Customer Questions

Hi Anita,
Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park are not similar to one another at all: the former is a slot canyon, the latter is a wide, spectacular and multi-faceted canyon carved by the Virgin River. If your hotels and trip logistics indeed cannot be changed, I don’t see how you can include a stopover there, which is a shame. The most logical place to include Zion would be as a “detour” on the drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ.

Regarding your 10 AM Antelope Canyon tour, I’m assuming you have that booked for the morning after you arrive in Page, just before you depart for Grand Canyon? I hope so, because if you’re wanting to do it on your arrival day from Las Vegas, you’ll need to light out at 4:30 AM at the latest – the tour companies want you to check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Allow for at least 4 hours to make the drive to the Grand Canyon from Page. I know Google maps gives the timeframe as 2.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. That rarely happens as the trip is very scenic and you’ll no doubt find lots of photo opportunities that pique your interest, especially once you enter the park at the East Rim/Desert View Drive. There are over half a dozen named viewpoints of the Grand Canyon en route to Grand Canyon Village, all with different features and perspectives on the canyon. Be sure you time your trip so that you’re not doing any driving at night, due to lack of supplemental lighting and the tendency of deer, elk and other nocturnal wildlife to congregate around local roadways.
As for Route 66, it’s a worthwhile detour if you’re a history buff and/or like old cars. Taking this small loop off I-40 will add about an hour onto an already long-ish drive (4.5 hours direct). If you do take us up on it, be sure to stop at Delgadillo’s Snow-Cap Drive-In in Seligman, AZ for a burger and a laugh. Kingman, AZ is where the road will rejoin the interstate, and where you’d turn off onto US93 to head to Las Vegas.

Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 13, 2018 at 12:29 PM

Hey Gina and thank you for visiting!
Wow, you get the “blue ribbon” for an excellent itinerary, and for planning your trip well in advance. You’ve scored all the best hotel locations and have allowed enough time to really enjoy your trip. We wish all visitors were more like you!
On to your specific questions:
If you have two days to spend at the Grand Canyon, and have already booked lodging, go ahead and keep it as it is. The “one day is enough” recommendation is more like a “push comes to shove” for the many visitors who are pressed for time, yet want to see as much as they can. You are apparently not one of them. The only advice I’d give is to concentrate your South Rim sightseeing on the Grand Canyon Historic Village area and the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive. You can utilize the free shuttles to see all of these areas. Save the viewpoints on the East Rim/Desert View Drive for the drive to Page, AZ, since you have to go that way anyway. Plan to stop at the Cameron Trading Post for “brunch” — the Navajo Tacos are awesome!
Regarding the mule ride, IMO, if you’re not doing the 2-day/1-night trip to Phantom Ranch, I wouldn’t bother with the Canyon Vista ride. It simply takes you through the forest up to a single viewpoint, which you can access via the free shuttle. The Phantom Ranch trips are already booked up for next year, and getting a cancellation via the in-person waiting list will throw a wrench into your whole trip plan. Instead of messing with all that, maybe take a short hike down the Bright Angel Trail. You don’t have to go too far, or spend too much time, to get a feel for how different it is below the rim. Just get an early start so you avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Another activity you might consider is a sightseeing flight by airplane or helicopter. These allow you to see inaccessible areas of the canyon, and get a sense of how big it really is. We’re partial to the Imperial Tour on the Eco-Star EC130. Mornings are the best time to fly for better light and less wind. You might also pop down to Tusayan to see the IMAX presentation, “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.”
Concerning lodging in Page, AZ, staying on the lake is great, but the one disadvantage is it situates you ~20 minutes from town, meaning you have to get in the car and deal with local traffic to tour Antelope Canyon, eat at local restaurants, etc. If you’re OK with that, go ahead and book at the Lake Powell Resort. If you prefer to be “where the action is,” then book lodging in Page. The town offers everything from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between in terms of prices and amenities.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be sure to pick up an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass.” For $80, this card grants you access to all the National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time. The only areas it won’t work are Native American Tribal Parks (like Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon) and State Parks (like Kodachrome Basin or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes [near Kanab]), but it will still pay for itself on the trip you’re planning to take.

August 11, 2018 at 1:29 PM

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From Gina Bostic

Wow, Alley! That additional insight is priceless. I truly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to respond back.

I am sure I will think of other questions along the way, but the only other question I have right now is timing re: booking tours. How far in advance should we do that?

Thank you! 🙂

August 15, 2018 at 9:55 PM

Hi Karen,
Apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry, but thank you very much for your wonderful compliments. It really makes me hate to say this, but unfortunately, I’m going to have to “temper” some of your expectations.
First off, your second day’s plan involves too much driving. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. You’ve probably seen a shorter time estimate on Google maps, but that’s wheels turning, no stops, which rarely happens on that drive. There are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints along that route (the East Rim/Desert View Drive), then once you exit the park and enter Navajo Indian Tribal Lands, there are more sites that will no doubt pique your curiosity and warrant a photo stop. When you get to Page, AZ, you’ll want to allow ~60-90 minutes to visit Horseshoe Bend (which you can hit on your way into town), then ~2 hours to tour Lower Antelope Canyon. Then, after all that, you’re facing a 5-hour drive back to Las Vegas! You really need an overnight in Page, AZ as well. It will make for a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience for you all.
Regarding boat tours, all water-based activities are on seasonal hiatus at that time of year, plus, as your plan now stands, you don’t have time anyway. The Wave? Not gonna happen. You need a permit, which are insanely hard to get, plus it’s a 6+ mile hike that requires a full day, which, as of now, you don’t have to spare.
Another thing to keep in mind is that we strongly discourage nighttime driving in this part of the US due to the lack of supplemental lighting on local roadways, and the tendency of nocturnal wildlife such as deer and elk to congregate around them. In December, your days are going to be short: sunrise occurs at ~7.30 AM, sunset at ~5:00 PM.
As for scenic flights, the ones that allow you to land at the bottom are not offered at Grand Canyon South Rim. Those types of experiences are only offered at Grand Canyon West, a Native American Tribal Park located ~2.5 hours from Las Vegas. Helicopter and airplane flights from the South Rim are restricted to just flying over, but that’s by no means a tick in the minus column: the South Rim is where the vast, colorful “picture postcard” views of the Grand Canyon can be had. Those at Grand Canyon West are nowhere near as sweeping and dramatic, but they do allow for the kinds of experiences you can’t have in the National Park. That’s the “trade-off” between the two Grand Canyon parks. If you do want to take a scenic air tour from Grand Canyon South Rim, we recommend the Imperial Flight on the Eco-Star EC130 helicopter, and we recommend you take it first thing in the morning for better light and less wind.
I know this is a lot to digest! The main takeaways: SLOW DOWN. You’re trying to cram too much sightseeing into too short a time, which I know is tempting to do when you’re coming from a long ways away and your trip might be a once-in-a-lifetime shot. If at all possible, try to modify your schedule so you can allow for an overnight in Page, AZ as well as Grand Canyon South Rim. If it’s not possible to do so, much as I hate to say it, you’ll need to choose “quality over quantity” on your destinations; choose one or the other. If you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, then that should be the priority, and it should be the South Rim, not the West Rim. However, if you have a spare day in Las Vegas, you can easily fit a Las Vegas Grand Canyon West Rim tour in in half a day’s time or less.
Hope that helps. Sorry again to have to relay potentially disappointing news, but, as some old song from the ’70’s went, “I’d rather hurt you honestly than mislead you with a lie.”
Feel free to write back again if you have any questions. I can’t always get to them the same day, but I will get to them!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 11, 2018 at 12:34 PM

