Customer Questions

Hello Ellen and thank you for your compliments! Congratulations on your engagement. Hope you’re looking forward to your photo shoot.
Waterholes Canyon, like the majority of slot canyons in Page, AZ, is situated on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, therefore, a tribal park permit is required to visit it. These can usually be obtained at the Tribal Park Entrance gate at Antelope Canyon on US98, or at Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours office in Page, AZ. For more really good information on Waterholes Canyon, visit https://www.thewave.info/WaterholesCode/Map.html
Be prepared to dress warmly. Otherwise, good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

January 22, 2018 at 4:32 PM

Hi Larry and congrats on your upcoming big anniversary!
You’ll definitely need to get an early start to pull all this off in one day. The drive from Williams to Grand Canyon South Rim takes about 1 hour. Factor in another 30 minutes or so to find a place to park, then 2-2.5 hours round-trip to make the hike you’re proposing to do. After that, it’s another hour to Cameron (good call on stopping there for lunch, the Navajo Tacos are amazing!), then 90 minutes further to Page. However – that 2.5 hour figure to make the drive from the South Rim to Page rarely translates to reality. Invariably, you’ll find yourself wanting to stop at the various Grand Canyon overlooks on the way out of the park, or any points of interest that catch your eye as you travel North to Page.
If you were to stay the night of 5/21/18 at Grand Canyon Village inside the park, or Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South 7 miles outside the park, that would cut an hour off your total drive time, which might make a significant difference in how you feel by the time you get to Page. Remember that Grand Canyon South Rim is 7,000′ above sea level, which means the air is thinner. That tends to take a lot of anyone if they’re not accustomed to it. On your hike down Bright Angel Trail, just remember that 30 minutes down = 1 hour out. Even going a short distance down the trail will give you a good sense of how different things look and feel below the rim. Long story short, if you don’t hit that 1 mile goal, don’t sweat it too much. 😉
Again, happy anniversary and happy traveling!
Alley 🙂

January 20, 2018 at 3:24 PM

Hi Cara,
Sorry for the confusion. As it states in the notes, toward the bottom of the article

“Using a guide does not exclude you from the permit requirement, nor does it increase your chances of getting one.”

So you would still need to go through the online lottery process, unfortunately, or try your hand at getting a walk-in permit if you strike out there. In the likely event you do not get a Wave permit, the tour companies that go to this area would be able to take you to alternate sites via prior arrangement, such as White Pocket, Steamboat Rock, Cobra Arch, Buckskin Gulch or you could visit The “New” Wave near Page, AZ on your own.

As for the best tour company to use, that would probably hinge on where you were staying. For example, if you were staying in Page, Arizona, Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours is licensed to go to these areas. If you’re staying in Kanab, Utah, Dreamland Safari Tours comes highly recommended. Right between the two towns on US is Paria, Utah, home of Paria Outpost & Outfitters. They have also been going to The Wave and surrounding attractions for many years.
Hope that helps! Have fun and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

January 19, 2018 at 5:58 PM

Hi Alex and thank you for stopping by today!
If you were wanting to do one of the “semi-private” canyons in the “bundle” with Upper Antelope, then IMO you would be fine skipping Lower. The main reason is because the lesser-known slots such as Mountain Sheep and Rattlesnake possess some of the attributes of Lower, such as stair climbing and simple bouldering, without the oppressive crowds sometimes experienced in Lower. For more details about these and other alternate slot canyons, give this a read Antelope Canyon Alternative Tours
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful trip,
Alley 🙂

January 17, 2018 at 6:34 PM

Hi Ashley and thank you for visiting our site today!
Actually, Tucson is only about a 90 minute drive from Phoenix. If you were planning to rent a car anyway, I would recommend just flying into and out of Phoenix.
Speaking of Phoenix, winter and spring are actually peak season in that area. As for Northern Arizona, it’s a little slower, but not much. Most tours are operating, with the exception of water-based activities such as the Colorado River Float Trip and Lake Powell Boat Tours. It’s a little too cold for those.
Hope that’s the information you were looking for!
Have a wonderful trip and good luck with your speaking engagement.
Alley 🙂

January 15, 2018 at 5:12 PM

Hi Helen and thanks for stopping by today.
It’s not really necessary to do more than one slot canyon ground tour in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. Indeed, it might seem redundant. I’m assuming you plan to hit Horseshoe Bend at some point on your trip, but if you do have more time to work with, I’d recommend a tour that gives you a different perspective on the area, such as a Lake Powell boat tour, float trip on the Colorado River, perhaps an airplane or helicopter tour.
Air tours are best done in the morning for better light and less wind. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Page to the Grand Canyon and sunset is at about 5:30 PM in March, so plan your day accordingly.
Good luck and have fun!
Alley 🙂

January 13, 2018 at 8:57 PM

Hi Trudy!
If you’re looking for a travel agent, you might inquire in your local community for a reference. Sadly, these once-valued and knowledgeable professionals are ‘going the way of the dodo’ in the digital age, but they can still be found.
Another great source of trip planning information is the travel forum of TripAdvisor. There, you can ask specific questions, or read answers to questions previously posted that are similar to yours. I am a regular contributor on the Arizona and Utah forums and occasionally the Nevada and Idaho forums. Just look for the gal with the hat 😉
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley

January 11, 2018 at 5:58 PM

Hi Erica,
Congratulations on your “bundle of joy!”
For recommendations for photographers, I would recommend contacting one of the Antelope Canyon tour outfitters. Some of their employees do photography on the side, or could recommend a good photographer.
Take care and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

January 04, 2018 at 7:16 PM

Hi Jen,
Unfortunately, there’s no way to really increase your odds of winning the lottery. Names are drawn at random and so many people apply on any given day that it’s a huge stroke of luck if you win. And yes, when they draw 10 passes, it’s 10 people, not 10 parties. So if your party of 4 won, only 6 other people would get to hike that day. Of course, you’re welcome to apply for 2 people, but that’s no guarantee that your friends would get drawn the same day.
Now, one tiny exception: plan your hike during bad weather periods. That means dead of winter/heat of summer. Hiking at either time is risky, but summer is especially, because daytime high temperatures can exceed 110 degrees, increasing your risk for heat-related maladies, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death (it’s happened). The Bureau of Land Management, naturally, assumes no responsibility for these incidents as lottery winners are well-informed of the potential risks beforehand.
I know that probably doesn’t help, but we wish you the best of luck! Be sure to plan for some alternative activities in the likely event you do not win the online or in-person lottery.
Take care,
Alley 🙂

