Customer Questions

Hi Tricia, great question!
As you have seen, Grand Canyon lodging does tend to book up quite far in advance, but thankfully, Williams isn’t that far a drive (~1 hour). Just make sure you get your sightseeing done well before sunset so you avoid driving in the dark. Sunset occurs at about 7:15 PM in July.
That said, I believe you’ll find 3 nights to be too long. Most families like yourselves find 2 days to be plenty of time to have a fulfilling visit to the Grand Canyon. What’s more, you can do a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing on the drive to Page. If possible, I’d recommend dropping one night in Williams and spending 2 nights in Page.
On your first sightseeing day, concentrate on Grand Canyon Village Historic District, then take the free shuttle out to the viewpoints on the West Rim/Hermit’s Rest Road. Then when you get ready to head toward Bryce, drive into the park once again, then take the East Rim/Desert View Drive out of the park. Along the way, you can stop at one of a half-dozen plus Grand Canyon overlooks, including, but not limited to, Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Zuni Point, and finally Desert View Point and the Watchtower before exiting the park. In Cameron, at the junction of AZ64 and US89, plan on stopping at the Trading Post for at least a leg stretch/bathroom break and maybe even brunch. The Navajo tacos are awesome! Upon leaving Cameron, head North on US89 to Page, stopping at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook on the way into town. With an early enough start, you might also be able to get an Antelope Canyon tour in, but these too must be reserved well in advance. Stay at a hotel or VRBO property , then the next day, take the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. In July, you should choose the morning departure as afternoons tend to get very hot.
Since Bryce Canyon is a relatively small park, one day is sufficient for most families to see it. Good call on 3 nights in Zion, though. You’ll be glad you did that.
Long story short, I’d suggest Page over Kanab as a place to break up the drive from Williams to Bryce, but you can certainly stop in Kanab on the way to Bryce if you wish. Kanab Creek Bakery comes highly recommended as a breakfast stop.
Hope that helps and that you have a wonderful vacation!
Alley 🙂

April 27, 2018 at 2:05 PM

Hi Elizabeth, and thanks for stopping by.
If you can get a reservation for Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower), I’d recommend sticking with that, and letting the rest of your plans kind of “evolve” around it. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon, though beautiful in its own right (and certainly less crowded), does not feature that “iconic” slot canyon scenery that Antelope Canyon is so famous for. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon (formerly known as “Secret” Canyon) tends to be one long slot, no “chambers” like Antelope Canyon.
As for when you should visit Horseshoe Bend (the Overlook), there’s really no such thing as a “bad” time to go, but since the ‘Bend faces West, it will be in shadow and the sun will be in your eyes during sunset. You might want to hit it on your way out of town as you make the drive to Texas. Even if you were wanting to drive into New Mexico via US98 Southeast (vs going down US89 then connecting to I-40 in Flagstaff), it would be just a short detour. Sunrise in mid-May occurs at about 5:15 AM.

As for that walk on the Rim View Trail, you could fit that in later in the afternoon after your Antelope Canyon tour. The beauty of that trail is that you can make the hike/walk as short or as long as you wish. Either way you go, it’s a nice trail, and as the name suggests, offers great views of the lake (although no lake access).
Hope that helps. Have a great trip!
Alley 🙂

April 26, 2018 at 1:13 PM

Dear Tee Goh,
That is an excellent question, and you are right, our proposed itinerary takes one right past Grand Staircase-Escalante!
There were several reasons why we didn’t actively promote it in this piece, one being that its future is uncertain what with the current government’s proposed reduction of its size, and intentions of splitting it off into 3 different monuments: the Grand Staircase, Escalante Canyons and Kaiparowits Plateau.
The main reason, though, is the ruggedness of the terrain, which certainly has a strong appeal for many visitors. But, for the average family driving a rented vehicle they cannot take down an unpaved backcountry road, with young children, seniors or anyone else who’s not a hard-core hiker in tow, it’s just not feasible to really delve that deeply into it. For those with the time and inclination, though, opportunities abound for exploration and discovery. If nothing else, the drive from Bryce Canyon to Torrey (Capitol Reef National Park’s gateway community) via Scenic Byway 12 is absolutely stunning.
Hope that answers your question sufficiently and that you have a wonderful trip!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Since you have more time to work with, check out this piece on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com on 14 Days in the Grand Circle!

April 25, 2018 at 6:29 PM

Hi Shannon,
That is a really good question.
Northern Arizona is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the Southwestern U.S.. In fact, a good chunk of it is either Indian Reservation land or part of a National Park or Monument of some sort. As such, highway and street lighting is kept to a bare minimum, and folks around here like it that way! Flagstaff, Arizona, for example, about 140 miles South of Page, AZ is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community.
Once the sun goes down around here, it gets REALLY dark, and driving from one town to another (and there’s usually quite a long distance between towns in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah) can be quite a scary experience. Throw deer, elk and other nocturnal wildlife in the mix and that only compounds the danger. So – that’s why we encourage those visiting the area to keep wheels on the road while the sun’s still in the sky!
Hope that helps.
Have fun and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 25, 2018 at 6:10 PM

Hi Lynn,
Nope you didn’t miss it, I am ashamed to say I didn’t think to include the mileage figure: it’s 973!
Have fun 😉
Alley

April 24, 2018 at 9:05 PM

Hi Laurie and thanks for your question.
The area you might find troublesome is the entrance to the canyon where you have to climb down in. Forward to the 2:05 mark on this video to gauge whether you’d be able to manage it. If it helps, many people who are more generously-proportioned have enjoyed this tour without a problem. The issue that tends to come into play more often than one’s size is claustrophobia, but the narrower sections are usually short. Once you get through them, the trail widens out sufficiently to alleviate any concerns.
Hope that helps 🙂
Alley

April 23, 2018 at 2:42 PM

Hi Lorraine and thank you for your compliments!
Unfortunately, your timeframe is too limited IMO to accommodate both destinations. You’re talking about way long drives by trying to cram both Page and the Grand Canyon into your trip.
The drive from Phoenix to the South Rim takes approximately 4.5 hours; you’re then facing about a 3-4 hour drive to Page. I know Google maps gives the figure as 2.5 hours, but that’s driving direct, which rarely happens on that route. There are a lot of scenic overlooks, points of interest, etc. that will no doubt pique your curiosity. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up driving in the dark through some of the most remote country in the U.S., which is rarely conducive to an enjoyable vacation. The drive back from Page to Phoenix is another 4.5 hours.
Honestly, if your guests from NYC have never been to the Grand Canyon, I’d suggest dropping Page and concentrating on the Grand Canyon. After all, it is a “must-see destination” and if they aren’t able to return to the area in the foreseeable future, they’d most likely regret not spending enough time there to do it justice. If they have been there, and are satisfied with what they’ve seen/done, then drop GC and concentrate on Page. Whether you do Grand Canyon or Page, you’d still be looking at ~4.5 hours driving time each way, but that would at least give you some quality time at your destination.
One thing: the hike to Horseshoe Bend is NOT 12 miles! It’s ~1.2 miles round-trip. I think a period must have been accidentally omitted 😉 You can hit Horseshoe Bend on the drive to Page just South of town, as it’s right on your way. The “New” Wave is a short distance outside of town. To get to it, you would cross the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, then the road veers sharply to the right. Almost immediately, you’ll see an unmarked road that crosses US89. Turn left, then almost immediately, turn right, park your vehicle wherever you feel safest doing so, then you could spend 1 hour or so exploring around.

