Posted by Erik Stensland on December 26, 2008 at 2:28 PM
I'm going to be heading through Page, AZ tomorrow on my way back to Colorado and have a couple of quick questions as I have never been there.
1. Can I safely get a 4 year-old child into Lower Antelope Canyon? If it is a ladder that might be too much if it uses stairs then we should be ok.
2. Can I simply drive to Lower Antelope and pay there or do I need to pay for a special guide or permit from somewhere else?
Thanks! They are supposed to have some snow there tonight so maybe I'll get something a little different.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on December 26, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Eric,
1. There are several sets of steel ladders that go down into the canyon, and then one set of long steep stairs at the exit. A four year old should be OK as long as you have another person in the canyon keeping an eye on him/her, if you plan to shoot. Also, you may want to go down ladders first and have the child follow you.
2. Yes, you pay for the permit and fee right at the entrance. However, they may/may not be open – it’s hit or miss this time of year. Also, the light isn’t the best this time of year in the canyon.
Keep in mind that with recent weather there may well be ice and snow on those ladders.
Guy
Posted by John Mumaw on December 26, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Good advice from René, although I find the winter light to be pretty good. Much more subtle than the other three seasons.
Note that there's been quite a bit of snow and rain in Page as of this afternoon, so be prepared for mud and/or water holes in the bottom. Forecast is for sunny, clear skies tomorrow. Best of luck while you're there!
Posted by Erik Stensland on December 26, 2008 at 3:10 PM
Thanks for the news and update. Since there are ladders and maybe ice I probably would be wiser to take my son and wife to Upper Antelope even if it isn't quite as good or quiet.
Posted by John Mumaw on December 26, 2008 at 4:27 PM
The Upper canyon would be a lot safer, and you may be pleasantly surprised by the lack of visitors at this time of year. Let us know how it goes when you return.
Discussion
5 replies1. Can I safely get a 4 year-old child into Lower Antelope Canyon? If it is a ladder that might be too much if it uses stairs then we should be ok.
2. Can I simply drive to Lower Antelope and pay there or do I need to pay for a special guide or permit from somewhere else?
Thanks! They are supposed to have some snow there tonight so maybe I'll get something a little different.
1. There are several sets of steel ladders that go down into the canyon, and then one set of long steep stairs at the exit. A four year old should be OK as long as you have another person in the canyon keeping an eye on him/her, if you plan to shoot. Also, you may want to go down ladders first and have the child follow you.
2. Yes, you pay for the permit and fee right at the entrance. However, they may/may not be open – it’s hit or miss this time of year. Also, the light isn’t the best this time of year in the canyon.
Enjoy!
Guy
Note that there's been quite a bit of snow and rain in Page as of this afternoon, so be prepared for mud and/or water holes in the bottom. Forecast is for sunny, clear skies tomorrow. Best of luck while you're there!