Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ

Antelope Canyon on Navajo land near Page.

The colorful, swirling sandstone patterns of Upper Antelope Canyon are tantalizing for photographers. But photography rules at the iconic Navajo Nation tourist destination will change after Dec. 20. 

Up until now, those who really wanted to capture the perfect shot in northern Arizona’s famous slot canyon could pay extra for a photography tour.

Those tours allowed time to set up a tripod and take photos as other tourists were cleared out of the way. After this week, that will no longer be an option.

Lake Powell Tribal Park says overcrowding in the narrow canyon was becoming an issue. Visitors still will be able to take photos, but bulky tripods and slow-moving photography tours will no longer be allowed.