Customer Questions

Hi ml, and thanks for visiting our site.
Your plan looks pretty good, except for the two days exploring Grand Canyon and Page. The drive from Scottsdale to both of these locations is 4.5 hours minimum – one way. Doing day trips out of Scottsdale is going to mean a lot of time spent driving, which is likely to get old pretty quick.
I know what you mean about Page hotels being a bit on the pricey side, but there are a few that tend to ‘fly under the radar’ due to their location off the main drag of the town, and the fact that they are independently owned properties who don’t take reservations via the usual channels. Lulu’s Sleep Ezze Motel, the Lake Powell Motel, the Red Rock Motel and Debbie’s Hide-A-Way (I’ve personally stayed at Debbie’s several times) are located in a residential area of Page and are actually converted apartments. So for the price of a traditional motel room – sometimes less – you get a bigger space with a separate living area, fully stocked kitchen, and more personal service. Do a Google search of the above-referenced properties and maybe do a price comparison.
As for the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the same situation re: lodging prices holds true, but by going a bit ‘off-the-beaten-path,’ you can sometimes find a good deal. Click on this link and scroll down for hotels in Valle, AZ (25 miles South of the park) or Williams, AZ (1 hour South of the park) ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/ Otherwise, get an early start out of Scottsdale, AZ and likewise, start back to Scottsdale well before nightfall.
Good luck and have a wonderful visit in Arizona!
Alley

April 04, 2017 at 2:46 PM

Hi Arby,
Alley here! So let’s get right down to it:
Question #1: The sequence in which you visit the various attractions you have on your wish list will revolve around lodging at the Grand Canyon. Sort that out first, and the rest will easily fall into place. For example, if you’re able to secure a hotel at the Grand Canyon directly upon your arrival, you can then go to Page afterward, then hit Sedona last. If you’re not able to find anything suitable until toward the end of your 4 days, then go to Sedona first, then up to Page, then Grand Canyon and back to Flagstaff. For more information on Grand Canyon hotels, this link lists them in order of preference and proximity to the South Rim. grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/ Don’t fret too much about “what’s best,” just grab what’s available and go from there.
2. As for the sequence for visiting Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, this can also be done in either order. The consensus on the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is either just after sunrise or late afternoon just prior to sunset. The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is generally regarded as mid-day when the light in the canyon is brightest and the chance for observing the light shafts is greatest.
3. Must-see places in Sedona – hope you have at least 2 days, because there’s a lot, including, but by no means limited to, Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park, Pink Jeep Tours, Red Rock State Park, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, scenic air tours. Just do a Google search on “top things to do in Sedona, AZ” and you’ll come up with all kinds of suggestions.
Hope that helps. Good luck and happy traveling!
Alley

March 31, 2017 at 2:13 PM

Hi Paul and thank you for visiting our site. Ryan is out of the office at the moment, but I’m happy to answer your question! The light beams typically begin appearing in Upper Antelope Canyon at mid-day in mid-March and continue through early October. They do occur in Lower Antelope Canyon, too, but not to as dramatic effect as they do in Upper. In late April/early May, you might also find that while the shafts of light make an appearance, they might not extend *quite* all the way to the canyon floor, but I wouldn’t let that be a deterrent by any means. The canyon is beautiful any time of year, or day!
As for Horseshoe Bend, opinions differ on best time to visit, but the general consensus is that mid-day is something of a bust for photography because the sun overhead washes out the colors of the canyon walls. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are recognized as prime time to visit due to the angle of the sun. Just before sunrise, and just after sunset, the ‘bend will be in shadow, but that still doesn’t stop people from snapping away. For more details on the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend, read this piece on our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com https://horseshoebend.com/best-time-visit-horseshoe-bend/
While you’re here, think about taking part in other fun activities such as the Colorado River Discovery Smooth Water Float Trip or a scenic air tour
Happy traveling!
Alley