Hi Tania,
Wow — you get the prize for best planning!
Your itinerary as it stands looks awesome, I wouldn’t change a thing, unless, of course you don’t win the walk-in Wave lottery (which statistically, is the most likely outcome). On your “extra” day, you might see if you can snag a cancellation on a room at Bryce Canyon. That’s about the only “must-see” site that’s missing from your itinerary. Since it’s a small park square mileage-wise, one day is sufficient to have a fulfilling visit. I don’t recall seeing what time of year you were traveling, but keep in mind that Bryce is 8,000′ above sea level. Evenings are already starting to get cold up there, so bring a jacket just in case. Bryce Canyon is ~ a 3-hour drive from Page; it would then be ~a 2-hour drive from Bryce to Zion. Bryce Canyon Lodging
As for alternate areas in the vicinity of The Wave you might visit, there are literally dozens of them. Many are free to visit; then again, many are not. Antelope Canyon Alternate Slot Canyons, for example, tend to be a bit more expensive to tour than Antelope Canyon itself, but that’s because the tour companies deliberately keep tour groups smaller. For more suggestions on other things you might do in the likely event you strike out on The Wave lottery, afterwards, you might hop over to the Kanab Utah Visitors Center and see what the employees there might suggest. Lake Powell Boat Tours are another good option.
Regarding non-hiking activities in Zion, hiking shouldn’t be necessarily ruled out as there are lots of scenic but easy walks you can take. If hiking is a definite “no-can-do,” you might check out the Zion Ponderosa Ranch near the Western entrance of the park. They offer all kinds of activities from ATV tours to ziplining! Or, simply ride the park shuttle from Springdale, UT (I take it that’s where you’re staying?) on the Zion Canyon main scenic drive and hop-on/hop-off as you wish.
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be sure to pick up an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass.” For $80, this card grants you access to all the National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time. The only areas it won’t work are Native American Tribal Parks (like Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon) and State Parks (like Kodachrome Basin or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes [near Kanab]), but it will still pay for itself on the trip you’re planning to take.

August 11, 2018 at 1:15 PM

Hey Sean,
Thanks for your compliments on the itinerary!
A Christmastime visit can be wonderful, as long as you’re aware that this time of year can be just as busy as the summer months in the major parks, such as the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce. Booking hotel rooms and guided tours in advance of your arrival remains a must. Water-based activities in Page, AZ, such as the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip and Lake Powell Boat Tours, are on seasonal hiatus, so if you were hoping to take part in these tours, you might consider rescheduling your visit.
Last but not least, cold weather is the norm, and White Christmases are not uncommon in the higher elevations, such as the Grand Canyon and Bryce. Be prepared with warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and a flexible schedule in case you get delayed or detoured by a big storm.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

August 04, 2018 at 6:33 PM

Hi Robert!
Next year’s tour inventory will probably be opened up around November or December of this year. However, you’re welcome to call your chosen tour outfitter and see if you can book your tour over the phone.
See this article for contact information of Antelope Canyon tour outfitters: How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon
Hope that helps,
Alley 🙂

August 04, 2018 at 2:50 PM

Hi Alex and thank you for your inquiry.
I would not advise trying to hit Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon South Rim in one day, especially in November, since your days are getting shorter (sunrise is at 7:00 AM, sunset is at 5:15 PM). Driving distances are also an important consideration: it takes ~2.5 hours to drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim, 2.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, then 3 hours to drive from Page to Sedona. However, those figures are for direct drives, which means wheels turning, no stops. That’s unlikely to happen on either leg since the trip is very scenic and you’ll no doubt find yourself stopping to take pictures.
Assuming that you’re locked into those 4 hotel nights in Sedona, I’d recommend touring these attractions on 2 separate days. On your Grand Canyon day, enter the park via the East gate, then exit via the South gate, or vice versa. The East Rim/Desert View Drive has over half a dozen named viewpoints of the Grand Canyon, all with different features and perspectives. The East Rim detour will add another 60-90 minutes onto your drive time from Sedona. Time your trip so that you are not doing any driving in the dark. Roads are very poorly lit out here, plus deer, elk and other wildlife tend to be nocturnal, which poses another hazard.

The trip to Page, AZ takes ~3 hours, each way. Hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town, then tour Antelope Canyon. Be sure to book your Antelope Canyon Tour in advance of your arrival.
If you’re not already committed financially to the 4-night Sedona stay, I would recommend changing your arrangements so that you can overnight in Grand Canyon and Page. That would save you a lot of time behind the wheel, and free up more time for sightseeing and relaxing.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 02, 2018 at 3:06 PM

Hi Cathy,
KUDOS for planning your vacation well in advance. Antelope Canyon Tour outfitters will make their online inventory for 2020 available sometime in 2019. If you wish to make a reservation further out than that, you might try calling your chosen tour company to see if they might take a reservation over the phone.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 02, 2018 at 2:50 PM

Hi Janice!
The drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ typically takes ~2 hours, but it’s a good idea to allow for extra time in case a viewpoint or rock formation piques your curiosity and warrants a photo stop.
Since you’re coming in from Monument Valley, I would recommend touring Antelope Canyon on the way into Page, since it’s right on your way. Regarding whether to tour Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, it depends on how much physical exertion you’re willing to put forth. Upper is easy and short; Lower is longer and requires climbing a few ladders and stairs, and stepping over a few boulders. Lower Antelope Canyon Full Walk-Through Video
If you opt to tour Upper, go with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours or Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. Their headquarters are right next to the Tribal Park Entrance on US98. If you prefer to tour Lower, then Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours or Dixie Ellis’ Antelope Lower Canyon Tours would be the outfitter(s) to book with. No need to be too choosy about the tour outfitter; they basically offer the same tours, right down to the footsteps, and the penny.
I would then recommend hitting Horseshoe Bend on the drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. Again, it’s right on your way. The sooner you can get there after sunrise, the better, as traffic tends to pick up a lot between the hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The drive to Grand Canyon South Rim takes 2.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. You’ll no doubt find photo ops galore on the trip, so here again, it’s a good idea to pad your time by another 60-90 minutes.
As for other “must-sees” in Page, these would include, but not be limited to, the John Wesley Powell Museum, the Glen Canyon Dam and Carl Hayden Visitors Center, Navajo Village Heritage Center, and the “New” Wave. For suggestions on other sights and activities, check out this article on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com: “24 Hours in Page, Arizona”
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

August 02, 2018 at 2:48 PM

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From Jan

Thanks Ally you are a wealth of knowledge.

Would I not be better doing Horseshoe after canyon so I can get to grand canyon earlier. What time is sunrise and sunset in Nov?. Is there a time difference between Monument Valley and Page?

Apologies if you have received duplicate posts but I didn’t think they were posting. I did try posting my longer itinerary (see below) but not sure if it posted and would welcome any additional advice you can give as I haven’t been to Utah or Page before.