One “caveat:” if you encounter any signage stating “no admittance” or forbidding you from going any further, please obey it. The road is unmaintained and can wash out if rain or snow has recently occurred. Also, the “New” Wave should be a “time permitting” thing and not a “must-do.” Prioritize Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then if you have time, pop over to the New Wave. If you’re running late, skip it.
Better yet – modify your schedule so you can free up an extra night so you can visit both the Grand Canyon and Page without trying your road tolerance and/or that of your daughter.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 22, 2018 at 5:47 PM

Dear Ma,
Hello and thank you for visiting us today!
With a group that size you definitely need to have advance reservations for everything – tours, accommodations, etc.
RE: camping, you may want to rethink that, especially in the Page, AZ area as daytime high temperatures in June will be very hot. A traditional hotel or vacation rentals may be more comfortable for you as they will have comforts such as air conditioning and proper beds. Vacation rental home could potentially save you even more money as you would be able to do your own cooking in a fully-equipped kitchen.
If you do prefer to camp, there is a decent selection of both tent and RV campgrounds in the Page, AZ area, but again, given the size of your group, advance reservations are a must.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. An activity your family would probably enjoy is the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. Children 4 and up are welcome to take part and there is no danger as the stretch of river is devoid of rapids.

April 21, 2018 at 8:58 PM

Hi Julie,
No such thing as “too redundant” a question in this business 😉
That said, if you have the time and inclination to tour a couple of slot canyons, Lower and Antelope X do bear enough of a resemblance to one another that you might consider the experience, to coin a phrase, “too redudant.” If you’re looking for a second slot canyon to tour, I would recommend Cathedral Slot Canyon. It is a “rugged, yet simple hike” (with a few challenging bits), which, like Antelope X, is conducted with smaller groups, but also has some interesting “bonus features” you won’t find in other slot canyons in the Page, AZ, or anywhere else for that matter!
For more information visit Cathedral Slot Canyon Tours or call 928-645-5594.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 20, 2018 at 1:43 PM

Hi Joe and thank you for visiting our site!
The Grand Canyon is a totally separate area from Page. It warrants a night’s stay of its own to do it justice. To see it as a “day trip” from Page requires a 3-hour drive – each way – timed so that you don’t end up driving back to Page in the dark. If you have no other option than to do it that way, then you automatically forfeit one of your sightseeing days in Page. Try to arrange it so that you can at least spend one night at the South Rim. Grand Canyon hotels.
Push comes to shove — and again, this is totally a “last resort” recommendation — since you’re coming from Flagstaff, if you get an early start, you could visit Grand Canyon South Rim en route to Page.

The drive from Flagstaff to GC takes 1.5 hours; the drive to Page would then take about 3. Again, avoid driving in the dark at all costs since roads around here are so poorly lit.
You could then hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town before checking into your hotel. The next morning, you could then do a Lake Powell Boat Tour and tour Antelope Canyon. As to the order in which you hit them, that depends on availability of tours. Check Antelope Canyon tours first, then schedule the rest of your day around that.
Hope that helps.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 20, 2018 at 1:52 PM

Hi Noel and thank you for visiting our site!
Not sure what you consider “mild” weather, but in areas like Phoenix, Tucson, and even Page, “mild” could mean daytime high temperatures above 100 Fahrenheit! As for Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion, that description would tend to be more accurate as temperatures will range between the ’70’s-’80’s due to the higher altitude of those locations.
Another suggestion: try and see if you can stay at Grand Canyon South Rim and Page instead of Flagstaff. It takes 90 minutes each way to drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, then 2.5 hours – again EACH WAY – to drive from Flagstaff to Page. Staying closer to these locations would make for a much more comfortable time, and allow you to avoid driving in the dark, which we strongly discourage in this part of the country. Page, AZ Hotels Grand Canyon Hotels
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is located in Sedona, which is only about 30-45 minutes from Flagstaff, so staying in Flag to visit that location isn’t too bad, but most Sedona visitors end up wishing they’d spent more time there, along the lines of 3 days.
If you do end up visiting Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell, then buying the America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass would be a wise purchase. It would pay for itself on this trip.
As for visiting Phoenix and Tucson, again, these areas will be very hot, so you may want to skip them.
Hope that helps. Have a great time!
Alley 🙂

April 18, 2018 at 9:17 PM

Hi Katherine and thank you for your inquiry!
Unfortunately, you’re planning to cram too much driving in a very short time.
The trip from Las Vegas to Page takes approximately 4.5 hours. The drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, going direct, takes 2.5 hours, but that rarely happens as there’s a lot to see on the way from one place to the other. A more realistic figure ends up being 3.5-4 hours. All that traveling will cut things too close to sunset, and we strongly discourage driving in the dark in this part of the country.
With the limited time you have, I would advise either a. dropping one night in Vegas so you can spend the night at Grand Canyon South Rim, or b. if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, drop Page and concentrate on the Grand Canyon. If you do opt to visit Page and tour Antelope Canyon, then an advance reservation is an absolute must for that.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 18, 2018 at 8:40 PM

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From Katherine

Hello Alley,

Thank you so much for your advices. I think we might take Grand Canyon out of our plan. Then it will be Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. We probably leave in the early morning from Vegas, and drive to Page, and in this case we should arrive page in the early afternoon, and we can go either Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, then in the next day morning, we can go the other one. After lunch, we drive back to Vegas, and we should be able arrive Vegas before sunset. Does this sound a reasonable plan? I checked https://www.antelopecanyon.com and tired to book a tour for Upper Antelope Canyon, however, it shows sold out for both May 14 and May 15. Is there another website I can book the tour? If we don’t book a tour in advance, and just go directly to Upper Antelope Canyon, are we be able to get a tour in the entrance?

Thank you again for your help!