January 04, 2018 at 7:15 PM

Hi Tina and thank you for visiting our site.
On December 28th, temperatures will be on the cooler side, but the light should be sufficient to enjoy Antelope Canyon X fully. Keep in mind that during the winter months, Nevada is on Pacific Standard Time and Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time, so Page is one hour “ahead” of Las Vegas. Be sure to time your drive accordingly.
As for difficulty of the hike, improvements to the entrance to the canyon made in recent years have made it a lot more manageable for tourists. If your 10-year-old is reasonably fit and has no mobility issues, he/she should be able to handle it without a problem.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at AntelopeCanyon.AZ!
Alley 🙂

December 23, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Hi Tracy, and thank you for the compliments!
Your trip plan looks pretty good. Still, I’d suggest a couple small modifications.
1. It is not necessary to visit both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page. The scenery in both – though beautiful – would probably seem a bit redundant. If you’re physically up for doing Lower or Canyon X, and already have reservations, choose one, enjoy it, then hit Horseshoe Bend and any other sights that may be on your wish list! A tour of Glen Canyon Dam or the John Wesley Powell Museum could round out your day nicely.
2. At the time of year you’re visiting, there won’t be much going on at Lake Powell in the way of water-based activities. Many of these are on seasonal hiatus, but may operate with a minimum of 15 passengers. If you’re interested in any Lake Powell boat tours, you might phone Lake Powell Resort & Marina at 928-645-1027 or Antelope Point Marina at 928-645-5900. If a boat tour isn’t practical or possible, you can always drive down to either marina complex and just take a look and/or a walk-around. Remember that both are located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so entrance fees will apply.
3. That last leg of your trip (Page, AZ-Bakersfield, CA) is an awfully long drive, anywhere 8.5-9.5 hours depending on what route you take. If you want to break that up, consider taking the route that goes via I-40 and stop in Laughlin, NV or Bullhead City, AZ.

Oh, some stops you might consider making en route from Zion to Page include, but are certainly not limited to:
– Kanab, Utah: once the on-location darling of Western movie producers, Kanab, Utah is a charming small town with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. Locals and visitors alike are partial to the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant.
– The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: at mile marker 19 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 you’ll find a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to a Mars-like landscape of whimsical hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities. Don’t be fooled by what looks like the end of the trail; a short rock scramble leads to the main hoodoo garden.
– The Big Water Visitor Center: located 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ over the Utah border on US89, this small but impressive facility features locally-excavated dinosaur bones, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and award-winning paleontology and geology displays.
– The “New Wave:” approximately one mile past the Glen Canyon Dam Steel Arch Bridge, opposite the turn-off to the Lake Powell Resort complex, turn left instead and you’ll come to a small but interesting cluster of rock formations that bear more than just a passing resemblance to “The Wave.” Unlike the “Old Wave,” the “New Wave” requires no permits, and at the moment, no admission fee. The only caveat: the road is not regularly maintained and prone to washing out. If you see any signage stating “no admittance” or the like, obey it.
Have a wonderful trip, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Alley 🙂

December 21, 2017 at 5:57 PM

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From Tracy

Thank you so much, Alley, for all the useful advice! It’s very nice of you to spend so much time and effort helping other people. God bless your good heart!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!!

December 23, 2017 at 6:30 AM

Hi Iza!
January is a perfectly good time to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. We can’t lie about the fact that it will be cold, but we can tell you that you will have fewer visitors at both places to contend with.
As for best time of day, Antelope Canyon is regarded to be best visited at mid-day when the sun is as close to being directly overhead as possible. Due to the tilt of the Earth at this time of year, that will be a somewhat angular proximity, so the light beams you no doubt have seen pictures of won’t be present, but the colors of the canyon walls will still be beautiful.
The choice of Upper vs. Lower often comes down to physical fitness. If you’re OK with navigating stairs, a few boulders and some tight spaces, you’ll be fine with Lower Antelope Canyon. If you need/want something easier, then choose Upper. At only 100 yards in length and flat the whole way through, it’s manageable even for people with moderate mobility issues. How to book a tour for Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend may be visited at your leisure, any time you wish. Fortunately, there is no such thing as a bad time to visit (except for maybe at night), so simply visit when it suits your schedule best. If you happen to be coming to Page from Grand Canyon South Rim, you can easily hit it on your way into town.
Good luck, safe travels and Merry Christmas!
Alley 🙂

December 19, 2017 at 12:02 AM

Dear Vui,
Hello and thank you for your question! We are happy to report that individuals 70+, 80+ and above enjoy touring Lower Antelope Canyon every day. However, they must be relatively fit in order to do so. Those who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and other mobility aids will not be able to navigate the stairs, ladders and small boulders present in the canyon. If you’re visiting during the summer months, when daytime high temperatures are up in the 100’s, touring the canyon is best done in the morning when it’s cooler. If you have any doubts at all about your ability to make it through Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon would be your best bet. At 100m in length and a flat trail throughout, it is manageable for most people.
Good luck and happy travels,
Alley 🙂

December 16, 2017 at 3:02 PM

Hi Sam,
Boy, I, too am stumped here…
Native American Tribal Lands belonging to the Navajo Tribe are actually situated just Southeast of Page. Water Holes Canyon is a famous slot canyon that doesn’t require a tour per se, but does require a tribal permit to enter. Some deeper sections of this canyon require rappelling. The Navajo reservation has many slot canyons that have been closed to the public for going on 20 years due to problems such as vandalism, littering, etc. These include, but aren’t limited to, Butterfly Canyon, Starting Water Wash and Kaibeto Creek.
Just North of Page, the terrain tends to be part of either Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Lake Powell), Bureau of Land Management, or Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument.
Buckskin Gulch is a very long slot canyon, with a shorter bypass possible via Wire Pass Canyon. This canyon has a sign-in station on-site where you pay your entrance fee via an “honor system.”
Hope that has helped! Apologies if it hasn’t.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Alley 🙂

December 11, 2017 at 5:20 PM

In Page, AZ, usually just an inch or two, 4-6″ on very rare occasions, but the Grand Canyon can sometimes get up to a foot in a single storm!