I am doing a 3 week trip (Hotels all booked) In November and part of this will be in Utah/Arizona for 8 days and I was just looking for some advice on any bits you are familiar with in my itinerary. I will put below my where I am staying and what I have planned and I would appreciate your advice. I’m not 100% sure about driving times and what there is to see and do enroute and also about sunset and sunrise times and time differences and are any of the roads ok to drive after dark or do I need to ensure we are off them all.
Mon 5th Nov Leave Baker and visit death valley before arriving in Vegas for night
Tues 6th Nov Leave Vegas and go to valley of fire and then head to Springdale for 3 nights
Wed 7th Nov Zion National Park
Thurs 8th Nov Zion National Park
Fri 9th Leave Springdale and head to Bryce for a few hours before heading onto Capitol Reef and then onto Moab for the 2 nights. Is it possible to do some of this drive on interstate in dark?
Thinking this might be a bit much so wondering if I should drop doing valley of fire and head straight to Zion N.P and then do day trip to Bryce on Thurs 8th from Springdale leaving Friday 9th to do Capitol reef on the way to Moab.
Sat 10th Thinking of doing either day trip to arches/canyonlands or half trip to one and explore the other one ourselves.
Sun 11th Travel to Monument Valley via Mexican Hat/Four corners. Is there anything else we need to stop at on way down? Was thinking on booking latest 1.5he trip at monument valley. (or do I not need to book at this time of year) Stay overnight in Kayenta.
Mon 12th Travel to Page for Overnight. Plan on doing Lower Antelope Canyon tour and Horseshoe bend. Not sure what time to book canyon tour for. Thinking it will take me about 1.5/2hours to get to Page from here, and was planning on doing horseshoe bend afterwards. Guessing that will be about as much as I will have time for.
Tues 13th Head to South Rim for Overnight. Any bits worth a visit enroute.
Want to visit desert view tower as it was closed last time we were there so we will do that on way in.
Wed 14th Leave Grand canyon and possibly visit Williams before heading to Sedona via oak creek for the night.
After that we are off to Palm Springs, San Diego and back to LA for our flight home. All places we have been before.

August 03, 2018 at 8:10 AM

Hi Miriam and thank you for visiting us!
As you’ve correctly deduced, you don’t have a heck of a lot of time, so squeezing in other attractions will be strictly on a “time permitting” basis.
I’m glad to hear that you’re planning to self-drive, since relying on a tour would severely limit your options, and your flexibility. I’m also happy to hear that you’re planning to spend the night at Grand Canyon South Rim, so you can experience a sunset and maybe a sunrise on the canyon rim.
On Day 2, try to get as early a start as possible on the drive to Page so you can maximize your sightseeing time. Sunrise occurs at ~6:00 AM. The trip to Page naturally takes you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the South Rim, where there are over half a dozen named viewpoints, all with differing features and perspectives on the Grand Canyon. Upon exiting the park at Desert View Point, you’ll then be on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, which also has worthwhile places to stop, including the Little Colorado River Overlook, Chief Yellowhorse’s Curio Stand, the Cameron Trading Post and Painted Desert Formations. The drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page is listed as taking 2.5 hours on Google Maps, but with all the stops you’re likely to make, don’t be surprised to find it takes you more along the lines of 3.5-4 hours. Time your visit to Page, AZ accordingly. You can hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town, or plan on taking a shuttle or tour with Horseshoe Bend Tours in the likely event you can’t find a parking space at Horseshoe Bend. Be sure to reserve your Antelope Canyon Tour in advance of your arrival as well.
As for seeing Lake Powell, you probably won’t have time to do anything as in-depth as a boat tour, but you can certainly get a good look at it by venturing into one of the two Marina complexes in the area: Lake Powell Resort & Marina, or Antelope Point Marina. Both are located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which means you’d have to pay the $30/vehicle entrance fee to access them. If you prefer not to fork out that kind of money for what will invariably be a short visit, then you might consider getting a look at the lake from the Steel Arch Bridge adjacent to the Dam, by visiting The Chains swimming area (which involves a bit of a hike), or at the Wahweap Overlook, near the Arizona State Point of Entry Station. The Page Rim View Trail also offers good lake views, but no lake access.
On Day 3, again, strictly time permitting, you might consider making the drive to Las Vegas with a detour through Zion National Park. The drive from Page to LAS normally takes ~4.5 hours. Swinging through Zion can add another hour or more onto the drive, especially if you opt to stop, which you very likely will.
For more suggestions on how you might use your time in Page, AZ to full advantage, check out this article on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com “24 Hours in Page, Arizona”
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

August 02, 2018 at 2:36 PM

Hey Donna,
Thank you for your visit, and your compliments!
Both April and May are nice times to visit Page, Arizona, but if you want my honest opinion on the absolute best time to be here, it’s October. Temperatures are cooling down, crowds are thinning out, and all the popular activities are still in full swing.
If spring is your only option, however, I’d have to say that May offers more stable weather. April is still in the “transistional” zone between winter and spring, and late season snow or rain storms are notorious for popping up when you least expect them.
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 31, 2018 at 7:18 PM

Hi Emily,
First off, planning on flying into Page isn’t the greatest idea right now. Scheduled air service was abruptly suspended earlier this year; Contour Airlines is scheduled to take over the contract, but we’re not certain when this will be. I would recommend flying into Phoenix or Las Vegas, and depending on how much time you have, visiting Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and if you have more time, maybe hit Zion and/or Bryce Canyon.
As for what time of day to tour Antelope Canyon, go whenever they have space. As you’ve correctly deduced, you’re planning something of a last minute trip, so the prime spots (mid-day) are bound to already be booked up. Of course, you can always book an off-prime spot, then check back for cancellations. That’s one of the perks of traveling solo, your odds of slipping into a cancellation are better than if you were wanting to book a family of 5.
Regarding hotels, here again, best not to be too particular about it. At Grand Canyon South Rim, staying inside the park is always optimal, but those rooms tend to book up months in advance. Your next best option is Tusayan/GC Village South, about 7 miles South of the park entrance. If that area is sold out, then Valle, Williams and Flagstaff should be your alternates, in order of proximity to the rim and desirability. Grand Canyon hotels
For Page, AZ hotels, you’ll find everything from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between, in quality, amenities and price points.
Time permitting, other sight-seeing activities you might consider include, but aren’t limited to the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip, Lake Powell Boat Tours, taking a hike on the Page Rim Trail or the “New” Wave. For more suggestions, check out this article on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com “48 Hours in Page, Arizona”
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 31, 2018 at 7:08 PM

Hi Jami, and thank you for your inquiry.
We wish you the best of luck with The Wave lottery! Keep in mind, however, that Kanab, UT, where the lottery is called, DOES observe Daylight Saving Time, whereas Page, AZ and Antelope Canyon DO NOT. You’ll “lose” an hour driving from Page to Kanab (be sure to factor in the time difference for the lottery so you don’t miss it!), then “gain” it back driving from Kanab, UT back to Page, AZ. So if the lottery is called at 9 AM Kanab Time, it will actually be 8 AM Page, AZ Time. So you should be safe shooting for an 11:30 AM Antelope Canyon tour.
As for which branch of the canyon to tour, it is not necessary to do both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. If you’re in relatively good health and are OK with some stair/ladder climbing and simple boulder scrambling, you’ll be fine with Lower. Full Video Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon If you find that Lower Antelope Canyon Tours are booked up at your desired time, consider one of several alternate slot canyons that are just as beautiful, but a lot less crowded.
And in the very likely event you do not get hiking permits for The Wave, there are plenty of other things to see and do in and around that area, or you might even consider flying over it. Whatever happens, you’ll still have a great time.
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 30, 2018 at 5:24 PM

Hi Jivin and thank you for your visit!
The order in which you visit the Grand Canyon and Page will revolve around hotel availability at Grand Canyon South Rim. It is most desirable to stay inside the park. If there are no rooms available there, then Tusayan, aka Grand Canyon Village South is the next bet option. Grand Canyon Hotels
After arranging Grand Canyon Lodging, then look at Antelope Canyon tour availability. As for the difficulty of the walk through Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, most 11-year-olds are able to handle both without a problem. Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing some ladders and stairs and stepping over and around a few boulders. The walk to Horseshoe Bend is 1.2 miles round-trip. It has both uphill and downhill walking, which, depending on recent weather, may be mostly in deep sand. If you have any doubts about you or your child’s ability to make the walk to Horseshoe Bend, there are alternate ways of seeing it, including flying over it, horseback tours, or guided tours from Page, AZ. The hours just after sunrise tend to be less crowded. Fortunately, at the time of year you’re visiting, hot temperatures shouldn’t be an issue. Afternoon highs should be in the 50’s-60’s, with occasional rain and light snowstorms possible.
As for whether you break the drive back to LA up with a night in Las Vegas, that’s entirely up to you. If you hit Page last on your trip, then you’re looking at a 9-hour drive back to LA, so a mid-way night in Vegas would probably be welcome. The drive back to LA from Grand Canyon Village is a little shorter, 7.5-8 hours.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 30, 2018 at 5:14 PM

Hi Esther!
It’s great that you have that much time to work with. You can definitely hit a lot of great places on your trip, including a lot of National Parks, so be sure you pick up an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass at the first one you hit (Grand Canyon?). For $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time. The only places it won’t work are State Parks and Native American Tribal Parks, the latter category encompasses Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, but it will still pay for itself on the trip you’re proposing to take.