March 27, 2017 at 1:49 PM

_________________________________________

From Paul Kristoff

Alley,,

Thanks,

Paul

March 28, 2017 at 12:00 AM

Dear Charles,
Wow – we are humbled and flattered by your praise! I’ll be sure to pass it on to Ryan, who’s out of the office at present.
So, I’m assuming you have already been to the Grand Canyon, and that’s why you haven’t included it in your itinerary? Going off that assumption, here’s what I’d recommend.
1. On your way from Las Vegas to Page, consider stopping at the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstools Trail. It’s a fairly easy walk, about 1.5 miles roundtrip. The trailhead is located at Mile Marker 19 of Highway 89, between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT and rewards you with some really cool rock formations.
2. If you arrive in Page in the early afternoon hours before sunset, consider hitting Horseshoe Bend before settling in for the evening. This timeframe is one of the best for photos.
3. Make a reservation for your Antelope Canyon tour. The time of year you’re visiting is very busy and if you have your heart set on seeing the light beams at mid-day, the canyon will be busy. Since you’re travelling to Arches, I would recommend picking up your tour at the entrance to the canyon on Highway 98 instead of one of the tours out of Page.
As you can see, I haven’t even brought up the possibility of a Lake Powell boat tour. With only one night in Page, you might not be able to squeeze one in, unless it’s a short one like the Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise. Another night in Page may be in order!
Hope that helps in your planning. Have a wonderful trip.
Alley

March 21, 2017 at 6:24 PM

Hi Sally, thank you for visiting our site, and for your compliments!
I would strongly advise revising your schedule a bit so you can spend at least one night in Page. Driving from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page direct, without stopping, takes 2.5 hours. The same for driving from Page to Bryce Canyon, but these drives are seldom done direct since they are very scenic and folks end up stopping to take pictures. Another consideration: we don’t recommend driving at night due to the lack of supplemental lighting on local roadways, and the tendency of deer, elk and other wildlife to congregate around them at night.
Dropping a night at the Grand Canyon would allow you a night to allocate to Page without detracting from your Grand Canyon experience because a good chunk of your sightseeing of the Grand Canyon occurs on the drive to Page. The route naturally takes you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon where there are several beautiful viewpoints worth stopping at. Upon exiting the park and entering the Navajo Indian Reservation, there are even more. Be sure to stop at the Cameron Trading Post at the junction of Highway 64 and 89 for lunch or just to stretch your legs/visit facilities. Then hit Horseshoe Bend Overlook 5 miles South of Page.
As for hiking at the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail would be the most easily accessible from Grand Canyon Park lodging and should be timed so you don’t bite off more than you can chew. 1 hour down = 2 hours out. Water and food must be carried if you’re planning on spending any more than 1 hour’s time.
Hope that helps. Have a great time!
Alley

March 21, 2017 at 6:11 PM

Hi Diana, and thanks for visiting our site!
Your current trip itinerary sounds great for your family. As for doing a Lake Powell boat trip, it would certainly offer a different kind of perspective than the float trip, but I wouldn’t try to fill up 100% of your time just for its own sake. A little bit of “down time” might be welcome here. If you’re still looking for things to do at that point, you might visit the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum or the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center.
As for other hikes you might take during your stay, here is a list of some good suggestions from the National Park Service ->: https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm
Speaking of “dangerous ledges,” do keep in mind that Horseshoe Bend Overlook has NO guardrails and it’s a 700′ drop to the river. Make sure your sons are under your control, which means “walk, don’t run!”
Good luck and happy traveling!
Alley

March 20, 2017 at 3:09 PM

Hi Aggie and thank you for visiting our site!
The general consensus on best time to hike Antelope Canyon is mid-day, especially for Upper Antelope Canyon because of the sunbeams that project down to the canyon floor. The only downside is that there are lots of other people hoping to witness this phenomenon, so crowds will be an issue. If you’d rather pass on that, you might consider touring the canyon during one of the “off-times,” such as early morning or later in the afternoon. You won’t see the light beams, and the canyon won’t be as brightly lit, but the colors will still be beautiful.
Another thing to consider is that August is monsoon season in Northern Arizona, which means that flash floods can occur. This can lead to very dangerous conditions inside Antelope Canyon, which can result in delays or cancellation of tours. The Navajo tribe will inform you if flash flooding is a risk on the day you wish to tour.
Hope that helps. Happy traveling!
Alley

