Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park

Navajo Name of Upper Antelope Canyon: Tse’bighanilini

Entry Fee: $8 per person, per entry. (Additional Fees may apply.)

Summer Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Elevation: 4,199 feet above sea level

GPS Location:  36.89755, -111.36576

Backcountry Permit: $15 per person, per night. You can purchase from the Lake Powell Visitor Center, Please sign in/out prior to hiking. Navajo Parks and Recreation is not liable for any damages or injuries. 

Lake Powell Closures

We are Closed during all major Holidays in accordance with the Navajo Nation.

• Thanksgiving Day
• NN Family Day (Day after Thanksgiving)
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day

Upper Antelope Canyon

The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse’bighanilini, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 660 feet above the streambed. This canyon has a little more room to walk as it’s formed like an “A” as the bottom is wider, easier to maneuver through the canyon walls. Located within the Le Chee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.

Lower Antelope Canyon

The Navajo name for Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdez twazi’, which means “the spiral role arches.” Lower Antelope Canyon is about  3, 704 feet in elevation and the canyon walls are about  120 above the streambed. This canyon is more narrow to walk through, as it’s shaped like a “V”,  so if you are claustrophobic this area is not for you. It goes into the slot canyon and have to maneuver thru closely on stairs, which is harder to walk through. This area is also located within the Le Chee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, near Page, Arizona.

Tour guides are mandatory in Antelope Canyon. Please make arrangements for a tour to visit Upper/Lower Antelope Canyon with one our Guided Tours that we work with that are located near the canyon. Our local operators have the history and knowledge of the canyon.

As of May 1, 2011, there is a two-hour limit inside Upper Antelope Canyon.

Upper Part of East Waterholes

The upper part of East Waterholes is accessible by guided tours only. Please make reservations with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours listed under the Guided Tours page.

Lower Part of East Waterholes

The lower part of East Waterholes requires a Backcountry Permit to access this area, which is located just off Highway 89 at milepost 542.

Rainbow Bridge Trail

Known as the world’s highest natural bridge, Rainbow Bridge spans about 275 feet long, and is 42 feet thick and 33 feet wide. To the Navajo people, hold this place to be a very sacred and religious place.  While here they ask that you follow all protocol and respect the natural habitat and natural surroundings. A Backcountry Hiking Permit is necessary to access this area and all areas of the Navajo Tribal Parks. All areas follow the Navajo Nation Laws and Navajo Nation Parks and Recreations Rules and Regulations are highly enforced in this area.

Antelope Canyon X

Antelope Canyon X is located at the most southeastern part of Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon X is comprised of two slot canyons with a short walk in-between.

Tour Guides are Mandatory. Hiking and Photography Tours are available upon request or email to book. Please make reservations with Taadidiin Tours listed under the Guided Tours tab on the main page. We are not accepting any Photo/Film Applications during the Pandemic. Please be cognizant while traveling the Navajo Nation.

Cardiac Canyon 

Cardiac Canyon is the most southern slot canyon in Antelope Canyon. Cardiac Canyon is approximately 2,600 ft. in length with canyon walls as high as 350 ft. The Cardiac Canyon hike is strenuous and is for Advanced to Intermediate Hikers. We ask that all hikers have a Backcountry Permit before departing. Also, fill out all information pertaining to your hike. Including, phone number and frequency that you may be on while on your hike.

Tour Guides are Mandatory. Hiking and Photography Tours are available upon request or email to book. Please make reservations with Taadidiin Tours listed under the Guided Tours tab on the main page.

Navajo Nation Laws will be enforced while on tribal land. (Title 19 NN Code).

History

A long time ago, herds of pronghorn antelope roamed freely in Antelope Canyon, which explains the canyon’s English name. It is not known exactly when people first discovered Antelope Canyon. According to local Navajos, who have lived here for some time, the canyon and the LeChee area were places where cattle grazed in winter.

To older Navajos, entering a place like Antelope Canyon was like entering a cathedral. They would probably pause before going in, to be in the right frame of mind and prepare for protection and respect. This would also allow them to leave with an uplifted feeling of what Mother Nature has to offer, and to be in harmony with something greater than themselves. It was, and is, a spiritual experience.

Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park manages the following areas:

• Upper Antelope Canyon
• Lower Antelope Canyon
• Upper Part of East Waterholes
• Lower Part of East Waterholes
• Rainbow Bridge Trail