December 15, 2017 at 5:38 PM

Dear Mrose,
Any time of year is a wonderful time to see the canyons! January will feature cooler temperatures, and the possibility of snow, but most days are sunny, and having fewer people to contend with than during the summer months is always a plus. Even though crowds are typically smaller during the winter months, do book your Antelope Canyon tour well in advance of your arrival.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂

December 11, 2017 at 5:04 PM

Hi Marie,
It’s absolutely worth it to visit the canyons in January! Although cold weather and the possibility of snow might put a minor wrench in your plans, you’ll have fewer people to contend with than you would during the summer months, and IMO, that’s always a plus.
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

December 08, 2017 at 10:50 PM

Hi Laurent,
That’s an awful lot to cram into a 2 days/1 night trip. It’s doable, but not desirable, we’ll put it that way. On day 1, you could drive from Las Vegas to Page, which will take 4.5-5 hours. If you make a “drive-by” detour of Zion, you could easily extend that to 6 hours. Take a mid-day tour of Antelope Canyon, then stay overnight in Page. Get up early on day 2, proceed to Grand Canyon South Rim (with a stop at Horseshoe Bend) which is a 2.5-3 hour drive. Fortunately, you’ll do a lot of sightseeing on the drive over, which is good, because you won’t have much time to do much else. It will then take you another 4.5-5 hours to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Las Vegas.
Honestly, with the time you have to work with, you’re better off choosing one destination and enjoying “quality time” there, and if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, that wins out over Antelope Canyon any day of the week.
Good luck, I know it’s a hard choice.
Alley 🙂
P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

December 08, 2017 at 10:48 PM

Dear Oyin,
Hello and thank you for your inquiry. So let’s get right to it:
1. If you do indeed stick to your plan of arriving in Page at around 5 PM, you might as well pack it in for the day, or maybe go get some dinner then proceed to your hotel. Sunset takes place at about 5:20 PM that time of year, so you won’t have much daylight to work with.
2. If you opt to tour both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the 1st, try to get your sightseeing done by about 2:00-2:30 PM so you don’t get caught driving after dark. Driving at night in this part of the US is strongly discouraged due to lack of supplemental lighting, and the tendency of deer, elk and other nocturnal wildlife to congregate near roadways at night.
3. If you’re flying out of Phoenix at the end of your trip, I’d recommend flipping the order in which you visit Grand Canyon and Sedona. Visit Grand Canyon South Rim after Page, then go on to Sedona the next day. 4. Hiking on Bright Angel Trail may not be feasible at that time of year due to the possible presence of ice on the trail. If it is clear, go ahead and do it (remember that 1 hour down = 2 hours up). If the trail has already iced over, stick to rimside trails in Grand Canyon Village and maybe take a drive along the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive.
5. A Pink Jeep Tour and a visit to Montezuma’s Well will certainly occupy the better part of a day in Sedona. For more ideas on what to do in that area, go to www.visitsedona.com
6. Make ALL lodging and guided tour reservations in advance! You are proposing to visit over the New Year’s Eve holiday, which is a busy time of year in Northern Arizona tourist destinations.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

December 02, 2017 at 4:19 PM

Hi HL,
You are proposing to cram a LOT of sightseeing into a very short timeframe. While not the most desirable way to go, it is doable with some determination and the self-discipline to resist the urge to check things out that will invariably pique your interest along the way.
Not knowing when you are traveling, I can’t say for certain how much daylight you’ll have to work with, but if your trip is within the next few weeks time, you won’t have much. Sunrise these days is at about 7:15 AM; sunset is at about 5:30. Driving in the dark should definitely be avoided due to the factors you have read about (wildlife, lack of artificial lighting).
All that said, if a weekend (a short one at that) is all you have to work with and you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, that’s the place I’d suggest you go. Antelope Canyon is a 90 minute-2 hour tour; Horseshoe Bend takes about that long to experience as well. Traveling from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim takes approximately 4.5 hours; it then takes another 3 hours or so to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. So, that’s approximately 8 hours of driving to experience 4 hours of sightseeing, whereas at the Grand Canyon, you can spend the better part of two days taking in the views there.
If you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, then by all means skip it and concentrate on Page, AZ. Drive time from Phoenix to Page is approximately 4.5 hours each way, if you go direct, but that rarely happens due to the many points of interest the road has to offer.
By the way, sleeping at the Phoenix airport itself isn’t as easy as it sounds. You might want to read this: “Sleeping In Airports: Phoenix/Sky Harbor”
Good luck. I know it’s a hard choice.
We wish you safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 29, 2017 at 10:54 PM

Dear Dooie Kim,
Hi and thank you for your inquiry today.
Though both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are beautiful, it’s not 100% necessary to see both in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. Which branch of the canyon you should see boils down to your party’s physical fitness level: if everyone is OK doing a little stair climbing and scrambling around some small boulders, then you should be fine doing Lower Antelope Canyon. If one or more of your party members has mobility issues and might be hard-pressed to manage the stairs, then Upper would be the better choice as the trail is only 100 yards long and fairly flat.
If you’re looking for other activities to fill your time in Page, consider Horseshoe Bend Overlook, a Glen Canyon Dam tour, visiting the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum or the Navajo Village Heritage Center, or taking a short drive to the Lake Powell Resort Complex inside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Hope that helps. Safe travels to you all!
Alley 🙂

November 29, 2017 at 10:42 PM

Dear Sou,
Yes, we recommend self-drive for optimal freedom and flexibility, however, package tours are available from several nearby cities, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Flagstaff and Sedona. Not knowing where you would be starting your tour from, it’s impossible to say which one would be best, but a good place to start researching options is this site. Another good resource is our sister site, www.HorseshoeBend.com
If you are self-driving, a good example of a 1-day Page, AZ itinerary would cover Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, just for starters. The main thing you have to decide is whether you’re going to tour the Upper or Lower branch of Antelope Canyon. In a nutshell: Upper is easy, 100 yards in length, and can be managed by 99% of the population. Lower is more physical, requiring some stair climbing and light bouldering. Individuals reliant upon wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids would not be able to experience this section of the canyon. Antelope Canyon tours must be booked in advance.
Thank you for visiting today and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 25, 2017 at 5:02 PM

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From Sou

Thanks for ur reply, we plan to start from Las vegas. I need to understand how we proceed after we reach the Antelope Canyon, is there any entry fee and do we need to pay for a tour guide or is it allowed to look by ourself? How much would it cost if we drive as to compared to a bus tour?

