Customer Questions

Hi Blake,
The Antelope Canyons are located on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands, so a tour is 100% necessary to experience them! How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 07, 2019 at 3:59 PM

Hi Pixie,
Unfortunately, that’s a loaded question that cannot be answered in one sweeping declaration. It depends on several factors: which branch of Antelope Canyon you tour – Upper, Lower, one of the alternate drainages like Canyon X, Mountain Sheep, or Mystical?; what time of day you tour – prime time (mid-day) tours are always more expensive; and whether or not you “bundle” your Antelope Canyon tour with another activity, such as a Lake Powell boat tour, or a tour of Navajo Village Heritage Center. Aside from that, you have the gas required to drive to Page, AZ, lodging costs, meals, etc.
Sorry I couldn’t be clearer, but I recommend you weigh all your Antelope Canyon touring options, and make a decision (and a reservation) quickly.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 06, 2019 at 2:14 PM

Hi Deborah,
Using Flagstaff as a “base” from which to explore Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and other attractions in Northern Arizona is OK, but not ideal. It takes 90 minutes, each way, to drive from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon South Rim. It then takes 2.5 hours minimum, again, that’s each way, to drive from Flagstaff to Page, AZ, to tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Those figures are “wheels turning, no stops,” which rarely happens. Normally, I’d advise staying overnight at the Grand Canyon and Page, but it is probably too late to change your lodging reservations, so here’s what I’d suggest:
Day 1 (or 2 depending on your preference): Drive from Flagstaff, AZ, to Grand Canyon South Rim via the East entrance. Just North of Flagstaff, take the loop drive through Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments (if desired). Stop at the Cameron Trading Post for brunch/lunch. After entering the park at Desert View Point, take time to stop at the half-dozen+ named viewpoints as desired. Park your vehicle at the Canyon View Information Plaza and get on the free Village Loop Shuttle (drive time up to this point, ~3.5 hours). Get off at the Grand Canyon Village Historic District to tour the old hotels, gift shops, and museums on the rim. Time/inclination permitting, you might also take the Hermit’s Rest Shuttle to the overlooks on the West side of the village. Exit the park via the South entrance, stop in Tusayan to see the Grand Canyon IMAX film if you wish, head back to Flagstaff.

Day 2: Drive from Flagstaff to Page, AZ (drive time ~2.5-3 hours), stop at Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, or out, depending on parking situation. Allow 60-90 minutes to visit overlook. Tour Antelope Canyon. Time permitting, visit Glen Canyon Dam and/or John Wesley Powell Museum. Head back to Flagstaff.
One thing you have working in your favor at the time of year is daylength. Sunrise occurs at ~5:00 AM, sunset at around 8:00 PM. The reason I mention this is because you need to ensure that you are back to Flagstaff before sunset on all of your travel days. Nighttime driving is something you want to avoid in this part of the U.S. due to lack of ambient lighting on local roads, and the tendency for deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses to be present at night. A nighttime collision with a large animal in areas where light is scant and cell phone service can be non-existent can be a real buzzkill!
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 06, 2019 at 2:08 PM

Hi Brandon,
The piece you commented on, the “Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, AZ” had ample suggestions for how to use your 2 days in Page, AZ. In a nutshell, the “must-do’s” here are:
– touring Antelope Canyon (check out the new “bundle” options!)
– visit Horseshoe Bend (best done just after sunrise at the time you’re visiting for cooler temperatures and less people)
– do some kind of water-based activity, such as the Lake Powell Boat Tour to Rainbow Bridge, or the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip; if doing such a long boat or raft tour doesn’t appeal, note that many of the Antelope Canyon tour “bundles” combine an Antelope Slot Canyon tour with a short boat tour of Antelope Canyon’s waterside from Antelope Point Marina
As for what you might do in Bryce and Zion, that ultimately depends on you and your family, your interests, and how much hiking you’re willing to do, or not do. On the trip from Page, AZ, to Bryce, a couple of good stops to make are the Big Water Visitors Center and the Paria Rim Rocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT at mile marker 19 of US89. However, another important consideration is that at the time of year you’re visiting, it’s going to be very hot. Any hiking or other labor-intensive activity should be undertaken early in the morning for optimal safety and comfort. Hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water should be carried at all time, and appropriate footwear for walking should be worn.
In Bryce, start by taking the rim loop drive (or use the free shuttle) to the various overlooks in the park. Popular hikes rated as “easy” to “moderate” include, in order of length/distance, Mossy Cave, the Rim Trail, Queens Garden, the Navajo Trail, Tower Bridge, the “Hat Shop,” and Swamp Canyon. For more suggestions of good hikes and other activities in Bryce, consult the National Park Service guide to Day Hikes in Bryce Canyon
In Zion, the two “grand-daddy of all hikes” are The Narrows and Angel’s Landing. The Narrows might be fun for you guys as it entails walking in the Virgin River for a good part of it, and the cool water is very refreshing. Appropriate shoes for hiking in the water are necessary for this. However, if a flash flood warning is in place, you’ll probably have to take a pass on that. If Angel’s Landing doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of other good hikes to make in Zion, as well as activities such as horseback riding, river tubing, ranger talks, etc. Keep in mind that unless you have reservations at the Zion Lodge in the park, you’ll have to utilize the shuttle from Springdale, UT, to access the Zion Scenic Drive.
Hope that helps, and that you have all reservations in place for lodging and guided tours.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2019 at 2:43 PM

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From Susan

Hello Alley,
I have been reading your recommendations to others and learned so much! I’m wondering g if you could give me some help with a trip I’m planning for my adult daughter and me for April of 2020. We will have a Saturday through the next Saturday to visit. Right now, I’m planning on flying into and out of Phoenix but haven’t purchased any tickets yet. I plan to rent a car in Phoenix. (Thanks for the advice not to drive at night! I had no idea.) Depending on the time of our return flight’s departure, we may want to stay in Phoenix Friday night.

The Grand Canyon south rim and Sedona are places on our for sure list. Would you just stick with those two places based on our time frame? If I were to add another place, it would be Page (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell). Would all of this be possible in our timeframe? Neither of us has been to Arizona or Utah and I had originally thought about possibly adding either Bryce, the Arches, or Monument Valley, but I am thinking this will be another trip (unless you think one of these makes sense logistically instead of the trip to Page).

We are both pretty fit (her more than I am) so we would be doing some hiking. I had a question about the tours offered through the Grand Canyon website. Would you recommend doing any of them or just doing things on your own. I had wanted to do one of the mule rides down into the canyon, but can’t figure out if that is a one day experience and if this is only offered through the park service. I’d opt for the one that includes an overnight at Phantom Ranch, but from what I can tell, the Ranch is already booked through next June.

Thank you again for all the time and thought in your responses!

June 24, 2019 at 5:53 PM

Hi Tami, I’m glad you have found our site useful so far!
The only way I can see to squeeze Zion into your itinerary would be to reverse the order in which you visit Grand Canyon South Rim and Page, and visit Zion as kind of a “drive-by” between Las Vegas and Page. Note that there is some construction going on on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that will add some time onto an already long drive, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The article linked in the prior passage does suggest an alternate route.
Whether or not you can do this is contingent on whether or not you can change your lodging reservations in Page, AZ, and the Grand Canyon, as well as your Antelope Canyon tour reservations. If you are able to pull all that off, you can then hit Monument Valley and Moab, UT, as originally planned. BTW, you’re looking at a couple of long drives also from Grand Canyon South Rim to Moab (at least 6 hours), then from Moab, UT, to Laramie, WY (~7 hours). Hope you’re prepared for that. Nevertheless, plan on spending at least 2 days in Moab. Still, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll be planning a return trip for when you can stay longer!

Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2019 at 2:20 PM

Hi Mark,
I’ll put it this way: can you visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas? Yes. Should you? Not if you can help it.
For one, the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (the side we recommend most for a first time visit) is ~5 hours EACH WAY. If you factor in a stop at Hoover Dam on the way out or back, that will add more time. For maximum enjoyment, at least a one night stay at the Grand Canyon is preferable to a day visit, and a 2-night stay is even better! For more information on Grand Canyon hotels, visit GrandCanyon.com: South Rim Hotels
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:51 PM

Hey Wendi, and congratulations on your upcoming anniversary!
If you have more time to spend on this American Southwest tour itinerary, then by all means, do it. You’ll find no shortage of things to see and do in all the different parks and monuments out here, or, as you say, just having some R & R should no doubt be welcome. Speaking of R & R, a good place for some intensive chill time is Sedona, AZ. If you’re flying into and/or out of Phoenix, Sedona is ~2 hours North of PHX, and warrants 2-3 days minimum of your time.
But then again, if you have 14 days to spend, you could do something like this: HorseshoeBend.com: Grand Canyon, Zion, Moab & More – 14 Days in the Grand Circle
The good news is, it’s hard to go wrong with any kind of vacation out here, whether you try and make the most of every moment, or let things unfold at a more leisurely pace.
Hope that helps. Feel free to his us up again if we can offer further guidance!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:48 PM

Hi G,
Right now, your trip plan isn’t as efficient as it could be. It involves a bit of back-tracking, which is best avoided for obvious reasons. As for touring Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, self-driving will give you the most freedom and flexibility, and give you the option of bundling your hiking tour with a boat tour or perhaps a tour of the Navajo Village Heritage Center. I don’t know if it’s possible to change your hotel reservations, but if it is, I’d recommend doing this:
Friday: Drive directly from Phoenix to Page, AZ (~5-6 hours), lunch stop in Flagstaff, AZ, overnight in Page.
Saturday: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, tour Antelope Canyon that afternoon, 2nd night in Page. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all Antelope Canyon tours
Sunday: Drive from Page to Grand Canyon (~3 hours), overnight at Grand Canyon
Monday: Bike ride at Grand Canyon, drive from Grand Canyon to Sedona (~3 hours), stay in Sedona until Wednesday
If Grand Canyon hotel or Antelope Canyon tour availability doesn’t cooperate, you could flip-flop this itinerary, hitting Sedona first, then the Grand Canyon, then Page before heading back to Phoenix. The only disadvantage to this would be that the longest drive of the trip would come at the end of your trip instead of at the beginning.
Anyway, hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:39 PM

Hi Maria, and thank you for your excellent inquiry.
Let me put it this way: people of all shapes and sizes tour Lower Antelope Canyon every day without a problem. The 4:10 mark on the video shows one of the narrower passages, as does 9:48. The problem that surfaces more often than issues with one’s waistline is claustrophobia. Unless you are severely claustrophobic, I’m 99% sure you should be fine! I know, I’m a little “chunky” myself and was just fine.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:29 PM

Hi Gilbert,
Flying into Las Vegas on August 4th and out on August 9th gives you four full days in which to travel. In that amount of time, you can accomplish quite a bit, as long as you’re OK with picking up and driving to a new place (almost) every day.
Here’s what I would suggest:
August 5th: Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (~5 hour drive), with stop at Hoover Dam if you wish. Overnight at the Grand Canyon.
August 6th: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, ~3.5-4 hours drive (factoring in stops), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page, AZ.
August 7th: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, drive to Zion National Park (~2.5-3 hours), overnight in Springdale, UT
August 8th: 2nd day/night in Zion
August 9th: Drive back to Las Vegas (~4 hours*), fly home. *drive time reflects possibility of delays due to construction on I-15 through Virgin River Gorge
The feasibility of the itinerary suggested will depend largely on Grand Canyon hotel availability, as well as availability of Antelope Canyon tours. Be prepared to flip-flop the above itinerary if Grand Canyon hotel availability and Antelope Canyon tour availability dictate doing so.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:22 PM

Hi AJ,
Weather in January is typically cold, windy, and carries the possibility of rain or snow. That said, it’s still a good time to tour Antelope Canyon and visit Horseshoe Bend. January is considered “off-season,” meaning it’s not so crowded, which is a plus in my book! Start monitoring local weather about 2 weeks before you get set to travel, and pack accordingly. Also, advance reservations are still strongly recommended for Antelope Canyon tours.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:13 PM

Hi Olivia,
The route between Flagstaff and Page, AZ, is fully paved. An all-terrain vehicle is not necessary. To visit Antelope Canyon, you must go with a licensed tour company. Advance reservtions are strongly recommended to tour Antelope Canyon.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:11 PM

Hi Hanna, and apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry.
With that short of a timeframe to work with, you won’t really be able to explore any of these attractions in a manner that will do them justice. As you’ve noted, however, that time of year is really hot, so not the ideal time of year to do any long hikes.
The order in which you visit Zion, Bryce, and Page, will be largely dependent on where you can find lodging, and when.
You could do something like this:
July 5th: Drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon via Zion, drive time ~5.5 hours, stay overnight in Bryce Canyon or nearby
July 6th: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ (~3 hours), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page
July 7th: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, head back to Las Vegas (~5 hour drive)
Depending on availability of hotels, or lack thereof on this busy weekend, you may need to be prepared to flip-flop this itinerary, hitting Page, AZ, first, then Bryce, then head back to Las Vegas. You could do the drive-through of Zion either on the way out or back depending on your schedule. Keep in mind that there is a construction project in progress on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that will add some time to both drives.

Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 03, 2019 at 2:08 PM

Hi JJ!
Using Phoenix as your starting/ending point, it’s “six of one/half a dozen of another” as to how you plan your time. You could go from Phoenix to Page, AZ (for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend) to the Grand Canyon, then back to Phoenix, or hit the Grand Canyon first, then Page, AZ, before returning to Phoenix. Since either destination is about 5 hours drive (one way) from Phoenix, it really doesn’t matter one way or the other.
With 3 full days to work with, I recommend planning 1 night at the Grand Canyon and 2 nights in Page. Strange as that may sound, 1 night is sufficient for most visitors who are including Page, AZ, in their itinerary because a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing will actually occur on the drive to/from Page. The route naturally, and logically takes you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon, where there are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at. On Navajo Reservation lands, between the Grand Canyon and Page, there is even more to see.
How you plan your trip in Northern Arizona, it will depend on two critical factors. In order of importance, they are:
– Availability (or lack thereof) of Grand Canyon lodging
– Availability (or lack thereof) of Antelope Canyon tours
– Availability (or lack thereof) of Page, AZ, lodging
Start by checking Grand Canyon hotels, and booking accommodations where you can find availability, then do the same for Antelope Canyon tours and Page, AZ, lodging. In Page, AZ, be sure to plan for a visit to the Horseshoe Bend overlook, preferably in the morning hours when it’s cooler and less crowded.
Hope that helps. Feel free to hit us up again if you need to bounce any other ideas off us!
Alley 🙂

May 31, 2019 at 3:22 PM

Hi Ivy!
Your itinerary as it stands looks pretty fun, especially the Tower Butte Helicopter tour. I’m SO jealous as that’s the one tour I have yet to do myself!
Strange as it may sound, it’s not necessary to plan every. single. minute. of your vacation out here. There’s nothing whatsoever wrong with enjoying some well-earned downtime and just letting the day unfold as time, desire, and energy levels permit.
That said, if you’re looking for some other low-intensity activities/sights to round out that second/third day, a few suggestions are:
The John Wesley Powell Museum
A tour of the Glen Canyon Dam
The White House Overlook of the Glen Canyon Dam
The Navajo Village Heritage Center
Gunfighter Canyon indoor shooting range (yes, it’s a thing!)
On your way from Page, AZ, to Zion, be sure to stop at the Big Water Visitors Center to see some award-winning displays of locally excavated dinosaur fossils.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 31, 2019 at 3:10 PM

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From Ivy

Dear Alley

Thank you very much for your prompt responses and recommendations.

I will certainly look into these attractions. I am so excited to visit the famous Antelope Canyon.