Since you’re coming to Page, AZ from Monument Valley, plan to tour Antelope Canyon before you get to Lake Powell Resort. It’s right on the way, and you can catch a tour directly from the Tribal Park Entrance on US98, about 5 miles SouthEast of Page. For Lower Antelope Canyon, both Dixie Ellis and Ken’s Tours pick up in the same general area and offer virtually identical programs right down to the footsteps, so pick one that has availability at a time that works. One thing that can make things potentially confusing is that Monument Valley and the Navajo Reservation DOES observe Daylight Saving Time, whereas Page DOES NOT, which includes the Antelope Canyon Tour companies. Page will be one hour BEHIND Monument Valley, so you’ll “gain” an hour passing from one place to the other. Allow ~2.5 hours to drive from Monument Valley to Page.
For boat trips, Lake Powell Boat Tours at Lake Powell Resort offers a variety to choose from. The Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour is the longest, takes 6-7 hours depending on the water level of Lake Powell at the time of your visit. Whatever the case, be ready to walk anywhere from 1.5-3 miles round-trip in order to view the Bridge. If that doesn’t appeal, you might consider a shorter trip such as the 90-minute Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise or the 3-hour Canyon Adventure Tour.
Another popular water-based activity in Page, AZ is the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip from the base of Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. This popular rafting trip does not traverse any rapids, but offers a lot of beautiful scenery and fascinating history.
Be sure to include the Horseshoe Bend Overlook in your trip plans as well. This can be visited anytime you wish as it’s open 24/7, but the hours just after sunrise tend to offer less parking hassles. Or, you might choose an alternate means to see it such as flying over it, taking a horseback ride, or hopping on a shuttle from Page. “Help! There’s No Place To Park At Horseshoe Bend”
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 30, 2018 at 5:06 PM

Hi Stephanie and thanks for your inquiry.
The drive from Phoenix to Page, AZ takes 4.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. That rarely happens because the drive is very scenic and you’ll no doubt find yourself stopping frequently. Therefore we always recommend whenever possible that you plan to spend at least 1 night in Page, AZ. You could tour Antelope Canyon on your arrival day, or the following morning before heading back to Phoenix. Plan to hit Horseshoe Bend as well, preferably just after sunrise to avoid the crowds that begin to accumulate as day tour traffic rolls in from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Vegas and surrounding cities.
October is a great time of year to be here because temperatures are cooling down and crowds are thinning out. Since school’s back in session, it’s mostly adults out touring. Friday, Saturday and Sunday tend to be busier than weekdays, but most find that difference negligible. Tour Antelope Canyon whenever it works for you, and wherever you can find availability. If you can’t find a desirable time slot, maybe consider touring an alternate slot canyon that is just as beautiful as Antelope, but admission is deliberately limited to a handful of people per departure for a better quality experience.
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 30, 2018 at 4:38 PM

Hey Julie,
Trying to fit in an Antelope Canyon tour on the way from Grand Junction to Grand Canyon is WAY too much driving. The trip from Grand Junction to Page, AZ takes ~6 hours; the drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim takes ~2.5 hours. Both figures are wheels turning, no stops, but that’s unlikely to happen on either leg of the trip since the drive is very scenic and there will no doubt be points of interest that pique your curiosity. Not to mention, the route takes you through Moab, UT and that area warrants at least a couple of days to explore!

If you can modify your plans so that you can spend the night in Page, then head to Grand Canyon, that would make for a more comfortable and IMO satisfying experience for you. As for touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, it really isn’t necessary in order to have a fulfilling visit to the area. If you’re physically able to handle Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d stick with it.
Since the trip from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim will take you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon, you won’t need a tour once you get to Bright Angel. The route you drove in will have already taken you past over half a dozen scenic overlooks, which you are free to stop at with your own vehicle. The next day, you can then use the free shuttles, or take the guided (but not free) Hermit’s Rest Bus Tour, to explore the overlooks on the West Rim/Hermit’s Rest Drive. For the bus tour, visit the Transportation Desk at Bright Angel Lodge to purchase tickets, and tell them Alley said “hi” – I used to work there 😉
Good luck and safe travels!

July 29, 2018 at 5:39 PM

Hi Linda!
With 3 days to work with, you can certainly pull this off, but I can’t help but notice that the Grand Canyon is conspicuously absent from your itinerary. Assuming that you’ve been there before, or perhaps are saving it for another trip, I’ll work with your desire to visit Zion and Antelope Canyon.
In light of that, I’d actually recommend flying into and out of Las Vegas instead of Phoenix. It will shorten your drive times by quite a bit.
Your logistics will most likely revolve, and evolve around hotel room availability at Zion. Staying inside the park is probably not going to be an option as those rooms tend to book up months, sometimes a year or more in advance. You’re probably going to have to stay in Kanab, UT, about 1 hour from the Eastern border of the park, or Springdale, UT, on the Western border of the park. Plan to spend 2 nights in the Zion National Park area, then Page, AZ for 1 night to not only visit Antelope Canyon, but the Horseshoe Bend Overlook as well.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Zion has experienced some heavy flash flooding this summer, which has resulted in some significant damage to area roads and trails. Be sure to check all park advisories before committing to certain activities.
Book all hotels and guided tours, especially Antelope Canyon tours, in advance of your arrival as well.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 26, 2018 at 5:10 PM

Hi Eszter and thank you for visiting our site!
I am sorry to have to start things off with some bad news, but you are going to have to scale back/modify your expectations a bit for what’s possible to accomplish in two days. Long drives are a fact of life in this part of the US, and your present plan would involve too much of it.
First off, using Flagstaff, AZ as a “base” from which to explore all the attractions on your wish list is not ideal. If you do this, you’re looking at spending 4+ hours each day in the car, when you could be using the time for sightseeing. If possible, alter your plans as follows:
Day 1 – Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (4.5-5 hours) — the North Rim only has limited lodging, and it’s already booked — overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim. If possible, try to get a hotel room inside the park, if not, then Tusayan/GC Village South is the next best option. Grand Canyon hotels
Day 2 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ. Driving direct, meaning wheels turning, no stops, the trip takes ~2.5 hours. Realistically, though, it will most likely take you 3.5-4 hours because there are many Grand Canyon viewpoints and other points of interest you’ll invariably want to stop at and get pictures of. Visit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, tour Antelope Canyon either that afternoon or early the next morning. Time permitting on this day, you might pop down to The Chains, a popular local swimming spot. It does involve a bit of hiking (about 1 mile round-trip), but it’s outside the recreation area, so you don’t have to pay the entrance fee to get in. The Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center is just over the bridge from there, so again, time permitting, you might visit it as well.
Stay overnight in Page, Arizona, then drive back to Las Vegas the following day (~4.5 hours).
Notice Monument Valley is off the list. That’s because you simply don’t have enough time to do it justice. It’s too big a detour out of your way, wherever you end up staying, and you’d end up just doing it as a “drive-by.” The North Rim has been eliminated from your itinerary for the same reason, however, if you really have your heart set on seeing it, you might consider taking an early morning helicopter flight out of Grand Canyon South Rim. The North Canyon tour, for example, is a 30-minute flight that will take you across the deepest part of the canyon, over the North Rim, then back to the South Rim. Flights start running at ~8:00 AM, and that time slot is best for light and lack of wind. North Canyon Helicopter Tours
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 24, 2018 at 2:53 PM

