Customer Questions

Hi Bethanne and thank you for your excellent question!
There are several horseback riding outfitters in the area between Page, AZ and Zion National Park. One that I am personally familiar with is the Paria River Ranch, located near mile marker 22 on US89 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT. Horseback riding is also offered at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch just outside the Eastern entrance to Zion National Park. A Google search also indicates there’s a place called Jacob’s Ranch in the same area as Zion Ponderosa. I’ve never done a tour with them, so can’t vouch for their quality, prices or anything of that nature.
In Zion National Park itself, Canyon Trail Rides offers 1- and 3-hour trail rides. They are the same concessionaire that operates the mule rides at Grand Canyon North Rim.
Hope that helps — giddy up!
Alley 🙂

June 22, 2018 at 2:06 PM

Hi Bonnie and thank you for visiting us!
Not knowing where you’re headed after Page, AZ, I’m kind of “flying blind” as to recommending an itinerary, but, the main point is that you don’t have to follow it EXACTLY in order to make it work.
For one, I’m assuming that you’ll have already been to the Grand Canyon. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Williams to Page, AZ via Flagstaff (the most direct route). Recommend a stop at the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 and US89 for at least a leg stretch/bathroom break/a little souvenir shopping; if you’re hungry, it makes for a good stop for “brunch.” The Navajo tacos are amazing! TIP: unless you’re CRAZY hungry, get the “mini.” The so-called “regular” is HUGE.
Since the Horseshoe Bend Overlook is just 5 miles South of Page, AZ, it is most convenient to hit it on your way into town, however, expect it to be crowded. Mid-day hours (between 10 AM and 3 PM) seem to be the worst as that’s when tour bus and day trip traffic is rolling in from outlying areas. In the summer months, it will also be really hot at that time of day since the overlook is almost completely exposed save for a couple of small shade pavilions. If you happen to be spending the night in Page, AZ, you might save that activity for first thing in the morning, as in, right after sunrise. That’s when crowds tend to be thinnest, and temperatures coolest.
As for Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon, it takes a little bit longer to explore Lower, but not by so much as to warrant going to Upper in order to save time. If you’re physically up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d recommend sticking with it. Whatever you decide, be sure to make your Antelope Canyon tour reservations in advance. Then, if you’re inclined, go to Antelope Marina, if not for a meal, then to do a little exploring or maybe take a short boat tour into the waterside of Antelope Canyon. Just remember that Antelope Point Marina is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so you’ll have to pay a $25/vehicle entrance fee. If you’d prefer not to spend that kind of $ for a short visit, other activities you might consider should you have more time include, but are not limited to, the Navajo Village Heritage Center (at the corner of US98 & Coppermine Road), the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, a short hike to the “New” Wave and Radio Tower Rock, or tour the Glen Canyon Dam.
Hope that helps! For other great travel tips and information on local attractions, visit our sister sites www.HorseshoeBend.com and www.TheWaveAZ.com
Hope that helps! Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 20, 2018 at 3:29 PM

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From Bonnie Jenkins

Thanks for update. I should have included this: We are renting a house for 6 nights 20 miles from Flagstaff. We are young 60 year olds. We decided on lower Antelope Canyon. So, you mentioned a 1 hour boat ride and I was trying to find that to book that. recommended tour. In any event, it would be a 1 day up to Page, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and back to house,. Here is what we have planned so far:
Day #1, Arrive Phoenix Airport, noon. take in:
• Montezuma Castle first and then
• Montezuma Well (take the ½ mile trail)
• Tuzigoot National Monument
• Head to Jerome to house
Day #2 Sedona. Reservation: 11 a.m. 1.Palatki Heritage Site, Honanki, Catherdral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge Trail, then head back to house. Any thoughts on Day #2.
Day #3: Take train from Williams into Canyon, arrive 11:30 and plan itinerary for the 4 hrs. since train departs at 3:30. Would that be a good “Overlook day or a hike day?” Do we need another full day in Canyon for Day #4?. Day #5, Our next Day we were trying to decide between Walnu Canyon National Monument, Wupatki Monument and Sunset Crater or do a day trip to Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Homolovi Runs and Meteor Crater? Then we were planning to spend Day 6 going your way to Horseshoe Bend, Lower Canyon, Page. I was trying to have you help us plan Day #6, knowing we don’t mind getting up early and hitting the road, no small children to worry with. Thanks for all your help,. Bonnie

June 23, 2018 at 8:15 PM

Hi Tena!
Unfortunately, I have not taken part in this particular activity, but according to the reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor and elsewhere, it sounds incredible. Let us know how you liked it,
Alley 🙂

June 14, 2018 at 6:36 PM

Hi Saptaparni,
If you only have time to tour one slot canyon, and are physically fit enough to handle the moderate challenges posed by Lower Antelope Canyon, that’s the one I recommend you tour for the truly “iconic” slot canyon scenery. Since the time of year you’re traveling is peak of summer — both visitation- and heat-wise — I’d also suggest going on that 6:15 AM departure on the morning of July 3rd. Temperatures both outside and inside the canyon will be cooler and more comfortable. If Lower is too much for you or any of your party to handle, then, Upper it is, and here again, the 6:00AM departure will afford your family maximum comfort. To judge whether Lower Antelope Canyon is doable for you, watch this video of a Full Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Thank you for your visit and best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 13, 2018 at 5:50 PM

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From Saptaparni

Thank you Alley. The link to the video is really wonderful and will definitely help us decide whether to visit the lower or upper canyon. Just another question, will the colors in early morning be as beautiful as they are later on in the day? Or would an evening trip be better to see colors? Also, do all the canyons follow MST?

June 13, 2018 at 7:06 PM

Hi Kristine!
Honestly, the order in which you visit Page and the Grand Canyon doesn’t make a huge difference. In either case, you’d be looking at about a 4.5 hour drive back to Phoenix at the end of your trip. Where each destination falls on your itinerary will most likely revolve around lodging availability. You should start checking availability for Grand Canyon Hotels first, since there are fewer of them to choose from, then Page, AZ Hotels. After you line these up, then book your Antelope Canyon tour.
If you do decide to just stay one night at Grand Canyon South Rim, what you might do is keep those two nights in Page, then spend that last night in Sedona, AZ. That will reduce your drive at the end of the trip to just over 2 hours. Dropping a night at Grand Canyon South Rim won’t detract in any way from the quality of your visit since a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing will occur during the course of the drive to Page. Google Maps lists the drive time as 2.5 hours, but that rarely happens due to the number of stops you can potentially make. 3.5-4 hours tends to be a more accurate figure. Just time your trip so that you’re not driving after dark.
Another thing: you mentioned this is a “family” visit, so I assume that means you’re traveling with children? If so, you might consider adding the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip to your schedule whilst in Page, AZ. This 15-mile raft trip from the base of the Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry is a popular activity for families, and since it traverses no rapids, it can be taken by kids as young as 4. In August, the AM departure tends to be the more comfortable one since morning temperatures are cooler.
Hope that helps — good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 11, 2018 at 12:25 PM

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From Kristine

No, we’re not travelling with children. It’s just an all girls trip. Do you think we should drive out to Page in the early evening of Day 2 or morning of Day 3? Not sure what is the driving condition out there during the summer and if we could make it in time for our 3pm Antelope Canyon tour (if we decide to drive out in the morning of Day 3).

June 13, 2018 at 3:53 AM

Hi Ryan!

I gained information from the past post, thank you!!!

My family of 7 is planning a 10 day stay in this area coming up soon. It’s been very much a learning experience trying to organize our trip!

We’re driving out from Texas with some flexibility in our schedule, as I don’t want to overcomit. The 3 reservations we do have are: a house in Duck Creek, a half day float trip Glenn Canyon upon our arrival, a boat rental upon our departure.

The house dates are set and choose this location for cooler temps and a wildflower festival. We’re planning to arrive a day or two early to the area and camp, same on our departure.
I like the idea of Lone Rock campground. With beach and water fun, close to float trip, Antelope canyon tour, horseshoe. Then on our way back to Tx, same camp location w North Rim Grand Canyon, the next day a boat on lake Powell.

The 8 days we have the house we’d like to visit: Bryce, Cedar Breaks, Escalante ( calf creek) and the Rt 12 drive, Peublo state park and of course Zion.

