The Antelope Navajo Under ground cave, ARIZONA, usa.

[Jamesy]

@Surapon - great set and excellent examples of what the M can do!

 

[Cali_PH]

Do we have to apply for permits? If yes, how far ahead of time? I guess you are kind of rushed due to the summer rush and limited time to view these?

You don't have to worry about that, they're included in the tour fees.

If one were to plan both upper and lower canyons, how much time does one require at the minimum? What does the Photography tour offer that others don't?
Thanks again for these awesome images.
Ray

I'd say about 5-7 hours, depending on timing; tours are roughly 2 hours as I recall, although I suppose this may vary from tour group to tour group. I *think* all Upper tours, either from on-site or off-site groups, go at set intervals, so chances are you'll wait at least a little for your tour time. Reserve ahead if you can, or time slots may be filled.

At Lower, the non-photography tours seem to go at set intervals because they need guides to return in order to go back out, but if you pay for a photography tour you can go immediately. They put a paper around your neck with what time you're supposed to be back (guides will check it in the canyon as they pass you) and off you go, no guide. I've had good luck where they just tack on an extra 10-15 minutes to make the return time at a "00" or "30." Years ago they used to just let you pay an extra $20 of you stayed in longer, but they've cracked down since some photographers abused it and caused a problem.

NOTE - The drive between upper and lower is nothing, basically across the street, but as I understand it, most Antelope Canyon tour groups are in town, so they ask you to meet them at their location in Page to be shuttled out. Since most do NOT also do Lower, that means after you're done with Upper, they'll shuttle you back into town to your car, increasing the time to do both on the same day. If you're shopping tour groups, I'd ask them about this, maybe some will meet you at the Upper or Lower parking lots.

Personally, I've always either driven up to the gate and joined the on-site tour group so my car is right there, or joining Carol Bigthumb's group, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours. Her family (or some members) live near Upper, and their meeting/parking location is near there, maybe a mile or two.

 

[Dylan777]

You make me want to drive over there surapon. I'm in CA, driving to Antelope Navajo will take about 8-10hrs :

 

[surapon]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.

As some members requested more details, I take the initiative to share my own experience.

I went to both Lower and Upper Antelope. They are slots canyons more than "caves". They are both different and you must do both if you can.

Lower is narrow, long and requires you to bend over and go down shabby ladders. Colors are more on the pink/orange side.
Upper is more touristy, wider, easy to walk through and shorter. Colors are more on the yellow side.

You can drive yourself to Lower and pay the entrance fee on site, but you cannot drive to Upper. For Upper you need to make a reservation with the Navajo affiliated tour companies. I used Overland Canyon and was pleased with them.

I would not recommend to get the photography tour for Lower if you have a camera that can handle high ISO. A fast lens (though you may need some longer DoF sometimes) with a bumped ISO should do it.
I would recommend to book a photography tour for Upper (i did not - mistake). My previous argument stands for upper - high ISO should do the trick, but there SO MANY people that you will struggle to get a photo without someone in it if you are (and you will be) rushed through the canyon.

Lower: UWA lens highly recommended 14, 17, 16-35 you name it
Upper: the 24-70 is sufficient

Best time to go: May @ 1pm

Thanks, dear friend LOLID .
Thanks for sharing beautiful Pictures and great information.
Have a great work week, Sir.
Surapon

 

[surapon]

Surapon and Lolid,
Thanks again for sharing the tips. Do we have to apply for permits? If yes, how far ahead of time? I guess you are kind of rushed due to the summer rush and limited time to view these? I have some Fatali images on my walls which were taken by a large format camera I think. It's hard to take your eyes off them.
Lolid,
really amazing pictures. I particularly like the fourth from the top.