Hi Ravi,
Fortunately, December is considered “shoulder season” in Northern Arizona, meaning that while it’s still busy, it’s not as crowded or as hot as it is during the summer months. Nevertheless, you should book hotel rooms and guided tours well in advance of your arrival.
How your itinerary evolves will probably revolve around hotel room availability at Grand Canyon South Rim, so you should check on that first. It is always most desirable to stay inside the park so you can experience sunrise and sunset on the canyon rim. The next best option is Tusayan, aka Grand Canyon Village South, about 7 miles outside the park. Grand Canyon Hotels
It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim, then 2.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ. However, those figures are “wheels turning, no stops,” which rarely happens. There are sights on both legs of the drive that will no doubt pique your interest and necessitate a photo stop, so don’t be surprised if it takes you ~6 hours to drive from Phoenix to the South Rim, then 3.5-4 hours to drive from the South Rim to Page, AZ (where Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend area located).
If your folks cannot do any extensive hiking, then your best bet will probably be to tour Upper Antelope Canyon. It is only 100 yards long, the trail through is flat the whole way. The trip to Horseshoe Bend might be more of a challenge. The trail is .6 miles one way, and involves some uphill and downhill walking through potentially deep sand. It is manageable for most people in good health, who do not have significant mobility impairment. Plus it will be cooler in December, which is a definite plus. If you think they may not be able to make the walk, though, you might consider an alternate means to get there, such as a shuttle service from Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, or flying over it. “Help! I Can’t Do The Hike To Horseshoe Bend”
Plan to stay overnight in Page, AZ as well. Page, AZ hotels
With the limited time you have to work with, you unfortunately don’t have the leeway to squeeze many extra activities or attractions into your visit, but you can still accomplish quite a bit. For other suggestions on how to make the best use of a one-day visit to Page, AZ, check out this article on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com “24 Hours in Page, Arizona”
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 24, 2018 at 2:37 PM

Hi Phuong,
As the old saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
While one day is not ideal for visiting Page from Phoenix, it can be done with a willingness to get an early start, and spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Page, but that figure is one for “wheels turning, no stops.” That rarely happens as the drive is very scenic and there will no doubt be sights that pique your curiosity and necessitate a photo stop. So, realistically, it can take you up to 6 hours. That’s why I strongly recommend setting out as early in the morning as you possibly can so you can maximize your time in Page. Sunrise in late September occurs at about 6:15 AM.
The Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located just South of Page, AZ at mile marker 545. It is well-signed and easy to find, plus it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, therefore, you may visit it whenever you wish. Allow 60-90 minutes to visit and enjoy this landmark.
Antelope Canyon is the part that’s going to require planning ahead. A guided tour is required to visit Antelope Canyon, and they are often booked up weeks, sometimes months in advance. Lower Antelope Canyon is the more physical of the two, involving some stair climbing and simple boulder navigation. Upper Antelope is much shorter, and easier. How To Book A Tour Of Antelope Canyon Touring Antelope Canyon will take anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on which branch of the canyon you choose to tour.
Sunset in late September occurs at about 6:15 PM, and you’ll want to time your drive so that you’re not driving in the dark. Try to finish up your sightseeing in Page, AZ by 2:00 PM at the very latest.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 24, 2018 at 2:22 PM

Hi Ali, and thank you for a great question!
The ride out to the entrance of Cardiac Canyon from the tour’s origination point (Milepost 307.8 on US98) is 7 miles one way. So the transit aspect only takes up a small part of your touring time. The rest is about the physicality of the canyon. If you like a good workout, you’re definitely going to get one on this tour! As to whether it’s truly unique, that would have to be a resounding “yes.” Access to Cardiac Canyon is limited to begin with, and up until recently, it was thought that less than 100 people had ever seen it, and the majority of those were Navajo. For a good look at what you and your family can expect, take a look at this video: Knowhere With Frank Lee Ruggles
Whatever you decide, be sure you make reservations for any slot canyon tour in Page, AZ well in advance of your arrival.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 24, 2018 at 2:01 PM

Dear Barbara,
I’m actually going to work backwards with your inquiry, starting with the taxi/Uber situation in Page. In a word, OK, three: it’s not great. There’s only one taxi company in town, Buggy Taxi, and at the moment, the reviews on them aren’t that great. Uber has yet to make enough inroads into the local area in order to be reliable. Plus, if you’re looking to an Uber driver to take you into any of the National Park areas, they won’t be able to do so as they have to have a Conditional Use Permit, and most Uber drivers don’t have that kind of budget.
Long story short, if you’ll have your own vehicle whilst you’re in Page, that will be your primary transport mode.
As for private tours, you’ll most likely have a hard time organizing these as well, since the tour outfitters in the area already have their daily departures scheduled, and reservations in place. They are not apt to want to disrupt their timetables for a private tour, but you never know for certain unless you try. You’ll want to contact the outfitters by phone to pose this to them. For Upper Antelope Canyon (the easier part):
Antelope Canyon Tours
928-645-9102
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
(928) 310-9458
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours
928-380-1874
Antelope Slot Canyon Tours by Chief Tsosie
928-645-5594
To inquire about a private Lake Powell Boat Tour, phone 888-896-3829 (that’s ARAMARK’s corporate office in Phoenix)
For the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, call 800-992-8022
To visit the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, and bypass the parking snarls, give this a read: “Help! There’s No Place To Park at Horseshoe Bend!” If you’d rather not drive there, that article has a few suggestions, including a local tour company that offers a shuttle.
As for UTV tours, there is one company offering them out of the town of Big Water, UT (13 miles NW of Page, AZ), and according to their website, their tours are all private or semi-private. Epic Adventure Rides Lake Powell
As to your reservation at “Into The Grand,” if you arrive at Lake Powell Resorts at a decent hour, you should be able to make that no problem. It takes approximately 5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Page, then another 15 minutes from Page to Lake Powell Resorts. Regarding Lake Powell Resort, it’s a great place, and the views can’t be beat, but logistically, it’s going to mean a 15-20 minute drive, each way, to get from where you’re staying to where most tours stage out of (Page, AZ). Keep that in mind when making plans.
At the time of year you’re visiting, the Glen Canyon Float Trip departs only once daily, at 10 AM, so any other activities you do will need to be planned around that. Regarding boat tours, since there are so many options, it’s difficult to factor where exactly that will fit into your trip plan, but if you’re wanting to do the Rainbow Bridge tour (~6-7 hours), that goes out at 7:30 AM at the time of year you’re visiting.
A typical 2-day trip plan for the area looks like this: 48 Hours in Page, Arizona
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 21, 2018 at 12:11 PM