April 19, 2018 at 3:23 AM

Hi JD and thank you for your question.
We never recommend trying to cram the drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon then Grand Canyon to Page in a single day. The trip from Sedona to GC takes ~2.5 hours; the drive to Page from GC theoretically takes 2.5 hours as well, but that figure rarely materializes since there is so much to see on the drive from GC to Page. A more realistic figure is ~4 hours.
Instead of splitting up your visit to Sedona as you have proposed, I would recommend this:
Day 1: fly into Phoenix (hopefully sometime in the morning?) and drive to Page, AZ, about a 4.5 hour drive. Overnight in Page
Day 2: Tour Antelope Canyon first thing in the morning, then hit Horseshoe Bend on the way out of town as you make your way to Grand Canyon South Rim. Stay overnight at the Grand Canyon.
Day 3: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona, maybe stopping in Flagstaff en route, overnight in Sedona.
Day 4: Activities in Sedona, such as Pink Jeep Tours, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, some hiking, stay in Sedona a 2nd night.
Day 5: Drive from Sedona back to Phoenix (~2 hours drive) for your flight out.
I think that would make for a much more relaxed and pleasant experience for you. Hope that helps. Be sure to make your hotel and tour reservations well in advance of your arrival.
Alley 🙂

April 18, 2018 at 8:34 PM

Hi Liana,
Possible, but probably not advisable. There are many rock overhangs that could strike a child being held by a parent (or in a backpack carrier) in the head. We’d hate to see that happen 🙁 Upper Antelope Canyon would be the safer way to go, and is still a beautiful sight. Just be sure to make reservations well in advance of your arrival.
Alley

April 18, 2018 at 8:26 PM

Hi Peter and thank you for your inquiry!
Since you’ve already been to Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, aka, the attractions frequently visited using Las Vegas as a “base,” I would suggest flying into Phoenix and visiting some of the parks and scenic areas between it and Page. First on the list, IMO, should be Sedona. It’s only 2 hours from Phoenix, and has enough to see and do to reasonably occupy 3 days. Visit Sedona Other areas worth a stop include, but are not limited to, Flagstaff (for the Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona, Riordan Mansion, Arboretum, Walnut Canyon, etc.), Montezuma Castle/Well and Tuzigoot NM’s (which are accessible from Sedona, too), the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Meteor Crater and the “Standin’ On The Corner In Winslow, Arizona” tribute statue in the town of the same name.
Another suggestion, if you’re inclined, is to try for a walk-in permit for The Wave. You would do this at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, UT the day before you wish to hike. While the odds are slim of you actually getting one, in the likely event that you don’t, you can find plenty to see and do in the area, like take a tour to the White Pocket Fold, or some of the attractions around Kanab, such as Mystical Slot Canyon, Peekaboo Gulch, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, just to name a few.
Regarding the timing of your visit, since Phoenix is still rather hot during the later part of summer, definitely try and time your trip for the fall, at least until after the kids are out of school, so you’ll just be amongst grown-ups (usually 😉 while you’re out touring.
Good luck and have fun!
Alley 🙂

April 18, 2018 at 8:24 PM

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From Peter V

Alley,
Thanks for the quick response and the many suggestions. Can’t wait to visit your beautiful area and doing some kayaking while out there

April 23, 2018 at 12:14 AM

Hi Brian and thank you for your visit.
With 5 days to work with, you have a rare opportunity to get into some amazing scenery. The slot canyons are only a small part of it!
First off, seeing more than one slot canyon really isn’t necessary to have a fulfilling visit to this area. If you’re physically up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon and can get a reservation for it, then stick with it. Otherwise, Canyon X and/or Cathedral Canyon would be the “alternates” I’d pick, in that order.
The water-based activities like the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour and the Glen Canyon Float Trip would need to be done on separate days due to the departure times of the two tours in April, so there’s 3 days gone.
If you like golf, the Lake Powell National Golf Course is right in the town of Page and probably has the best view of any golf course in Arizona! I myself don’t golf, but from what I’ve heard, the course is not particularly fulfilling, but it is challenging.
If you’re looking for other activities to fill your time, you might consider a scenic airplane or helicopter tour from the Page Municipal Airport, or perhaps a 4×4 tour to White Pocket, or just take some downtime — Wahweap RV Resort is right by the lake, so you’re in the perfect spot!
Hope that helps you get started. Be sure to reserve all your tours and other activities in advance of your arrival.
Take care and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 18, 2018 at 8:49 PM

Hi Maria,
Tell us specifically what information you need and we would be happy to advise you!
Alley 🙂

April 17, 2018 at 7:21 PM

Hi Shannon,
The scenery on the kayak tour of Antelope Canyon and the walking tour of Lower Antelope Canyon are completely different. That’s not to say that they’re not both worthwhile, but for the “classic” slot canyon scenery that has been made so famous in pictures and postcards, you’ll need to do the walking/foot tour. The perspective on the kayak tour is of the waterside of the canyon, where it connects with Lake Powell.
As for what else you should try and see, the Horseshoe Bend Overlook is a definite must. Depending on your itinerary, you might hit that on the way into town if you’re coming in from the Grand Canyon, or on your way out of town if you’re heading that way after leaving Page.
Other sites worth visiting include but are not limited to the Glen Canyon Dam and Steel Arch Bridge, the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, the “New” Wave, the White House Overlook, Lakeshore Drive and Lake Powell Resort.
Good luck and have a safe trip!
Alley 🙂

April 17, 2018 at 7:21 PM

Hi Freeman,
With a baby that age, you would definitely want to stick with Upper. The tour companies do accept infants, but you’ll need to be prepared to supply a car seat. For safety reasons, the tour companies are limited on the number of kids under 6 they can take on a tour (3), so your best bet is to make an advance reservation and if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your chosen tour company by phone a few days before you’re set to take the tour. Another suggestion is request that the baby and parent be seated up front with the guide in order to minimize any hazards from the jostling they might otherwise receive in the back of the truck.
Hope that helps. Have a great trip!
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:32 PM

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From Freeman Wu

Thank you so much for your insights, Alley, I really appreciate it!!!

Freeman

April 17, 2018 at 10:39 PM

Hi JD,
With a 9-year-old in tow, you want to be careful to avoid overscheduling your itinerary.
Since you’re arriving late to Las Vegas, I’d plan on spending the night there, then heading to Grand Canyon first thing the next morning. There really isn’t much for folks under 21 to do in Las Vegas.
While you’re in Page, be sure to plan on touring Antelope Canyon, visiting Horseshoe Bend, and perhaps taking the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip.
Best regards for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:23 PM

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From Jiandian Ni

Alley,

Thank you for your advise. I skipped the Monument Valley entirely to have more time on other places.