If one were to plan both upper and lower canyons, how much time does one require at the minimum? What does the Photography tour offer that others don't?
Thanks again for these awesome images.
Ray

Dear ray5.
Each Upper and lower Antelope need 1 day/ each, Because in the peak of summer, A lot of people on lines and there are limited number of group only( at the lower antelope).
We call" Ken Tour of Lower Antelope Cave" the day before to give us the name for reserve.
Yes, $ 16 US Dollars( Plus my $ 20 US Dollars Tip -for great tour Native American Lady) Photography Tour ( for the People who bring the Useless Tripods at Lower Antelope) get the advice from the tour guide to walk to the dark corners to see the difference point of views that we might miss.
Enjoy the trip.
Surapon

 

[surapon]

From having been to both Upper and Lower multiple times in the past 3 years or so, I thought I'd give my input too.

For lower Antelope, I think there are good reasons to use a tripod. Yes, it can slow you down, but I prefer greater DOF and lower ISO's in case I need to play with shadows (if you include the sky in shots looking up, the skies may be blown out, or the canyon walls underexposed). I also tend to bracket in there. The other little difference with the photography tours vs. 'normal' tours is that when I've done it, I've always been allowed to go into the canyon immediately, whether it was just me alone or when I've gone with photographer friends. On the normal tours, you go as a group at intervals. I'm not sure but I'd suspect the group may tend to push you along at times if you're trying to work a certain area, or hold you back if you want to move ahead.

If you have two cameras, bring them in order to avoid/minimize lens changes; it's dusty in there! Keep your head on a swivel and keep looking behind you as you walk through the canyons.

You can drive yourself to Lower and pay the entrance fee on site, but you cannot drive to Upper. For Upper you need to make a reservation with the Navajo affiliated tour companies. I used Overland Canyon and was pleased with them.

Well for clarification, at Upper Antelope you can drive up to the gate to join an on-site tour, as they do run their own 'on site' tours. You'll park your car inside and jump on one of their trucks.

Another thing I haven't seen mentioned yet; Upper Antelope is insanely crowded in the spring/summer when the beams are going. The main differences between the regular and photography tours show up then, as the photography tours do a good job of trying to get groups to the better locations to see the beams, yelling at the non-photography groups and holding them back at times so the photographers can get a shot. I've seen regular groups get rushed through such spots. Of course, some people are rude and will ignore everyone yelling at them so they can take their stupid selfies, but that can't really be helped if the tour guides aren't willing to physically step in. Oh, and the guides will throw dust up in the air so the beams show up better, while joking about killing your cameras...so hopefully your camera is weather sealed; even so, I'd seriously some additional home-made protection, like ziplock bags & rubber bands. I may look silly, but I've heard of lots of people having problems with their cameras after visiting.

I'm not 100% sure about Upper, but I do not believe you can join the photography tours at either canyon without having a tripod. I think I've been checked at both locations every time.

Thousand Thanksss, Dear Cali_PH.
Great Information.
Surapon

 

[surapon]

You make me want to drive over there surapon. I'm in CA, driving to Antelope Navajo will take about 8-10hrs :

Yes, Yes, Yes, Dear Friend Dylan777.
Please go to visit this most beautiful place on this planet, For the photographers like us to open our eyes and use our technique of photography to recorded the real beauty of mother nature creation.
Surapon

 

[surapon]

Another set of Pictures for all of my dear friends, who want to go to visit the most beautiful place in this world.
These photos by Canon , Tiny Point and shoot Camera EOS-M with Tiny Lens 18-55 mm + CIR. PL. FILTER,

 

[surapon]

Another set of Pictures for all of my dear friends, who want to go to visit the most beautiful place in this world.
These photos by Canon , Tiny Point and shoot Camera EOS-M with Tiny Lens 18-55 mm + CIR. PL. FILTER,

 

[surapon]

Another set of Pictures for all of my dear friends, who want to go to visit the most beautiful place in this world.
These photos by Canon , Tiny Point and shoot Camera EOS-M with Tiny Lens 18-55 mm + CIR. PL. FILTER,

 

[surapon]

Another set of Pictures for all of my dear friends, who want to go to visit the most beautiful place in this world.
These photos by Canon , Tiny Point and shoot Camera EOS-M with Tiny Lens 18-55 mm + CIR. PL. FILTER,

 

[Click]

Great pictures Mr Surapon. I agree with you, it's a beautiful place.