My questions:
Zion sounds so confusing and makes me nervous, should we even attempt? The North Rim sounds amazing as do the mule rides, what’s ur thought on the rides? Last question, is this all doable lol!!!!
Kids are super fit and LOVE LOVE to explore ages 10, 13,14,16, 21. Four boys one girl. And husband and I.
I’m on some helpful Facebook pages w good info on Zion, Escalante NM etc….
This is why Zion sounds crazy too me….. thinking just one day bc of craziness and enjoying other beautiful places.

Thank you for any help!!!

June 12, 2018 at 12:26 PM

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From Alley Keosheyan

Dear Janet,
Hello and thank you for your inquiry.
You have been very thorough in your trip plan, but one element that is conspicuously absent is a tour of Antelope Canyon on the land side. While the boat tour is beautiful, it won’t show you the truly “iconic” slot canyon scenery that the walking tour would. We strongly recommend that you make a reservation for one of these, then, time permitting, consider doing a boat or kayak tour of Antelope Canyon. How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon
Another observation is your plans to camp may not be practical, but this is highly dependent on the time of year you’re traveling, and doesn’t apply to all your stops. If you’re planning on traveling during the summer months, for example, Lone Rock will be VERY hot, and sleeping in a tent while it’s still 70-80 degrees out may not be as comfortable as you might think. If your trip is indeed planned for anytime between now and mid-September, you might splurge on a hotel or Page, AZ vacation rental in order to ensure your family’s comfort. Camping at the North Rim shouldn’t be too bad since it’s at ~8,000′ ASL and nights there still get relatively cool.
On the North Rim, you might be able to do a mule ride, as these do not tend to book up as far in advance as the South Rim mule rides. Due to the size of your party, though, I would highly recommend looking into advance reservations, and also to familiarize yourself with the policies of the concessionaire. Grand Canyon North Rim Mule Rides
As for whether you should attempt to tour Zion, if you fancy this trip to be a once-in-a-lifetime or at least a once-in-a-blue-moon experience, I’d try to work it in. For best results, get to Springdale early to get on the shuttles into the park. For first-hand reports from visitors who have been there recently, you might check out and join the Zion National Park Connection on Facebook, as well as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument And Adjacent group .
Good luck and hope that helps — best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be sure to pick up an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass at the first National Park you visit on your itinerary. For just $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments and Federal Fee areas in the US for 1 year. The only places it won’t work are Native American Tribal Parks such as Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon.

June 12, 2018 at 9:29 PM

Dear Dewi,
Hello and thank you for excellent inquiry.
Visiting both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is not necessary to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. If you think you are physically in good enough shape to handle Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d visit it, then use the remaining time you have for other activities such as taking a swim in Lake Powell, going to The “New” Wave, touring the Glen Canyon Dam, or visiting the John Wesley Powell Museum… just to name a few.
As to whether your 5-year-old can handle Lower Antelope Canyon, kids that age tour it every day and like it, but you know your son best. Does he like climbing? Would he be able to step over the occasional boulder he might encounter in Lower Antelope? To judge for yourself, watch this video of a Full Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon. If you have any doubts, then book a tour for Upper. Whichever you decide, be sure to book it well in advance of your arrival.
As to which time is best, mid-day is generally regarded as the best time to tour slot canyons, but those time slots may already be booked up. Another consideration is mid-day heat during the summer months is quite oppressive. For this reason, I’d recommend touring either Upper or Lower Antelope first thing in the morning. There really is no such thing as a bad time to tour the slot canyons 😉
Hope that helps! Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 08, 2018 at 4:56 PM

Dear Nerea,
I’m terribly sorry, but I am not certain what you’re trying to accomplish. You did not list the exact website you used to book the tour, so I cannot speculate on whether your tickets will be honored. I’d strongly recommend revisiting the website you used to make the booking. If you did indeed make a booking, your credit card should have been charged for the price of the tour. Your credit card statement should give the name of the company. I’d then suggest contacting them by phone or e-mail to confirm your reservations.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Alley

June 08, 2018 at 4:50 PM

Hi April!
By and large, early- to mid-October is the favorite time of year for those of us who have spent any length of time in Northern Arizona, which includes me (20+ years) 🙂
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley Keosheyan

June 07, 2018 at 9:48 PM

Dear Quynh:
Frankly, I’d recommend trying to free up another day to pull this trip off.
On Day 1, you’re proposing to do a LOT of driving: it takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. Then, it takes 2.5-3.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. Not knowing what time of year you’re traveling, I can’t say this for certain, but this plan could put you at risk of having to do some of your driving at night, which we strongly discourage due to the relative absence of artificial/supplemental lighting on local roadways, and the tendency of deer, elk, and other nocturnal wildlife to congregate around them. Try instead to overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim on your first travel day, then overnight in Page on your 2nd day, then drive back to Las Vegas (which also takes ~4.5 hours from Page) the following day.
Regarding which branch of Antelope Canyon you should visit, that probably will hinge on how much physical activity your mom will be able to endure. At only 100 yards in length, Upper Antelope Canyon tends to be the “go-to” tour for seniors, families with very young children and people with limited mobility. Those who are relatively fit and are OK with navigating some stairs and stepping over a few boulders are usually able to manage Lower Antelope Canyon. To judge for yourself, watch this Full Walk-Through Video of Lower Antelope Canyon. Both branches of the canyon require a guided tour to visit. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours to tour either section of Antelope Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend also requires a good chunk of time, typically 60-90 minutes, but here again, consider carefully whether your mom would be able to handle it if she has respiratory or mobility issues, or if you plan to travel during the peak heat of summer. For suggestions on how to see Horseshoe Bend for those who can’t make the hike, read this article on our sister site, www.HorseshoeBend.com “Help! I Can’t Make The Hike To Horseshoe Bend”
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 07, 2018 at 9:47 PM

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From JANE

Hello!

I also plan to take my parents to see the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. I am allotting 2 days for the trip (Dec30-31); we’d be back to Vegas on the night of Dec31. Reading through the conversation and other questions, I figured West Rim has a shorter distance from Vegas than the South Rim. Knowing this, would my plan be more feasible doing the 2-day tour?

Option 1: Day1 would be Grand Canyon West Rim; Day 2 Upper Antelope.
Option 2: Day1 Grand Canyon West Rim; Day2 Upper Antelope for older people (in their 70s); Lower Antelope for younger ones (30s).

I have a few questions:
1. Is Option 1 feasible?
2. Is it relatively safe for older people (in their 70s) to enjoy Upper Antelope while younger ones go to the Lower Antelope?
3. Can you recommend tour groups who do this route?

Thanks a lot!!

December 14, 2018 at 9:18 AM

Hi Lilja,
You absolutely must book a tour in advance for Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon and other slot canyons in Page, AZ.
As for photography tours, they are no longer offered in Lower Antelope Canyon. They are still allowed in Upper, but as you’ve guessed, can be quite crowded. If you prefer to have a tour that allows for more time for photos, observation or contemplation, you might consider touring Antelope Canyon X, Cathedral Canyon or one of several other Antelope Canyon Alternates.
Hope that helps and that you have a wonderful visit!
Alley 🙂

June 07, 2018 at 4:19 PM

Hi Christine,
Mid-day is generally regarded as the best time to visit the slot canyons, regardless of time of year. That’s because the sun being directly overhead illuminates the canyon most brightly. That being said, there is no such thing as a “bad” time to tour Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon or alternate slot canyons. Mid-day tours tend to book up the fastest, so if you find that to be the case on your chosen date, simply pick a time that best fits your schedule and enjoy. “Help! Antelope Canyon Tours Are Sold Out”
Hope that helps.
Alley 🙂
For more excellent travel tips and information, visit our sister sites: www.HorseshoeBend.com www.TheWaveAZ.com

June 07, 2018 at 4:14 PM

Dear Renju,
Sorry, but you won’t be able to hit all those attractions and spend any amount of quality time with only two full days to work with.
What you can do is this:
Day 1 (Saturday) – Drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ via Zion National Park. Drive time: approximately 5 hours. Overnight in Page, AZ.
Day 2 (Sunday) – Visit Horseshoe Bend Overlook after sunrise, tour Antelope Canyon at mid-day, drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. Drive time: 3-3.5 hours. Overnight in Grand Canyon South Rim.
Day 3 – (Monday) – Sunrise on the rim, drive to Las Vegas. Drive time: 4.5 hours.
As for the things you need to book in advance, those are:
Antelope Canyon Tours
Page, AZ Hotels
Grand Canyon South Rim Hotels
Of course, this itinerary can be reversed depending on availability of Antelope Canyon Tours and Grand Canyon South Rim lodging.
Now, one way you MIGHT be able to work Monument Valley into your trip, is to
1. Get an early start from Las Vegas into Page on Day 1 and take a late afternoon Antelope Canyon Tour
2. Take a 90-minute fixed-wing airplane flight over Monument Valley first thing in the morning, then hit Horseshoe Bend just South of of Page, AZ as you head toward Grand Canyon South Rim.
All parks are open to private vehicles, with the exception of Antelope Canyon, that requires a guided tour regardless of whether you have your own vehicle.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. For more helpful travel tips, visit our sister sites, www.HorseshoeBend.com and www.TheWaveAZ.com

June 07, 2018 at 4:08 PM

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From Irene

Hi Alley

I would like your recommendation on how I should plan my trip. We are planning on 6 nights 7 days and those days are also including traveling back to and from NY.

Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
Zion
Grand Canyon
and maybe Hoover Dam

Should i fly into Nevada or Arizona.

What should i go to first etc. I am planning this trip for next year.

Thank you.
Irene

June 12, 2018 at 4:49 PM

Hi Ashley –
Give this a read: Commercial Photography Permits At Antelope Canyon
Congratulations on your engagement!
Alley 🙂

June 05, 2018 at 7:00 PM

Hi Carol,
If you applied for The Wave lottery, and were successful in obtaining a permit, you should have received an e-mail from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) notifying you of such by now. For further inquiry, you would need to contact the Bureau of Land Management’s Kanab Field Office at (435) 644-1200 or utknmail@blm.gov If you were not drawn in the on-line lottery, you may also apply in-person for a walk-in permit the day prior to when you wish to hike at the Grand Staircase-Escalante Visitors Center in Kanab.
Good luck,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 4:24 PM

Hi Bobbi Sue and thank you for your compliments!
I’m going to “reverse-engineer” your itinerary, in other words, go “backwards” from the end of your trip.
Since you are flying into and out of Phoenix, and plan on swinging by Las Vegas before flying home, I would use your two “TBD” days for Sedona. The place needs at least 2 nights to do it justice, 3 is even better. Since it is only a 2-hour-and-change drive from Sedona to Phoenix, instead of staying by the airport on your last night, I would simply drive all the way from Sedona to Phoenix that day… unless you have a really early flight out, in which case, staying by the airport would be more convenient.
Day 5 – instead of staying in St. George, which IMO has become just another congested, crowded city, I would recommend staying in Springdale, UT, on the Western border of Zion National Park. Much prettier, more peaceful, and places you in a more conducive location to enjoy Zion. If you can free up another night, do so — Zion has a lot to see and do.
Day 4 – on what route to take to Zion from Page, going via Big Water and Kanab, UT is shorter, about 1 3/4 hours, but for scenery, I’d recommend taking the “long way” around, via Lees Ferry — you can actually drive up to the Colorado River and wade in it — Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake (stop at the Jacob Lake Inn for lunch and get some cookies to go!) and Mt. Carmel Junction. This will add another hour onto your drive time, but the scenery and photo ops IMO make it well worth the drive.
Day 2 – instead of driving to Sedona, because you’ve moved it to the end of your trip, drive all the way to Grand Canyon South Rim and overnight there. It’s about a 4.5 hour drive, but well worth being able to be on the rim for sunrise and/or sunset. The drive to Page, AZ would then be ~2.5-3.5 hours depending on the number of stops you make. Grand Canyon South Rim Lodging
So — here’s what your modified trip plan looks like:
Day 1 – fly into PHX, overnight
Day 2 – drive to GC South Rim, overnight
Day 3 – drive to Page, AZ, hit Horseshoe Bend on way into town (allow 60-90 minutes), visit The New Wave time permitting, overnight in Page
Day 4 – Tour Lower Antelope in the AM, head toward Zion National Park via Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake, overnight in Springdale, UT
Day 5 – Drive to Vegas (possible stops: Virgin River Gorge, Mesquite, NV, Valley of Fire State Park), overnight in Vegas
Day 6 – Drive to Sedona (~4.5 hours), with stop at Hoover Dam if desired, overnight in Sedona
Day 7 – Tour Sedona (Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon, Tlaquepaque), overnight in Sedona again, or drive back to Phoenix that afternoon if next morning flight is early

Hope that helps! Oh, re: the vehicle you rent, you can’t take any of them off-road per your rental contract, but there is still some hilly terrain to navigate, so I’d recommend getting something with some “heft” to it, like a small SUV.
Wishing you safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 5:50 PM

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From Lucy Hammond

We have reservations (driving from Vegas Red Rocks Resort) for three nights at Grand Canyon South Rim (first time in Southwest), three at Sedona, one at Bryce, and then back to Vegas for an 11:30 pm flight home. We are traveling this August and want to add on Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Horsehoe Bend, and maybe even a boat tour of Lake Powell/Glen Canyon. Is that possible? We are trying to do this in the way it will be least impactful on our other reservations. Would it be best to cut our Grand Canyon stay to two nights and then drive to Monument Valley, stay over night in the Page , do Antelope Canyon , Horseshoe Bend, maybe a boat tour the next day before driving to Sedona for our next leg? Is there a different order that would better fit in AC, HB, and the boat tour? Where would you suggest we stay in the Page area ( I like to run in the morning and just read about the trail around Lake Powell which I’d love to do part of in the am….not a deal breaker tho, just a pleasant bonus). We would really appreciate any advice. Thank you!
,

July 06, 2018 at 12:08 PM

Dear Beth and Bob,
Hello and thank you for visiting our site!
With 2 full weeks, you should be able to hit all the sites on your “wish list” fairly easily. Ultimate 14-Day American Southwest Itinerary
As to the order in which you make the stops, availability of lodging at Grand Canyon North Rim will by the “lynchpin” around which the rest of your plans revolve, and evolve. Since the North Rim only has a few lodging options, you’ll need to get on that ASAP. If you can’t find availability inside the park at the sole hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge, your next best options will be the Kaibab Lodge and Jacob Lake Inn respectively in order of proximity to the park. If those are full — and it’s quite likely they are — you might have to stay further away, such as in Kanab, UT or Page, AZ, and visit the North Rim as a “day trip.” Grand Canyon North Rim Lodging
Using Phoenix, AZ as your “staging” city, you could do:
3 days – Sedona, AZ
2 days – Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Float Trip and/or Lake Powell Boat Tour)
3 days – Moab, UT (Arches/Canyonlands)
1 day – Torrey, UT (Capitol Reef)
1 day – Bryce Canyon
2 days – Zion National Park (lodging in Springdale, UT)
1 day – Grand Canyon North Rim
1 day – Flagstaff, AZ
Or, you might reverse the order of these in order to get the longer drives out of the way early on. Again, the availability (or lack thereof) of North Rim lodging will probably be the most significant determining factor in how you plan your trip.
Hope that helps! For more trip planning information, visit our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 5:32 PM

I so badly want to see so much of the southwest, i was fixed on the grand cayon or arches NP,but the more i look,the more interesting things i see and want to do.I live in PA, not sure if i would drive or fly.But defenitely need lodging for 2 adults,2 children,8 and 16. Id love to see Antelope,Lake Powell and possibly anything else close to that area.Should i work with a travel agent?

July 22, 2019 at 2:49 AM

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From Alley Keosheyan

Hi Jovita,
First off, travel agents are not as easy to find as they were in years past. Even if you do manage to find one, chances are they have not travelled to the area themselves, and may unwittingly give you incorrect information. I’ve been in this business a long time, and can tell you my share of horror stories!
Fortunately, it is very easy to plan a trip to the American Southwest by doing research online. I recommend the Travel Forums of Trip Advisor to start with. I myself am a contributor to these, and you’ll find lots of helpful, experienced folks very willing to share their insight and expertise! There are also numerous groups on Facebook where you are welcome to bounce ideas off people.
Coming from PA, you’ll probably want to fly to Las Vegas. Otherwise, you’re looking at a 3-5 day drive, each way, which can be fun for those with the time and inclination to take on such a trip, but not so much for those unprepared for long days on the road.