Roughly here is the plan:
6/1 Arrive at Las Vegas from Cincinnati, Oh
6/2 Drive to Grand Canyon
6/3 Stay in Grand Canyon
6/4 Morning, drive to Page
Reserved Lower Antelope tour at 12:30 (Check in 12:00)
Reserved Upper Antelope tour at 3:00 PM (check in 2:30)
Visit House bend
6/5 Float Trip in Glen Canyon
6/6 Morning, drive to Bryce
Horseback riding (To be reserved)
6/7 Drive to Springdale
6/8 Hiking
6/9 – 6/11 In Las Vegas. The flight takes off at 3:40 PM 6/11

I have not booked the hotel in Springdale. I may drive back to Las Vegas after hiking in Zion 6/8. How do you think?

Thanks
JD

April 18, 2018 at 7:57 PM

Hi Peter and thank you for visiting our site!
With one week to work with, you can certainly experience some other sites besides the ones you’ve already been to. Moab, Utah, for example, offers enough to do to warrant 3 days of your time. You might also consider spending some time in Sedona, AZ. If you like hiking, you may want to try for a walk-in permit to The Wave. Only 10 permits per day are given out in this manner the day prior to when you wish to hike, but you certainly seem to have the time to spare, and if you get lucky, you won’t regret it.
Have fun and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:19 PM

Hello Debra and thank you for visiting.
Antelope Canyon is located near the town of Page, Arizona, which is a totally separate area from Grand Canyon North Rim and open year-round. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is also open all year, and for a first-time visitor, that’s the side of the Grand Canyon we recommend seeing.
As for other sites you might consider including in your vacation, depending on how much time you have, you could also tour Monument Valley, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park.
Hope that helps. Best regards and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:14 PM

Hi Hannah,
Not knowing your full trip plan (when you’re visiting, where you’ll be coming from before arriving in Page, whether you’re flying into Las Vegas or Phoenix, from overseas or the US, etc.) it’s hard to advise you with 100% confidence. On your day of arrival, you could hit Horseshoe Bend provided you arrive before sunset. You could then tour Antelope Canyon first thing the following morning, then head to the Grand Canyon immediately afterward. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive from Page to the Grand Canyon, if you drive direct, but that rarely happens. There are a lot of points of interest you’ll inevitably end up stopping at on the way, so it’s not unheard of for a 140 mile drive to take 3.5-4 hours. The main thing is to be sure you avoid driving in the dark due to the lack of artificial/supplemental lighting on local roadways and the presence of deer, elk and other wildlife.
Good luck and safe travels.
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:12 PM

Hi Toni and thanks for this excellent question!
I’m assuming that by “camp,” you mean tent camp and not RV camping. Fortunately, there are several options for tent and RV camping in the Page/Lake Powell area. The Wahweap/Lake Powell Resort campground is the nicest, IMO, since it’s within walking distance of Lake Powell, has a nice view, and offers easy access to the dining outlets and other activities. Lone Rock Campground is also right on the lake, but restaurants and stores are further away. Page/Lake Powell Campground is located in Page itself; the views aren’t that great, but it’s just minutes away from Antelope Canyon, Antelope Point Marina and all the conveniences of the town.
While you’re here, you should also plan on visiting Horseshoe Bend Overlook, the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center (maybe take a tour), then do a couple of day hikes in the area. Be sure to plan for some “unscheduled” time to just relax, unwind and discover.
For more good information and tips, be sure to visit our sister site, www.HorseshoeBend.com
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 16, 2018 at 8:05 PM

Dear Muhammad,
Hello and thank you for your compliments.
With the limitations you describe (not being able to drive and having only 2 days to spend), your don’t have many options. Tours are out there that can accomplish your goals, but you may have to modify your plans somewhat, especially the bit about flying out to Chicago on your 2nd day. The majority of package tours will return to Las Vegas too late to accommodate that, and even if they did, interruptions to the schedule could arise such as an accident on the highway or heavy traffic. It would be best to stay another night in Las Vegas, then fly out the next morning.
Overnight tours typically have lodging included, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that. The tour that sounds most conducive to your trip goals and timeframe is TakeTours’ 2-day Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon Tour. Tours4Fun offers a similar program.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Alley 🙂

April 14, 2018 at 3:50 PM

Hi Imma and thank you for visiting our site.
Your plan, I’m afraid, is overly ambitious and involves too much driving.
It takes 4.5 hours approximately to drive to Page from Las Vegas. It then takes 2 hours to drive from Page to Monument Valley, then another 3-3.5 hours to drive from Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon. With only 2 days to work with, I strongly recommend eliminating the trip to Monument Valley, but there is still a way you can work that into your trip (more on that in a minute).
It is not necessary to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. Besides, you’re so limited on time anyway, that I would not recommend even trying.
Try and get an early start out of Las Vegas on 04/29 so you can do a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon that afternoon. The next morning, take a scenic airplane flight over Monument Valley, which lasts approximately 90 minutes. Then head to Grand Canyon. You can stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook on your way out of town. The drive from Page to Grand Canyon takes about 2.5 hours driving direct, but that rarely happens as there are many other points of interest on the route that you’ll no doubt want to stop at, including, but not limited to, the Cameron Trading Post, kiosks run by Navajo tribe members where jewelry and other wares are sold, the Little Colorado River Overlook, and about half a dozen viewpoints on the Grand Canyon once you enter the park. It’s not uncommon for this 140-mile drive to take people in excess of 4 hours.
Be sure to reserve your Grand Canyon hotel, Page, AZ hotel, and Antelope Canyon tour in advance of your arrival.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 14, 2018 at 4:02 PM

Hi Philip and thank you for your compliments!
If your flight arrives on time, it will probably take an hour or so to pick up a rental car, get your luggage, etc., so plan on leaving Phoenix between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. Sunset at the time of year you’re visiting is about 7 PM, and we strongly discourage driving after dusk due to lack of artificial lighting on local roads, and the tendency of nocturnal wildlife to congregate around them. If there is enough light left when you pull into Page, you might stop at Horseshoe Bend on your way into town. If not, then plan on seeing it the following morning. Your hotel is fairly close to the overlook. Antelope Canyon is also fairly close by, about 15 minutes from Hampton Inn, East on US98.
Regarding which slot canyon to tour, it’s not necessary to do more than one in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. Antelope Canyon X bears enough of a resemblance physically and visually to Lower Antelope Canyon in order to render good photos, so if you’re keen on dealing with less crowds, I’d do X and call it good.
As for your hotel having a view of Lake Powell, that won’t be the case. The Hampton Inn is located on the Southern edge of town, and while you may have a nice view of the surrounding rock formations depending on where you’re placed, you still have to drive ~20-25 minutes to get to Lake Powell.