March 14, 2017 at 5:09 PM

Hi Janeese and thank you for visiting our site!
Most visitors to this part of the country use Phoenix or Las Vegas airport as their starting point. Either airport is 4.5-5 hours from the town of Page. Salt Lake City is about 6 hours away from Page. Frankly, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you were wanting to visit places like Dinosaur National Monument, Arches/Canyonlands or Bryce Canyon, it would be the most logical place to fly into/out of.
As for where to stay in order to maximise your sightseeing time at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, pretty much any hotel or motel in Page will do. Page is a small town so staying on one side of town vs. the other will only result in a few minutes time saved, or wasted as it were. Page hotels run the gamut from Motel 6 to Marriott and everything in between, so you can pretty much take your pick. Just book in advance as spring break is a busy time for travel. Visit this link and scroll down to the paragraph with the headline “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim.” https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
Good luck and happy traveling!
Alley

March 14, 2017 at 5:02 PM

Lorena,
Hello and thanks for visiting our site!
If you think the stairs in Lower Antelope Canyon might be too much for your kids to handle (and you’re probably right about that), plan to visit Upper Antelope Canyon. It’s an easy 100-yard that’s mostly flat, so it’s good for people of all physical fitness levels. If you wish to avoid the crowds in Upper Antelope Canyon, consider touring at one of the “off-times,” such as early morning or mid-afternoon. The interior of the canyon isn’t as brightly illuminated at those times, but still beautiful.
As for other activities to do with young children, the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum and the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center have displays tailored to children. They can also earn their “Junior Ranger” badge at any National Park or Monument. Different parks have different programs, so check upon arrival as to what’s being offered, or visit https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/kidsyouth/beajuniorranger.htm to learn more.
Happy traveling!
Alley

March 14, 2017 at 4:54 PM

Hi Jade and thanks for visiting our site!
There is no “best way” to visit these attractions in a single day, but depending on your trip itinerary and the time of year you’re visiting, there are certainly recommended ways to do so.
For example, if you are traveling to Page from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff or Sedona, Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located just 5 miles South of town, so it’s a convenient stop on your way here. If you’re driving in from Monument Valley, Four Corners or Colorado, Antelope Canyon is conveniently located on Highway 98 just Southeast of Page, so you can easily hit that attraction on the way into town as well.
If you’ll have stayed the night prior in Page and have the full day to work with, you can visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning, after sunrise, then head towards Antelope Canyon at mid-day, when the light is brightest. Another option is to sleep late, take a mid-day tour of Antelope Canyon, then pop by Horseshoe Bend at mid-afternoon.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, keep in mind that Horseshoe Bend is completely exposed to the sun, so if you or any of your traveling party are sensitive to extreme heat or sunlight, you might wish to time your visit for the cooler part of the day.
Good luck and happy traveling!
Alley

March 14, 2017 at 4:47 PM

Hi Sandy and thank you for visiting our site!
As you’ve already gathered, heat is a very important consideration when planning your itinerary. During the month of July, it’s not uncommon for daytime temperatures to reach above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, though, the interior of Antelope Canyon tends to remain cool due to the fact that it’s shaded for most of the day. Since Lower Antelope Canyon requires more physical exertion, I’d recommend doing that activity during the cooler parts of the day, which tends to be early morning before 10 AM. Upper Antelope Canyon tends to be most brightly illuminated during the mid-day hours, so that section of the canyon is best visited between 10 AM and 1 PM. Horseshoe Bend is the most exposed of the 3 sites, so care must be taken if any of your traveling party is sensitive to extreme heat. Mid-afternoon tends to offer the best photo opportunity, but in July, this might become a secondary consideration to safety and comfort. Mid-morning, after sunrise, might be a better time to visit.
Another factor that might decide the order in which these 3 sites are visited is your trip itinerary. For example, if you’re coming to Page from Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend Overlook is a convenient stop on your way into town since it’s located just 5 miles South of the city. If you’re driving in from Monument Valley, you could easily hit Antelope Canyon en route to Page since the canyon’s entrance is located on Highway 98 just Southeast of town.
Whatever you decide, make sure you wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring plenty of water. At the present time, there are no water sources at either Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon, but that could change in the future.
Hope that helps. Happy traveling!
Alley