If you want to see Arches, Canyonlands, and the “Utah Mighty 5” as well as Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, you’ll want to allot at least 2 weeks out here. Ultimate 14-Day Grand Circle Itinerary
Phoenix can also be used as your “staging city” if you wanted to add Sedona to your itinerary; another option would be to fly into Phoenix, then out of Las Vegas, or vice versa. Before you commit to that, however, make sure one-way rental car drop-off fees won’t be prohibitively high.
Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask further questions if/when you feel the need to!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 23, 2019 at 3:46 PM

Hi Sindy and hope you’re looking forward to your visit to Page, AZ!
In answer to your specific inquiries:
– For older folks and those with limited mobility, Upper Antelope Canyon is the best option. It’s 100 yards long, mostly flat, and doable for 99% of visitors.
– If your teens want more of a challenge, you might send them to Lower Antelope. It’s longer, a bit more physical (some stair climbing, boulder scrambling), but they would need to be travel with an adult.
– The order in which you do Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend isn’t really that big a deal, since Horseshoe Bend is open 24/7 and can be visited any time of day. Sunrise is a nice time to be there as it’s a bit cooler and hasn’t been slammed by tour buses from Las Vegas and Phoenix yet. Also, it depends on where Page, AZ fits into your total itinerary. If you’re coming from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, for example, you can easily hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town. If you’re going from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona or points South, you can pop in on your way out of town.
– General tips: it’s the desert, so that means it’s hot. Be ready. Wear hats, sunglasses and sunscreen at all times. Carry water and drink it. Have a scarf or bandanna handy that you can wet down and put around your neck or on your shoulders – it acts as an “evaporative” cooler of sorts. Keep an eye on your folks as the heat tends to affect older people more quickly and drastically. Try and time any activities that require physical exertion for the cooler times of the day, i.e., morning.
Hope that helps!
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 5:09 PM

Hi Judy and thank you for your compliments!
Your itinerary looks pretty solid. I’d make a few adjustments as follows:
1. Most visitors find 1 night sufficient for enjoying Bryce Canyon. In terms of square mileage, it is the smallest of Utah’s National Parks, which is why it can be experienced fully in relatively short order.
2. Touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is not necessary to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. If you’re physically up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d stick with it, then plan some other activities for the time you would have given to Upper Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend Overlook would be an obvious choice since it’s only about a 10 minute drive from Lower Antelope.
3. 2 places conspicuously absent from your itinerary: the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Grand Canyon — North or South Rim — is ~2.5-3 hours from Page, AZ, or 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Zion National Park is about a 90 minute drive from Page, or a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. If you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, you could take those last couple of days and give them to Zion. The most practical lodging at this point will probably be Springdale, UT, which would put you again about a 3 hour drive from Vegas toward the end of your trip.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 4:59 PM

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From Judy

Thanks so much Alley for your advise.

For Zion, heard that you need to hike some difficult trails to get to the beauty of it, and I must tell you that we have some seniors, but still ‘strong’ in our group, so, we, kind of, cannot make it a prime site to visit. However, we have planned our drive from Las Vegas, to go through Zion in Hwy 9, will we be able to glimpse some of the beauty of Zion?

As for the Antelope, which one do you think we should go for, the Upper or Lower? then we can give the half day to the Horseshoe Bend.

As from the return drive from Page to Las Vegas, do you think it is possible for us to take the Hwy 98a, through Vermillion Cliff, Jacob Lake, then to St George and Vegas? is it a paved highway?

Once again, we are more into driving than hiking, =)
And thanks again for your advises.

Judy

June 07, 2018 at 1:23 PM

Hi Christine, and apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry. As you can hopefully see, this is a popular site with lots of people asking questions!
If the PM departure of the Glen Canyon Float Trip is all that will work for you, then by all means, don’t hesitate to sign up for it. It will be hot on the river — 100+ degrees Fahrenheit typically — but one advantage to the time of year you’re visiting is that it’s monsoon season, and late afternoon cloud cover and/or thunderstorms can cool things down nicely. If you happen to hit a day that’s 100% sunny with no chance of moisture, there are steps you can take to increase your comfort level:
– Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
– Drink water at regular intervals (it is provided on the raft)
– Stay wet: bring a towel or a bandanna or scarf that you can dunk in the cold river water and lay across your legs or shoulder — it acts as an evaporative cooler of sorts
– Dip your feet in the river — the water’s cold, but it feels nice
As for touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, it it not necessary to have a fulfilling visit to Page. If you’re physically up for doing Lower, I’d recommend doing it, but if Upper is more conducive to your schedule, then, here again, grab those spots. As for wait times, both branches of the canyon have them nowadays, but plans are being made that I can’t go into detail on, but will hopefully alleviate some of the congestion.
Long story short, your plan is doable, but one highlight that is conspicuously absent is the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. It’s a definite “must” on any visit to Page, and is easily visited on your way out of town as you head toward Flagstaff. You might even visit it at sunrise before it gets totally cray-cray.
Hope that helps! Again, sorry for delay in response.
Best of luck for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 4:52 PM

Hi Anurag and thank you for your visit.
For a 5-day trip, you might be taking on too much driving trying to include all these areas on your very short itinerary, which would probably try the patience of a 6-year-old. I would recommend taking a “quality over quantity” approach and spending more time in fewer places.
With 5 days, you could spend:
2 nights in Zion
1 night in Bryce
2 nights in Page

With 2 nights in Page, you could enjoy not only touring Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but the Half-Day Glen Canyon Float Trip, which is a family-friendly rafting trip that does not traverse any rapids. Kids as young as 4 go on this if that gives you any idea. It’s generally regarded as one of the “must-do” activities in Page, moreso than Monument Valley. 4th of July week, I’d strongly recommend taking the morning departure as it will be cooler and more comfortable.
As to Buckskin Gulch, you are correct in that that would probably be pushing the endurance levels of a 6-year-old. Another hike you might do instead: the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstools Trail. This is a moderate 1.8 mile hike to a small, scenic cluster of “hoodoo” rock formations whose trailhead begins at mile marker 19 of US89, almost smack dead center between Kanab, UT and Page, AZ. Something you can easily fit in between Zion and Page.
Remember that at the time of your visit, Utah will be on Daylight Savings Time, but Arizona won’t be, so you’ll “gain” an hour crossing the border from Utah into Arizona, or “lose” one going from Arizona to Utah.
Be sure to book your Antelope Canyon tour and all lodging in advance of your arrival.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 4:44 PM

Hi Chrys, and thank you for your excellent questions.
Upper Antelope Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyons are different enough so that you won’t feel as though you’re doing more of the same-old same-old. As for the climbing involved, it’s manageable for most people in relatively good health. Your kids should enjoy it.
The concerns about flash flooding in early September are valid. It’s too early to tell what this year’s monsoon season has in store, of course, but keep an eye on the weather as your trip date gets closer. If it turns out to be a heavy monsoon season, the 2:30 PM tour does run a higher risk of cancellation if storms do occur. To be on the safe side, you might just want to get the kids up early and make the drive from Flagstaff — which is a pretty straightforward drive IF you can resist the urge to stop — at 6:00 AM. Another option would be to overnight in Page, AZ the night prior to your trip. The town offers both traditional hotels and vacation rental homes in a variety of price points and amenity classes. Page, Arizona hotels
Hope that helps. I know it’s a tough choice 😉
Alley

June 04, 2018 at 4:35 PM

Hi Mariann and thank you for your excellent inquiry regarding Wave permits.
1. The day you apply for the online lottery does not affect your chances whatsoever of getting (or not getting) a permit. Apply when it’s convenient for you, or, as you suggest, wait until later in the month to guage which dates have fewer applicants.
2. Only one permit request per party is allowed.
If you are not chosen via the online lottery, you may apply in-person for the walk-in lottery the day prior to when you wish to hike at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitors Center in Kanab, UT.
For more information about The Wave, and other activities to pursue in the likely event you are not successful in obtaining a permit, visit our sister site, TheWaveAZ.com
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2018 at 4:29 PM

Dear Zaldy,
Greetings and thank you for your inquiry.
To visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Sedona, you’ll ideally need more than 2 days. Many people correctly assert that 3 days is the minimum amount of time you should spend in Sedona in order to do the area justice, there is that much to see and do there. VisitSedona
You would then want to plan for at least 2 days in Page to take part in the 3 “must do” activities there, which are:
The Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip
Antelope Canyon Tour (or alternate slot canyon)
Horseshoe Bend Overlook
On the way from Page to Las Vegas, you should plan on visiting Zion National Park — it’s right on your way — and staying a day or two there.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 29, 2018 at 3:57 PM

Hi Patti,
We do not have any videos of the Havasu Falls hike on our website, but a search on YouTube will yield plenty of these. You might also visit Facebook and join one or more of the many Havasu Falls/Havasupai hiking-related groups. The hike to Havasu falls does not require navigating any chains or ladders; the one that does is Mooney Falls.
FYI, Havasupai is another highly coveted hiking experience in Arizona and requires at least 1 year’s advance planning.
Hope that helps — best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 29, 2018 at 3:52 PM

