Arizona with kids- Lower Antelope Canyon

This leg of our trip was the one I had been looking forward to the most. We had already visited Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon and this place was the one I was so excited to visit I could barely contain myself. I had researched this location and booked a tour with Ken’s Tour months in advance. I knew that if it rained, they would cancel the tour and I think I check the weather 100 times. To the point where my husband was like, “enough”. What a spoilsport he can be! We drove from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona. We had booked a room at Days Inn and Suites by Wyndam Page Lake Powell and we were blown away. Here is the link to this hotel:
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/page-arizona/days-inn-and-suites-page-lake-powell/overview It was hands down the cleanest and nicest hotel. It is right across the street from a Walmart which was so convenient and they had free breakfast each morning that was delicious. The boys did cry when they realized the pool was outside and closed for the season, but it was too chilly to swim. Seriously though, if you visit Page, book a room here!!

We booked the tour of Lower Antelope Canyon with Ken’s Tours and we were so happy with this group. We had booked the first tour out. I did this for two reasons. The first reason was weather. I had read that booking first tour out if rain was in the forecast for later that the morning tours would still run. I also booked the first tour out because I wanted it to be less crowded. Ken’s Tours does a great job of keeping you moving in the canyon though so I don’t think it would ever “back up”. I know there are a million photos out there about Lower Antelope Canyon, but I wanted to show the steps and narrow passageways that exist. Some have asked me if it is safe and the answer is YES, SUPER SAFE!! They are very careful and don’t tour any groups if there is even a slight chance of rain. The canyons could flood quickly so they don’t take a chance. Apparently water went through and ripped all of the ladders out a few years before so it shows you how powerful the rain water flow can be in the canyon area. NEVER go down when it isn’t a designated tour time and NEVER when there is a chance of rain. We lucked out with beautiful weather.

When you arrive, you check in and then walk on a path down to the canyon:

When you arrive, you will have to wait for a short time. My guys spent some time playing on the railing area:

Now here is where I tell you that you CANNOT have any bags with you. Nothing in your hand, nothing on your back, and the only thingsyou are allowed to bring:

• 1 Clear – Transparent Bag
• Camera
• Water Bottle
• Cell Phone

You want your hands available. My husband wore cargo pants with lots of pockets so he could store his phone, keys for our car and the boys’ drinks. You NEED your hands because while you are waiting in line and moving up, you see the stairs you need to climb to get INTO the canyon.

There are several staircases you need to navigate down in order to reach the bottom. You cannot take photos on the stairs for safety reasons, but I was waiting for my son and husband to navigate down so I snapped this photo. I am standing on the floor of the canyon and looking up. Ben, my youngest, went down backwards (we all did at certain steep staircases) but he did more often than not because of the steepness he felt like he was falling. The AWESOME tour guides told him to turn around and hold on, taking on step at a time to get down. He was fine at that point. My husband and I both stood behind our kids as they went down so in case they fell, we would grab them. Both did fine, but I also wanted to show the distance between the steps. If your little one has short legs, it is a steep climb and YOU CANNOT CARRY THEM!!! It is impossible to navigate safely while holding a child. You could both fall and get hurt.

Once on the floor, the view is amazing!!

I could post a bunch of photos, but I really want this to be about the navigating that you have to do in case families want to go with their kids. I’ll post some of the beautiful canyon but I really want to show the narrow passageways and interior stairs you have to navigate.

Once inside, there are tight squeezes to navigate:

There were also stairs you have to climb as you make your way through the canyon:

And a few of my favorite shots. Honestly, it is more beautiful in person. If you haven’t gone, put it on your list and GO…

Questions? Feel free to ask!!!