March 14, 2017 at 4:41 PM

Good morning, Nakul — or good evening in India!
In order to give the best advice on an itinerary, we would need to know in which order you are wanting to visit these attractions. Assuming that you will visit them in the order given on your enquiry, here is what I would suggest:
Traveling from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, Arizona will take you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon (AZ64). There are many beautiful viewpoints you can stop at on this route prior to exiting the park. Once you are through the park gate, you are now on Navajo Indian Land. The Cameron Trading Post is a good place to stop for a meal or a quick leg stretch/bathroom break. Leaving Cameron, continuing North on Highway 89 will take you into the town of Page.
The Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located approximately 5 miles South of Page, so you can easily hit this spot on the way into town before settling into your hotel for the night.
The next morning, drive out to the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park entrance on Highway 98. This is where the tours of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon depart from. Geographically, it makes more sense to hit Upper Antelope Canyon first, but, if you have your heart set on seeing the light shafts the place is so famous for, doing Lower Antelope first may be the better option. It’s up to you, but whichever you choose, we strongly recommend booking your Antelope Canyon tours in advance as late April/early May is a very busy time of year. Visit this page for complete information on how to go about it ->: https://antelopecanyon.az/how-to-book-a-tour-for-antelope-canyon/
If you have time, you might consider stopping off at Glen Canyon Dam for a fascinating tour of this monumental and historically important structure.
Thank you for visiting and please don’t hesitate to write again if you have further questions!
Happy travels,
Alley

March 06, 2017 at 1:53 PM

Hi Shoba,
This is one of those questions to which the answer is “yes” and “no.” The drive takes approximately 5 hours – that’s one-way. Antelope Canyon tours, whether to Lower or Upper, typically take 90 minutes to 2 hours. While in the Page area, you should also plan on stopping at Horseshoe Bend, which is nearby. Factoring in time for lunch or dinner, and fuel stops, you could be driving back to Las Vegas at night, which we don’t recommend due to lack of supplemental lighting on the roadways, and the tendency of wildlife to congregate around them. Staying for a night or two in Page will give you a much more relaxed experience, not to mention time to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Hope that helps. Happy traveling!
Alley

March 01, 2017 at 3:26 PM

Hi Rick,
Ryan is out of the office, but I’d be happy to help you!
The fact that you have a week there is great, Northern Arizona and Southern Utah have a lot to offer. As for other hikes you might do, the Paria Wilderness Area is considered the “holy grail” of hiking experiences in the Page/Lake Powell area, and for good reason. The scenery is astounding, some might say other-worldly, especially at an area known as The Wave. It also has such revered status because entry to this area requires a permit, which can be somewhat difficult to obtain. Here’s more information on it if you’re interested https://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes.html
If you’re not able to snag a permit for Paria – April is a popular time to visit that area, so that’s very likely to be the case – visit this site for more suggestions of memorable hikes that are more accessible — https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/day-hikes.htm
Good luck and happy traveling,
Alley

February 28, 2017 at 4:27 PM

Hi Neal,
Ryan is on holiday, but I lived in that area for many years, so I’m happy to help you!
Prevailing wisdom is that Antelope Canyon is best seen at mid-day when the sun is almost directly overhead. If you’re wanting to see the shaft of light in Upper Antelope Canyon, that holds especially true. However, be prepared to share the canyon with a lot of other people with the same thing in mind! If you don’t care for crowds, then consider touring Antelope Canyon during one of the “off” times, such as earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. No light beams, but the colors of the canyon will still be beautiful, though slightly darker. Also, the light beam phenomena only occurs in late spring-summer-early fall. If you’re traveling here in the next couple of weeks, the shaft does make an appearance, but doesn’t extend all the way to the canyon floor.
Hope that helps ~ have fun!
Alley Keosheyan