Hi Lisa and thank you for visiting our site!
On to your inquiries:
1. The Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip is generally regarded as one of the Page area’s “must-do” activities. This leisurely float trip will take you through the sole remaining intact section of Glen Canyon, and gives the kids an opportunity to swim in the Colorado River. During the month of June, the morning departure is recommended for passenger comfort. Regarding the Glen Canyon Dam tours, those are first-come/first-served. For Antelope Canyon X, advance reservations are strongly recommended. For these, contact Taadidiin Tours at https://www.antelopecanyon-x.com/
2. 11:45 AM is prime time for touring Lower Antelope Canyon and honestly, it’s not necessary to tour more than one slot canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. If you do opt to tour another slot, Canyon X bears enough of a resemblance to Lower Antelope (it is, after all, just another drainage of the same creek system) where you might find it redundant. An alternative slot canyon that is manageable for most hikers and bears features unique to it and no other is Cathedral Canyon. For more information, visit Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours at https://antelopeslotcanyon.com/cathedral-canyon-tour/
3. RE: Coral Pink Sand Dunes, there are no on-site rentals of sliding toys, but these can be picked up in the nearby town of Kanab, UT. Tips for visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Hope that helps — best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. On the drive from Page to Zion, you might also consider stopping by the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstools Trail and taking the moderate/easy hike to the hoodoo garden. The trailhead is well-marked at mile marker 19 on US89 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT.

May 29, 2018 at 3:50 PM

Hi Fio and thank you for your excellent question.
There will absolutely be enough light in Lower Antelope Canyon at 6:30 AM for you to enjoy your tour. Mid-day is generally – and in some respects, rightfully – regarded as the best time to tour the slot canyons, so you might try calling your tour outfitter from time to time to see if they’ve had any cancellations for the prime time slots. You will be required to pay a bit more for these coveted spaces, but you might find it a worthy expenditure.
Another option might be to consider touring an alternate slot canyon that is just as beautiful as Lower Antelope but less crowded. Antelope Canyon X is an example of such a slot canyon, and during the mid-day hours in summer, “X” gets the light beams that Upper and Lower Antelope are so famous for. For more information visit Taadiddiin Tours at https://www.antelopecanyon-x.com/
If you prefer to simply hang on to the arrangements you have, though, we’d understand completely and doubt you’ll leave with any regrets.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 29, 2018 at 3:38 PM

Hi Lydia and thank you for your inquiry!
The first thing I feel the need to point out is the difference between the Grand Canyon Skywalk/Grand Canyon West and Grand Canyon National Park. They are in fact two very distinct and separate areas, and not necessarily conducive to including in a single drive. Grand Canyon West, where the Skywalk is located, is a Native American Tribal Park about 2.5 hours drive (one-way) from Las Vegas. There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Tribal Park save for a handful of cabins at Grand Canyon Ranch; your next best option would then be in Kingman, AZ, about 90 minutes away.
Before you plan on visiting Grand Canyon West, however, you should first prioritize Grand Canyon South Rim, the National Park, which is where the best views of the Grand Canyon can be had. These are the “picture postcard” views you’re expecting to see. Grand Canyon South Rim is ~4.5 hours drive, one way, from Las Vegas. An overnight stay, two if you can manage it, is sufficient to enjoy the park to the fullest.
From there, Monument Valley is approximately a 3-4 hour drive; Page/Lake Powell is about 2 hours from Monument Valley. From Page, the return trip to Las Vegas is ~4.5 hours, or you could also make a stop in Zion National Park for a night or two.
As you have probably deduced, I’d recommend Las Vegas as your “staging city” to fly them into and out of.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels to you all,
Alley 🙂

May 29, 2018 at 3:33 PM

Hi Telynn,
For first-time visitors to the Grand Canyon, we recommend the South Rim since there are more visitor facilities and a larger area of the Grand Canyon that is easily accessible to vehicular traffic. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, then 3.5-4 hours to drive from the South Rim to Page (factoring in stops). Advance reservations for all lodging and Antelope Canyon Tours are a must.
It then takes about 11 hours to drive to Yellowstone from Page, AZ, so you might want to break up the drive in Salt Lake City, UT or Idaho Falls, ID.
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 3:42 PM

Dear Alijay,
If it’s OK, I’m going to address your specific inquiries in reverse order.
RE: rental cars – pick whatever suits your family, needs and budgets best. If you have a large traveling party, a van or SUV might be more comfortable for you, but if you do get an SUV, that doesn’t give you carte blanche to take it off-road. Doing so would void your insurance policy and leave you liable for any damage you might sustain.
For lodging, honestly, it matters not what I “recommend” at this point. All that matters is what’s available. That will also be the determining factor as to whether you visit Grand Canyon or Zion first. Check Grand Canyon, and let the rest of your trip revolve and evolve around when you can find availability there. Grand Canyon hotels Air B & B type properties will be few and far between in and near the National Parks, but you can find a good selection of VRBO properties in Page, AZ. Most of them will require a 2-night stay minimum.
As for the Lower vs. Upper Antelope Canyon question, if you’re physically OK with doing Lower, that’s the one I’d go with. It is not necessary to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon to have a fulfilling visit to Page. With your extra time, I’d recommend the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. This is a family-friendly raft trip that does not feature any rapids, but offers plenty of beautiful scenery.
Flying into and out of Vegas, you can easily do:
1 night at Grand Canyon South Rim
1 night at Monument Valley
2 nights in Page
1 night in Bryce Canyon
2 nights in Zion
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be aware that the Navajo Reservation and Monument Valley DO observe Daylight Savings Time while the rest of Arizona DOES NOT. You will “lose” an hour driving to Monument Valley from Grand Canyon South Rim or Page, but “regain” it passing from Navajo Land to non-Navajo land.

May 23, 2018 at 3:37 PM

Hi Jessica,
If you’re referring to cancellations for Wave permits, these are given away during the walk-in lottery held the day prior to when you wish to hike at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 3:24 PM

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From Jessica Sugar

I was and thank you!

May 23, 2018 at 10:45 PM

Dear Craig,
Frankly, you’re not allowing enough time to do this itinerary justice. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to either Grand Canyon or Page. Then, it takes another 3.5-4 hours to drive from Page to the Grand Canyon or vice versa. I know that Google maps gives the drive time from GC to Page as 2.5 hours, but that rarely happens because there are so many viewpoints and other stops you’ll invariably end up making. You need to stay one night in Grand Canyon and 1 night in Page in order to experience enough “quality time” in both destinations, especially if you want to do any hiking in Grand Canyon. Otherwise, you’ll need to “sacrifice” one park as a “drive-by.”
As for “cheap” hotels, you probably won’t find any at this time of year. Even Motel 6 is going for $150+ per night right now. Spring-summer-fall are considered “peak” season and hotel rates will rise accordingly. If you’re looking to save money on your lodging costs, you might consider traveling in the wintertime. Yes, it’s cold, but most area attractions are open, and hotel rates drop considerably.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 3:23 PM

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From Craig Budde

Thanks Alley – we’ve settled on PHX direct to Antelope Canyon for a tour and then to Horseshoe Bend for late afternoon / sunset photos. Then a drive down to the GC for a one night stay with a hike next morning on South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge, lunch at El Tovar and then drive back to PHX. A full 2 days for sure but we have limited time and are accustomed to the AZ driving. Thanks!