November 26, 2017 at 5:16 AM

Hi Jeannie and thank you for stopping by today!
You are correct in that you will have a lot of time traveling using Phoenix as a base. You would have a much better quality experience if you could overnight in the places you wished to see.
For example you could travel to Sedona, then Grand Canyon South Rim, the Page (for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend), then back to Phoenix.
A couple of things I suggest taking off your itinerary: Meteor Crater because it’s a long ways out of your way, and Hole In The Rock, because it’s an even longer way out of your way plus is very remote.
Regarding doing both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon, that’s not really necessary. If you’re up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon physically, then Upper would probably seem a bit redundant. Visit Lower Antelope, Horseshoe Bend, then maybe take a drive near Lake Powell, or visit the Glen Canyon Dam.
Whichever you choose, be sure to be prepared for cooler weather.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 22, 2017 at 11:38 PM

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From Jeannie Lam

Hi Alley,
Thank you so much for your suggestion.
We were driving to Horseshoes bend yesterday but we missed to Antelope, due to the tickets sold out.
It was really long way and tiredly. my husband doesn’t want to do it again !
So we decided to go again next time start from las vegas to skywalk then stay around Grand canyon for couple days. I might be need your advise again later on.
What month is the best to visit include the wave ?
Again thanks for your kind guidance.

Jeannie.

December 20, 2017 at 7:15 AM

Hi Sol,
Check your e-mail for my contact information.
Thank you for visiting our site!
Alley 🙂

November 13, 2017 at 8:37 PM

Hi Michael, and thank you for your compliments!
Snow is a very real possibility in late November, but obviously it’s too early to tell. I’d recommend keeping an eye on the weather about 2 weeks before you get ready to travel. If there are a few flurries or light snowfall present, that probably won’t affect the roads, but if there’s a full-on blizzard, that will result in road closure. In which case, you shouldn’t attempt to drive, just wait the storm out and adjust travel plans accordingly. A good website to use to check weather and road conditions is www.az511.com
Even without precipitation, conditions will be cooler, so be prepared by packing jackets, gloves, etc., and clothing that you can layer and remove easily when or if the temperatures warm up.
Good luck and safe traveling!
Alley 🙂

November 13, 2017 at 8:34 PM

Hi Georgia and thank you for compliments on our site.
I’m actually going to answer your inquiries in reverse order, if that’s OK.
I’d recommend restructuring your trip if possible to allow for not only more time in Sedona, but Grand Canyon South Rim as well. Most people spend 3 days in Sedona, and end up wishing they had more time. Seeing it on a “drive-by” basis probably won’t satisfy, even with young children and older adults in tow.
If it’s not possible to accommodate an overnight in Sedona, and you see it en route from Cottonwood, AZ to Page, keep in mind that the 3.5+ hour drive that Google maps shows for that drive is unlikely to materialize in reality. It’s bound to be more like 5-6 hours since you’ll invariably be stopping for photos, restroom breaks, etc.
Horseshoe Bend is a stop you can make easily before you arrive in Page, as it’s right on your way, just South of town. By the way, if you have doubts about your Dad being able to do the walk in Antelope Canyon, he’s definitely going to have a problem at Horseshoe Bend. As to whether it’s “dangerous” after sunset, not really, but you might want to have flashlights handy if you’re visiting during a waning phase of the moon.
Day 2, here again, you’re looking at a VERY long day, with most of it spent driving. It takes 2.5-3 hours to get from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, driving directly (which, again, rarely happens); then 1.5 hours from GCSR to Flagstaff. Would it be possible to break things up by staying overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim so you can see sunset? At the very least, we’d hope you’re planning to stay overnight in Flagstaff with a late arrival at Lowell Observatory. Driving at night in this part of the country is not recommended due to the dearth of artificial lighting on the roads here.
Now regarding Antelope Canyon, you rightfully assume that Lower is not going to be feasible for your Dad. Upper, though, might be doable. It’s only 100 yards in length and fairly flat the whole way. People using canes and walkers tour it all the time. If you’re still apprehensive, a boat tour might be a good compromise, but the slot canyon scenery would not be the same. Another thing to keep in mind is that boat tours typically go on seasonal hiatus in November, or at least require 10-15 people minimum to guarantee operation.
I know that’s a lot to digest, but I hope it helps somewhat.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 13, 2017 at 8:31 PM

Hi Cindy and thank you for your inquiry!
This video was taken during the summer months, however, visiting in December, chances are quite high that you’ll have good visibility and be able to enjoy your tour as much – possibly more – than if you’d visited in the summertime. One definite advantage of traveling during the off-season is not as many people to contend with in the canyon.
The weather is likely to be cooler; rain and light snow are very real possibilities, but these seldom result in the delay or cancellation of Lower Antelope Canyon tours. Just bring a jacket and gloves and you should be good to go.
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 13, 2017 at 8:17 PM