Thank you again!

Cheers,

Ivy

June 01, 2019 at 4:11 AM

I think Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon would be a good fit for you. It’s beautiful, uncrowded, and a flat easy hike. The time I went, we were paired with another couple and had the canyon to ourselves. I hope this helps.

June 18, 2019 at 1:13 PM

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From Alley Keosheyan

Hi JR,
Thank you for sharing your experience in Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon with future travelers to Page, AZ!
Alley 🙂

June 19, 2019 at 2:51 PM

Hi Mona,
Good job on scoring reservations at El Tovar, and late September/early October is a great time to be here!
Your itinerary as it stands looks pretty fun, still, I’d recommend making a couple of minor adjustments, plus injecting a couple of “reality checks.”
For one, when you say “hiking the Grand Canyon is the goal,” if you’re thinking you’ll go rim-to-river and back in one day, that’s not likely to happen. It takes anywhere from 4-6 hours to hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River — all downhill — then another 7-10 hours to hike from the Colorado River back to the rim — ALL UPHILL. I’ll put it this way: marathon runners have had a hard time doing what is referred to as a “burn run” (rim-to-river and back, 1 day). To experience the Inner Canyon in the safest, most comfortable way, it’s best to hike down, spend the night, either at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch, then hike back out the next day. Unfortunately, Grand Canyon backcountry permits for Bright Angel Campground or reservations at Phantom Ranch are extremely hard to come by, and tend to be sold out 1 year or more in advance.
The good news is that day hiking can be done without a permit, and there are plenty of wonderful hikes you can do, depending on your fitness level, timeframe, and inclinations. The over-arching rule of thumb is that 1 hour hiking down = 2 hours to hike back out. Food and water must be carried if you plan on spending any more than 1 hour’s time, or going further than 1 mile round-trip below the rim. If 2-3 hours tops is all the time you want to spend, you might consider hiking to Cedar Ridge on the South Kaibab Trail. It’s 3 miles round trip, amazing views, but no water on the trail. You must utilize the National Park Service’s hiker’s shuttle to get to the trail head. If you’re up for a hike of 6-8 hours or thereabouts, you might go as far as Indian Gardens (9 mile round-trip) or Plateau Point (12 miles round-trip) on the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail does have potable water piped into several resthouses located every 1.5 miles down the trail, but you should still bring your own, as well as high-energy snacks, sunscreen, and some first aid items such as moleskin (for blisters). For other suggestions of good day hikes, visit Grand Canyon National Park Service: Grand Canyon Day Hiking
As for the rest of your trip plan, with a 7:30 PM arrival time in Flagstaff, I’d recommend just staying there for the night. Williams is only ~30 minutes away and has fewer choices of hotels, restaurants, etc, plus it will already be dark by the time you arrive, and you want to avoid doing any driving around here after sunset. The next morning, you might get an early start on the day and plan on being at the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams for the Wild West Shootout. That occurs at ~9:00 AM.
On your arrival day in Page, AZ, there’s no need to do another slot canyon tour since you’re already planning to do one the next day. The drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, AZ, will have already entailed a lot of sightseeing, so you might simply settle in at your hotel, or go relax with a cocktail somewhere. If you’re still feeling energetic enough to do some other things, a visit to the John Wesley Powell Museum is a good way to get to know the “backstory” of Page, AZ, or you might do one of several interesting yet low-key hikes in the area, such as the Hanging Gardens or the “New” Wave. Parking permitting, you might also pop into Horseshoe Bend on the way into town; in the likely event you find the parking area full, plan to visit it just after sunrise the next morning.
In Sedona, plan on doing the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour. On the day prior to when you indicate you’re flying out of Phoenix, I interpret “10/4 Phoenix or somewhere else??” to mean that you were thinking about visiting another area that day? I’d actually recommend simply remaining in the Sedona area. 3 days is the minimum recommendation for a vacation there, but nevertheless, I hear from tons of people who spent 4-5 days there yet feeling as though they only scratched the surface. If you’re open to doing a day trip at that point, you might consider Montezuma’s Castle & Well and/or Tuzigoot National Monument, the former ghost town turned artist colony of Jerome, AZ, or perhaps a scenic train trip on the Verde Canyon Railway (much better views than the Grand Canyon Railway!). Then again, simply hanging out and enjoying some downtime is OK, too. There’s no law saying you have to plan every. single. minute. of your vacation. 😉
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 31, 2019 at 3:00 PM

Hi Jane,
There’s are several reasons why kayak tours depart first thing in the morning: 1. mornings offer cooler temperatures and less wind; afternoons are hot, and usually windy, which are not ideal conditions for kayaking; 2. tour boats and private boats start getting out on Lake Powell en masse around mid-morning; this creates large wakes, which, again, are not conducive to kayaking. You are welcome to contact Hidden Canyon Kayak to verify this, and they may even be willing to put together a private charter trip for you. Their phone # is (928) 660-1836.
BTW, we commend you on making your 2020 vacation plans well in advance.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 30, 2019 at 1:18 PM

Hi Bobby,
4th of July is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Page, AZ. At sunset, you will be sharing Horseshoe Bend with a lot of other people with the same idea, that is IF you can find parking. It would be better to plan on visiting the overlook at sunrise, which occurs at ~5:00 AM in July. You would need to be at your Antelope Canyon tour outfitter’s office by 6:00 AM for a 6:30 AM tour. Most Antelope Canyon tour companies are anywhere from 10-20 minutes from Horseshoe Bend.
Sleeping in one’s car constitutes camping according to local laws, which must be done at designated campgrounds. The closest one to Horseshoe Bend is the Page/Lake Powell Campground, but frankly, I’d advise against doing this at the time of year you’re visiting. July is one of the hottest months of the year and the interior of your vehicle will be uncomfortably warm. Spring for a hotel and enjoy the comforts of air conditioning. Page, AZ, hotels You’ll have a much better time of it, trust me!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 30, 2019 at 1:14 PM

Hi Rita,
Sorry, that would be considered attempting to “game the system,” and would result in the disqualification of both applications.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed for you on getting a permit, they’re hard to come by. If you don’t manage to get one in the on-line lottery, you can try for the walk-in lottery at the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitors Center in Kanab, UT, the day prior to when you wish to hike.
For more information on The Wave and alternate sightseeing options that don’t require a permit, visit our companion site, www.TheWaveAZ.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 28, 2019 at 2:11 PM

Hi Jennifer and thanks for the compliments 🙂
First off, you’ll definitely want to allow 10 days or more for this trip. Lots to see and do, and with the distance between airports, you’ll be glad you had the extra time! Assuming that you will indeed have 10 days, I’d recommend as follows:
Day 1 – fly into Las Vegas, stay overnight
Day 2 – 2nd day/night in Las Vegas. With the 2 kids being underage, you’ll be somewhat limited in where you can go/what you can do, but there is still plenty on offer to keep kids entertained! Kid-Friendly Las Vegas Activities
Day 3 – Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (~5 hours), stop at Hoover Dam if desired, overnight at Grand Canyon **IMO you’ll only need 1 night at Grand Canyon because a big chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing will be done the following day.
Day 4 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hours factoring in the stops you’ll make at various Grand Canyon viewpoints along the East Rim/Desert View Drive, maybe stop for brunch/lunch at the Cameron Trading Post in the Navajo Indian Reservation), overnight in Page, AZ
Day 5 – Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise for ease of parking, cooler temperatures, then tour Antelope Canyon (consider bundling your Antelope Canyon tour with a visit to the Navajo Village Heritage Center or a boat tour of the waterside of Antelope Canyon), 2nd night in Page, AZ
Day 6 – Drive to Monument Valley (~2.5 hours), overnight in Monument Valley.
Day 7 – Take backcountry tour of Monument Valley, drive to Moab, UT (~2.5 hours), stop at Forrest Gump Point and/or Goosenecks State Park, overnight in Moab
Day 8 – 2nd day/night in Moab, explore Arches National Park
Day 9 – 3rd day/night in Moab, explore Canyonlands National Park **Visit Moab Adventure Center for suggestions on activities, including white water rafting, 4WD tours, horseback riding, etc.
Day 10 – drive to SLC (~4 hours), fly home

