Lower Antelope Canyon/Monument Valley

[JKJenn]

I am getting ready to go out west and I have a couple of last minute photography questions. first, my understanding has been that Lower Antelope Canyon does not require a guided tour, you simply pay and go in. Second, do I need a special permit for photography at either Lower Antelope or Monument Valley? I am not planning on shooting too much beyond the classic Mittens shots and and some from the toll road in Monument Valley and my plans for Lower Antelope Canyon won't be firm until that day and we see how we are doing for time.

I plan on coming back at some point and spending time in the 4 corners to give it the attention it deserves, but it won't be this trip.

 

[Tucson T4R]

The lower Antelope Canyon will sell you a photo pass as long as you have a tripod with you. Then Guide will take you into the canyon but you can stay as long as like and the guide just pops back to check on you from time time.

The Upper Antelope Canyon sells a photo pass but it is at specific time to get the light beams coming into the canyon and is a crowded tour that rushes from one spot to the next and then lines everyone up for a minute or two of shooting at each location. The shots can be worth it but you are definitely not on your own.

I love both the upper and lower Antelope canyons. Good luck with your shooting.

One from the upper photo tour:

 

[JKJenn]

The lower Antelope Canyon will sell you a photo pass as long as you have a tripod with you. Then Guide will take you into the canyon but you can stay as long as like and the guide just pops back to check on you from time time.

The Upper Antelope Canyon sells a photo pass but it is at specific time to get the light beams coming into the canyon and is a crowded tour that rushes from one spot to the next and then lines everyone up for a minute or two of shooting at each location. The shots can be worth it but you are definitely not on your own.

I love both the upper and lower Antelope canyons. Good luck with your shooting.

One from the upper photo tour:

Thanks, Brad. that was how I understood it, but the website was a little confusing to me.

I am likely going to focus on the lower canyon this time and try to hit the upper canyon and do a Jackson Bridges tour on a future visit to the upper canyon, and Canyon X.

Beautiful shot, by the way!

 

[Tucson T4R]

Thanks, Happy shooting, they are both loaded with opportunities that shift and evolve with the changing light. Well worth the time to visit.

 

[photoman]

Thanks, Brad. that was how I understood it, but the website was a little confusing to me.

I am likely going to focus on the lower canyon this time and try to hit the upper canyon and do a Jackson Bridges tour on a future visit to the upper canyon, and Canyon X.

Beautiful shot, by the way!

I can vouch for both Jackson and his business partner Charlie. They provide a great tour. I've done Upper Antelope 3x and Canyon X with them. Canyon X is actually three small sections of a slot and while I did get some shots there it wasn't all that great. You are paying for exclusivity more than anything. Only 6 people per day visit there versus the cattle call that is Upper Antelope Canyon.

If you are in the Page area there are other slots that you can get into for free plus areas like the Toadstools, Wahweap Hoodoos, Stud Horse Point, Alstrom Point, the Wave, and many more. Jackson and Charlie can provide you with information and would even take you out to some of these sites or others.

I have yet to shoot in Monument Valley -though it is on my list.