Hi Aniketh, and thank you for inquiring about your itinerary.
So, the drive from Las Vegas to Page is approximately 4.5 hours. Another consideration is that Arizona will be on Mountain Standard Time whereas Nevada will be on Pacific Standard Time; therefore, Arizona is one hour “ahead” of Nevada, meaning you’ll “lose” an hour upon crossing the border. What with daylength being quite short in December, visiting both Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on your arrival day from Las Vegas might be something of a stretch. With an early enough start, you could manage an Upper Antelope Canyon tour on your first day out, the hit Horseshoe Bend on your way to Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s right on your way, so it’s logical and convenient.
Regarding your plan to make Grand Canyon National Park a daytrip from Page, it’s doable, but not necessarily desirable. It takes 2.5-3 hours each way to drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, and if you want to do any hiking, you wouldn’t want to be constrained by short daylength and have to hop back in your car just as you were starting to enjoy yourself. I’d recommend staying the night at Grand Canyon South Rim. Grand Canyon Hotels
Granted Grand Canyon South Rim is going to be somewhat colder than Page, but the convenience of being there for sunrise and sunset, IMO, outweighs the discomfort of cooler temperatures.
As for visibility, again, this is going to be wintertime, and you could encounter a day when the Grand Canyon is “socked in” by low cloud cover, but then again, you could luck out on a bluebird day that’s brisk and clear. I would start checking weather a couple of weeks before you get set to leave.
Hope that helps. Thank you and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

November 13, 2017 at 8:14 PM

Hi Cindy,
Lower Antelope Canyon tours are offered by two outfitters, Dixie Ellis Tours and Ken’s Tours, both about 10 minutes from Page. Tours depart every 2-2.5 hours throughout the day. Mid-day is generally regarded to be the best time to tour due to the angle of the sun overhead, but any time you can find availability will be fine.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

November 01, 2017 at 4:19 PM

CurtissAnn,
We couldn’t agree more 🙂
Good luck and happy travels,
Alley

November 01, 2017 at 4:18 PM

Hi folks, thank you for visiting our site! Hope you’re looking forward to your visit to Arizona.
The month of January is considered “off-season” due to it being wintertime. Cooler temperatures are a given, and rain and snow are distinct possibilities, but fewer people out touring is a definite plus.
That said, what with the popularity of Antelope Canyon exploding last tourist season, advance reservations for tours are still strongly advised. The time you’ve expressed an interest in is peak visitation hour in the canyon, so now would not be too early to check availability. In the event that time slot is not available, tours are offered throughout the day, so be open to visiting earlier or later in the day.
Also, be sure to allow at least 3 hours to drive from Sedona to Page.
Thanks again and keep us posted on when your website is up and running!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 31, 2017 at 2:19 PM

Hi Chana, thank you for visiting our site today!
Unfortunately, touring options from Las Vegas are quite limited, and those that do include an overnight stay usually include just one. If you really want to stay for two nights, then your best option is to drive yourself. If that’s not an option, then Tours4Fun is a well-rated company with a wide variety of offerings that include Antelope Canyon, from day trips to week-long national park loop trips.
Good luck and hope you enjoy your trip, whichever way you choose to travel!
Alley 🙂

October 18, 2017 at 8:01 PM

Hi Myke,
If you plan on taking photos for your own personal use, i.e., e-mailing to friends, sharing on Facebook and so on, you would not be required to file for a permit but as a photographer, you might want to spend the extra money to take the photography tour.
The same goes for Horseshoe Bend: unless you’re planning to do a photo shoot for a wedding or other special function, or take photos for the purpose of making money, you are not required to apply for a permit.
However, since Antelope Canyon is manged by the Navajo Tribe and Horseshoe Bend by the National Park Service respectively, if you were to file for commercial photography/special use permits, you would have to get two separate ones.
Hope that helps,
Alley 🙂

October 15, 2017 at 1:07 PM

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From sasha

hello, I am planning on going to do a pre-wedding photoshoot next week. the crew would be 5 people. and i know that id have to fill out the form. is it the form that on the bottom of this website?

for the group of 5 how much do I have to pay in total?
Do I just email back the form and pay it upfront/get the permit before i enter the park?

thank you.

March 08, 2018 at 7:22 AM

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From Paul

Hi.
I have a folow up question 🙂 . I am too just a hobbiest, but what interests me is how it is with selling prints / or stock photos? Does photographer need for this the same permit as for example wedding photo shoot or images for advertising purposes ?

There is a lot of confusion about this and I would like to hear some opinions 🙂 Thank you

July 28, 2018 at 12:44 PM

Hi Rahul,
Thanks for catching that omission, we will look into getting it corrected ASAP.
Navajo Tours does offer the same Upper Antelope Canyon Tour as the other outfitters listed, with one significant difference: instead of being picked up and dropped off in the town of Page, AZ, you would be required to drive down to the Tribal Park Entrance on US98 just Southeast of Page and begin your tour from there. This option tends to be more convenient for visitors who are planning to travel to Monument Valley, the Four Corners and other points East after the tour, but otherwise, it is the exact same tour as the other three companies offer, right down to the footsteps, and the price.
Hope that answers your query. Thanks again for visiting us!
Alley 🙂

October 11, 2017 at 12:21 PM

Hi Tracy, thanks for coming by today.
There’s a plethora of possible sites to take in on your way to or from Grand Canyon North Rim. Before I get too far into it, just want to make sure you know that Grand Canyon North Rim’s visitor services close for the season on October 15th.
The most direct way to go is via US89A through Marble Canyon and Lees Ferry.

Just South of Page is the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. It’s a moderate .6 mile walk each way from the parking lot to the viewpoint. Allow for at least 1 hour here.
Continuing on, many travelers like to stop at the scenic viewpoint just past “The Cut,” which provides a sweeping panorama of the Colorado River as it cuts through the plateau leading to the Grand Canyon. You might even be able to pick up some jewelry or other souvenirs from one of several Navajo families who sell their wares at the overlook.
As you get off US89 onto 89A, you might take stroll over the historic Navajo Pedestrian Bridge. California Condors are fond of sunning themselves on the steel support girders under the bridge. Time permitting, take a slight detour to Lees Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch Historic District, site of one of the earliest settlements on the banks of the Colorado River. Some of the original buildings are still standing, and the adjacent orchard still produces delicious fruit, which visitors are welcome to pick (if there’s any left 😉 Proceeding West on US89A, you’ll find a cluster of gravity-defying balanced rock formations near Marble Canyon that will no doubt be a photo op you can’t pass up.
You’ll also be able to enjoy views of the Vermillion Cliffs prior to arriving at the Jacob Lake Inn, where a stop for lunch, or at least some of their world-famous home-made cookies is a definite must. From Jacob Lake, you then proceed South on AZ67 to Grand Canyon North Rim.
This drive, done directly, typically takes 2.5 hours, but as you can see, there are plenty of points of interest that can easily turn this into a half day’s adventure. Get an early enough start back to Page from the North Rim so you can avoid driving in the dark. Sunset occurs at ~ 5:30 PM in October.
Have a fun time, and thanks for visiting our site!
Alley 🙂

October 09, 2017 at 2:45 PM

Hi Stephanie,
I’m gonna jump in on this question just because I happen to be staring at my e-mail when it came in 🙂 Maybe Alley will have something to add afterwards.