June 02, 2018 at 10:29 PM

Hi Rani,
Honestly, I’d keep your itinerary just as it is! I know it’s a hard choice as to whether to schedule more time in Zion at the expense of Bryce or Monument Valley, but you’ve planned it well, and hopefully made your tour reservations in advance.
The only “red flags” I see are for the first leg of your trip, is there any particular reason you’re staying in Williams instead of Grand Canyon Village? If it was due to lack of availability in the park, I understand that, but if you can possibly make a switch to a hotel inside the park or Tusayan/GC Village South 7 miles South of the park, that will situate you better to catch sunset and/or sunrise at the South Rim. If you stay in Williams, it’s 1 hour’s drive each way to the park, and driving at night is strongly discouraged in this part of the country due to lack of supplemental lighting and the tendency of deer, elk and other wildlife to congregate around them after dusk. Something to consider. Grand Canyon South Rim Hotels
RE: the El Tovar dining room, reservations are not taken for lunch, it’s first-come/first-served. We strongly recommend you time your arrival there for 11:30 AM, right when the restaurant opens. The reason for this is because the Grand Canyon Railway pulls in at 11:45 AM, and once those passengers hit the rimside restaurants, you’ll find it nearly impossible to get a table.
Keep in mind that while most of Arizona does NOT observe Daylight Savings Time, the Navajo Reservation DOES, so you will “lose” an hour driving from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley. Fortunately, it doesn’t look as though you have anything time-sensitive scheduled for your day of arrival in MV. Upon returning to Page, you’ll “gain” the hour back as Antelope Canyon tour operators run on Page, AZ (Mountain Standard) time.
Be sure to pick up an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass at the first National Park you hit on your trip. For $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments and Federal Fee Areas in the US for 1 year’s time. It does not work at Navajo Tribal Parks, but it will still pay for itself on this trip.
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 3:09 PM

Hi Teresa,
You are correct in that adding Antelope Canyon X to your already “well-slotted” itinerary would end up being somewhat redundant for you. In fact, we’ll take it a step further and suggest you narrow it down to one slot canyon. If you’re physically up for doing X or Lower, choose one of those. That will free up more time for you to enjoy more of what Page, AZ has to offer, including Horseshoe Bend and perhaps a boat tour. Re: the latter, a boat tour or kayak tour of Antelope Canyon’s waterside will allow you to more fully appreciate Antelope Canyon’s length and complexity as it shows you where the creek empties into Lake Powell.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 2:07 PM

Hi Catina,
The drive from Phoenix to Page takes approximately 4.5 hours; the same for the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Which one you should hit first will probably depend on where you can find availability for an RV park site. July is HOT, so you’ll most likely want one with hook-ups so you can run an air conditioner.
At Grand Canyon, your choices are Mather Campground, which doesn’t have hook-ups, or Trailer Village, which does have hook-ups. In Page, the Page/Lake Powell Campground is conveniently located to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend and does have hook-ups. Wahweap Campground also has hook-ups, but is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which puts you a bit further away from the main attractions of Page, but situates you well to go for a swim at Lake Powell or take a boat rental or tour. Lone Rock Beach is also a fun place to camp, but no hook-ups. Camping and RV options near Page, AZ
If you are considering other slot canyons besides Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon is certainly a viable choice and isn’t too hard physically. Other ‘contenders’ are Antelope Canyon X, Cathedral Canyon, Owl Canyon, and Wind Pebble Canyon, just to name a few. Antelope Canyon Alternative Tours
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 2:02 PM

Dear Carol,
Since your trip has already taken place, I’m not going to be much help to you, but hope to be such to future travelers to the area.
Sedona: you need at least 2-3 days to do justice to this area. The majority of those who stay only one night end up determining that timeframe to have been woefully inadequate and plan a future visit to catch the sights they missed. Highlights of Sedona include, but are not limited to, Oak Creek Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque, Broken Arrow Jeep Tour, wineries, balloon rides and much more. VisitSedona.com
Another mistake IMO is not allowing for an overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim, and if you’ve never been there, you should at least go see it. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from Sedona to GC Village; it then takes another 3.5-4 hours to drive from GC to Page. I know that Google Maps gives the time frame for the drive from South Rim to Page as 2.5 hours, but that rarely happens since there are so many viewpoints to stop at along the way. You could have easily dropped a night in Page and given it to the Grand Canyon, depending on availability of rooms, but trying to cram it in as a “drive-by” between Sedona and Page is less than ideal.
If you already have the Owl/Rattlesnake/Upper Antelope Canyon tour booked, it is not necessary to see other slot canyons. In fact, you’d probably find that to be somewhat redundant.
It is not necessary to take a boat in order to enjoy the views of Lake Powell. You can do so a quick trip on the Lakeshore Scenic Drive in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to get a sense of the lake’s size and beauty (although there is a $25/vehicle entrance fee to access this area), maybe have a small picnic on Stateline or Lone Rock Beach.
Even though you’re not keen on the prospect of water-based activities, I’d recommend setting those feelings aside to enjoy the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip . This family-friendly, smooth water rafting trip encompasses some breath-taking scenery and history, and is regarded as a “must-do” activity in the Page, AZ area.
Hope you had a good trip!
Thank you for visiting,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 1:54 PM

Hello Josh and congratulations on your anniversary!
From the looks of your inquiry, your trip has already taken place and we hope you had a wonderful time.
Still, I’d like to provide some observations after the fact in order to help future travelers to the area.
Sedona: you need at least 2-3 days to do justice to this area. There is so much to see and do here that most visitors who only spend a quick overnight find it to be woefully insufficient.
The drive from Sedona to Page, AZ takes approximately 3 hours, so get an early start if you’re wanting to accommodate both an Antelope Canyon Tour and a visit to Horseshoe Bend in a single afternoon. I am not familiar with a restaurant called Marianne’s in Page.
The drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim theoretically only takes about 2.5 hours, but in reality, it will take you more along the lines of 3.5-4 hours due to the abundance of of viewpoints and other points of interest that will no doubt pique your curiosity. Don’t be surprised if you find that by the time you arrive at Grand Canyon Village, you don’t have enough time for a hike, then you’re looking at a 90-minute drive to Flagstaff. Which brings me to another observation: staying in Flagstaff is not the best way to go about visiting the Grand Canyon. In the case of the original poster, they may not have had sufficient lead time to book accommodations inside the park, but for those who do, it is always most desirable to stay either at Grand Canyon Village (inside the park) or Tusayan/GC Village South (7 miles outside the park). This way, you’ll be close enough to the canyon rim to catch sunrise and/or sunset without doing too much driving in the dark.
Regarding Grand Canyon mule rides, these are sold out 1 year in advance, so doubtful one will happen for you this time around. As for zipline activities, this is something you can do in Flagstaff, but not Grand Canyon South Rim.
Airplane and helicopter tours should be taken first thing in the morning for optimal lighting and lack of wind.
Good luck and safe travels to all,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 1:42 PM

Hi Dianna,
With 2 days time in Page, AZ, you can definitely accomplish a lot in addition to the activities suggested here. Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary Page, AZ As to the order you do them in, that will probably revolve around when you can find availability for Antelope Canyon tours (land side).
As for other activities to consider for your second day, suggestions include but certainly aren’t limited to:
Lake Powell Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour
Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip
Alstrom Point 4×4 Tour
White Pocket 4×4 Tour
Whichever you decide, be sure to book your hotel accommodations and tours in advance of your arrival.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 1:29 PM

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From Yana Leventon

Alley what do you reccomend if we have 4 days from Las Vegas if we only want to visit Antelope Canyon, Lake powell on a boat and maybe Zion or Monument Valley and get back to vegas or phoenix to fly home.No grand canyon. Whats the best route? We will stay on Lake Powel in a lodge and depending on which way we go on the way. Going August 18th returning 22nd. Please help with ideas where to fly into and what to see and return 22nd later in the evening to San Francisco. Thank you!!
yanka.sf@gmail.com

June 02, 2018 at 3:46 AM

Hi William,
It’s six-of-one/half-a-dozen-of-another as to the best way to go about seeing these attractions, but the option that will ultimately give you the most freedom and flexibility is to self-drive.
The Arizona Highlights Day Trip, though it originates in Tusayan, takes you to Page, AZ, as you’ve deduced. Since you’re driving to Tusayan anyway, you could theoretically drive to Page, AZ and take part in these activities directly from there. The only downside is you’d have to coordinate the Antelope Canyon Tour and Glen Canyon Float Trip yourself with two different companies. That means factoring in logistics between tours, drive times, the possibility that Antelope Canyon tours might be sold out, etc. At least with the package tour you’ve booked, that’s all taken care of for you. BTW, the Viator Arizona Highlights Day Trip is also known as the Scenic Canyon River Adventure, and a cursory price comparison indicates that the Viator trip is more expensive. If you do decide to stick with the day trip, you might want to do a price comparison yourself to make sure you’re not getting taken advantage of.
You could then swing down to Tusayan/GC Village South, spend a night there, then head over to Peach Springs for the White Water Raft Trip. It’s really not necessary to spend more than two nights in Peach Springs once you do the raft trip. On your way back to La Jolla, though, you might consider stopping at the Grand Canyon Caverns.
Keep in mind that July will be HOT in all of these locations, so be sure to wear/bring plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 1:22 PM