If you have the time and/or inclination to “squeeze” another activity in en route back to Phoenix, you might consider swinging through Sedona, AZ. The scenery there is beautiful, but it will add another 90 minutes-2 hours onto your drive time.
Have a great trip and thank you again!
Alley 🙂

April 13, 2018 at 1:23 PM

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From Phillip L.

Alley,

Thank you so much! After considering your thoughts and more research, I am leaning towards the below but still have a few questions:

I will drive straight into Page after Phoenix. From there, I will take it easy for the night. The next morning (Sunday), I plan on going to Horseshoe Bend then taking a Hiking Tour (or a Photography tour) of Canyon X. There are still lots of availability for Lower Canyon but I think Canyon X is better. I tried googling and no avail but do you know if there are any affordable photographers in town to help take photographs? I want some really good photos and do not have a professional camera. I was only able to find extremely (and I’m sure well deserved) expensive professional photographers for weddings, etc. but I was just looking for someone that knows what angles to take, how to take photos in that setting, etc. that is affordable.

If I take the photo tour, I should be done by early afternoon (2 p.m.). Is there anything else I should do in town (boat ride on Lake Powell) or should I drive to Sedona/Phoenix? Would it be safe to drive back there given the wildlife situation at night (or is that only driving into Page)? I currently have a hotel booking in Page that evening but can change based on the above.

Thank you so much again!

April 16, 2018 at 1:47 AM

Hi Amy!
Thank you so much for your compliments.
First off, I’d recommend switching your plans from the North Rim to the South Rim, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Not only does it make more sense given your plans to fly into Phoenix, it also has more to offer in the way of lodging, restaurants, and activities. The drive from PHX to the South Rim takes about 4.5 hours; the drive to the North Rim takes about 6.
2 nights in Sedona is a good call as there is a lot to see and do there.
On Day 6, you have “White Pocket” in your plans, along with Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and leaving for Bryce. This won’t happen, I can guarantee you. White Pocket is an activity that will take the better part of the day. Also, it’s not recommended for a “self-drive/hike.” The so-called “road” there goes through some deep sand and getting stuck isn’t uncommon. It’s best to go there with an authorized tour outfitter like Paria Outpost & Outfitters. Another consideration, is that Bryce Canyon is a relatively small park. One night is sufficient for most people to have a fulfilling visit there. As for where to fly out of after visiting Bryce, Las Vegas would be the more convenient option. It takes about 4 hours to drive from Bryce to Las Vegas, whereas it takes about 7.5 hours to drive from Bryce to Phoenix.
Before you commit to this plan, be sure you check drop-off fees for rental cars. Hefty surcharges for dropping vehicles off anywhere other than where you picked them up from are standard procedure in this part of the country.
Hope that helps! I know it’s a tough choice. Please don’t hesitate to to contact us again if we can be of further help.
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 9:46 PM

Hi Jillian and thank you for visiting our site!
With 2 days to work with, you should have no problem visiting both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Assuming that “Southern California” means LA, the most direct route would have you go North of the Grand Canyon to get to Page, but you also have the option of going the Southern route on I-40, through Joshua Tree, via Kingman and Williams AZ (old Route 66), then North from Flagstaff. This will allow you to hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into Page, AZ. However, this has you bypassing the Grand Canyon, which you may not want to do.
Lower Antelope Canyon can be visited whenever there is availability for tours and/or when it best fits your schedule. Keep in mind that mid-day is generally regarded as the best time to visit, but those time slots are probably booked up already. Simply take the time slot that has availability and appeals to you most — there is no such thing as a “bad” time to visit. Another consideration is that Lake Powell Resort is located about 30 minutes away from the Antelope Canyon Tribal Park Entrance, and the tour outfitter will probably require that you check in about 30 minute prior to your actual tour departure, so be sure you factor the drive time into your scheduling.
Hope that answers your questions sufficiently! If not, don’t hesitate to contact us again 🙂
Alley
P.S. For more valuable tips and information, visit our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com

April 12, 2018 at 9:33 PM

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From Jillian

Thank you so much Alley,

We have actually decided to drive to Las Vegas on Thursday night, so we don’t have to make the whole drive in one day. With that said we will get to Page early on Friday, I already have the hotel and tour for the Lower Canyon booked, what else would you recommend to do? We have already been to the Grand Canyon so we do not need to go there.

Jillian

April 18, 2018 at 10:39 PM

Hi Manish and thank you for visiting our site.
You are correct in that you don’t really have enough time to do your “wish list” justice, but you can make it happen with a bit of advance planning.
It takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim. If possible, do your packing on Friday night so you can get a good early start on Saturday morning. Spend the night at the park Grand Canyon hotels , then get an early start on the drive to Page, AZ Sunday morning. The drive, going direct, typically takes about 2.5 hour, but that rarely happens. There are about half a dozen viewpoints on the Grand Canyon enroute to Desert View, including Horseshoe Bend, as well as many interesting stops along the route from Cameron to Page that you’ll surely wish to stop at. If possible, try and book a tour for Antelope Canyon Saturday afternoon, then spend the night in Page, AZ.
On Monday morning, get an early start out of Page, AZ, then head to Sedona, AZ to do your ATV ride. It is about a 3 hour drive from Page, AZ to Sedona, then another 2 hours from Sedona, AZ to Phoenix.
If this sounds like you could cut it a bit close, you are right. If you don’t want to take the risk of missing your flight, then take one of these activities/places off your list, or perhaps consider moving your flight back to the evening.
I do hope that helps. Take care and don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 9:22 PM

Hi Erin and thank you for visiting our site!
Normally, the drive from Las Vegas to Page takes ~4.5 hours. Detouring through Zion is feasible, but will add some time to your drive, especially in light of recent news about the park’s overcrowding problem. I wouldn’t recommend detouring all the way to Bryce, that will turn a 4.5 hour drive into an 8 hour one easily. Unless you can add another night to your vacation, or change your plans to spend one night at Zion and one in Page, I’d stick with your original plan.
Regarding Lower Antelope Canyon, mid-day is generally regarded as the best time to visit, but those are also the first time slots to sell out. Take whatever time slot appeals to you and/or is available. There really is no such thing as a bad time to visit. How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon
Lake Powell Boat Tours start running regularly on 4/15, so you should have your pick of the full range of offerings. Rainbow Bridge is a pretty much a full day undertaking; shorter tours, such as the Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise or the Canyon Adventure Tour are also fulfilling.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 9:14 PM

Dear Rafaella,
Wow, that’s a good question! For a definitive answer, I would recommend asking the tour company you plan to use to go into Antelope Canyon directly. This may or may not be in conflict with their religious or other beliefs in regards to Antelope Canyon.
Good luck,
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 12:05 PM