Dear Danny,
It is indeed feasible to tour both Antelope X and Cathedral Canyon the same day, however, they are not walking distance from one another. Antelope Canyon X tours begin near the tribal park entrance on US98 just South of Page; Cathedral Slot Canyon is located near LeChee, AZ, but the tour outfitter begins all tours at their headquarters, Chief Tsosie’s Trading Post, in the town of Page, AZ. So there would be some driving required between tours, but since Page, AZ is a relatively small town, it would be 10 minutes tops.
RE: your plan for the following day, time permitting, you might visit Horseshoe Bend first thing in the morning, just after sunrise, to avoid the heat, crowds and parking snarls that typically affect the overlook in the afternoon.
Good luck and safe travels
Alley 🙂

July 21, 2018 at 11:39 AM

Hi Julie,
Since Page is a relatively small town, things tend to be 10-15 minutes apart from one another, at most. Therefore, you’ve allowed ample time to enjoy the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip, return to town for a leisurely-paced lunch at one of Page, Arizona’s fine restaurants, then check in for your Antelope Canyon tour.
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:29 PM

Mark,
It is indeed! It’s even better if you can spend the night, or better yet, spend two!
Take care,
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:23 PM

Hi Alley
We are planning a driving trip w/the 3 teenage boys starting from SA in early August and finish at The Grand Canyon in 6-7days. We like to cover Grand Canyon (W and/or S Rim), Antelope Canyon plus something along the way, in no particular order. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Antelope Canyon
Lake Mead
Zion
and maybe Hoover Dam

July 30, 2018 at 5:36 PM

_________________________________________

From Alley Keosheyan

Hi Veronica,
I feel kind of dumb here, but I’m not sure what area “SA” refers to! San Antonio? South Africa? I’m assuming the former is getting warmer.
As for the order in which you tour the sites you list, hotel room availability at Grand Canyon South Rim will most likely by the “lynchpin” around which the rest of your plans will revolve, and evolve, so check that first. Staying inside the park is most convenient, but those rooms are likely to be booked already. Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South, 7 miles from the park entrance, is your next best option, and may offer more amenities that appeal to teenage boys, such as pools, game rooms, etc. If those are already full, which is entirely possible, then Valle, Williams and Flagstaff, AZ will be the next best alternate locations, in order of both proximity to the rim, and desirability. Grand Canyon hotels
The next element to book should be Antelope Canyon tours. Decide whether to tour Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon (Upper = 100 yards, flat, easy/Lower = longer, some stair and ladder climbing) then reserve an available time that works for you. How To Book A Tour Of Antelope Canyon
For Zion, here again, in-park rooms are probably booked, but you might consider staying in Springdale, UT, just outside the Western border of the park, and a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas.
Whenever you can work Las Vegas into your trip would be the time to visit Hoover Dam.
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 31, 2018 at 7:15 PM

Hi Sue,
Thank you for visiting our site, and for your compliments!
If crowds aren’t your thing, you’ve definitely made a good call in cancelling Antelope Canyon, and after all’s said and done, you certainly wouldn’t be disappointed with either alternate slot canyon. IMO the primary determining factor in which one you choose will come down to physicality. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon is a flat, easy 300 yard walk, with no stairs or ladders. It does involve a 6-7 mile off-road drive to get to, which may be a bit bumpy, but once in the canyon, it’s easy navigating. Antelope X is a bit more challenging, requiring some stair and ladder climbing, but between the two, you’d probably find X to bear more of a resemblance visually to the main branches of Antelope Canyon.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a film is worth a million, and you will find videos of both tours on the tour companies’ respective websites (linked above).
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:22 PM

Hi Christina,
The Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon debate usually comes down to physical fitness: if you and your boyfriend are reasonably fit and able to handle some stair climbing and navigating a few small boulders, then Lower would be the tour I’d recommend. If either of you have any mobility issues or breathing problems, then go for Upper. It’s only 100 yards long (200 if you count the out-and-back walk), and the trail through it is flat. As to best time to tour, in an ideal world, mid-day is generally regarded to be the best time for lighting conditions, especially if you’re wanting to see the world-famous light beams. However, in light of how popular Antelope Canyon has become in recent years, the best time of day is whatever time has availability and works with your schedule.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2018 at 1:12 PM

Hi Denine,
What do I think? I think you’re trying to cram too many destinations into too short a short trip.
The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim takes approximately 4.5 hours. Then, the drive to Page will take another 3-3.5 hours. I know Google Maps gives the drive time as 2.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. There are a lot of scenic overlooks and other points of interest that will no doubt pique your curiosity. It would be a shame to pass them by because you’re pressed for time. Normally, I would recommend overnighting at Grand Canyon South Rim, then driving to Page the following morning, but then again, you’d be doing another long drive the following day: 3-3.5 hours from GC to Page, then from Page to Sedona takes ~3 hours. The next day, you’re proposing to do yet another long drive – about 5 hours – back to Las Vegas.
Another thing, too, Sedona is the kind of destination that really needs at least 3 days to do justice to, but 2 can suffice if you’re determined. Try to free up one more night to pull this all off. If you can’t, I recommend skipping Sedona this time around. Spend 1 night at the Grand Canyon, 1 night in Page, then take a leisurely drive back to Las Vegas via Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake and the Virgin River Gorge.
No matter what you decide to do, be sure to book all hotels, Antelope Canyon tours and other scheduled activities in advance of your arrival.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 13, 2018 at 12:35 PM

_________________________________________

From Denine

Thank you very helpful.

July 16, 2018 at 10:48 PM

Hi Norma, and thank you for your inquiry, and your compliments.
December is a fine time to be here. Yes, it will be colder than other times of the year, but that can be a blessing: you’ll have fewer people to contend with on tours, on the roads, in hotels, etc.
All Antelope Canyon tours are in full operational mode at that time of year, with some adjustments to the hours they’re offered. As for touring both Upper and Lower in one day, it’s possible, but not necessary in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. If you’re physically up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d stick with that, and use your extra time for other activities, such as doing a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam, taking a short hike around The “New” Wave, visiting Horseshoe Bend, etc.
As for water-based activities, these tend to be on seasonal hiatus during the winter months. However, some tours may run as long as 15 paying passengers are booked on them, and weather conditions are favorable. I would suggest contacting Lake Powell Boat Tours at 928-645-2433 or Antelope Point Marina at 928-645-5900 when your trip date gets closer, or when you arrive in Page, to see if they have anything scheduled to go out.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 13, 2018 at 12:24 PM

Hi Noel,
Really good question! The simple answer is basically because lots of other people have beaten us to it (posting videos of Upper Antelope Canyon). You can find plenty of them on YouTube, Facebook and on the different tour outfitters’ websites. The other reason: Upper Antelope Canyon is a piece of cake to tour. 100 meters, flat trail, super-easy. Here’s a video that shows not only the walk-through, but the buckboard truck ride leading up to the canyon’s entrance. Upper Antelope Canyon – Arizona USA
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 13, 2018 at 12:17 PM

Holy crap, Justin, I’m so sorry you had to go through that, on what should have been a joyous, once-in-a-lifetime occasion. I, too, would have thought that after doing Angel’s Landing, and some of the other activities you describe, The Wave should have been a piece of cake for your “other half.” Oh well, the desert heat cam turn a lot of people cranky who wouldn’t be otherwise. Your points are well-taken and hopefully, will be of some benefit to future travelers considering a trip to The Wave! It does sound as though your 11 YO is a natural-born hiker and would make for a much more agreeable companion on future adventures — perhaps a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim? 😉
Take care, and despite this experience, I hope you get to come back to the area again someday.
Alley
P.S. If your SO is with you on a return trip, she won’t say “is this IT?” if you guys do this.