February 21, 2017 at 3:58 PM

Hi Eric, thank you for visiting, and for the compliment! And no apologies necessary for your question 😉
Actually, Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon do have significant differences from one another which would justify trying to see them both. https://antelopecanyon.az/can-you-do-both-lower-and-upper-in-a-day/ Seeing both in one day would be quite feasible and easy since they are located relatively close to one another. We advise allowing 90 minutes to 2 hours to see each one, but if you were to choose one or the other, we’d definitely advocate for Lower.
Another option is you could visit Horseshoe Bend on your way into town from Flagstaff, then tour both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon on your second day. https://horseshoebend.com/how-to-get-here/ If you take us up on that, be sure to keep your tribal park entrance fee receipt so you don’t have to pay it twice going from one side of the canyon to the other.
For lunch, consider Antelope Point Marina, which is just minutes away from Antelope Canyon and right on the shore of Lake Powell. https://antelopepointlakepowell.com/dining/
Thank you again for visiting. Have a wonderful trip!
Alley
P.S. Be sure to dress warmly as temperatures in March are still apt to be quite cool.

February 13, 2017 at 3:15 PM

Hi Irene,
Thank you for visiting our site, and for your compliments! Ryan is away from the office, but as a long-time former resident of both the Grand Canyon and Page, I am happy to help you.
Your itinerary is feasible, but be prepared: you’re going to spend a lot of time driving.
Day 1: It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, longer if you decide to stop at Hoover Dam. A Grand Canyon helicopter flight is a great idea, but keep in mind that you will be required to check in 30 minutes prior to departure. Be sure to book your flight well in advance ->: https://grandcanyon.com/tours/south-rim-tours/north-canyon-tour/
You should then set aside at least 2 hours to explore Grand Canyon Village Historic District and the Rim Trail before departing for the Cameron Trading Post, which takes 1.5 hours to reach from GC Village if you drive directly, which you probably won’t, because there are several beautiful canyon viewpoints you’ll no doubt want to stop at. Whatever you do, make sure you’re in Cameron before nightfall, or at least by dusk. Driving at night is not recommended due to the scarcity of artificial/supplemental lighting and the tendency of deer, elk and other animals to congregate near the roadside.
Day 2: It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Cameron to Monument Valley, then another 2 hours to drive to Page. If you manage to leave Monument Valley at a reasonable hour, you might be able to get in a tour of Antelope Canyon en route to Page, however, optimal lighting time will probably have passed. Most people prefer to be there around noon, but that is the most crowded time of day. Arriving later, you’ll still have good lighting conditions and less crowds to jockey with.
Day 3: Take the Colorado River Discovery Rafting trip at 7:30 AM. During the summer months, the river gets quite hot during the afternoon hours, making the 1:00 PM departure quite uncomfortable. After the tour, drive to Horseshoe Bend. If desired and/or if you have time, you might also visit the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum or the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors’ Center.
Day 4: Drive from Page to Las Vegas. The direct route takes approximately 5 hours. You might also consider going there via Zion National Park, which will add another 60-90 minutes to your drive, but the scenery will make it time well spent.
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful trip.
Alley

February 07, 2017 at 9:09 PM

Hi Ankit,
Ryan is out of the office, but as a long-time former resident of Page, I am happy to help you!
Your itinerary actually looks quite good. A few things to keep in mind:
1. If you’re renting an RV because you’re under the impression that it will save you money on hotel costs, you may be surprised – unpleasantly – to learn that those savings will negated by the cost of gas. Plus, summertime RV park rates are sometimes just as much as budget- to mid-range hotels. I know, I sometimes travel in a Class B camper myself. Also, I’m thinking that a Class C RV will be a bit cramped for 6 adults and 1 child, so if you do decide to proceed with the RV rental, make sure the unit you rent is big enough to accommodate all of you comfortably. Here’s a video that explains the differences between the RV classes in more detail ->: https://youtu.be/51ct-ZHWQ9Q
2. Driving at night should be avoided in this part of the US. Roadways in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah have a bare minimum of artificial/supplemental lighting, plus deer, elk and other wildlife have a penchant for congregating near roads and sometimes colliding with cars. Try to arrive at your various destinations during daylight hours, or around dusk at the latest. So on Day 3, for example, I’d recommend overnighting in Page again then driving to Bryce in the morning, then overnighting in Bryce that night.
3. Zion National Park is a very large park, so 2 nights minimum there are recommended.
4. If you can squeeze another couple of days out of your trip, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are beautiful, so do try and get there, but it will be hot.
5. Speaking of hot, yes, June is one of the warmer months of the year. Make sure you carry water with you wherever you go, and wear plenty of sunscreen, hats and good walking shoes. Keep a close eye on the 2-year-old as children become dehydrated more easily than adults. Limit your more vigorous walks to the morning hours. If you do take a boat tour on Lake Powell, make it a shorter one, such as the Antelope Canyon Waterside Tour ->: https://antelopecanyonboattours.com/
6. Pick up an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass” which grants you access to all National Parks and Monuments in the US for a year for just $80.
7. Remember that even if you travel in an RV, camp spot reservations must be made in advance just like hotels. You’ll definitely want to stay in a park so you have access to an electrical hook-up for air conditioning. Here is some information on RV and camping spots near Antelope Canyon ->: https://antelopecanyon.az/camping-and-rv-options-near-antelope-canyon/
Hope that helps. Have a great trip!
Alley