Hi Mindy,
I would recommend booking a hotel in Page, and a Lower Antelope Canyon tour ASAP! Pack your things the night before and try to get on the first departure of the morning so you have plenty of time to make your flight out of SLC. Remember that you’ll be hitting I-15 during rush hour.
Good luck!
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 12:03 PM

Hi Rose and thank you for visiting our site.
To get the most out of your experience, I would recommend staying in Page, AZ for at least 2 nights if you can manage it. If for some reason you can’t secure accommodations in Page, then Flagstaff would be your next best option; however, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Page, so any sightseeing would require an early start in the morning, then timing the return trip so you’re not driving in the dark. Sedona is about 3 hours away, so the same requirements would apply.
As for which Antelope Canyon tour to do, if you’re all reasonably fit, then Lower would be the one I’d recommend. It does involve some stair climbing and stepping over a few boulders. To determine whether it’s appropriate for your family, watch this Walk-Through Video of Lower Antelope Canyon
While you’re here, be sure to visit the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, and if you have time, enjoy the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip.
For other ideas for getting the most out of your trip, check out The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, AZ.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 12:27 PM

Hi Fran,
Apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry, but yes, service dogs are allowed with proper documentation. However, do your homework as to the physical requirements of all local slot canyons before committing. Many involve some steep staircases, trail hiking and/or boulder scrambling, which may or may not be practical for your dog. Your dog must also be leashed at all times and you must be prepared to pack out their waste.
Hope that helps!
Alley 🙂

April 12, 2018 at 12:00 PM

Hi Caroline!
That video was made before I began helping out on this site, but I will try and find out and contact you personally with whatever answer I am able to discover 🙂
Alley

April 08, 2018 at 2:42 PM

Hi Valerie and thank you for visiting our site today.
You’ve made a good call on staying away from the crowds of Antelope Canyon. As for touring multiple slot canyons, it’s not 100% necessary to do that in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. In terms of colors, though, Canyon X (aka Antelope Canyon X) is widely considered to be the most impressive of the lot, which isn’t surprising, considering that it’s just a different drainage of Antelope Creek, the same creek that flows through Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.
For reservations for Antelope Canyon X, contact Taadidiin Tours.
Other slot canyons you might consider touring, which aren’t listed in this article, are Ram’s Head, Wind Pebble or Ligai Si’Anii Canyons, which are managed by Ligai Si’Anii Tours.
While you’re in the area, be sure to visit Horseshoe Bend Overlook and maybe enjoy a half-day float trip through Glen Canyon! 2-Day Itinerary in Page, Arizona
For more valuable tips and information, visit our sister site, www.HorseshoeBend.com
Have a great day, and an even better trip!
Alley 🙂

April 06, 2018 at 5:55 PM

Hi Silke and thank you for your inquiry.
With a toddler, I would strongly recommend touring Upper and sticking with that. Lower Antelope Canyon involves some stair climbing, boulder scrambling and has some potentially dangerous overhangs that might strike a child in a backpack carrier in the head. On the Upper Antelope Canyon tour, a buckboard truck ride from the point of origin to the entrance of the canyon is involved. That part of the trip is potentially bumpy. You might inquire if your guide will permit one parent and the child to sit in the cab of the truck so as to avoid injury.
Hope that helps and have a great day!
Alley 🙂

April 06, 2018 at 5:50 PM

Dear Amalesh,
Hi and thank you for visiting our site today.
First off, I wouldn’t recommend using Bundu as I’ve read some pretty bad reviews about them in the past. There are other tour companies whose programs would fall within your budget, but their itineraries will be very rushed and require a lot of time on the road. This may not be ideal for a family with a 2-year-old. Driving yourselves would offer your family more freedom and flexibility to explore at a slower pace, and on your own terms.
If a guided tour is indeed the way you prefer to go, Take Tours is one company that offers a 2-day package that includes everything on your “wish list.” Take Tours 2-Day Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Antelope Canyon Tour from Las Vegas
Viator also offers a 3-day package that includes everything on your list except for Bryce, but their site indicates this tour is only offered during the off-season. Viator Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Zion 3-Day Tour from Las Vegas
Please note that our providing you with the information about these tours does not constitute an endorsement in any way and that choosing one of these or any commercial tour offering is done at your own risk.
Good luck and let us know how you get on,
Alley 🙂
P.S. For more tips and information about traveling in the American Southwest, visit our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com!

April 04, 2018 at 5:04 PM

Hi Mel and thank you for visiting our site!
Due to the fact that you’re starting your trip in Tucson, this is going to make for a long drive at the beginning of your trip and another long drive at the end.
With 3 days to work with, I’d recommend driving from Tucson to Page, AZ on Day 1. It’s going to be at least a 6 hour drive, but could stretch to about 8 due to the scenic nature of the drive and inevitable sights that will pique your interest. “Must” stops on this drive include, but certainly aren’t limited to, Sedona, AZ, Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments, the Cameron Trading Post, the “Cut” scenic overlook and the Horseshoe Bend Overlook.
On Day 2, do a tour of Antelope Canyon in the morning, then start driving to Grand Canyon South Rim. The drive takes about 2.5 hours if you go direct, but here again, that rarely happens since there are many Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at on the way into Grand Canyon Village, the main commerce area in the park. Stay at Grand Canyon South Rim, either inside the park (GC Village) or Tusayan/GC Village South. Grand Canyon hotels
On Day 3, start driving back to LA, which will also take you about 8 hours. If you can possibly free up another day, you might break up the drive to LA in Las Vegas, Laughlin or Bullhead City.

Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 04, 2018 at 4:53 PM

Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for visiting our site today!
With 5 days to work with, you certainly can accomplish a lot. Before you commit to the plan to fly into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix, I would verify what rental car drop-off fees will be like. They can be pretty hefty for dropping vehicles anywhere other than where you picked them up. If you do proceed with that plan, here’s what I’d recommend:
Day 1, Monday: Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (~3.5 hours), overnight in Zion National Park, or Springdale, Utah Zion National Park Hotels
Day 2, Tuesday: Drive to Page (~2 hours), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page Page, AZ Hotels (scroll to the middle of the page)
Day 3, Wednesday: Drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3.5 hours), stop at Horseshoe Bend on the way Grand Canyon hotels
Day 4, Thursday: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona, overnight in Sedona Sedona hotels
Day 5, Friday: Drive from Sedona to Phoenix (~2 hours)
If you have already been to the Grand Canyon, then I would recommend taking that night and giving it to either Page, AZ or Sedona, AZ.

Hope that helps! Be sure you reserve all your hotels and Antelope Canyon tours well in advance of your arrival.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be sure you plan on purchasing an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass.” For $80, this pass grants you and your traveling party access to all the National Parks, Monuments and Federal Fee Areas in the US for 1 year’s time. It’s not valid at some State Parks, and Native American Tribal Parks (like Antelope Canyon), but it would still pay for itself for you on this trip.

