Waterholes Canyon is a slot canyon on Navajo Nation land just west of Page, near the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 98. It is less famous than Antelope Canyon but offers a similar slot canyon experience with smaller crowds and — on photography tours — tripod access that has been banned in Antelope Canyon since 2019. The canyon is divided into two distinct sections by Highway 89: the upper section, which is open only to guided tours, and the lower section, which is a technical canyoneering route requiring ropes, permits, and experience.

Most visitors who come to Waterholes are looking for an alternative to Antelope Canyon — either because Antelope reservations were sold out, because they want a less crowded experience, or because they specifically want to use a tripod for photography. The upper section delivers on all three counts. The lower section is a different animal entirely and should not be attempted without proper training and equipment.

Upper Waterholes: The Guided Tour

Since 2018, self-entry into Upper Waterholes Canyon has been prohibited. All visitors must book a guided tour with an authorized Navajo operator. The tour covers roughly 2 miles in 90 minutes, including ladders, tight squeezes, and sections where the canyon walls are only shoulder-width apart. The canyon is deeper and darker than Lower Antelope Canyon in places, which means reflected light is softer and more even — good for photography but not as dramatic as Antelope's direct light beams.

The minimum age is 8. Children under 8 are not permitted. Photography tours are available and explicitly allow tripods — a significant advantage over Antelope Canyon's standard tours. The tour price is comparable to Antelope Canyon, though exact rates vary by operator and season.

Meeting point: Tours meet near the canyon entrance off Highway 89, west of the Antelope Canyon area. The exact location is provided when you book. You will need your own vehicle to reach the meeting point — there is no shuttle from Page hotels.

Lower Waterholes: Technical Canyoneering

The lower section, west of Highway 89, is a technical canyoneering route that requires a Navajo backcountry permit ($12–$15 per person), ropes, harnesses, and a 320-foot rappel. The route ends at the Colorado River, which means you need a packraft or a pre-arranged boat pickup to exit. Multiple rescues have occurred here, including technical teams stranded at the rappel station.

The Navajo Nation requires a gear inspection before issuing permits. They want to verify that you have the skills and equipment to self-rescue. Do not attempt this route if you have never rappelled, do not know how to build an anchor, or do not have a plan for exiting at the river. This is not a hike. It is a technical descent that has injured and killed experienced canyoneers.

How Waterholes Compares to Antelope Canyon

	Waterholes Canyon (Upper)	Lower Antelope Canyon	Upper Antelope Canyon
Crowds	Light	Moderate	Heavy
Guide required	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tripod allowed	Yes (on photo tours)	No	No
Physical demand	Moderate (ladders, squeezes)	Moderate (stairs, narrow)	Low (ground level, one-way)
Light beams	No	No	Yes (seasonal)
Booking pressure	Lower	Moderate	High

Who Should Visit Waterholes

Go if: You could not get Antelope Canyon reservations, you want a less crowded slot canyon, or you need tripod access for photography. The canyon is genuinely beautiful — the walls are smooth, the curves are photogenic, and the experience is calmer than the production-line feel of Upper Antelope in summer.

Skip if: You specifically want light beams (only Upper Antelope has these), you are traveling with children under 8, or you have severe claustrophobia — some sections are tight.

Practical Information

• Distance from Page: Approximately 5 minutes by car.
• Duration: 90 minutes for the upper tour.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes required. The floor is sandy and uneven.
• What to bring: Water, camera, tripod (if on photo tour), small bills for tips.
• Weather cancellations: Like Antelope Canyon, Waterholes closes during flash flood warnings.
• Time zone: Follows Page time (Mountain Standard, no daylight saving).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waterholes Canyon?

A slot canyon on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona. It has two sections: an upper section open only to guided tours, and a lower section that is a technical canyoneering route requiring ropes and permits.

Do you need a permit for Waterholes Canyon?

For the upper section, you book a guided tour — the permit is included. For the lower section, you need a Navajo backcountry permit ($12–$15) and must pass a gear inspection.

How does Waterholes Canyon compare to Antelope Canyon?

Waterholes is less crowded, allows tripods on photography tours, and has no light beams. It is darker and narrower in sections. The booking pressure is lower than Antelope Canyon. Children under 8 are not permitted.

Can you visit Waterholes Canyon without a guide?

No. Self-entry into the upper section has been prohibited since 2018. The lower section requires a permit and technical canyoneering skills.

How far is Waterholes Canyon from Page?

Approximately 5 minutes by car, near the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 98.

Is Waterholes Canyon worth visiting if you can't get Antelope Canyon tickets?

Yes. It offers a legitimate slot canyon experience with smaller crowds and tripod access on photography tours. The walls are smooth and photogenic, though you will not see the famous light beams.

What should you wear to Waterholes Canyon?

Closed-toe shoes are required. Dress in layers — the canyon is cooler than the outside air. Avoid large bags; bring only what fits in your pockets or a small pack.

Can you take photos in Waterholes Canyon?

Yes. Personal photography is allowed on all tours. Photography-specific tours allow tripods, which is a significant advantage over Antelope Canyon's standard tours.

For Antelope Canyon comparisons, see our Antelope Canyon guide. For slot canyon safety, visit slot canyons near Page. For photography advice, see photography guide.

For other slot canyon tour options in the region — including Antelope, Secret, Canyon X, Cardiac, and Buckskin Gulch — see slot canyon tours.