There is only one national car rental company in Page, which is Avis. If you make your reservation through them, you should be fine. If you have trouble booking it online, you might want to give the local page office a call at (928) 645-2024.

Happy travels!
Ryan

October 05, 2017 at 1:40 AM

Hey Stephanie!
Unlike Ryan, I rarely find myself up and about at 2:40 am, but I will chime in on your question 🙂
As Ryan states, the only car rental outlet at the Page Municipal Airport (PGA) is Avis. So if you reserve through them, you should be able to pick your car up in Vegas and drop it off in Page. HOWEVER, be prepared to pay a bit extra for doing so.
Due to the distance between major cities in the Southwest US, many rental car companies impose sometimes hefty surcharges for dropping a vehicle off anywhere other than it was picked up from. Even if you drop it off at the same company’s outlet in another city, the originating city where the car was picked up is eventually going to want it back, and for them, that costs money. So you may want to compare costs and see if you’d be better off simply dropping your rental car back off in Las Vegas and flying home from there.
The drive from Page to Las Vegas takes approximately 4.5 hours one way, comparable to the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim.
Another thought: since you’re visiting during the off-season, some activities in the Page area are going to be on temporary hiatus, namely boat tours and airplane and helicopter tours. You might be hard-pressed to fill 3 days. Consider altering your plans so that you just spend 2 nights in Page, then go on to Zion National Park (about 90 minutes-2 hours away), explore around a bit, then spend your last night in Springdale, UT. That’ll put you only 2.5-3 hours from Las Vegas (sorry, a 2.5-3 hour drive is considered relatively short to us here, hence the “only” qualifier!) on your last travel day.
Hope that helps too – and happy traveling!
Alley 🙂

October 05, 2017 at 5:35 PM

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From Stephanie

Thank you so much for the suggestions. It is great and now i can cover Zion 🙂

October 05, 2017 at 11:38 PM

Hi Kevin and thank you for visiting today.
This is a wonderful time of year to be touring Page, AZ and its slot canyons, so we’re not the least bit surprised to hear that tours are sold out.
Just a few short years ago, you could indeed just show up at the entrance to either Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon on US98, sign up for a tour, and get on the next one available. But, as the saying goes, “that was then, this is now.” There are certain things we suggest you do in case you’re finding Antelope Canyon tours are sold out, including calling on the phone, making sure you check with all available outfitters, and be open to going at so-called “off times” (i.e., early in the morning or later in the afternoon). Another option is to consider touring a different slot canyon, such as Canyon X, Mountain Sheep, Rattlesnake or Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon. Many of these alternate slot canyons are part of the same drainage system as Antelope Canyon, are just as beautiful, and far less crowded.
Good luck and enjoy your visit!
Alley 🙂

October 02, 2017 at 2:23 PM

Hi Pia and thank you for visiting today!
If what you’re trying to accomplish is visiting the attractions you listed from Phoenix, Las Vegas or other gateway city, your options are going to be somewhat limited. Thanksgiving, though a relatively busy time for traveling, is considered “off-season” in this part of the country, so many commercial tours are on hiatus at that time of year, or require a certain number of passengers in order to guarantee operation.
The best way to tour the Southwestern US is to drive yourself. Once you get to the parks, you’ll find that the majority of tours and activities are still running, but there will be some exceptions. In Page/Lake Powell, for example, boat tours and air tours will have ceased operations until spring, but Antelope Canyon tours will still be running. Horseshoe Bend can be visited at your leisure in your own vehicle, or can be combined with a slot canyon tour if you prefer to go with a guide. Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tour
As for the best place to stay to photograph sunrise and sunset, in the Grand Canyon, that’s anywhere inside the park. There are 6 hotels to choose from, all situated within convenient walking or driving distance from the canyon rim. For Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, you’ll find a plentiful selection of hotels in the town of Page, Arizona. For “Red Rocks,” I’m assuming you mean Sedona, in which case, you’ll also find a wide range of accommodations from basic to ultra-luxurious and everything in between. Sedona, Arizona hotels
It is imperative that you reserve your lodging in advance at all of these popular destinations, and that you are prepared for cooler weather, and the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
Good luck and travel safely,
Alley 🙂

September 29, 2017 at 1:07 PM

Hi Ricardo, thanks for visiting our site today!
Unfortunately, options are somewhat limited for visiting Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas via public/mass transportation. The driving distance (5 hours each way) is probably the primary prohibiting factor. Still, a few ground tour companies offer day tour packages by motorcoach or mini-bus, which you can read about in this article: Visiting Antelope Canyon From Las Vegas
One option not listed in the above-referenced piece, which has only recently come online, is a private airplane charter service offered by Scenic/Grand Canyon Airlines. Flight time one-way is about 1.5 hours and due to the time you’d save by not driving, you’d have enough time on the ground to tour both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Learn more about it here: Private Las Vegas Antelope Canyon Expedition
Right now, the best option, but in terms of personal flexibility and cost, is to drive yourself and stay a night or two in Page, Arizona.
Good luck and best wishes for safe traveling,
Alley 🙂