 

[surapon]

Great pictures Mr Surapon. I agree with you, it's a beautiful place.

Thankssss, Dear Click my friend.
Sorry, My Photos are just the details of the Cave, Because at that time, I do not have 12 mm and 14 mm Lenses yet, and the views are so tight and narrow.
But Next trip = will be better pictures.
Have a great work week, Sir.
Surapon

 

[ray5]

Do we have to apply for permits? If yes, how far ahead of time? I guess you are kind of rushed due to the summer rush and limited time to view these?

You don't have to worry about that, they're included in the tour fees.

If one were to plan both upper and lower canyons, how much time does one require at the minimum? What does the Photography tour offer that others don't?
Thanks again for these awesome images.
Ray

I'd say about 5-7 hours, depending on timing; tours are roughly 2 hours as I recall, although I suppose this may vary from tour group to tour group. I *think* all Upper tours, either from on-site or off-site groups, go at set intervals, so chances are you'll wait at least a little for your tour time. Reserve ahead if you can, or time slots may be filled.

At Lower, the non-photography tours seem to go at set intervals because they need guides to return in order to go back out, but if you pay for a photography tour you can go immediately. They put a paper around your neck with what time you're supposed to be back (guides will check it in the canyon as they pass you) and off you go, no guide. I've had good luck where they just tack on an extra 10-15 minutes to make the return time at a "00" or "30." Years ago they used to just let you pay an extra $20 of you stayed in longer, but they've cracked down since some photographers abused it and caused a problem.

NOTE - The drive between upper and lower is nothing, basically across the street, but as I understand it, most Antelope Canyon tour groups are in town, so they ask you to meet them at their location in Page to be shuttled out. Since most do NOT also do Lower, that means after you're done with Upper, they'll shuttle you back into town to your car, increasing the time to do both on the same day. If you're shopping tour groups, I'd ask them about this, maybe some will meet you at the Upper or Lower parking lots.

Personally, I've always either driven up to the gate and joined the on-site tour group so my car is right there, or joining Carol Bigthumb's group, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours. Her family (or some members) live near Upper, and their meeting/parking location is near there, maybe a mile or two.

Thanks a lot for the information. I checked their website and seems they do not have tours of the Lower canyon. Only upper and a few other canyons. The on site tours, any website for them? I am guessing they too have photography tours?
Ray

 

[ray5]

Another set of Pictures for all of my dear friends, who want to go to visit the most beautiful place in this world.
These photos by Canon , Tiny Point and shoot Camera EOS-M with Tiny Lens 18-55 mm + CIR. PL. FILTER,

I do not have any words left to describe these! Mesmerizing and magnetic!

 

[surapon]

Do we have to apply for permits? If yes, how far ahead of time? I guess you are kind of rushed due to the summer rush and limited time to view these?

You don't have to worry about that, they're included in the tour fees.

If one were to plan both upper and lower canyons, how much time does one require at the minimum? What does the Photography tour offer that others don't?
Thanks again for these awesome images.
Ray

I'd say about 5-7 hours, depending on timing; tours are roughly 2 hours as I recall, although I suppose this may vary from tour group to tour group. I *think* all Upper tours, either from on-site or off-site groups, go at set intervals, so chances are you'll wait at least a little for your tour time. Reserve ahead if you can, or time slots may be filled.

At Lower, the non-photography tours seem to go at set intervals because they need guides to return in order to go back out, but if you pay for a photography tour you can go immediately. They put a paper around your neck with what time you're supposed to be back (guides will check it in the canyon as they pass you) and off you go, no guide. I've had good luck where they just tack on an extra 10-15 minutes to make the return time at a "00" or "30." Years ago they used to just let you pay an extra $20 of you stayed in longer, but they've cracked down since some photographers abused it and caused a problem.

