once...

Personally, I much prefer the Lower.

For the same price, I’d rather go with an outfitter (like Dodson or another) for a day around White Pocket. In my humble opinion, the value for money is way better. I’ve done it solo too, but it takes some prep.

Best,

Fabrice

We're going to the Lower Antelope in July, which is cheaper than the Upper. The advertised price is $55, but the total with all the different fees comes to $80, and there are four of us... It’s definitely a price I find outrageous, but hey, it’s our first time in the West and we’re doing it as a family, so we caved...

First time for us in the West and with the family, so we caved...

And you're right! I usually try to be a "vigilant" consumer and would rather skip something than pay too much for it. But this is one of the two must-sees (for me, the other being Monument Valley), so oh well...

Hi

Yeah, the price is crazy, but the Upper is worth it. Pick the right time (noon in summer) to catch the sunbeam effect.

Then it's one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the West (much better than the ones mentioned above) and most tourists only go once...

Well, to each their own...

For Antelope Canyon, a few years ago a great tip was to go up its mouth from Lake Powell by renting a canoe at the marina, then continue on foot to the privatized part of Lower Canyon—without entering, of course—but still getting a nice view. With the lake level fluctuations lately, I’m not sure if that’s still doable?

Hi Caussat, You got me doubting myself. So I just checked my notes from 2015! (Wow, time flies!) Actually, it wasn’t the parking that was paid, but the entry onto Navajo land. $8 back then to add to the tour price. But what blows my mind is that I just realized that in 2015, the Lower Canyon tour was $28! Good luck with your prep, Canales.

I went in 2007 and paid... $0. We’re planning to go back in 2028, but at these exorbitant prices, we’ll sadly skip Antelope Canyon...