A long but rewarding day trip from Las Vegas to Page, Arizona, for a guided walk through Lower Antelope Canyon's sculpted slot and the Horseshoe Bend overlook above the Colorado River.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend sit just outside Page, Arizona, about four and a half hours by road from Las Vegas. Between them they produce some of the most recognised landscape photographs in the American West. A day trip packs both into one very long day. You leave the Strip before dawn and head northeast through Utah and across Glen Canyon Dam with its views of Lake Powell, then return late in the evening. Expect 13 to 15 hours door to door, with most of it on the road.
Lower Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot carved into Navajo sandstone. It is on Navajo Nation land and can only be visited with an authorised Navajo guide, which tours arrange for you. Unlike Upper Antelope, where you walk in at ground level, Lower Antelope is entered by steep metal stairs and ladders. You then walk a winding, often narrow passage with sculpted orange and purple walls, and climb out at the far end.
It suits most reasonably mobile visitors, but it is not suitable for anyone who cannot manage steep steps. Visits are short and paced by your guide, and bag rules are strict. Usually only a phone or camera is allowed, and tripods and selfie sticks are often banned.
Horseshoe Bend is a short drive away. An easy walk of about 1.5 miles round trip, on a wide path, leads to the overlook. There the Colorado River makes a tight loop roughly 1,000 feet below the rim. There is no shade on the trail and no railing along most of the edge, so bring a hat and water and keep children close. Most tours include lunch, either a box lunch or a meal stop, plus entrance fees.
This is a big investment of a day, so be honest about whether it suits you. Photographers and people who have seen the images for years usually find it worthwhile. Families with small children may find the drive too much. Time zones are confusing here. Page, in Arizona, does not observe daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation does, so tour times in summer can feel an hour off. Your guide will keep the schedule. For more time in the canyons, consider an overnight in Page.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through a narrow slot canyon entered by steep stairs and ladders. The walls are sculpted, layered sandstone that glows orange and purple in filtered light. Navajo guides lead every group, and visits are short and timed.
Best time
Book early, especially for spring and summer; midday slots tend to give the best light in the slot canyon.
How long
A full day, about 13 to 15 hours.
Tips
An overlook of the Colorado River's famous loop, about 1,000 feet below. The walk is about 1.5 miles round trip on an easy but exposed path. Bring water and a hat, and keep back from the unfenced edge. Page is about four and a half hours each way from Las Vegas, through southern Utah and over Glen Canyon Dam. Coaches usually have restrooms, and tours make comfort stops. Phones and cameras are fine, but bags are generally not allowed in the slot canyon and tripods and selfie sticks may be restricted. Light beams appear around midday in spring and summer, but tour times are fixed, so they are not guaranteed. Arizona does not use daylight saving time, but the Navajo Nation does. In summer that means the canyon tour runs on a different clock from Page. Follow your guide's times. Navajo-guided canyon slots are limited, so book as early as possible, especially for spring and summer. Expect 13 to 15 hours. If that is too much, consider staying a night in Page instead. Lower Antelope involves steep stairs and ladders. Anyone with mobility issues should look for an Upper Antelope tour.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and bucket-list travellers who have long wanted to see Antelope Canyon and are happy with a very long day.
- Families
- A very long day with steep stairs and ladders in Lower Antelope; best for teens and older children.
- Couples
- A bucket-list day for photographers, with the slot canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one long day.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Grand Canyon Bus Tour and Zion National Park.
- Time needed
- A full day, about 13 to 15 hours.
Good questions
How far is Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas?+
About four and a half hours each way by road to Page, Arizona. A day trip typically lasts 13 to 15 hours.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon without a guide?+
No. The slot canyons are on Navajo Nation land and can only be entered on a tour with an authorised Navajo guide. Day trips from Las Vegas arrange this for you.
What is the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?+
Upper Antelope is entered at ground level and is mostly flat. Lower Antelope, which this tour visits, involves steep stairs and ladders and a narrower, winding passage.
How far is the walk to Horseshoe Bend?+
About 1.5 miles round trip on a wide, easy path. It has no shade, so bring water and a hat in warm months.
Can I bring a bag or tripod into the canyon?+
Generally not. Bag rules are strict, and tripods and selfie sticks are often restricted. Carry only your phone or camera.