NOTE - The drive between upper and lower is nothing, basically across the street, but as I understand it, most Antelope Canyon tour groups are in town, so they ask you to meet them at their location in Page to be shuttled out. Since most do NOT also do Lower, that means after you're done with Upper, they'll shuttle you back into town to your car, increasing the time to do both on the same day. If you're shopping tour groups, I'd ask them about this, maybe some will meet you at the Upper or Lower parking lots.

Personally, I've always either driven up to the gate and joined the on-site tour group so my car is right there, or joining Carol Bigthumb's group, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours. Her family (or some members) live near Upper, and their meeting/parking location is near there, maybe a mile or two.

Thanks a lot for the information. I checked their website and seems they do not have tours of the Lower canyon. Only upper and a few other canyons. The on site tours, any website for them? I am guessing they too have photography tours?
Ray

Dear Ray

http://www.lowerantelope.com/

Surapon

 

[ray5]

Do we have to apply for permits? If yes, how far ahead of time? I guess you are kind of rushed due to the summer rush and limited time to view these?

You don't have to worry about that, they're included in the tour fees.

If one were to plan both upper and lower canyons, how much time does one require at the minimum? What does the Photography tour offer that others don't?
Thanks again for these awesome images.
Ray

I'd say about 5-7 hours, depending on timing; tours are roughly 2 hours as I recall, although I suppose this may vary from tour group to tour group. I *think* all Upper tours, either from on-site or off-site groups, go at set intervals, so chances are you'll wait at least a little for your tour time. Reserve ahead if you can, or time slots may be filled.

At Lower, the non-photography tours seem to go at set intervals because they need guides to return in order to go back out, but if you pay for a photography tour you can go immediately. They put a paper around your neck with what time you're supposed to be back (guides will check it in the canyon as they pass you) and off you go, no guide. I've had good luck where they just tack on an extra 10-15 minutes to make the return time at a "00" or "30." Years ago they used to just let you pay an extra $20 of you stayed in longer, but they've cracked down since some photographers abused it and caused a problem.

NOTE - The drive between upper and lower is nothing, basically across the street, but as I understand it, most Antelope Canyon tour groups are in town, so they ask you to meet them at their location in Page to be shuttled out. Since most do NOT also do Lower, that means after you're done with Upper, they'll shuttle you back into town to your car, increasing the time to do both on the same day. If you're shopping tour groups, I'd ask them about this, maybe some will meet you at the Upper or Lower parking lots.

Personally, I've always either driven up to the gate and joined the on-site tour group so my car is right there, or joining Carol Bigthumb's group, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours. Her family (or some members) live near Upper, and their meeting/parking location is near there, maybe a mile or two.

Thanks a lot for the information. I checked their website and seems they do not have tours of the Lower canyon. Only upper and a few other canyons. The on site tours, any website for them? I am guessing they too have photography tours?
Ray

Dear Ray

http://www.lowerantelope.com/

Surapon

Thanks. Did you also see the Horseshoe Bend? Which is the closest airport?

 

[Phenix205]

The color tone seems to vary quite a bit in the photos I've seen for this place. I've never been there so I don't know what it looks like in real world. Is it because of the time when the photos were taken or due to post processing techniques?

 

[sanjosedave]

Surapon,

Thank you for sharing your photos, and your positive contributions to the forum. Antelope Canyons are on my bucket list.

 

[lightthief]

Hello Surapon,

great pictures! Thanks for remembering me how great it was (2011). It is funny, there are so many stones but almost everybody take a picture of this one:

I called it Optimus Prime Silhuette, because it remembered me at this :

I think, the best time to visit the Upper Antelope is 11 am+, the Lower was great early morning 9 am. We were alone and could use our tripods to see the purple and orange colors.

About the Horseshoe Bend: It is 10 min. away from page, and anather 15 min. by foot from the parking place.

We enjoyed Page for three days and i think, one day more is better, especially when you want to try the "Coyote Butts NP lottery". If you want to try it, think about the different time zones

Lightthief