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Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Interview with Brittany Rizzuto on Hiking Antelope Canyon
Brittany Rizzuto (@miss_rizzo on Instagram) is not a stranger to Experiences You Should Have Podcast. She joined us for the Hiking to Havasupai Falls episode and came back to share her experience about hiking Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Rizzo is a female solo traveler, who’s been to 60 countries and on a mission to capture the earth’s beauty and inspire others to do the same. Check out her site, theadventurequeen.com to follow her travels!
What is Antelope Canyon and How Do You Get There?
Antelope Canyon a slot canyon, in northern Arizona. It’s separated into two parts, lower and upper. Its name means the place where water runs through the rocks. This amazing “crack in the ground” is something you wouldn’t notice until you’re right on it. Inside, amazing swirls of canyon envelope you with bits of blue sky peeking in. If you go at the right time you can see awe-inspiring sunbeams shine down onto the majestic rock landscape.
Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land in Northern Arizona, and not far from Utah’s southern border.
Visiting Antelope Canyon and Covid-19
Antelope Canyon is closed for the rest of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That said, now’s the time to think about future travel and plan a bucket list experience for one day. Visit the Antelope Canyon site for future Covid closure updates. You can currently join a waitlist to hike Antelope Canyon, so have a spot when it does open back up.
A Tale of Two Canyons (Upper & Lower)
Antelope Canyon is divided into two different canyons, Upper and Lower and they offer very different experiences. Tour companies offer separate tours for these canyons, so make sure you know which one you want to experience. Let’s compare Upper Canyon Vs. the Lower Canyon:
Upper Antelope Canyon
- Shorter (1.5 hours)
- Higher Chance of Seeing ‘Beam of Light’
- Typically more crowded
- Higher Cost than Lower ($50-$200)
- Accessible to Physically Limited Travellers
Lower Antelope Canyon
- Longer Hike (2.5 hours)
- Claustrophobic
- Tight Curves and Twists
- No Sunbeams
- Cheaper ($50-$90)
- More Adventurous
- Fewer Crowds
- Easier to Take Photos
- Need to be Reasonably Fit (able to climb down a ladder)
- Not Accessible
When is the Best Time to Hike Antelope Canyon?
There are significantly fewer crowds in the winter and the prices are lowered during the off season. The best time to see the light beams in the upper canyon is Mid-March and Mid-October.
Booking a Tour
You will need to book through a tour company like Ken’s Tours or book a local Navajo Guide to hike Antelope Canyon.
What Should You Bring to Hike Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
- Sturdy Shoes
- Hat
- Water
- Camera
- Sense of Adventure
Where Should You Visit After Antelope Canyon?
Horseshoe Bend is only 10 miles away from Antelope Canyon (about 45 minute drive time), and shouldn’t be missed. Make sure you grab some local Navajo Fry Bread and tacos on the way!