September 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Hi Stacey and thank you for visiting our site.
If you are both physically fit, you’ll like Lower Antelope Canyon. As for whether you can do both Upper and Lower sections of the canyon in one day, you can, but you may not find it to be the best use of your time. You’d probably find the scenery similar enough to be redundant, so you might consider doing a different kind of activity, such as a Lake Powell boat tour, hiking the Rim View Trail, or visiting the Glen Canyon Dam or John Wesley Powell Museum.
There is no one company that tours both Lower and Upper Antelope, so you’d have to work with two different companies. Best time of day is generally regarded as mid-day when the sun illuminates the canyon brightest. In November, you won’t see the shafts of light shining all the way to the canyon floor, but the canyon will still be beautiful.
As for how long to stay at Grand Canyon South Rim, most people find 1-2 nights sufficient. In your case, you’d probably be content with 1 night since you can do a good chunk of your sightseeing on the drive over from Page, AZ. It typically takes 2.5-3 hours to drive to the South Rim from Page, but most tend to take a little longer as there is a lot to see and you’ll find yourself stopping more often than you think.
Whichever you choose to do, we strongly recommend making your hotel and tour reservations in advance, and be prepared to encounter cooler weather, including snow at the South Rim.
Best wishes for safe traveling,
Alley 🙂

September 26, 2017 at 4:30 PM

Hi Thomas,
Thanks for posing your question today. I have personally searched for first-hand reviews, and, to be expected, there are some good, some bad, some ugly. A review on TripAdvisor concerning a different tour package indicates that their tours are geared primarily toward the Chinese market, but it seems as though their guides are multi-lingual.
Are they the “only game in town?” Hardly – but the fact remains that they’re one of only a handful of companies offering a day tour package from Las Vegas. Other outfitters worth considering are: Tours4Fun, GlobeRouter, and Viator. Scenic/Grand Canyon Airlines has also begun offering charter airplane service from Las Vegas to Page, which can be a time-saver, but an expensive one.
Long story short: the best way to go is to drive yourself over and spend a night or two in Page, AZ.
Good luck, hope that is of some help.
Alley 🙂

September 25, 2017 at 9:43 PM

Hi Sourav,
Thank you for visiting our site today!
I hesitate to add more to your list on the day you tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend simply because if you intend to drive yourself, you’re going to be spending most of the day driving – it’s 5 hours each way. Another things to consider is that in late December when daylength is short. Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, sunset is at 5:15 PM.

If you are able to get an early enough start, some stops you might include in your trip include but are not limited to:

1. The “New Wave:” approximately one mile past the Glen Canyon Dam Steel Arch Bridge, opposite the turn-off to the Lake Powell Resort complex, turn left instead and you’ll come to a small but interesting cluster of rock formations that bear more than just a passing resemblance to “The Wave.” Unlike the “Old Wave,” the “New Wave” requires no permits, and at the moment, no admission fee. The only caveat: the road is not regularly maintained and prone to washing out. If you see any signage stating “no admittance” or the like, obey it.
2. The Big Water Visitor Center: located 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ over the Utah border on US89, this small but impressive facility features locally-excavated dinosaur bones, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and award-winning paleontology and geology displays.
3. The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: at mile marker 19 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 you’ll find a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to a Mars-like landscape of whimsical hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities. Don’t be fooled by what looks like the end of the trail; a short rock scramble leads to the main hoodoo garden.
4. Kanab, Utah: once the on-location darling of Western movie producers, Kanab, Utah is a charming small town with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. Locals and visitors alike are partial to the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant.

If you’d rather spend more time sightseeing and not driving, you might consider chartering a plane from Las Vegas. It’ll cost a bit more, can’t lie about that, but the flight time from Las Vegas to Page is about 1.5 hours each way, giving you more time to sample the many sights in Page, AZ!
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 21, 2017 at 11:51 PM

Hi Jo,
Thanks for stopping by today! Kudos to you on planning your Arizona vacation well in advance, too.
With the activities you’re proposing to do, you can theoretically drive to Grand Canyon South Rim with a stop at Horseshoe Bend on the way, but you may not want to do that. May temperatures are typically quite warm, which, even if you take proper precautions to stay hydrated, can take a lot out of you. The walk to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook may be quite taxing especially as there’s some uphill walking required and the trail is completely exposed. But then again, some of these problems may be solved by the time you arrive since improvements to the trail, overlook and parking area are in the works.
The main thing is to avoid driving at night – artificial/supplemental lighting is deliberately kept to a minimum in this part of the country, so once the sun goes down, it gets really, REALLY dark. Plus deer, elk and other wildlife are quite nocturnal with a tendency to congregate near roadways. Running into one can wreck your vacation, let alone your car. Sunset at Grand Canyon Village occurs at about 7:15 PM, so you’ll want to time your drive (~3 hours) accordingly.
Long story short, I don’t recommend skipping any of the activities you have planned, per se, I would just recommend staying the night in Page and then making the drive over the South Rim the next morning, so you’re not pressed for time.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

September 20, 2017 at 2:06 PM

Hi Angie, thank you for stopping by today.
Hope you realize it takes 4.5-5 hours to drive from Las Vegas, NV to Page, AZ. I don’t know how much time you plan on spending hiking around Valley of Fire, but daytime high temperatures are still running in the high 90’s – low 100’s in Las Vegas, NV and the surrounding area. You might be zapped by the time you get done, and in no mood to face a 1/2-day’s drive afterward.
You might consider cutting down on your driving distance that first day, and spend the night in Springdale, UT, which is ~ 2.5 hours from Valley of Fire. Springdale, UT is the gateway town to Zion National Park, which is a stunning area and makes for a beautiful and interesting drive to Page, AZ the next morning.
Other stops you might make include but are not limited to the Kanab, UT, the Paria Rim Rock Trail and Toadstools, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitors Center in Big Water, UT. And you’re right about Grand Staircase, it is huge, but the folks at the visitor center can give you some good suggestions for areas you might realistically see in the limited time you have.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 12, 2017 at 3:56 PM

Hi Viv and thanks for stopping by!
With the traveling party you describe, especially a 5-year-old, I do believe that doing Lower and Upper Antelope and Horseshoe Bend Slot will be too much. Even the older members of the party might find themselves getting “canyon’ed out.” If all of you are in relatively good health and are OK with climbing a few stairs and doing some light boulder scrambling, I would pick Lower Antelope Canyon and call it “good” as far as slot canyons go. If anyone in the party has mobility issues, then go with Upper. In either case, the best time to book a tour would be mid-day for best light.
Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty more fun things to do in the Page, AZ area to fill up the two days you have. For more suggestions, check out The Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, AZ.
Since you’re visiting during what’s referred to as “shoulder season,” be prepared for cooler temperatures and fewer people, but also be prepared for a few activities to not be running. Mainly, boat tours and airplane and helicopter tours (read: high-ticket items) may either be suspended altogether, or require a certain number of passengers and favorable weather to guarantee operation. This should in no way, though, negatively affect your enjoyment of this area.
Take care and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