July 11, 2018 at 4:56 PM

Hi Melissa and thank you for your question.
IMO, that’s cutting it a bit too close. Delays do happen, especially during peak travel season (spring, summer and fall), and if you get held up and fail to make your check in time for the float trip, you’d lose not only your space, but your money. If possible, I would try to book an earlier time slot for Antelope Canyon, or do the Glen Canyon Float Trip the following morning. If you’re visiting during the peak heat period of mid-summer, you might find that to be a blessing in disguise anyway. The morning departure (7:00 AM) is far more bearable temperature-wise.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 10, 2018 at 2:25 PM

Hi Diedre,
You are correct in that all Antelope Canyon tour companies cover the same area, so if Antelope Slot Canyon’s better reviews gives you more confidence in booking with them, go ahead and do so. The main thing is to reserve something ASAP. One thing I do feel the need to clarify is that Antelope Canyon is located in Page, AZ, which is ~150 miles from the Grand Canyon. It’s essentially a totally separate area (although it’s also situated on the Colorado River), so you should plan on spending at least 1 night here. 24 Hours In Page, Arizona
BTW, October is a great time to be here, you’ll love it.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 10, 2018 at 2:23 PM

Hi Greta!
I hesitate to throw out a price figure as 1. it could change between now and when you travel and 2. when you travel can make a significant difference in your trip cost.
Unfortunately, if you’re traveling during peak season (spring/summer/fall), you’re going to be hard-pressed to find “budget-friendly” hotels. Granted, you’ll find your share of Motel 6’s, EconoLodges, and similar properties in Page, AZ, but in the summertime, you shouldn’t be surprised to find even those kinds of properties running in the $250+ per night range. I just checked myself and couldn’t believe it!
If you were to use Flagstaff, AZ as a base and use the “hub-and-spoke” approach (where you do day trips to the different attractions), that could save you money on lodging, but you might eat up those savings on gas, depending on prices at the time you travel (and, as we all know, gas has an uncanny knack for being more expensive during the summer months). Another viable option might be to stay a few days in Flagstaff, then move to St. George, UT for a few days.
There’s also the matter of meals to consider. Here, you could save money by staying in a vacation rental home vs. a traditional hotel room. The former typically have full kitchens, so you can do your own cooking instead of eating out all the time.
As for doing the trip in an RV vs. hotels, that ends up being a “wash” in my experience. My husband and I have a small camper, so have some experience in that regard.
If you are really concerned about saving money, here’s my advice to you: visit us in the off-season. That means the late fall/winter/early spring months. Yes, you could encounter snow, and you’ll most certainly have cooler weather for most of your trip, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the majority of days are sunny, and hotels tend to be a little more realistic with their prices. For example, I just checked Page hotels for December 1-3, and found prices at budget chains as low as $50/night.
Hope that helps — good luck, and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 07, 2018 at 5:33 PM

Hi Tatiana and thank you for visiting us!
An alternate route for getting back to Las Vegas from Page would involve traveling South on US89 to Bitter Springs, then heading North on US89-A through Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon and the Southern edge of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. At Lees Ferry, you can actually drive up relatively close to the bank of the Colorado River and dip your feet in it. There are some cool balanced rock formations in that area, too. I highly recommend Cliff Dwellers Restaurant as a lunch stop, then a stop at the Jacob Lake Inn for some delicious home-made cookies for later. Afterward, continue on to Fredonia, AZ, where you would resume travelling West on AZ389-59-9 to I-15.

This route would take roughly 6 hours, factoring in stops for photos, bathroom breaks, etc.
Hope that helps — best wishes for safe travels! 🙂
Alley
P.S. I notice the Grand Canyon is absent from your itinerary; have you already been there? If not, you could swing down to the North Rim from Jacob Lake, but that would add another 2 hours onto an already long drive.

July 04, 2018 at 3:48 PM

Hi Danette,
It is definitely worth consideration as an alternative to Lower Antelope Canyon, especially if all members of your traveling party are reasonably fit and can manage a few uphill climbs and stepping over a few boulders. Since the article was written, the tour outfitter has installed some ladders and staircases to make those portions of the canyon easier on guests, plus, with smaller groups, they have the flexibility to take things at your pace and not rush you through it. For more information, and to view a video walk-through, visit www.AntelopeCanyon-X.com
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

July 04, 2018 at 3:34 PM

Hi Alyssa, and thank you for your inquiry.
I would grab the 6:15 AM time slot for Lower Antelope Canyon for cooler temperatures and fewer people to contend with. As for lighting, you won’t get the “divine” light beams you might be expecting, but you will get deeper, richer colors of the rock walls… and fewer people to contend with. The afternoon tours frequently end up getting cancelled due to excessive heat, which you’d run more of a risk of with the later departure.
As for the best time to see Horseshoe Bend, well… opinions are all over the place on that one! In terms of lighting, many agree that late afternoon is just about ideal, but be prepared to deal with a lot of people with the same idea as you. Here again, due to the time of year you’re visiting, and concerns about heat, you might want to also schedule this activity for early in the morning, as in just after sunrise. You’ll enjoy more moderate temperatures, have an easier time parking, and still get some great photos. If you want to see an hour-by-hour comparison of photos taken at Horseshoe Bend, check out our Horseshoe Bend Photo Series by Brian Klimowski
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 03, 2018 at 1:19 PM

Hi Ben and thank you for stopping by today.
Mid-September is a great time to be here. Temperatures are cooling off and crowds are thinning out, albeit just slightly. It’s still busy, so you need to get on making hotel and Antelope Canyon tour reservations quickly.
The typical 7-8 day itinerary in Northern AZ/Southern UT, using Las Vegas as a “staging” city, goes something like this:
Day 1 – Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (~4.5 hours), overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim
Day 2 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3-3.5 hours), hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, overnight in Page, AZ
Day 3 – Tour Antelope Canyon, perhaps take a Lake Powell Boat Tour or the Glen Canyon 1/2-Day Float Trip , spend another night in Page
Day 4 – Drive from Page, AZ to Bryce Canyon, UT (~3-4 hours), overnight in Bryce
Day 5 – Drive from Bryce to Zion (~2 hours), overnight in Springdale, UT (on the Western border of the park)
Day 6 – Explore Zion, take the free shuttle system to the main scenic drive, maybe hike part of the Narrows, or do some river tubing (water level permitting), spend another night in Springdale, UT
Day 7 – Drive back to LA, ~6.5-7 hours. Or, if desired, maybe make a detour to Death Valley NP and spend the night there before heading home.
Hope that helps! For a more detailed itinerary and suggestions on what to do each day, read “The Grand Canyon and Beyond: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary in Northern AZ & Southern UT”
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 03, 2018 at 1:12 PM

Hi Sandi,
Being overwhelmed is a common reaction when people realize all there is to see and do in this part of the U.S., so you’re by no means alone!
In answer to your specific queries:
1. The best time of year to visit is late-September through mid-October. Temperatures are cooling down and crowds have thinned out. It’s still busy, but with kids back in school, it’s mostly just us “grown-ups” out there.
2. Sedona vs. Las Vegas – in terms of sheer number of visitors, Las Vegas is the more popular destination, hands down. In terms of quality of attractions, activities and views, many people would definitely say they like Sedona better. If you’re actually wondering about which city to fly into and out of, Phoenix would make for a good “staging” city for a Southwest visit that included Sedona. A typical 1-week itinerary would consist of 3 days in Sedona, 1 night at Grand Canyon South Rim, then 2 days in Page. You could also use Las Vegas as your staging city and substitute Zion National Park (in Utah) for Sedona. Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary in Northern AZ/Southern UT
3. As for things to do, while in Sedona, plan on doing a Pink Jeep Tour and maybe a hike in Oak Creek Canyon or to Devil’s Bridge if you’re up for more of a challenge. In the Grand Canyon, taking the free shuttles to the West Rim/Hermit’s Rest viewpoints and a walk around the Grand Canyon Village Historic District are the two basic “must-do’s.” If desired, a short hike on the Bright Angel Trail might round out your visit well, just realize that Inner Canyon hiking has its challenges. In Page, the “big three” activities are the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, which can be visited at your leisure, or via a couple of different tour packages, including safari jeep and/or horseback riding , and the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip.
As for the driving, it’s a six-of-one/half-a-dozen-of-another proposition whether you fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix. It’s 4.5 hours from either airport to Grand Canyon South Rim, 3-3.5 hours from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, then 2 hours from Page to Zion National Park/Springdale, then 3 hours and change back to Las Vegas.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travel,
Alley 🙂