The first thing I would recommend verifying is availability of Grand Canyon lodging, then Antelope Canyon tours. You may need to be prepared to flip-flop this itinerary if availability of those two trip elements is more conducive to doing so.
Plan to purchase an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass also. For $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments, and Federal Fee Areas in the country for 1 year. It won’t work in areas like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, which are Native American Tribal Parks, or State Parks, which Goosenecks of the San Juan falls under, but it will still pay for itself on this trip. If you’re in the US, you might pre-order it online, or simply purchase it at the first National Park you visit on your itinerary.
Hope that helps, feel free to hit us up again if you need/want to bounce more ideas off us.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 28, 2019 at 4:49 PM

Hi Nelia,
That’s a great question. The video you’ve seen was actually taken several years ago, when the tour companies still allowed people to carry backpacks. That’s no longer the case as it was determined that backpacks were more of a hazard as demand for tours of the canyon grew. Therefore, you’ll need to leave your backpack behind, but you are welcome to bring a water bottle.
Hoe that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 28, 2019 at 2:08 PM

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From Anna

Hi Alley, I am trying to book on a day tour to antelope canyon and horseshoe bend from Las Vegas and struggling to find a tour operator that looks legitimate, can you recommend?

Thank you!!
Anna

May 30, 2019 at 7:06 PM

Hi Barbara,
Your itinerary looks pretty well planned, except where you indicate you’d “arrive that evening.” You want to avoid any nighttime driving in this part of the U.S. due to the lack of supplemental lighting on local roads, and the possibility of having an encounter with deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses in areas with spotty cell phone service.
I don’t recall seeing when you were planning to travel, but check sites like www.sunrise-sunset.org/pageaz and remember that any drive time estimates given on Google Maps should be padded by 20-30%. All roads around here are very scenic and should definitely be traveled during the daylight hours to take advantage of the many photo opportunities you’ll encounter. For example, the drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is given as 2.5 hours, but usually ends up being more along the lines of 3-3.5; the trip to Page, AZ, from Grand Canyon South Rim is given as 2.5 hours as well, but 3.5-4 hours is a more realistic figure factoring in stops along the canyon rim, the Cameron Trading Post, Chinle formation views, etc. Likewise for Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon, you can get there in 2.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. That rarely happens.
On your day in Page, AZ, plan on visiting Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise. Definitely make advance reservations for Antelope Canyon tours and the Glen Canyon Float Trip. If you’re visiting during the summer, you’ll want to take the early morning departure of the float trip to avoid the afternoon heat.
One place that is conspicuously absent from your itinerary is Zion National Park. If possible, you might drop that day in Las Vegas and allot it to Zion (lodging in Springdale, UT) instead. Zion is right on your way from Bryce to Las Vegas anyway, and it’s beautiful. One potential glitch, though, depending on when you were planning to travel, is that a lot of the park trails are closed right now due to recent heavy rains that have resulted in washouts, rock falls and other hazards. Also, if you’re visiting later this summer, there’s a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that will be under construction. That could add some time to your drive to Las Vegas. Whether you visit Zion or not, you’ll have to pass through it.
Hope that helps. Please feel free to hit us up again if we can offer further guidance.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 27, 2019 at 4:12 PM

Hi Sue and thank you for your compliments.
As for whether this topic is a “repeat,” no need to worry about that, it’s totally fine.
First off, October is a great time to be here. The weather is usually perfect (note, “usually” 😉 and though Page, AZ, is still busy, it’s not up to summertime craziness level.
On your arrival day, you might consider going to the Wahweap Overlook to view sunset. It’s usually less crowded than Horseshoe Bend, and offers a beautiful view of Lake Powell. If that does not appeal for some reason, you might consider making dinner reservations at “Into The Grand.” It’s a combination dinner theatre and educational/cultural experience that will give you a more in-depth appreciation for river running in the Grand Canyon.
Then, plan on visiting Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, then doing the Lower Antelope/Boat Tour combo. As for how long to allocate, it depends on you and what’s available. Some visitors prefer to do the tours back-to-back, in which case, that takes ~4-5 hours; others like to have a little downtime between tours to get lunch, take a nap, etc. Mid-day (between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM) is generally considered the best time for lighting in Lower Antelope Canyon, but those time slots fill up fastest.
Visiting Monument Valley as a day trip is OK, but in October, it’s important to a. keep an eye on the time so you don’t do any of the drive at night (little to no light, animals on the road, spotty cell service, etc.) and b. remember that Monument Valley IS on Daylight Savings Time whereas Page, AZ IS NOT (you’ll “lose” an hour traveling from Page, AZ, to MV, then “regain” it coming back). In mid-October, sunrise occurs at ~6:45 AM, sunset at around 5:45 PM. The drive to Monument Valley from Page, AZ, takes 2 hours each way. The 17-mile scenic loop drive should not be attempted by those driving rental cars. A guided tour of Monument Valley is recommended for optimal safety and enjoyment. If the prospect of doing all that driving doesn’t appeal, there is still a way you might work Monument Valley in: fly over it. Fixed-wing airplanes depart from Page Municipal Airport daily, first thing in the morning is the best time to fly for best light and less wind.
Other ideas for fun, “off-the-beaten path” activities include but are not limited to:
– Touring White Pocket
– doing a helicopter landing on top of Tower Butte
– hiking The “New” Wave
– taking a 4WD tour to Alstrom Point
– Gunfighter Canyon indoor shooting range
– a horseback ride to Horseshoe Bend
– an electric mountain bike ride
…just to name a few.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 27, 2019 at 4:01 PM

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From Sue M.

Absolutely amazing in your level of detail provided. I can’t thank you enough!

May 28, 2019 at 3:49 PM

Hi Seoah,
Yes, a guide is absolutely necessary to tour Lower Antelope Canyon because it is located on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands. For a more in-depth experience, consider “bundling” your Lower Antelope Canyon Tour with a boat tour of Antelope Canyon’s Waterside on Lake Powell.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 27, 2019 at 3:36 PM

Hi Vats, and thank you for your compliments 🙂
First off, there’s a wonderful place you haven’t factored into your itinerary that really deserves some of your time: Sedona. It’s ~a 2-2.5 hour drive from Phoenix, has stunning scenery and lots of family-friendly activities. I’d recommend staying there instead of Flagstaff, AZ, and dropping a day in Las Vegas to accommodate it.
Second, staying either inside Grand Canyon National Park or Tusayan just outside the park is preferable to staying in Williams. That way, you’ll be better positioned to enjoy sunset and/or sunrise at the Grand Canyon and not have to face an hour drive back to your lodging location. As you’ve deduced, driving at night is not a great idea in this part of the U.S.
As for whether you can squeeze Bryce in, here’s what I’d recommend:
Day 1: BOS to PHX, drive to Sedona (~2-2.5 hours from Phoenix), overnight in Sedona.
Day 2: 2nd day/night in Sedona
Day 3: Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3 hours), overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 4: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hours factoring in stops), tour Upper Antelope Canyon (best for kids) and possibly a short boat tour on Lake Powell, overnight in Page, AZ.
Day 5: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, drive to Bryce Canyon, overnight in Bryce or nearby
Day 6: Drive from Bryce to Zion (~2 hours), overnight in Hurricane, UT
Day 7: 2nd day/night in Zion
Day 8: 1/2 day in Zion, then drive to Las Vegas, overnight in Las Vegas
Day 9: Fly home
Whatever you decide to do, book all your lodging and Antelope Canyon tours ASAP. Also, plan on purchasing an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass at the first National Park you visit to save money on entrance fees. It won’t work at Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, but it will pay for itself on this trip, plus you can use it at other National Parks and Monuments for one year’s time.

Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 24, 2019 at 4:18 PM

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From Vats

Thank you Alley for patiently replying in detail to all of the comments you receive.

We will take your suggestion to include Sedona in our trip :-).

May 26, 2019 at 12:22 AM

Hi Katherine,
First off, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon Park recommended for first time visitors. It has more in the way of visitor services, such as hotels, restaurants, gift shops, etc., plus it’s equally accessible from either Phoenix or Las Vegas. It’s about a 4.5-5 hour drive from either city. It’s best to seek Grand Canyon lodging inside the park, or Tusayan, 7 miles outside the park.
As for the order in which you visit Page and/or the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, it’s six of one/half a dozen of the other. Page, AZ, is also about 4.5-5 hours from Las Vegas, then Grand Canyon South Rim would be ~3.5-4 hours from Page, AZ (factoring in stops). The deciding factor(s) will most likely be 1. availability (or lack thereof) of Grand Canyon hotels, and 2. availability (or lack thereof) of Antelope Canyon tours. Check these first, then the rest of your trip plans should fall into place from there.

Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 24, 2019 at 3:58 PM

Hi Cecilia and thank you for your inquiry.
First of all, before you totally upend your vacation plans, you should decide whether or not you really want to include the Four Corners Monument in your itinerary. According to many who’ve been there, it’s just OK. If you truly want to tick it off your bucket list — having been there myself, I understand the appeal of doing so — it wouldn’t be too hard to incorporate it into this 7-day itinerary. On your Monument Valley travel day, simply head directly for 4 Corners, which is ~a 4 hour drive from the Grand Canyon, then return to Monument Valley via Bluff, UT. That would be ~a 90 minute drive from 4 Corners, and that way you can easily pop by Mexican Hat, and Forrest Gump Point.

If you’re not opposed to “reinventing the wheel” as it were, Four Corners is ~a 4 hour drive from Albuquerque, NM, which makes for a good starting point for a loop through Northern New Mexico and Southeastern Colorado, which would potentially include Mesa Verde National Park, the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Telluride, Ouray, Chama, Taos, and Santa Fe.

Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 24, 2019 at 3:49 PM

Hi Bonnie,
Unfortunately, logistics — namely a 5 hour drive each way from Las Vegas to Page and back — do not allow for a combination Upper Canyon and Boat Tour to be offered as an option with the bus tour. If you would like to take the Upper Antelope + Boat Tour bundle, the best way to go about this is to self-drive and stay the night in Page, AZ. You could then visit Horseshoe Bend on your own as well.
Hope that helps.
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2019 at 5:44 PM

Hi Neha,
If you’re referring to Saturday, May 25th, that is Memorial Day weekend, and everything is likely to be sold out. You’ll probably have to take what you can get, regardless of price, but before you do that, I’d recommend checking out the properties in the area of Page, AZ, known as the “Street of Little Motels.” These motels are typically not featured in most online searches because they are independently owned and operated and prefer to do things the “old school way,” meaning, by phone. For more information go to VisitPageLakePowell.com/LittleStreetofMotels
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 22, 2019 at 7:51 PM

Hi Lola,
Due to heavy rainfall, all tours to Antelope Canyon tours were cancelled for today, Thursday, May 23rd. For a status update for tomorrow, I recommend checking the Facebook pages of the two tour outfitters that go to Lower Antelope Canyon: Dixie Ellis and Ken’s Tours.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2019 at 2:18 PM

Hi Diane,
In answer to your query, yes, it is very hot in Page, AZ, at the time of year you’re visiting. Besides, you might find that mid-day Antelope Canyon tours are already sold out. If they’re not, I recommend grabbing a seat ASAP. Better yet, try to leave Tusayan, AZ, first thing in the morning (sunrise occurs at about 5:00 AM at that time of year, sunset at around 8:00 PM) so you can get on an earlier tour, or, spend the night in Page, AZ, and take an Antelope Canyon tour that following morning. They go out as early as 6:00 AM at that time of year. Hope that helps.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 21, 2019 at 7:13 PM

Hi Sindy,
You are perfectly fine to take pictures in Antelope Canyon with your cellphone camera! Your tour guide can even provide tips on how to get the best shots.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 21, 2019 at 3:04 PM

Dear Siladitya,
The tour company we contract with on the Upper Antelope Canyon tour on our website does not allow children younger than 6. However, there are three other companies that do allow younger kids:
Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours (http://www.antelopecanyon.com), 928-645-9102;
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours (http://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com), 928.380.1874; and
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (www.navajotours.com), 928-698-3384
If you are interested in doing the boat tour as well, you would need to call Antelope Point Marina directly at (928) 608-4477.
Hope that helps,
Alley 🙂

May 21, 2019 at 3:03 PM

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From Swathi

Hi Alley,

This http://www.antelopecanyon.com says sold out for all the dates we are looking for.
This say http://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com, kids younger than 7 years are not allowed.
This www.navajotours.com shows the earliest available is from Oct 2019.

Please help, we are looking for July 31st or Aug 1st or Aug 2nd this year.

Thank you.

July 01, 2019 at 2:46 AM

Hi Abhishek,
Unfortunately, my inquiries also show that the Upper Antelope Canyon + Boat tour is sold out on Sunday May 26th. If the tours online do not show availability, you might try contacting the tour outfitters for both tour components directly. For Upper Antelope Canyon, it’s Chief Tsosie’s Slot Canyon Tours at 928-645-5594. For the boat tour component, call Antelope Point Marina at (928) 608-4477.
You might also consider touring Lower Antelope Canyon + Boat Tour bundle, I do show seats available on Sunday May 26th. To determine whether your party can handle Lower Antelope Canyon, please watch this Full Video Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:25 PM

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From Abhishek B

Thanks , will visit the lower this time. In the boat tour is same as lake Powell boat tour?
Do you have any discounts for group?

May 21, 2019 at 6:51 PM

Hi Gary,
The best way to get a sense for how realistic it would be to tour Lower Antelope Canyon is to watch this Full Walk-Through Video. Bear in mind that even if your tour outfitter allows baby carriers, you must be extremely careful to watch your child’s head. We’d hate to have your little one’s vacation ruined by injuring themselves on a low-hanging rock or ledge. Also, consider your child’s weight carefully and whether or not you can carry them up several ladders and staircases. If you have any doubts, you might want to opt for touring Upper Antelope Canyon this time around. Bringing Kids To Antelope Canyon
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:31 PM

Hi Regan,
Both Lower Antelope Canyon tour outfitters have indicated in past correspondence that they do allow baby carriers, but I would still recommend calling your chosen tour company directly to get approval for it. Also, bear in mind that you may end up carrying your child for longer than you expect, which may tire you out sooner than you bargained for. If you have any doubts, you may want to opt for Upper Antelope Canyon this time around.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:34 PM

Dear Sudha,
Unfortunately, the tour company we contract with on the Upper Antelope Canyon + Boat Tour bundle does not allow children younger than 6. However, there are three other companies that do allow younger kids:
Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours (www.antelopecanyon.com), 928-645-9102;
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours (www.navajoantelopecanyon.com), 928.380.1874; and
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (www.navajotours.com), 928-698-3384
If you are interested in doing the boat tour as well, you would need to call Antelope Point Marina directly at (928) 608-4477.
For recommendations on how to spend a week’s time in the area, visit our Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary in Northern Arizona & Southern Utah
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:47 PM

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From Sudha

Alley,

Please see itinerary below and let me know what else can be included.
Day 1- Vegas to Page(any place we can cover enroute)
Day 2 – Antelope canyon tour, Horseshoe bend
Day 3 – Boat tour, Monument valley
Day 4 – Bryce canyon
Day 5- Zion national park
Day 6- Back to vegas

I am skeptical about day 3 and 4… not sure how it will materialize, any better ideas?

