Lower Antelope Canyon, called Hazdistazí, or ‘spiral rock arches’ by the Navajo, is located several miles from Upper Antelope Canyon. Prior to the installation of metal stairways, visiting the canyon required climbing pre-installed ladders in certain areas.
Even following the installation of stairways, it is a more difficult hike than Upper Antelope. It is longer, narrower in places, and even footing is not available in all areas. Five flights of stairs of varying widths are currently available to aid in descent and ascent. At the end, the climb out requires flights of stairs. Additionally, sand continually falls from the crack above and can make the stairs slippery.
Despite these limitations, Lower Antelope Canyon draws a considerable number of photographers, though casual sightseers are much less common than in the Upper canyon. Photography-only tours are available around midday when light is at its peak. Photographers cannot bring a tripod.
The lower canyon is in the shape of a “V” and shallower than the Upper Antelope. Lighting is better in the early hours and late morning.
Lower Antelope Canyon is one the most exquisitely photographed attractions in the Page Lake Powell area. Many visitors prefer the Lower Antelope Canyon to the Upper because it is less crowded, has light throughout, is longer, and offers great variety. Visitors get the experience narrow slots a ladder access into some of the sandstone craved shoots a hole formed by the force of runoff into the Antelope Wash from the mesas above.