July 02, 2018 at 7:20 PM

Hey Tami,
It is indeed only 20 people per day allowed on the trail. 1 permit = 1 body. If you apply for the online permit on behalf of a party 3 people, that means only 7 more spaces will be left for the BLM to grant for that particular day. Another 10 spaces will be given out by walk-in lottery in Kanab, UT the day prior to when you wish to hike.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 29, 2018 at 5:38 PM

Hi Carla and thank you so much for your inquiry.
First off, it takes ~ 3 hours to drive from St. George, UT to Grand Canyon North Rim. You’re then looking at about the same time/distance from the North Rim to Page, AZ at the end of the day. You could cut your morning drive in half or thereabouts, and IMO have a more pleasant time, if you were to stay in Kanab, UT the night prior. St. George is a small, but crowded town that feels like a city. Kanab, UT still maintains that nice small town vibe. If you are able to change your arrangements at this point, I would strongly recommend doing so.
Unlike Grand Canyon South Rim and Zion, Grand Canyon North Rim does not have a shuttle system. All viewpoints there are open to private vehicles. If you like to hike, you might indeed go a short way down the North Kaibab Trail. Just be sure to carry plenty of water, wear hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, and remember that 1 hour down = 2 hours out. Time your trip accordingly and keep an eye on your watch.
If you manage to make it to Page, AZ in time for sunset (which you should strive for — nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the country), you might hit Horseshoe Bend then, spend the night in Page, then tour Antelope Canyon or alternate slot canyon first thing the following morning.
With the goal of driving to Moab via Monument Valley that same day, you’re not likely to have time for much else. Again, driving at night is potentially dangerous in this part of the US due to the lack of artificial lighting on local roadways, and the possibility of deer, elk and other nocturnal wildlife congregating around them. You might be able to slip in a kayak tour as you’d mentioned, or perhaps a short walk and lunch down at Antelope Point Marina. If you can possibly spend a second night in Page, AZ, that would enable you to take part in some other activities you might enjoy, such as the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, a tour of Glen Canyon Dam, etc. 2-Day Itinerary in Page, Arizona
One more thing regarding camping: it’s HOT both here and in Moab, UT right now. Daytime temperatures are getting up near 110 and nighttime temperatures aren’t cooling down much. I wouldn’t want to camp in those conditions, so I’d definitely recommend booking hotels in these areas ASAP.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 28, 2018 at 8:01 PM

Hi Ed, thank you for visiting today!
It is advisable to allow about 2 hours for the Lower Antelope Canyon tour. At the time of year you’re traveling, there will be plenty of light in order to enjoy the beauty of the canyon.
As for the water activities, you are correct, that boat and kayak tours do not run on a scheduled basis since that is shoulder season, which is marked by colder temperatures and thinning crowds. However, with enough paying passengers, some boat tours occasionally do go out on an “on-demand” basis. I’d advise calling the tour companies directly upon your arrival in the Page, AZ area and inquiring about what tours they might have sufficient interest in to operate.
One exception to the rule: the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. Weather permitting, and with a minimum of 6 paying passengers, it is set to go out daily at 10:00 AM between 10/01 and 12/02.
Hope that helps. Take care and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 27, 2018 at 5:50 PM

Dear Tita,
The weather at this time of year can be summed up in one word: HOT!
Be sure you carry ample water at all times, for yourself, your family and any pets traveling with you.
As for the “entrance fee,” if you’re referring to that of Antelope Canyon, it is $8 per person, however, it will be included in the ticket price of your Antelope Canyon tour.
Hope that helps – best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 27, 2018 at 5:43 PM

Hi Mark,
As stated early on in the article you’ve commented on, advance reservations are a MUST for Antelope Canyon tours, especially at this time of year. If you find that Antelope Canyon tours are sold out, consider touring one of several alternate slot canyons that are just as beautiful, but a lot less crowded.
Good luck and safe travels. Be sure you carry lots of water!
Alley 🙂

June 27, 2018 at 5:39 PM

Hi Ina,
If you mean that you’re planning on flying into Phoenix THIS Friday, then theoretically, you could do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend IF your flight arrives on time, and your rental car pick-up goes smoothly. Unfortunately, in reality, those things rarely happen. Plus there’s the matter of traffic on I-17, which is always crazy. The main thing to consider, though, is that the drive from Phoenix to Page rarely takes the 4-4.5 hours you’ll see given as the timeframe on Google Maps. There are many scenic views, historic markers and photo opportunities that will no doubt pique your interest, not to mention the inevitable bathroom break. So don’t be surprised if you find that the trip ends up taking more like 6-6.5 hours.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend on your way into Page is easy enough to do since it’s only 5 miles South of town. If you find the overlook too congested, or simply are too tired to deal with it on your arrival day, just check into your hotel, plan to make it an early morning the next day, and visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise. Cooler temperatures and fewer people make a morning visit to this iconic overlook a much more pleasant experience. Then schedule your Antelope Canyon tour for whenever you can find availability. On that subject, we recommend prioritizing a landside (walking) tour of Antelope Canyon over a boat tour. The landside tours offer the “iconic” slot canyon scenery you’re probably expecting to see. The Antelope Canyon boat tours are cool, but should be considered kind of a “bonus” activity to help you appreciate the true complexity of the Antelope Canyon drainage as it relates to Lake Powell and the Colorado River as a whole. Advance reservations are a must for Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon.
Hope that helps — enjoy your visit to Page, AZ!
Alley 🙂
P.S. For other valuable tips and travel planning information, visit our sister site, www.HorseshoeBend.com

June 26, 2018 at 4:22 PM

Hi Tonya,
Antelope Canyon is situated on the Navajo Indian Reservation, so yes, a tour is required to visit it. You cannot go there on your own. Hope that clarifies things. For guidance on which branch of Antelope Canyon would suit you best, read “How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon.”
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 26, 2018 at 4:12 PM

Dear Kyna,
You have correctly deduced that it will be hot in the afternoon in July, which increases the risk of tours being cancelled for safety reasons. Touring in the morning is definitely preferable. You can check with the Lower Antelope Canyon tour companies periodically for cancellations, but that can never be guaranteed. My advice, if you wish to avoid paying the price of a multiple-canyon tour, would be to book Antelope Canyon X. It bears enough of a resemblance to Lower Antelope, both in physicality and the formations, so that you wouldn’t feel short-changed. Besides, it’s just an alternate drainage of Antelope Canyon anyway.
Another alternate slot canyon you might look at is Cathedral Slot Canyon. It has both “iconic” slot canyon scenery plus a few features that are unique to it alone. You might also consider touring Lower Waterholes Canyon. It is not mentioned on our website yet because until quite recently, all you had to do was get a permit from the Navajo tribe and go in at your leisure. It now requires a tour to enter, but it’s quite reasonably priced. For more information, visit Waterhole Canyon Experience LLC on Facebook. Last but not least, there’s also Wind Pebble Canyon, which is another slot canyon in the Antelope Canyon system, managed by Ligai Si’Anii Tours.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 22, 2018 at 2:14 PM