Thanks in advance

June 15, 2019 at 11:08 PM

Hey Bruce,
I need to know a little bit more to advise you best. Are you flying out of KC, or driving? If you’re driving from Kansas City, MO, then I’d say drop down to Joplin, MO, and take the opportunity to travel Route 66! With 5 days to make the trip, you can also make a detour through Grand Canyon South Rim and Page, AZ, before arriving at Zion.

If this is indeed how you plan to go (drive), and the proposition to drive Route 66 appeals to you, there are a number of groups on Facebook, and a dedicated forum on TripAdvisor, full of people who are happy to answer questions and be a sounding board for any ideas you might have.
If I’m totally off-base here and you are planning to fly, let us know and we’ll go from there.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:58 PM

Hi Kathy, and congratulations on your impending retirement! It’s definitely good that you are planning your American Southwest vacation well in advance.
At the time of year you’re visiting, you’ll definitely want to plan on staying in developed campgrounds. Early May is in that “transitional” zone between winter and spring, so what the weather will be like is anybody’s guess. You could get an early teaser of summer weather where you’ll be glad you had air conditioning, or, old man winter might decide to try for a last stand or two, where you’ll definitely want reliable heat. Also, being willing/able to unhook your 5th wheel from your tow vehicle will open up more possibilities for self-touring in the various locations you stop at.
With 3 weeks to work with, you can definitely tick off all the items from your “wish list,” and maybe include some time in Western Colorado, or take a swing up into Northern Utah, depending on the weather, and your particular interests. With a 40′ RV, you’ll want to verify that all roads you propose to travel are conducive to RV travel. If you haven’t done so already, I’d recommend joining TripAdvisor and consulting their regional travel forums as well as the “Road Trips” forum. RV.net is a good source of guidance, too.
With that in mind, a sample itinerary would go something along the lines of:
Day 1: Drive to Sedona, AZ. Overnight in Sedona.
Day 2: Visit Bell Rock, Chapel of Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque, etc. 2nd night in Sedona. 100 Things To Do In Sedona
Day 3: Take sunrise hot air balloon ride, Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour, 3rd night in Sedona.
**Driving to Sedona, you may wish to avoid taking 89A from Flagstaff as this road is very narrow and windy; it can be done, and has been done by people pulling trailers, but if you’re the least bit apprehensive about it, go in and out through the “back way” via I-17 and AZ179. Do not attempt to go through Jerome, AZ, as it has a 50′ total length limitation on local roads.***
Day 4: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3 hours from Sedona via ), overnight in Grand Canyon Trailer Village (in-park) or Grand Canyon Camper Village (in Tusayan, 7 miles outside the park).
Day 5: Sightseeing at Grand Canyon, use free shuttles to tour Grand Canyon Village area and overlooks on Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive. 2nd night in Grand Canyon.
Day 6: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ along East Rim/Desert View Drive, stop at overlooks that permit RV’s, Cameron Trading Post for lunch/brunch (~3.5-4 hour drive factoring in stops), overnight in Lake Powell Resort RV Park or Page/Lake Powell Campground in Page, AZ.
Day 7: Visit Horseshoe Bend first thing in AM, tour Antelope Canyon, possibly short Lake Powell Boat Tour. Antelope Canyon land/waterside tour bundles
Day 8: Take tour to White Pocket (great photography location, not much hiking required), spend 2nd night in Page, AZ.
Day 9: Drive from Page, AZ, to Monument Valley (~2.5 hour drive), overnight in Monument Valley.
Day 10: Take backcountry tour of Monument Valley, 2nd night in Monument Valley.
Day 11: Drive from Monument Valley to Durango, CO (~3.5 hour drive), overnight in Durango.
Day 12: Explore Mesa Verde National Park, 2nd night in Durango.
Day 13: Take Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge train trip, 3rd night in Durango.
Day 14: Drive from Durango, CO, to Moab, UT (~3 hour drive), overnight in Moab.
Day 15: Explore Arches National Park, 2nd night in Moab Things To Do in Moab
Day 16: Explore Canyonlands National Park, 3rd night in Moab
Day 17: Drive from Moab, UT, to Capitol Reef National Park, overnight in Torrey.
Day 18: Drive from Torrey to Bryce Canyon (via UT24 & UT62 through Loa and Antimony, NOT via UT12), overnight in Bryce Canyon area
Day 19: Drive from Bryce to Zion, ~2.5 hours, overnight in Springdale, UT **please read this guide to taking RV’s in the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel to determine if your 5th wheel will fit**
Day 20: Hiking in Zion, 2nd night in Springdale
Day 21: Drive from Springdale to Las Vegas (~4.5 hours [longer than usual due to a long-term construction project on I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge]).

Be sure to purchase an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass. Those 62 and over qualify for a lifetime pass. You can pre-order it online, or simply purchase it at the first National Park you visit.
Hope that helps. Feel free to hit us up again if we can be of further assistance.
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 8:14 PM

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From Kathy

Alley, Thank you so very much! You’ve been very helpful and I’m sure before we depart we’ll be in touch with you again! 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 9:57 PM

Hi AikiPapi,
Boy, I wish we had a trip planning prize, because if we did, I’d give it to you!
Your itinerary looks really fun and very well thought out, and as much as I hate to say it, it’s a trifle overplanned. Day 4, for example, the Combo Lower Antelope Slot Canyon Hike and Kayak Tour should be plenty of fun for one day! One thing you need to keep in mind is that June is going to be really hot in areas like Page, AZ, and Las Vegas, so you definitely want to get your more “labor intensive” activities done in the morning. By the time you get done with the kayaking part of the tour, you’re going to be more inclined to relax with a cocktail than see another slot canyon. If you do have more energy to burn, I recommend something that takes place indoors, where there’s air conditioning, such as visiting the John Wesley Powell Museum, or maybe firing off a few rounds at Gunfighter Canyon. For dinner, you might consider “Into The Grand” which is a cultural/historical experience more like a dinner theatre than a restaurant.
But I’m getting a little off-track…
You have the 1-Day Grand Canyon White Water rafting trip planned, which is awesome! Having taken that trip myself, however, I can tell you that the last thing you’ll want to do afterwards is face a 2.5 hour drive to the South Rim. If the helicopter airlift at the end of the raft trip is cancelled due to wind or whatever reason, that’s going to add another 2 hours onto your trip time. I’d recommend trying to get another night at Hualapai Lodge or maybe Seligman, AZ, if you possibly can, then head to the Grand Canyon after you’ve all had a good night’s sleep. Another consideration is that nighttime driving is not a good idea in this part of the country due to the dearth or sometimes complete lack of artificial lighting on local roads, and the tendency of deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses to congregate around them at night. For a similar reason, I’d recommend leaving the Grand Canyon for Page, AZ, well before sunset, or seeing if you can overnight in the Grand Canyon area on Day 3. One thing working in your favor at the time of year you’re traveling is the longest daylengths of the year; sunrise occurs at ~5:00 AM and sun sets at around 8:00 PM (Arizona time).
On Day 5, there’s no way you’re going to be able to do a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge unless you ’86 all your other plans. You are correct in that Lake Powell boat tours will take the better part of a day, 7-8 hours usually. The current tour schedule is two daily departures, one at 7:30 AM and a second at 12:30 PM. Also, depending on the water level of Lake Powell, you may have to hike 2-3 miles round trip from the boat dock to the bridge. If that doesn’t appeal, one way you might still be able to check Rainbow Bridge off your wish list is to fly over it. Fixed wing airplanes depart from Page Municipal Airport daily. Mornings are the best time to fly for best light and lack of wind. Just after sunrise is also the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend for cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.
As for the rest of your trip, if downtime happens, don’t fret. Every vacation should have at least some unscheduled time where moments just “happen,” or… nothing happens at all.
One more thing: at the time of year you’re traveling, a construction project is scheduled to get underway on a small stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge. This will potentially add another hour on your drive time between Zion and Las Vegas.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 6:56 PM