April 02, 2018 at 9:54 PM

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From Carolyn

Fantastic suggestions Alley, thank you very much. Will research your suggestions further. Can’t wait for this trip, should be awesome!!

April 03, 2018 at 7:30 AM

Hi Navish, and thank you for visiting.
You may want to rethink your plan a bit.
Driving up to Page after doing the hike to Cedar Ridge may not be the best plan. The hike to Cedar Ridge takes anywhere from 3-4 hours round-trip, and keep in mind, the latter half of the hike, you’ll be going uphill on a very steep trail, not to mention managing the logistics of having to take the hiker’s shuttle to the trailhead and back to your vehicle. Then you’re proposing to make a 3+ hour drive, make the walk to Horseshoe Bend (which is nothing compared to the South Kaibab Trail, but still will take a couple hours of your time), then do a 2+ boat tour? Honestly, I don’t think this will happen.
Depending on your fitness level, and how accustomed you are to uphill hiking, after you complete the trip to Cedar Ridge, you may not be in any mood to do anything other than go back to your hotel room and sleep. I’d recommend staying at the South Rim, then making the drive the Page, AZ the next morning. The drive to Page takes 2.5 hours going direct, but that rarely happens since there is a lot to see en route, including the Grand Canyon viewpoints along the East Rim/Desert View Drive, the Little Colorado River Overlook, the Cameron Trading Post, roadside kiosks where the Navajo Tribe sell their jewelry and other wares, just to name a few. Horseshoe Bend is then located just South of Page, so you can easily stop there on your way into town. Spend the night in Page, AZ, then do your boat tour the following day. Plan on touring Antelope Canyon as well.
Hope that helps!
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

April 02, 2018 at 2:50 PM

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From Pavani

Hi Ryan, Thank you for your post!! I had a few questions. We have 1.5 days in Page. I would like to cover both the upper and lower canyon, the Horse-shoe bend as well as a tour of the lake/or some lake activities. How do you think I should go about scheduling my 1.5 days to accommodate all of these activities? Thanks for your help, much appreciated!!

April 02, 2018 at 11:03 PM

Hi Leo and thank you for visiting. Ryan is out of the office at the moment, but having lived in the area for many years — and made the drive from San Diego many times! — I can help you.
First of all, if you’ve never visited the Grand Canyon, I definitely recommend you do so. It takes approximately 8.5-9 hours to drive over from San Diego, so after that long drive, plan on spending the night either in Grand Canyon Park Village or Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South. How To Book A Grand Canyon Hotel
On Friday the 20th, plan to get up early and spend that morning doing some sightseeing in the immediate vicinity of Grand Canyon Park Village, such as walking the easy, paved Rim Trail, and taking the shuttle out to some of the viewpoints on the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive. Later that afternoon, start heading toward Page, AZ. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours going direct, but that rarely happens, because there’s a lot to see along the way, including the Grand Canyon Viewpoints along the East Rim/Desert View Drive, the Little Colorado River Overlook, the Cameron Trading Post and kiosks where Navajo Tribe members sell jewelry and other wares. Since the Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located just South of Page, AZ on US89, you can easily hit it on your way into town. Realistically, you could spend 4 hours making the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. Just be sure you time it so that you’re arriving before sunset (7:00 PM). Driving in the dark is discouraged due to the lack of supplemental lighting on local roadways, and the chances of encountering deer, elk and other nocturnal wildlife.
Saturday, April 21st, plan on touring Antelope Canyon, then maybe doing another activity such as the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip or a Lake Powell Boat Tour.
Sunday, April 22nd, make the drive back to San Diego, which takes 9+ hours. If you can add another day to your trip, you might break up the drive by overnighting in Las Vegas.
Be sure you book your Page, AZ hotel reservations and Antelope Canyon Tour in advance.

Hope that helps — enjoy your visit!
Alley 🙂
P.S. If after doing all that driving, you’d rather just stay out of your car for a couple days, you can do that AND still work Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and the Glen Canyon Float Trip into your itinerary. Spend 2 nights at Grand Canyon South Rim, and take the Scenic Canyon River Adventure Tour on your 2nd full day there.

April 02, 2018 at 2:42 PM

Hi Deepak and thank you for visiting!
With 5 days to work with, you can certainly see a lot in this area, starting with the Grand Canyon.
On Day 1, drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, which is about a 4.5 hour drive. Plan on spending the night either in Grand Canyon Park Village or Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South. How To Book A Grand Canyon Hotel
Day 2, drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, which takes about 2.5 hours if you drive direct, but that’s unlikely to happen as there are many points of interest at which to stop along the way, including Grand Canyon Viewpoints along the Desert View/East Rim Drive, the Little Colorado River Overlook, the Cameron Trading Post, various kiosks where Navajo Tribe members sell jewelry and other wares, the “Cut” scenic overlook, just to name a few. Horseshoe Bend is located just a few miles South of Page, so you can easily hit it on your way into town. Spend the night in Page.
Day 3, tour Antelope Canyon, and take the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. For Antelope Canyon, you’ll need to determine whether to visit the Upper or Lower branch. In a nutshell, Upper is easy, manageable for just about everyone; Lower is more physical, requiring some stair climbing and boulder stepping. How To Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon . Spend the night in Page again.
Day 4, drive from Page to Zion National Park, which takes about 2 hours. Maybe stop at the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool trail for a brief hike. After doing some sightseeing in Zion National Park, then drive to Springdale, Utah, a town on the Western border of the park, overnight there, then drive back to Las Vegas the next day. Springdale, Utah hotels The trip from Springdale, UT to Las Vegas, NV typically takes about 3 hours.
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels to your family!
Alley 🙂

April 02, 2018 at 2:12 PM

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From Deepak

Hi Alley,
Thank you very much for taking the time and providing valuable suggestions, this is extremely helpful. We were also thinking to take the Hoover dam tour on the way to Grand canyon, do you think it would be possible?
Our flight from Las vegas is on day 6 so, any suggestion as to visiting Bryce canyon before heading to vegas for an overnight stay? or anything else we should do?

Thanks.

