With Kids
**UPDATE: Since the pandemic, the route through the canyon has been changed, and it ends in stairs to exit. At this point (June, 2022), there is no accessible way through either upper or lower canyon. I’m hoping this changes, and will update if it does!**
Breathtaking hues of red canvas the southwest of the U.S., beckoning us in for a closer look. There is no better place to respond to this call to closeness than in Antelope Canyon. This is where all those Instagram photos that make you catch your breath were taken. The towering 100 ft high Navajo sandstone walls capture the narrow slits of sunlight to guide you through the winding path. This is where Arizonians call the most beautiful part of the state.
Here’s everything you need to know to make this bucket list trip a reality. As always, all tips are family friendly and wheelchair accessible!
Upper vs. Lower Canyon
The lower canyon is entered by ladder, requires shimmying through small crevices, and most groups don’t allow children… easy decision for us! It’s skinny at the bottom and wider at the top. The upper canyon is wider at the bottom and skinny at the top, which makes it easier to navigate. If you’re feeling it, and not limited by mobility, age, or funds, you could also do both!
Getting There
Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona, less than two hours northeast of the Grand Canyon. It’s a nice add-on if you’re headed to the Grand Canyon area, or it’s a worthwhile trip all on its own.
Tours are required
The canyons are on Navajo land and the only access is through private tours. You can find several tours online, and even more options once you’re on-site. That being said, most tour companies require children be at least six years old and only a few companies claim to be wheelchair accessible. Navajo Tours was the only place that we found that would accept all three of our children and a wheelchair, so we went with them. Adults are $60 and children are $30 – this seems to be pretty standard across companies.
Book in advance
Way in advance. This was the first thing we booked once we had confirmed travel dates. These tours are popular and they fill up fast. I booked about five months out and there were only two available tour times left in the three-day window we had to book. They do accept walk-ins, but I wouldn’t bet my trip on it. We toured with a couple who had tried the year prior and there were no walk-ins accepted that day. They had been told to try back in four months!
Once you’re there
Arrive early
Your reservation confirmation will say arrive 60 minutes early to hold your reservation. There is no flexibility in this. Arrive 65 minutes early or there’s a possibility you won’t be going on a tour. We arrived 55 minutes before our tour and they’d already announced last call. We only made it in because there were exactly five spaces left. A couple came immediately after us, 54 minutes before the tour, and they didn’t get to go. Yikes!
Accessibility
The upper canyon is “wheelchair accessible,” but call before you go. Wheelchairs may not be permitted on exceptionally busy dates since it’s hard to fit the crowds through the canyon. Also, let’s talk about what accessibility actually looks like for a slot canyon tour. The upper canyon is wide enough to fit a standard wheelchair through it’s 1/4 mile length.
That being said, the ground is sand. When we went, it had recently rained and the sand was perfectly packed for easy wheel travel. I’ve also seen pictures of it being quite loose and fluffy – think that beach stuff that’s impossible to get through. In the past, standard wheelchair users have had friends pull them backwards through the tour. So, it’s possible at all times, but not easy. It does help that the tour is very slow-paced. We spent 45 minutes walking that 1/4 mile. No backpacks or carriers of any type are allowed in the Canyon. So, even though I had my freeloader to help my son get through, I couldn’t use it.
In order to get to the canyon, you’ll load into an elevated truck. There is a wheelchair loading area and there are people to assist you and stow your chair… again, always possible, but not always easy.
Be Prepared
Since you need to be an hour early, make sure you bring snacks and activities to occupy the kids while you wait for your tour. It’s also a good idea to hydrate while you wait, since you can’t bring bags on the tour. Obviously, clear water bottles are allowed, but it’s a hassle to carry things when you always end up carrying a child.
Dress with appropriate layers for the weather – going back to the idea of no bags allowed.
Keep in mind that while this tour group allows kids of all ages to explore, they don’t allow you to bring anything to put them in. If you’re taking a baby or young toddler, be prepared to hold them for an hour.
Have A Blast!
This was my favorite part of our southwest trip. I can’t say it’s more beautiful than the Grand Canyon, but it is more up close and personal. Traveling with children, we also rarely get to slow down and just enjoy a site. The tour was slow enough that we could stand and gape… and the kids did the same! It was also nice that we could stare without worrying about a kid falling off of a cliff. Our guide was really helpful with not only the history of the caves, but also with setting our cameras up for nice photos in the dark caves and answering any questions on the wonders of the area. I highly suggest you not let anything hold you back from taking this tour.
If I missed anything, or you have any questions, feel free to hit that contact button!