Hi Tina and thank you for visiting our site.
You are correct in that the 9-month-old, and his tolerance (or lack thereof) for long drives and busy days will determine the pace of the trip for the rest of your party. The only area where you absolutely must have a tour is Antelope Canyon. With a baby in tow, we recommend Upper Antelope Canyon. If you think he’d be OK with a short boat tour on Lake Powell, you might consider bundling your tour of Upper Antelope with a tour of Antelope Canyon’s waterside from Antelope Point Marina. For Horseshoe Bend, it is best to visit that area just after sunrise for cooler temperatures and easier parking. Since Page, AZ, is a 3-hour drive one way from Williams, and a 2.5-3 hour drive one way from St. George, I would actually recommend getting a hotel room in this area for maximum enjoyment and comfort for all of your family members. Most hotels in Page, AZ, may indeed be full in June, but there are vacation rental homes and other non-traditional lodging that you might consider. If you think the baby would be OK with a longer trip, you could drive along the Grand Canyon’s East Rim Drive en route from Williams to Page to take advantage of the opportunity to stop at the half-a-dozen+ named viewpoints, as well as points of interest in the Navajo Reservation.
As for the rest of your trip, it is not necessary to visit all three Grand Canyon parks in order to have a fulfilling visit. Granted, they are all different from one another, but the South Rim is where you’ll find the best and most numerous visitor facilities. If I’m interpreting your post correctly, you’re planning to drive from St. George, UT to Williams, AZ, which is a 5.5 hour drive. A trip Grand Canyon West will add another 2.3 hours onto an already long trip, plus it’s going to be REALLY hot at the time of year you’re visiting. Not the kind of environment I’d want to subject an infant to. I would save that area for another trip at a cooler time of year, and when the little one is old enough to appreciate what is has to offer. Grand Canyon West tours At just 1 hour one way from Williams, the South Rim can easily be visited as a day trip, just make sure you keep an eye on the time. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to the lack of ambient lighting on local roads (a deliberate move to preserve the natural “dark sky” quality of the area), and the possibility of encountering deer, elk, free range cattle, and possibly even wild horses. Fortunately, you’ll be traveling at the time of year with the longest daylength; sunrise occurs at ~5:00 AM, sunset at around 8:00 PM (Arizona time, which is 1 hour behind Utah).
If you take me up on the suggestion to stay in Page, AZ, between Williams, AZ, and St. George, UT, I’d recommend visiting the North Rim as a day trip during that transition. It takes ~2.5-3 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to the North Rim, then another 3 hours approximately to go from the North Rim to St. George. If the prospect of doing all that driving doesn’t appeal, yet some of your party still want to see the North Rim, you might consider taking a scenic flight from Grand Canyon South Rim. These do not land at the North Rim, but they fly over it for enough of a time to give you a sense of how different it is from the South Rim. Fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters depart Grand Canyon National Park Airport daily; mornings are the best times to fly for best light and lack of wind.

Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 20, 2019 at 6:20 PM

Dear Wai,
No outside food or beverages, except for water, are allowed at Antelope Canyon.
Alley 🙂

May 18, 2019 at 6:52 PM

Madeleine,
Can you tell us which tour you booked?
Alley

May 18, 2019 at 6:51 PM

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From Madeleine

Hi alley,

I booked combination lower canyon and boat tour.

Thanks,
Madeleine

May 18, 2019 at 7:34 PM

Hi Heidi,
With an individual with back problems in your party, I’d recommend against the Owl/Rattlesnake/Mountain Sheep combo, especially in July. That’s the hottest time of the year, and can coincide with monsoon season, so many afternoon slot canyon tours can get cancelled for safety reasons. In light of the physical limitations, heat, etc., you might consider doing a combination Upper Antelope Canyon + Lake Powell Boat Tour, or using that second day to do the Glen Canyon Float Trip.
The fixed wing airplane flight tour from Las Vegas is safe, but flying back to Las Vegas afterward, you’ll face a bumpy ride with the afternoon heat causing turbulence over the Grand Canyon. It is much more enjoyable and relaxing to self-drive, stay for 2 nights, and explore the area at a more relaxed pace.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 17, 2019 at 12:46 PM

Hi Latricia,
Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands, therefore, you absolutely MUST have a tour in order to visit. Not surprised to hear that tours are sold out on your desired dates, but before you resign yourself to not seeing one of Page’s beautiful slot canyons, read the following:
– “Help! Antelope Canyon Tours Are Sold Out”
– “Antelope Canyon Alternative Tours”
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 16, 2019 at 9:13 PM

Hi Sally,
Seat inventory for 2020 Antelope Canyon tours will most likely be made available for booking in October/November of this year.
As for whether you visit Page, AZ, as a stopover between Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon or stay overnight, we definitely recommend staying overnight! It takes 2-2.5 hours to drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ. You then need approximately 2 hours to tour Antelope Canyon, and you should take the opportunity to visit Horseshoe Bend as well, which requires 60-90 minutes, bare minimum. It then takes 3.5-4 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Grand Canyon South Rim. I know that Google Maps gives the drive time from Page to GC as 2.5 hours, but that’s driving direct, without stopping. That rarely happens since the drive is very scenic and you’ll no doubt be stopping to take pictures. Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re up against a very short daylength at that time of year: sunrise occurs about 7:30 AM, sunset about 5:30 PM. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to the lack of ambient lighting on area roads, and the possible presence of deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses near them. Also, inclement weather could throw a wrench into your plans, so start monitoring it about 2 weeks before you get set to travel. Grand Canyon Weather
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 15, 2019 at 3:05 PM

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From Sally

Thanks Alley – appreciate your advice. I will keep an eye out for tours later this year.

May 20, 2019 at 6:56 AM

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From Sally

Alley, thank you again for your help. I’ve done some further research on our itinerary and would appreciate your views before I lock in the accommodation that needs to be booked (particularly given we should avoid night time driving and we will be travelling in January). We have 3 children (10, 9 and 7) so I expect this will limit the interest in hiking in the cold!

I have allowed for a stopover in Page which should hopefully allow us to tour one canyon on the afternoon of 14th and then see Horseshoe Bend and the other canyon on 15th.

12 January – drive Snowmass to Moab (depart early)
13 January – Moab to Monument Valley
14 January – MV to Page
15 January – Page to DC South Rim
16 January – GC
17 January – GC to Zion
18 January – Zion to LV

