Upper Antelope Canyon was absolutely beautiful – I’d even argue breathtaking. Like I literally had to remind myself to breathe again because I was too busy staring at the gorgeous canyon walls, mouth agape, which let in a horde of flies causing me to choke on my own spit.
And Rattlesnake Canyon – we added this onto our tour before going to Upper Antelope – was amazing! I liked Rattlesnake Canyon so much more than Antelope. I’ll go more into why below.
It’s a place that’s full of history, and not something you want to rush through. At least for me, I wanted to leisurely enjoy its beauty and really take the time to appreciate it, and what it meant to the Navajo people.
It seemed like everyone from Disneyland was airlifted to Arizona and dropped into this canyon.
And it’s not a very big canyon. It was mayhem, to say the least.
So, if pretty pictures are what you’re after – GO!
But if solitude and contemplating the beautiful canyon walls are what you’re after, you will not get that.
They were a little more expensive, but our guides were amazing, and navigated their way through the canyon and sea of people like a BOSS.
They also knew all the cool photos to get, told us where to stand, and helped us out with any questions.
Because when I showed anyone else the photo, it would look like I had been in this amazing place, in complete solitude, loving every second.
BUT! It is absolutely stunning. So, if I did go back, I would probably go during the off season (mid-October to mid-March), later in the day (our guide said the afternoon tours were usually pretty empty), or go to Lower Antelope. You won’t get those beautiful light beams, but I would’ve enjoyed it so much more! Or, I would just try and find a free one somewhere – it seems like there are plenty in Utah.
And so, that’s my take. It’s a beautiful place, but I would’ve skipped it altogether had I known what it would actually be like.
I’ve heard that Antelope Canyon X is actually a much less crowded option, so that could be something to look into, as well!
Wire Pass Canyon is a little further north in Utah, but also looks like a good option.
Although, again – you don’t get the light beams with Antelope Canyon X, Lower Antelope Canyon, or Wire Pass Canyon. But you will get more solitude! Just depends what you’re after.
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Wow, a very nice trip, nice places and nice photos.
Thanks a lot kelsey for sharing.
John
Thanks, John! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
what time did you go ?
I was there at the end of April last year! 🙂 I thought it was a good time to go – it wasn’t too hot yet!
Thank you for your honesty and candidness. We have been wanting to visit Antelope Canyon for awhile. Now we know when to go to avoid the crowds.
Yes, I wish I had known how crowded it was really going to be before I decided to go! It was beautiful, though, and yes I think you’ll enjoy it more at a different (less-crowded) time of year 😉
THANK YOU for such a candid post. I’m with you – when I visit somewhere I want to appreciate the space and soak it in. That’s hard to do if you feel like you’re in a queue, always having to move along with a crowd. I’ll definitely consider your POV when we travel to the SW next year. Thanks again for sharing.
YES exactly! I love being able to appreciate places for what they are sans crowds. I hope you enjoy the SW – it is such a beautiful place, like nothing else I’ve ever seen!
It seems more and more these places are becoming very popular! It’s almost not worth it to try and fight the crowds. Thanks for mentioning some alternatives and more quiet times to visit.
Yes, totally! And of course, I honestly probably would have tried to go at a different time of year (even if I wouldn’t see the light leaks) had I known.
I have been a few times and it is such a mess! So beautiful but not managed they way it should be!
Yes, I totally agree! I’m at least happy that you have to book a guide – that somewhat helps manage it and gives back to the Navajo people, but at the same time, it’s getting soooo crazy crowded.
Hmmm, I am really torn about visiting those canyons. I mean, I looove cool rock formations, but I am not sure I really want to be in a huge crowd enclosed in small space.
Good for you being honest about your experience. People will see those photos and always want to go…but it is good to be ready to expect the Disney-like madness.
Yes, exactly – honestly, I’m sure you can find another canyon that’s similar without all the crowds. Antelope is just so popular and people love it for the light beams, but Utah/southern AZ is FULL of slot canyons that look almost the same. I just haven’t done a ton of research looking for them, but if I ever go back I’m planning to do that instead!
Wow what a stunning place! Too bad it was so crowded, it makes it so hard to really enjoy what you’re seeing when that happens.
Yes, totally! I know some people don’t mind crowds, but I can’t stand them lol. I should’ve probably known what I was in for visiting such a popular place, but I thought that by visiting on a random Monday in spring it would’ve been ok. Oh well!