February 06, 2017 at 4:12 PM

Hi Julie,
Ryan is out of the office, but as a former resident of this beautiful part of our country, I’m happy to help you!
So the drive from SLC to Moab, UT (gateway city for Arches/Canyonlands) is about 3.5 hours, so having 2 days to spend there is definitely a plus.
The drive from Moab to Monument Valley is about 2.5 hours. As for where to stay, Goulding’s Lodge (www.gouldings.com) or The View Lodge (www.monumentvalleyview.com) are most desirable, but they may be sold out already, so your next best option for lodging would be Kayenta, AZ, about 30 minutes South. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g31256-Kayenta_Arizona-Hotels.html
The drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ takes approximately 2 hours. Since you will actually come to Antelope Canyon first, I recommend you take advantage of that opportunity. You indicate that you have two different groups with differing abilities. For those that are more adventurous and athletic, Lower Antelope is the one to choose. For those that wish to take things a little easier, Upper Antelope Canyon is the ticket. The entrances to either section of the canyon are a short distance across Highway 98 from one another. As for where to stay, Page offers everything from budget accommodations (Motel 6, EconoLodge) to higher-end (Hampton, Marriott) and everything in between. For a complete list of hotels in this area, visit this site and scroll down to the middle of the page where it says “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim” ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
2 days at Zion is also a good plan, especially since you wish to hike to Angel’s Landing.
On your last day, I would not recommend trying to drive to Las Vegas at night, especially from Bryce Canyon. This part of the country has minimal supplemental/artificial lighting, plus deer, elk and other wildlife tend to congregate around the roads (and jump in front of cars). If you can, get an early enough start to Bryce so that you can time your drive to arrive in Las Vegas during daylight hours or at dusk at the very latest. Keep in mind it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Zion to Bryce and 4 hours to drive from Bryce to Las Vegas.
Hope that helps. Have a great time!
Alley
P.S. Make sure you pick up an “America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass” when you get to Arches! For just $80 you get access to ALL National Parks and Monuments in the US for 1 year’s time.

February 03, 2017 at 7:53 PM

Hi Enrique,
Thank you so much for writing, and your English is fine 🙂
A short answer to your question:

if its possible to see Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley (or “The wave” if it’s not possible the first option) the same day (and comeback to Flagstaff).

is no. First off, The Wave is very far away from Flagstaff, 3+ hours one way. Second of all, access to this area is by permit lottery, which is very hard to get. Third, the drive in is difficult and the hike is as well. So, it’s best if you cross this item off your list. For more information, visit this site https://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/arolrsmain/paria/coyote_buttes/plan.html

The drive from Flagstaff to Page, AZ is approximately 2.5 hours one-way. It is feasible to visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in the course of a day and drive back to Flagstaff. Adding Monument Valley to the trip is doable, but would make for a V-E-R-Y long day. It takes two hours to drive from Page to Monument Valley, then another 3 hours to drive from Monument Valley to Flagstaff. We do not recommend driving in this part of the country at night due to the fact that it’s extremely dark and animals like deer and elk congregate along the side of the road a lot.