May 20, 2019 at 11:42 AM

Hi Brandon,
You are correct in that you have a lot on your “wish list,” but not enough time to do all of it, and that’s OK. You want to avoid the temptation to schedule an activity for every.single.minute. of your vacation and let some moments just happen at random. Indeed, those are often make for the best memories.
I don’t recall seeing when you were planning on visiting, or whether your parents have any mobility issues. Hopefully, they don’t in light of the fact that you’ve booked a Lower Antelope Canyon tour. So, here goes….
On Day 1, get an early start on this day. If your visit is taking place after Memorial Day, it’s going to take you 6 hours, mimimum, to make the drive from Las Vegas to Page via Zion National Park. One reason for this is a construction project that’s scheduled to take place on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge just before you get to Zion. This could delay your arrival in Zion by up to 1 hour’s time. Because the main scenic drive in Zion Canyon is closed to those without reservations at the lodge, you’ll have to settle for what you can see via the Mt. Carmel Highway through the park, and believe me, that’s plenty. For an interesting little hike you can access just off US89 (near mile marker 19 between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ), you might consider the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail. It’s relatively easy, and features some very interesting rock formations. For this and any hikes you might take in the area, be sure to carry plenty of water, and wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and appropriate shoes for walking. RE: visiting Horseshoe Bend at sunset, you’ll be competing with a lot of people with the same idea, which may not make for a very pleasant experience. Plan on visiting the Wahweap Overlook just North of Page, AZ for sunset instead.
On Day 2, hit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, or save it for the morning of your drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. Either way, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people around. Hang on to the plans you already have for a 10:30 AM Lower Antelope Canyon tour (great time to be there, by the way!) and 2:00 PM Antelope Canyon boat tour. If you’re wanting to pursue other activities to round out your day, an aerial tour might be a good choice, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the afternoon. Afternoons in Page, AZ, tend to be very windy, and not a good time for flying in a fixed-wing airplane. Personally, I like flying over Lake Powell better than the Grand Canyon, because it has a more “intimate” feel, but a Grand Canyon overflight will allow you to get a true sense of how big the canyon is, and if your parents have never been here, IMO, the Grand Canyon should take a higher priority. Here again, mornings are a better time for Grand Canyon aerial sightseeing tours because the light is better and it’s less windy. You don’t have time for the Glen Canyon Float Trip and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend touring another slot canyon. You might think about touring the Glen Canyon Dam instead, or visiting the Navajo Village Heritage Center.
On Day 3, visit Horseshoe Bend in the AM if you didn’t manage to do so the day before, the continue down to Grand Canyon South Rim. Keep in mind that the drive time is given as 2.5 hours on Google maps, but it is more likely to take you 3.5-4 hours because of the very scenic nature of the drive and the numerous photos ops along the way. The Cameron Trading Post makes a good brunch/lunch stop. After checking in at Yavapai Lodge, hop on the free Village Loop Shuttle to the Grand Canyon Village Historic District and enjoy a walk along the easy, paved rim trail. If desired, you might venture a short way down the Bright Angel Trail. The trailhead is ~100m West of Bright Angel Lodge. Walking down to the “first tunnel” and back takes the typical hiker ~1 hour round-trip. If you wish to go further, remember that 1 hour down = 2 hours up, and that food and water must be carried if you hike any further than 1 mile or spend any longer than 1 hour on any Grand Canyon hiking trail. If the prospect of Inner Canyon hiking does not appeal, then simply continue riding the free in-park shuttles out to the overlooks on the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive.
Day 4 – here is where you might take us up on the Grand Canyon helicopter or fixed wing airplane flight. Fly over the canyon first thing in the morning, then head on to LA. BTW, the drive to LA will take you ~8 hours. You might consider stopping over in Las Vegas, NV, to break up the drive.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 14, 2019 at 5:38 PM

_________________________________________

From Brandon

Oh my goodness Alley, you went further and beyond to help me out on my planning for this trip. Words couldn’t describe how appreciative I am for the amount of effort you have put into for me. If there’s a way for me to show appreciation to you, please let me know.

I am so sorry for not including the dates that I am going to Page. So I will be going to page on the 22nd till 24th and then Grand Canyon on the 24th till 25th. Will it still take me 6hrs to go to page from Las Vegas? I was actually looking at a tour to the rainbow bridge on the 22nd, 12.30pm but I might not do that anymore since what you recommend is really nice and viable!

My goodness, I am just so appreciative on your reply. The more I read it the more impressed and thankful I am. Really, thank you once again.

May 15, 2019 at 12:36 AM

Hey again, Jazmin, sorry again for taking a few days to get back to you. If you’ve already made your decisions/reservations, I truly understand!
So, a revised itinerary, sans the New Mexico destinations, would look more like this:
June 16th: Arrive in Phoenix, stay overnight
June 17th: Drive to Sedona (~2.5 hours), visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque, or explore the many art galleries and museums in the area.
June 18th: Second day in Sedona, in the morning, do one of several easy but scenic hikes in the area, perhaps take the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour, hit some sites you may have missed the day prior. 2nd night in Sedona.
June 19th: Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3 hour drive), overnight at Grand Canyon
June 20th: first thing in the AM take a fixed wing airplane or helicopter flight over the North Rim, then drive to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hour drive), tour Antelope Canyon that afternoon, overnight in Page.
June 21st: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, then take AM Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip (6:00 AM check-in, 7:00 AM departure), second night in Page.
June 22nd: Drive from Page, AZ, to Mesa Verde, CO, via Monument Valley (~5-6 hour drive), overnight in Durango, Cortez, or Mancos, CO.
June 23rd: Drive from Mesa Verde, CO, to Moab, UT, overnight in Moab.
June 24th: Explore Arches National Park, 2nd night in Moab.
June 25th: Explore Canyonlands National Park, 3rd night in Moab.
June 26th: Drive from Moab, UT, to Bryce Canyon via Capitol Reef National Park (~5-6 hour drive), overnight in Bryce.
June 27th: Drive from Bryce to Zion (~2 hour drive), overnight in Springdale, UT.
June 28th: Drive to San Diego, CA, via Las Vegas, ~9 hour drive, maybe stop at Hoover Dam if time permits.

As you can see, this has you doing one LOOOOOONG drive at the end of your trip, when you may be least inclined to do so. If you agree with that assessment, there are opportunities where you can shave some time off, for example, dropping that 3rd night in Moab, UT, or perhaps driving from Page, AZ, to Monument Valley and spending the night in that area instead of 2 nights in Page, AZ. Before you commit to those alterations, however, be sure that lodging availability in ALL proposed destinations would accommodate doing so.
Have fun and feel free to hit me up again for further guidance,
Alley 🙂

May 14, 2019 at 6:12 PM

Hi Eric and thank you for visiting!
I’ll start off by addressing the RV vs. car issue: if you’ve never driven or handled an RV before, it can be a bit intimidating, but then again I understand the appeal. In July, you’ll want to be sure you’re staying in an RV park with electrical hook-ups, because you’re going to need that air conditioning. It’s HOT. Those might be a bit hard to find at this point, since July is within peak travel season. Cost-wise, most people report it was something of a “wash” because any money they saved on hotels was eaten up in expenses for gas, but then again, the ability to prepare your own meals can offset that a bit. Whatever you decide, RV or hotel, be sure you make ALL reservations for overnight accommodations well in advance of your trip.
RE: The Grand Canyon Railway, I’d say skip it this time around. For one, you don’t see the Grand Canyon from the train, you don’t see it until you get to the park and actually get off the train. Another major consideration is time: the train, which is pulled by an antique diesel engine, takes upwards of 2 hours to make a trip that would take you only 1 hour to make by car. Once the train arrives at the park, you then have only ~3 hours to explore before you have to re-board the train for the return trip — another 2+ hours — to Williams. The Grand Canyon Railway is a fun, “old West historic” experience, but one I’d save for another time, maybe when your kids are older and won’t get bored stiff on a 4-hour round-trip ride through some unremarkable scenery.
In light of that, I’d recommend modifying the first half of your trip as follows:
Day 1: Arrive in Sedona, overnight in Sedona
Day 2: Hot air balloon ride & relax at a swimming hole, spend 2nd night in Sedona
Day 3: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3 hours drive), take free shuttle to overlooks on Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive, overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 4: Get early start, explore more of GC on East Rim/Desert View Drive en route to Page, visit Horseshoe Bend, tour Antelope Canyon , overnight in Page **it is not necessary to tour both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon to have a fulfilling visit to Page. If you’re fit enough to handle Lower, do it and use time for other activities**
Day 5: Take Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour, or Lake Powell Kayak Tour – 2nd night in Page
Day 6: Drive to Bryce Canyon (~3 hour drive), overnight in Bryce
Day 7: Drive to Zion (~2 hours), do a little hiking, overnight in Springdale, UT
Day 8: Hike more in Zion and possibly raft, kayak, or tube, staying a 2nd night in Zion
Day 9: Drive to Las Vegas stopping by Red Cliffs or Valley of Fire, overnight in Las Vegas
Day 10: Take early morning tour of Hoover Dam, explore & relax in Vegas, stay a 2nd night.
Day 11: Head home mid morning
If you’re wanting to fit Monument Valley into your trip somehow, you could manage it by sacrificing time in Page, AZ, but you’ll find lodging hard to come by at this point in time. Push comes to shove, it can be done as a day trip from Page, but it is a 4-5 hour round-trip drive. As for fitting in Arches, that’s a bit of a stretch, plus that area really should get 4-5 days of your time in order to enjoy fully. There’s a lot to see and do there!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

March 11, 2019 at 2:51 PM