Hi Michelle,
You are correct in that the drive to Page, AZ from Henderson, NV is a long one. Fortunately, there are places you can stop at to break up the drive.
Valley of Fire State Park features amazing rock formations and is just a slight detour off I-15 near Glendale, NV. In reality, that particular place warrants a separate day, so a quick stopover won’t do it justice, but the option’s there. Near Mesquite, Whitney Pockets and Little Finland also offer some spectacular scenery, but would make for a long detour. Depending on recent road conditions, also, they may not be so easy to get to.
The Virgin River Gorge, just before St. George, UT, is quite dramatic and offers several opportunities to pull off and take pictures. The town of Kanab, UT is also a worthwhile stop for a little history, and maybe some shopping and a bite to eat.
At Mile Marker 19 on US89, the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstools hike is an easy and scenic diversion. Just before you cross the Utah-Arizona border, the Big Water Visitors Center can keep you occupied for awhile with fascinating displays on dinosaur digs done in the local area.
As for restaurants, you’ll find everything from fast food to semi-fine dining and everything in between in Page, so you’ll be able to take your pick once here. TripAdvisor Top Restaurants in Page, AZ
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 23, 2018 at 1:08 PM

Hi Lena,
It depends on the time of year you’re visiting. In the late spring through fall months, for example, daylengths are longer, so theoretically, with an early start, you could drive from GC to Page, hit Horseshoe Bend, tour Antelope Canyon, then drive on to Monument Valley. In reality, however, we don’t recommend it.
First off, the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page is ~140 miles. Driving direct, you could make the trip in about 2.5 hours, but that rarely happens, because there’s so much to see on the way that you’ll invariably end up making more stops than you plan for. There are over half a dozen Grand Canyon viewpoints you can visit prior to exiting the park on its Eastern border. After that, there are points of interest on Navajo Indian Land that will no doubt pique your curiosity and warrant a photo stop. The Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 and US89 is a ‘don’t miss.’ As you head North on US89 toward Page, views of the Painted Desert and Echo Cliffs are worth your time, too. So, after all’s said and done (and photographed), don’t be surprised if you find it has taken you upwards of 4 hours to make a drive that normally would take only a couple of hours and change.
Once in Page, you should then allow 60-90 minutes to visit Horseshoe Bend, then another 2 hours to tour Antelope Canyon, then you’re facing a 2 hour drive to Monument Valley.
If you absolutely have no choice but to do it this way, you can pull it off, but if your vacation plans still have room for modification, we would strongly recommend overnighting in Page, AZ, then heading to Monument Valley the next morning.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 10, 2018 at 5:51 PM

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From Natalie

Hi There,
I wish to round up a various group of friends(10-12) to reconnect with personally, not through electronic devices. Most in their 40’s. I was hoping to plan a day trip for us, due to personal/work restraints.
Do you have any recommendations for a group hike and/or picnic area that would help us reconnect and make the most of our limited time? Coming from Phoenix. Planning Miss June/August. I know it will be hot, but wanted advice.

May 10, 2018 at 8:36 PM

Hi Luca –
Glad to hear that you don’t mind driving, because you’ll be doing a lot of it. It takes ~2.5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ if you drive direct, which rarely happens. There are many viewpoints of Grand Canyon South Rim and in the Navajo Indian Reservation you’ll invariably stop at along the way, so don’t be surprised if the drive ends up taking more along the lines of 3.5-4 hours. You can easily hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into Page, as it’s just a few miles South of town. The drive from Page, AZ to Monument Valley will then take you approximately 2 hours.
Due to the time you’ll be spending behind the wheel, I’d discourage you from trying to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. It is not necessary to tour both branches of the canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page, and doing so may end up feeling somewhat redundant after all’s said and done. If you are fit enough to manage Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d stick with that. It’s recommended to allow 2 hours to tour Lower Antelope Canyon. You should also allow 60-90 minutes to tour Horseshoe Bend.
As for meals, a memorable stop would be the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 East and US89 North. The Navajo tacos are their “signature” dish. If you’re not hungry by that point, the Trading Post makes for a good bathroom break/leg stretch stop. Page, AZ would be the next available choice with the greatest number of restaurants ranging from fast-food to fine-dining. There are restaurants in Monument Valley, most of them attached to hotels. Speaking of hotels, be sure to make your reservations well in advance. You might have a better experience if you overnight in Page, AZ, then head to Monument Valley the next morning. Something to think about.
Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 08, 2018 at 7:13 PM

Hi Jeff and thanks for your excellent question.
In general, mid-day is regarded as the best time to visit slot canyons because they are best illuminated when the sun is as close to directly overhead as possible. However, there’s no such thing as a “bad” time to go, as different times of day all have their advantages. The colors of the canyon walls will be deeper and richer in the earlier morning hours and later in the afternoon. Long story short, go when it suits you, there’s little chance you’ll be disappointed. 😉
As for Seldom Seen Adventures, they are no longer in business, unfortunately. Another tour company in Kanab, UT you might consider is Dreamland Safari Tours. I don’t see that any of their trip offerings specifically advertise a rappelling component, but they may be able to customize something for you. You might also check out the Zion Ponderosa Ranch. They do offer canyoneering trips for all experience levels.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Remember that Utah is on a different time zone than Arizona — they DO observe Daylight Saving Time, whilst Arizona DOES NOT, so you’ll “lose” an hour going from Page to Kanab.

May 07, 2018 at 12:41 PM

Hi Laura, and thank you for visiting us today!
Weather-wise, late September is the better choice. Temperatures are cooling, and the risk of monsoon storms is tapering off.
March is in that transitional period between winter and spring. Temperatures are still borderline cold, and early spring is notorious for late-season snowstorms.
As to whether an 8-year-old can visit Lower Antelope Canyon, yes, they are perfectly welcome, but there must be one adult for every child under 8 traveling in a single. A blogger recently posted about that very thing, you might take a look at her trip report.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

May 03, 2018 at 10:49 PM

Hi Connie and thank you for visiting us today!
We’ll definitely cross our fingers for you in The Wave lottery. As far as when to book an Antelope Canyon tour, now would not be too soon to make reservations if you’re coming in September. That’s a popular time for visitation to the Southwest US and tours are already selling out. As for the sizes of the tour groups, they’re anywhere from 20-40 people a pop, but the tour outfitters stagger their groups so that you’re not stepping on each other — not too much, anyway. If you want to avoid the crowds of Antelope Canyon, you might consider touring one of several alternate slot canyons, which offer scenery that is just as beautiful (some might even say moreso) and fewer people to contend with.
As for the best time of day, that’s generally regarded to be mid-day as the canyon will be best illuminated with the sun directly overhead (or close to). The canyons’ interiors tend to remain cool since the sun only hits the walls directly for only a few hours a day. Once you get past the stairs in Lower Antelope, the trail through the canyon does tend to be fairly even, but you might have to step over a few boulders. If you have the time to do both Upper and Lower, you won’t regret doing so, but it isn’t 100% necessary to do both in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page.
With one day in Page, you can tour Antelope Canyon, visit the Horseshoe Bend Overlook and maybe even do the half-day float trip from the base of Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary in Page, Arizona
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

May 01, 2018 at 6:37 PM

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From Connie

Thank you!!!

May 01, 2018 at 8:53 PM

Hi Dan and thank you for stopping by.
You know, I think another member of your party wrote me at about the same time — is anyone in your group named Gina? LOL
Since you are coming into Page from Moab via Monument Valley, you should first be aware that the drive will take anywhere from 5-6 hours. As I advised Gina, you might want to stop Gooseneck State Park just Northeast of Monument Valley, as well as the Navajo Code Talkers’ Exhibit at the Burger King in Kayenta, AZ. Of course, don’t forget the “Forrest Gump” shot on the backside of Monument Valley.

With an early enough start out of Moab, you might be able to hit Lower Antelope Canyon on your way into Page. It’s right on your way on US98 just Southeast of town. Even if you were to catch one of the later departures of the day, the light and colors of the canyon would still be beautiful. It would most likely still be busy, but that’s kind of a given these days, especially at the time of year you’re visiting. There are two tour companies operating directly from the Lower Antelope Canyon entrance, both offering trips of identical length, logistics and price. Time permitting, you might even be able to squeeze Horseshoe Bend Overlook into that same day. Sunset occurs shortly before 7:00 PM in September. If that doesn’t work, plan on hitting Horseshoe Bend on your way out of town the next morning since it’s a) it’s right on your way and b) open 24/7 and you can visit it whenever you wish.
If you find yourself with extra time to work with, other activities/sites you might consider include, but aren’t limited to:
– The John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum
– The Glen Canyon Dam Steel Arch Bridge & Carl Hayden Visitors Center
– The “New” Wave
– The Page Rim View Trail
Hope that helps. Have a wonderful time!
Alley 🙂
P.S. On your way to Jacob’s Lake, be sure to swing by Lees Ferry. You can actually drive down relatively close to the Colorado River and dip your feet in it! Albeit for a short time… water’s cold. Time permitting, you might also take a walk to the Lonely Dell Ranch and historic site. The orchard there still produces fruit, which people can pick – it may be just about ripe by the time you visit.