September 04, 2017 at 3:54 PM

Hi Ashley and thank you for visiting our site!
First off, good call on booking Antelope Canyon X, it’s a beautiful canyon, and much less crowded than Upper Antelope.
Regarding Lower Antelope Canyon, though, I’m afraid you have been given some incorrect information. Antelope Canyon’s popularity has skyrocketed this year. It is no longer a “first-come/first-serve” situation by a long shot. Advance reservations are not only possible to make, but strongly advised. There are two outfitters that manage this branch of Antelope Canyon: Dixie Ellis and Ken’s . No need to worry too much about who does the better tour, they will be identical in price and logistics. You also might want to aim for something slightly later, as you might be cutting it fine fitting in lunch at Antelope Point Marina between the two activities.
As for the driving distance from Antelope Canyon to Horseshoe Bend, it’s 10-15 minutes tops. If you get an early start out of Sedona, you might even hit it on your way into town instead of after touring Lower Antelope.
If you wanted to get a jump-start on the drive to Scottsdale that night, Flagstaff would indeed be a logical choice. That would put you about 2 hours from Scottsdale. Some of the better hotels in Flagstaff, AZ include, but are not limited to the Little America, Drury Inn & Suites, the Hilton/Doubletree, Hilton Garden and Embassy Suites. For more suggestions, you might check out TripAdvisor’s 65 Best Flagstaff, AZ Hotels.
Hope that helps.
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 04, 2017 at 3:46 PM

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From Ashley

Thank you!

So if we planned to stop at Horshoe Bend on the way into town, then drive to Lower Antelope first since it says you can wait HOURS past your tour time, could we still do lunch at the Marina? Is it closer to lower antelope or canyon x?

Then thinking a late afternoon Canyon X tour. Should we be scared to drive to Flagstaff in the dark with the animals?

September 04, 2017 at 11:17 PM

Dear El,
Hello and thank you for your inquiry! We hope you find it helpful as you plan your Arizona vacation. Now, on to your specific questions:
1) Is there any one tour provider that handles both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, or is it usual of other travelers to engage two separate tour providers for Upper and Lower sections? There is currently no single tour operator that offers package tours of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. What we would suggest you do is tour the branches of Antelope Canyon with the tour companies who operate directly at the canyon’s entrance on Highway 98. For Upper Antelope Canyon, that would be Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours; for Lower, you can choose from Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours or Dixie Ellis Antelope Lower Canyon tours.
2) In terms of timing, I was told before that it will take the morning to tour Lower Antelope Canyon and the afternoon to tour Upper Antelope Canyon, leaving a bit of time to drive over to catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend. Is this a feasible plan? Definitely! Keep in mind that you should allow approximately 2 hours for each branch of Antelope Canyon, then be at Horseshoe Bend approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset for the best photo opportunities. In late December, sunset occurs at about 5:15 PM in Northern Arizona.
3) Finally on Lake Powell ride, since it is winter, I suppose we can give this a miss, both from the perspective of weather and feasibility. You’ll probably have to give it a miss anyway since boat tour operations are drastically curtailed in wintertime. A minimum of 10-15 passengers is usually required to guarantee operation of tours.
Hope that helps and that you enjoy your trip! One more thing: Late December is off-season in the Lake Powell area, which has tons of advantages. The only inconvenience you’re likely to encounter is colder weather. Be sure you pack accordingly, and keep in mind that the tour operators reserve the right to cancel or reschedule tours in the event of inclement weather.
Take care and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 19, 2017 at 5:10 PM

Dear France Fehr,
Thank you for visiting our site, we’re glad you’re finding it helpful in planning your visit to Page, AZ!
On to your questions:
1. Is it possible to visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day? Is there a combo (package) if we want to do both? Yes, you can visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day! Unfortunately, no tour company yet offers a package tour to both. What we would suggest you do is tour the branches of Antelope Canyon with the tour companies who operate directly at the canyon’s entrance on Highway 98. For Upper Antelope Canyon, that would be Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours; for Lower, you can choose from Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours or Dixie Ellis Antelope Lower Canyon tours.
2. I was told that Lower Canyon can be a little difficult for someone who is not comfortable in tight space (claustrophobia), can it be a problem? Not knowing the severity of your claustrophobia, it’s difficult to make an accurate judgement. Have people had problems? Yes, but not often. In order to gauge whether you might have difficulties in Lower Antelope Canyon, watch this video that depicts a full walk-through.
3. If later during that week I visit Monument Valley, the fee paid for the Navajo Tribal Park would be already done? That is correct, so be sure to retain your receipt after your Antelope Canyon tour.
Another suggestion: be sure to make all your reservations for your trip well in advance, hotels, tours, everything.
Take care and safe travels!
Alley 🙂

August 19, 2017 at 5:00 PM

Hi Laura,
There are no shorter boat tours to Rainbow Bridge. It is 52 miles Uplake from Lake Powell Resort, the sole concessionaire authorized to conduct boat tours to the Monument.
As for availability of later departures, it depends on the time of year you’re traveling. For instance, if you’re visiting between May 15th and August 31st, there’s a later departure of the tour at 12:30 PM. It would also be a 6-8 day for you depending on the level of Lake Powell at the time. The lower the level of the lake, the longer the walk from the boat dock to the Bridge. If your visit falls outside the 05/15-08/31 timeframe, though, the early morning departure would be your only option for a boat tour.
Another option would be to fly over Rainbow Bridge. Airplane tours and helicopter flights depart daily from the Page Municipal Airport, usually in the morning. Tours typically last only 30-45 minutes. One disadvantage to these is that they are not allowed to land at the bridge (no airstrip), plus they are required by law to fly at a certain altitude, which may not be ideal for photography purposes.
Hope that at least helps. Enjoy your visit!
Alley 🙂

August 17, 2017 at 7:04 PM