April 02, 2018 at 8:16 PM

Hi Amy and thank you for visiting our site. You’re not the first to report feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a trip out here!
First off, your plan to use Flagstaff as a base camp from which to explore some areas is OK, as Grand Canyon is only 90 minutes (1-way) and Sedona is only a half-hour (1-way) away. When it comes to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, however, I would recommend staying in Page, AZ. It takes approximately 2.5 hours one way to get from Flagstaff, AZ to Page, and that’s driving direct, which rarely happens, because there are quite a few points of interest on the way that people invariably end up stopping at. These include, but certainly aren’t limited to: Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments, the Cameron Trading Post, the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks (which are a slight detour off US89 onto US160), the various kiosks where Navajo Tribe members sell their jewelry and other wares, various scenic overlooks, etc. Horseshoe Bend is located just South of Page on US89, so you can easily hit it on your way into town. Since driving in the dark is strongly discouraged in this part of the country, overnighting in Page will make for a more comfortable experience here.
As for which part of Antelope Canyon you should tour, as this article alluded to, Lower is more physical, Upper is more accessible, so if you’re OK with some stair climbing and stepping over a few boulders, you should be OK with Lower. Other activities you might consider adding to your agenda, time permitting are the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip or a Lake Powell Boat Tour. For the Glen Canyon Float Trip, kids have to be at least 4 YO to take part.
Even though you typically roll without “having every single minute scheduled out,” advance reservations for Antelope Canyon and other guided tours are a must, so be sure you at least have this, and any hotels you’ll be staying at, booked ahead of time.
Also: be sure you buy an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass.” 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 will more than pay for itself on the trip you’re proposing to take, but doesn’t apply to Native American Tribal Park areas such as Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. You’ll still have to pay the tribal park permit fee for those, but the National Park Pass is still a good investment.
For more ideas on how to get the most out of your visit, give this a read on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com The Grand Canyon, Zion, Moab & More: 14 Days In The Grand Circle
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

April 02, 2018 at 2:01 PM

Hi Courtney and thank you for visiting our site!
The drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ typically takes ~4.5 hours. If you make a slight “detour” through Zion National Park, that will obviously extend the drive time, but at least you could cross that Park off your “wish” list. Going through Zion on the way back to Vegas is also an option, again, time permitting. You might also add the Coral Pink Sand Dunes just outside the town of Kanab, UT. It’s quite the surprise in relation to the surrounding terrain. Off-road driving, however, should be avoided in rental cars.
As to where you should fly out of, I recommend flying out of the same place you fly into. Rental car outlets in the area typically charge substantial fees for dropping vehicles anyplace other than where you pick them up from. This is due to the remoteness of the area and distances between cities.
The Paria Rimrocks/Toadstools (located between Page, AZ & Kanab, UT at Mile Marker 19 of US89) also make for a nice little addition to your itinerary.
Be sure you make advance reservations for your Antelope Canyon tour and Page, AZ hotel.
Have a great trip!
Alley 🙂

March 27, 2018 at 4:10 PM

Hi Lisa, and thank you for visiting our site.
We’re glad that you’re finding it helpful as you plan your trip!
You definitely have a lot of questions, and areas where your itinerary can be “tweaked,” so, let’s get on with it 😉
Since you have “oz” in your e-mail address, I’m assuming you’re flying in from Australia? If so, then I’m also assuming that you’ll go through customs in Detroit or beforehand. One thing that hasn’t been established however, is will you have some “downtime” before flying into Phoenix to adjust to the different time zone, etc. If the answer is “no,” then I’d suggest spending the night in Phoenix and decompressing a bit before taking on the 4.5 hour drive to the Grand Canyon.
If you have had some time to get over your jetlag, etc., and if your flight from Detroit arrives either on time, or at least by early afternoon, then you might be able to swing the drive to Tusayan that night. The trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim takes about 4.5 hours if you drive direct, but that rarely happens as the drive is very scenic and there will no doubt be sights that pique your interest and warrant a stop. If your day goes according to plan, you can certainly take the drive at a fairly leisurely pace since sunset occurs at about 7:45 PM local time. In-N-Out Burger just North of Phoenix makes for a good stop for lunch, or if you can hold off a bit longer, maybe have lunch in Flagstaff.
After checking into your hotel in Tusayan, think about catching the IMAX movie, “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.” The final showing of the film is at 7:30 PM, so if your day has gone according to schedule, you should be able to make that no problem. In Tusayan, there are other opportunities for shopping, etc.
On your 2nd day, plan on getting up early, driving into the park and exploring Grand Canyon Village. Visit the Canyon View Information Plaza, maybe take a walk along the easy, paved Rim Trail, then hop on the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Shuttle and going out to those viewpoints. Lunch at El Tovar might be a nice treat for your family, but try and arrive there before 11:30 AM as that’s when the Grand Canyon Railway train pulls in from Williams and from then on, rimside restaurants will be slammed. Head back to Tusayan, catch the Sunset Jeep Tour (which is a lot of fun), then head for bed.
On Day 3, check out of the hotel in Tusayan and head for Page. Here again, the drive, if you go direct, takes about 2.5 hours, but you’ll likely end up taking more along the lines of 4-5 hours because there are many Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at on the trip. Maybe have a late breakfast/early lunch at the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 and US89. Hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, then check into your hotel. Time permitting, and with an early start, you could do an Antelope Canyon tour that afternoon. Otherwise, plan on touring the following morning, then make the drive to Sedona. As you can see, we recommend that you overnight in Page, AZ instead of doing a day trip from the Grand Canyon due to the distance and points of interest on the way. Page, AZ Hotels The drive to Sedona from Page will then take approximately 3-3.5 hours.
HOWEVER — if you want to avoid all that driving, there is a way you can accomplish what you want in Page, plus a bit of a “bonus:” keep your hotel in Tusayan and take the Scenic Canyon River Adventure tour. This is a dynamite full-day package tour that starts with a sunrise airplane flight over the Eastern portion of the Grand Canyon, including Horseshoe Bend, a tour of Antelope Canyon, and a half-day float trip on the Colorado River. If you do this, then you can just go directly to Sedona the following day, which is about a 2-hour drive.
It’s good that you’ve planned 3 days in Sedona, there’s a ton to see and do there, and most visitors end up wishing they had a week — or planning a return trip 😉
Hope that helps and that you and your family have a wonderful vacation!
Alley

March 27, 2018 at 3:59 PM

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From Lisa

Alley,

I can’t thank you enough for your suggestions for our trip! We are actually from Michigan so I don’t think we will be too jetlagged for the car trip from Phoenix to Tuyasan on Day 1. The plan to stop at In-N-Out Burger sounds good to me since it’s not available here! 🙂

I’ve been reading a lot about eating at El Tovar, so I was pleased to see you mentioned it for Day 2. I will try and get reservations there when they are available.

Day 3 sounds great and I’ve adjusted my hotel reservations to spend the night in Page! I will be making reservations for an Antelope Canyon tour right after I finish typing this!

Thanks so much for taking time to read my questions and provide suggestions!

Warm regards,

Lisa

March 28, 2018 at 9:50 PM