You’ve probably seen the jaw-dropping photos of Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona and daydreamed about seeing those beautiful views in person. Well, let me be the first to tell you, Antelope Canyon is as beautiful as the photos you’ve seen and then some. And since returning home, I am looking back and realizing just how unprepared for the Canyon I actually was and wanted to share a few tips for a first timer to Antelope Canyon and Page, Arizona.

1. The Timezone in Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is located in Page, Arizona right at the northern border of Arizona and Utah. When we checked into our hotel, the receptionist was sure to tell us that cell phones tend to jump between time zones so if we had to be somewhere by a certain time tomorrow, it was best to either set the alarm on our room clock or have the hotel arrange a wake up call.

Doesn’t that sound crazy? I thought I had misheard her. But sure enough. Our cell phones jumped between time zones, give or take one hour, several times during our short stay in the area. You will want to keep this in mind when visiting.

2. Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon

My family and I decided to visit Lower Antelope Canyon for a few reasons. The trek down into the Canyon seemed like it would be a little easier on us and my parents who were traveling with us. And the photos of the lower canyon most reminded me of why I was inspired to visit Antelope Canyon in the first place. Luckily for us, we were able to get a last minute tour into Lower Antelope the morning of, otherwise we would have had to visit the Upper Canyon.

Speaking of tours, that leads me to my third and probably most important tip for visiting Antelope Canyon.

3. Tour Guides in Antelope Canyon

You cannot visit the canyon without a tour guide or tour company. Before the morning of our tour, I had done minimal to zero research on what we would need to do to see the canyon. My tourist’s arrogance (a real thing) led me to believe that you could just walk around like you can at the Grand Canyon.

Wrong.

Because Antelope Canyon is a part of Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, a tour guide is required when entering the canyon. We went with Ken’s Tours and our guide was fantastic. He took family photos of us and showed us several angles to take great photos. I highly recommend Ken’s Tours if you would like to visit Lower Antelope Canyon.

4. Temperature in Antelope Canyon

We encountered a pretty intense wind and sand storm when we first arrived at the tour location. We were worried about the sand and dirt getting into all of our eyes but especially into my son’s mouth so we purchased bandanas to cover our faces. Luckily, the wind doesn’t bother you too much once you get down into the canyon.

The temperature, however, does drop between 5 and 10 degrees once you get to the canyon floor. Depending on the time of year, it can be nice to escape the Arizona sun but when we went in early April I found myself a little cold since I had dressed for a warm day. Jeans are never a bad idea and a light jacket that you can wrap around your waist when you’re not using it should be enough to stay warm, if needed.

5. Best Photos in Lower Antelope Canyon

As much as I love to snap photos of my family and beautiful scenery, I’m not (yet) a pro and my eye misses things all the time. Blessedly, our tour guide in Lower Antelope Canyon was fantastic.

The first time he asked to borrow my camera to take a photo, I was stunned that my iPhone could even do this:

So as we continued our tour, I asked him to show me what he was seeing and if he could take pictures of my family and the special angles he knows so well. These guides have been down here dozens of times and understand lighting, angles, and that the use of a filter is never necessary.

I was blown away by the natural beauty of this canyon and the fact that it’s right here in the US, not too expensive to get to and was just as exciting to witness as the first time I saw La Sagrada Familia. Which is saying a lot.

6. Equipment for touring Antelope Canyon

As I mentioned, there was a wind storm out of nowhere while we were visiting so I’d have to recommend taking sunglasses (or your prescription glasses even, no contacts), something to cover your face from the sand, and a hat. Even down in the canyon, the wind was blowing sand onto our heads and into our hair. My mom and I had a time getting the red sand our of our hair later that evening.

7. Don’t Forget your Carrier

Our son is bigger than he was when we last used our carrier on a trip and since he started walking, we use the stroller more than ever. So we decided to leave the carrier at home for this trip and regretted it once we saw how steep the stairs were leading into the canyon.

Luckily, my husband carried our son the whole time but my anxiety was almost on 10 watching him go up and down with one hand and holding the baby with the other. I cannot stress enough: bring your carrier for the canyon and for your peace of mind.

8. You May Not Want to Bring Your Little One

Remember that anxiety I just mentioned? It didn’t end with the stairs. There are some pretty narrow parts of the Lower Canyon where it’s easy to bump your head, let alone a toddler or infant that you might be carrying.

So while we enjoyed ourselves and I’m actually glad that we brought our son as I always am, I also could have waited until he was a little bit older and able to climb up and down the stairs himself.

Have you been to Antelope Canyon? What did you think and what tips would you add for a first timer?