Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon?
 

Hi all,

I will be visiting the Antelope Canyons in early January and will be taking the 3:30pm tour. I only have time to choose one (upper or lower) and can't decide between the two. They are both the same price ($50) and seem pretty similar. I have no issues with mobility/ladders/etc so that wouldn't be a concern with the Lower Canyon.

For those that have done both, what do you prefer? Many people saw Lower is cheaper but that's not the case in January. Others say Lower is less crowded but I'm not sure that is as big an issue in the Winter months. Some say Upper is worth it for the beams of light but I won't be able to see those regardless. So I'm at a complete loss. Please help!

Thank you!

We just did the Lower early July with KenTours. While we haven’t done the Upper, my understanding is that the Upper is a darker than the Lower Canyon. That’s why it’s more appealing to the photographers, but it requires better equipment and a tripod (which are only allowed on special Photographer’s Tour). Our tour guide helped everyone to set up the camera or a phone to get the best results based on current condition. I’d advise you to research it more if you’re into the photography.

PS. Watch the "Time Zone" there, some cell phones may pick a Utah Tower with a different time zone then local, you don't want to miss the tour based on that.
Photos taken with Galaxy Note 8

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...965cd9c14e.jpg



https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c96a43c3d1.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a751884672.jpg

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your response! Those are great pictures, what time in the day did you go?

Thank you.

9 AM local Arizona time (same as US Pacific Daylight time). We went there July 3rd.

Even in January, there will be more crowd in Upper. They are both slot canyons, it doesn't take many people to become crowded. Since ladders would no be an issue, Lower is the better option. Time will be the same whether your phone is drawing from UT cell tower or AZ because you are not subject to daylight savings time in January.

I have done upper--very crowded. Have always heard lower is less crowded. So that is what I would choose in your case.

Thank you all! I'm now leaning towards Lower Antelope canyons. The main thing I was worried about was sunlight. Hopefully things will be ok at the 3:30pm timeframe (or at least not worse than the upper canyons).

Sunlight?
Best is when sun is directly overhead - Summer solstice about 20 June
The worst is winter solstice which is about 20 December
Don't expect very much light in Jan

Vaga

That is important if you want to see the light beams or visiting the Upper. Even in summer there's a specific time frame for those.

Light beams should not even be considered. They are only in Upper and only around late morning to midday. The latest I have been in Lower is around 3 at the beginning of April and lighting was fine with a good camera and tripod. I would be surprised if they would be running tours if the lighting wasn't ok for viewing. Sure, it would be better to go earlier but it doesn't sound like you have that option. This is not an experience you want to miss.

Some views of upper mid afternoon in September:
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a2d00e7b8.jpeg

This might give you an idea of the size of upper Antelope Canyon where you first enter.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...24d7b8808.jpeg

This was taken farther into the canyon. The time and date on my camera are wrong, but I know it was in the fall and in the afternoon after we had done the smooth water raft trip and had lunch.