May 01, 2018 at 6:02 PM

Hi Gina, thanks for visiting our site, and your nice compliments!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun, and September is a great time to be here. It’s especially cool that you’ll get to see the North and South Rim!
The drive from Moab to Page, AZ takes about 5 hours, if you go direct, which rarely happens. Goosenecks of the San Juan is a worthwhile stop, as is the Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit inside the Burger King in Kayenta, AZ. Still, with an early enough start, you might be able to hit Lower Antelope Canyon prior to arrival in Page, seeing as though it’s right on your way (map).

That’s IF you don’t have your heart set on seeing it mid-day light. Later afternoon tours still offer good conditions for touring, even though it’s still going to be crowded at that time of year. Bear in mind that Monument Valley DOES observe Daylight Savings Time, while Page doesn’t, so you’ll “gain” an hour passing from the reservation into Page. Antelope Canyon Tours run on Page, AZ time.How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon
If the crowds are truly something you want to avoid, as well as a lot of unnecessary driving, then you might indeed consider touring Horseshoe Bend Overlook and Slot Canyon the next morning. As for doing Waterholes as well, that might seem a bit redundant as both Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon and Waterholes are part of the same drainage system. Waterholes, at the present time, simply requires that you get a Navajo Tribal Park Permit to tour, which you can get at the Antelope Canyon Tribal Park Entrance (which you’ll pass on the way in from Monument Valley). I’d recommend choosing one or the other, then heading to Jacob Lake, a drive which takes about 90 minutes direct, but again, it rarely happens as you’ll find lots to see and photograph on your way there. That’s both the blessing and the curse of driving in this area.
When you get to Jacob Lake, be sure to get some of their home-made cookies, they’re awesome 🙂
Have a wonderful time!
Alley
P.S. Be sure to have the member(s) of your party who are 62+ get a Senior Lifetime Federal Lands Access Pass. For $80, this card gets you into all National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time. It would not work for Native American Tribal attractions like Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, but it would still be worth purchasing for this trip.

May 01, 2018 at 5:45 PM

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From Gina

Hi Alley,

Thanks for responding to my questions and all the tips!!! I will write all of these down and discuss with our group!

You’re the best!!!

Gina

May 06, 2018 at 12:04 AM

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From Charlie Kelly

First, THANK YOU for taking the time to answer all these people. An excellent Navajo museum is at Tuba City, just “down the road” on Hwy 160 in your map above. Well worth the time to visit, if really interested in Navajo lore.

July 03, 2018 at 12:28 PM

Hey Thomas,
Suggestion #1: make more time! There is so much to see in this area that you could spend a week here and only scratch the surface. But, if 3 days is all you have, then, that’s the way it is.
The drive from Las Vegas to Page takes approximately 4.5 hours. With an early enough start, make the slight detour through Zion National Park. Without reservations in the park, you would not be able to take your vehicle on the main scenic drive, but you could still have an enjoyable trip on the sections that would be open to you. Upon leaving Zion, make a stop in Kanab for a bathroom break/leg stretch or even a meal. There are lots of good restaurants to choose from, but the Kanab Creek Bakery seems to be a big hit these days.
Heading East toward Page, at Mile Marker 19, you’ll find the Paria Rimrocks and Toadstools Trail. Worth a stop for a fairly easy and scenic hike.
Again, with an early enough start, you can accomplish all this and get in an Antelope Canyon tour late that afternoon before settling in at your hotel.
As you head to the Grand Canyon the next morning, hit Horseshoe Bend on your way out of town. As you head South through the Navajo Indian Reservation, you may encounter roadside kiosks where the tribe members sell jewelry and other wares. You can also do some souvenir shopping, or have a meal, at the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of US89 and AZ64. Turning West on AZ64, you’ll enter Grand Canyon National Park at Desert View Point. Stop at the Watchtower, as well as at the half-dozen-plus viewpoints along the East Rim Drive before arriving at Grand Canyon Village. The drive from Page to GC typically takes 2.5 hours driving direct, but that rarely happens what with all the stops you’ll inevitably make. Plan on spending anywhere from 3.5-5 hours realistically.
The next morning, get ready to drive to Phoenix with a detour through Sedona, AZ. Here again, you won’t be able to do much, but you might be able to squeeze in a Pink Jeep Tour or a stop at Tlaquepaque.
Hopefully this sounds like a fun and doable itinerary. Before you commit to it, though, make sure your rental car costs for picking up in one city and dropping off in another won’t be cost prohibitive. I’ve heard that if you book from overseas, they waive the drop-off fees, but am not positive, so do check on it. Secondly, be sure you make ALL reservations in advance of your arrival, for hotels, tours, everything. You may have heard that November is considered “off-season” in this part of the US, but that really isn’t the case anymore.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 29, 2018 at 1:30 PM

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From Thomas

Hi Alley,

It’s finally happening…we are due to embark on the GC/Page journey like u suggested. Leaving on Nov 9 from Vegas, we will stop by Zion National Park/Kanab/Paria Rimrocks and Toadstools Trail b4 heading to Lower Antelope Canyon, the thing is, I was just wondering, if I were to book the last tour for the day, the 3.30pm, would there be sufficient sunlight to enjoy the full beauty of the Canyon?
Also, as we make our way from Page to GC Village the next day, and stop by the places u suggested, what time do u think should we ideally reach GC Village?

Thank you once again….

October 05, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Hi Komal, and thank you for visiting our site.
Your plan actually sounds quite good! The only change I’d recommend making is dropping one night at the Grand Canyon and either spending it in Page or Sedona. Odd as it may sound, most people find that one night at the Grand Canyon is quite sufficient, especially in cases like yours, where you’re going to Page afterward. You’ll end up doing a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing on the drive to Page since it will require that you travel out the East Rim/Desert View Drive. There are lots of good viewpoints on this drive, plus many points of interest after you exit the park and enter Navajo Indian Tribal Lands. Be sure to stop at the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 and US89, at least for a bathroom break/leg stretch, or even “brunch” of Navajo tacos. Going direct, the drive from GC to Page takes ~2.5 hours, but with all there is to see, most people end up taking ~3.5-4.
Since Horseshoe Bend Overlook is just South of Page, you can easily stop there on your way into town. Be sure to make all reservations, for hotels, Antelope Canyon tours, etc. in advance of your arrival. If you take us up on the suggestion to spend another night in Page, you could do the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip or a Lake Powell Boat Tour on your second day. If not, then head to Sedona. As for what to do there, there’s no shortage of beautiful sights and fun activities. For guidance, go to www.VisitSedona.com
The drive from Sedona to Phoenix would then take about 2 hours.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 28, 2018 at 2:38 PM

Hi Kristie –
So are you traveling from Springdale, UT to Flagstaff, AZ all in one go? If so, you’ll need to get an early start out of Springdale in order to fit Antelope Canyon into your plans. It takes approximately 5 hours to drive from Springdale to Flagstaff. Page, AZ is almost exactly at the half-way point (~2.5 hours from Springdale). Whether you book Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon boils down to physicality: Upper is an easy, flat 100 yard walk; Lower is longer and requires some stair-climbing and light boulder stepping. Full video Lower Antelope Canyon walk-through As to which company to tour with, all the companies offer virtually identical tours, right down to the footsteps (and the penny). Go with whoever has availability at your desired time. Remember, too, that while Utah DOES observe Daylight Savings Time, Arizona DOES NOT, so you’ll “gain” 1 hour as you pass from Utah into Arizona. Antelope Canyon tours all operate on Arizona time.
Allow 2-2.5 hours for your Antelope Canyon tour, then time permitting, you can hit Horseshoe Bend Overlook on your way out of town. Flagstaff will then be about 2.5-3 hours drive from Page depending on how many stops you make.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 28, 2018 at 2:31 PM

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From Kristie

Alley
Thank you very much for your information. I was able to book a 10:30 tour 🙂

April 30, 2018 at 6:55 PM