As to whether there are any other attractions between Flagstaff and Page you might like to stop at, most definitely yes! About 15 minutes North of Flagstaff are Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments, whose predominant features are an Ancestral Puebloan village and a dormant volcano respectively. The two monuments are connected by an easy-to-follow loop drive. At the Junction of Highway 64 & 89 is the Cameron Trading Post, which, as its name suggests, is an actual Native American commerce center dating back to the early 1900’s. https://www.camerontradingpost.com/

Hope that helps. Thank you so much for visiting our site!

February 03, 2017 at 8:06 PM

Hi Vassily,
Thank you for visiting our site!
Your plan is feasible in theory, but might require a little bit of modification depending on how long your chosen Monument Valley tour is.
There are several reasons why I point this out: 1. Because Monument Valley is on the Navajo Indian Reservation, and they observe Daylight Saving Time. However, the town of Page (where Antelope Canyon tours originate) does not. 2. It takes a full 2 hours to drive from Monument Valley to Page, Arizona. But, since Page is not on Daylight Savings Time, you would “gain” an hour upon arrival in town.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that you choose a 1.5-hour that departs at 8 AM. That would finish up at 9:30 AM. Allowing half an hour to check out of your hotel and load your vehicle, that would put you on the road at 10:00 AM Reservation Time. However, this is highly contingent on what tours are being offered at this time of year. There are over a dozen tour outfitters in Monument Valley whose tours can vary just as widely, so it’s worth checking out. Here is a page that lists them all ->: https://monumentvalleyview.com/navajo-guided-tours/

Let’s say you are successful in booking a morning tour. Estimating for two hours to make the drive to Page, you would arrive at 12:00 Noon Daylight Savings Time, but 11:00 AM local/Mountain Standard Time. Anytime between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM is a very good time to tour Upper Antelope Canyon because that’s when the sun is positioned perfectly to beautifully illuminate the canyon. Since you are driving in from Monument Valley, your best is to simply stop at the Upper Antelope Canyon Tribal Park Entrance Gate on Highway 98 and get a tour directly from there.

If for some reason you opt for a tour of Monument Valley that departs later or lasts longer, simply plan on doing your Antelope Canyon tour the next morning around 10-ish. If you go this route, there are 3 outfitters based in the town of Page offering local pick-ups and round-trip transport. Click on this site to view the complete list of outfitters and tour times ->: https://antelopecanyon.az/how-to-book-a-tour-for-antelope-canyon/

Hope that helps. Have a wonderful trip!

February 02, 2017 at 5:45 PM

Hi Pam, thank you for your question. Ryan is out of the office, but as a longtime former resident of Northern Arizona, I can definitely help you!
First off, when visiting Grand Canyon South Rim, it is definitely more desirable to stay inside the park. Williams is 1 hour, each way, from the South Rim, so not having to deal with that commute would be a definite plus, especially when going to view sunrise or sunset. If in-park lodging is sold out, then Tusayan/GC Village South is your next best option. For complete information on all possibilities, visit https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/
As for doing both a tour of Lower Antelope Canyon and a Lake Powell boat tour in one day, it is possible in theory, but depends a lot on the time of year you’re visiting. Most Lake Powell boat tours require a minimum of 15 passengers to guarantee departure. That’s typically not a problem during the busy spring-summer-fall timeframe, but if you were traveling in, say, February or early March, you might have a problem fulfilling that requirement. Also, if you were wanting to do one of the longer Lake Powell boat tours, such as the Rainbow Bridge tour, that would take up most of your day, so you’d probably have to do your Lower Antelope Canyon tour the day before or after. For more information, visit https://www.lakepowell.com/things-to-do/boat-tours/ or https://antelopepointlakepowell.com/recreation/tours-2/

Lower Antelope Canyon walking tours do not adhere to such a strict minimum, and are conducted on a first-come/first-served basis. By the way, Page is about a 2.5 hour drive one-way from Grand Canyon South Rim, but you’ll probably take longer than that since there are many beautiful viewpoints you should definitely stop at along the way. Consider stopping for lunch at the Cameron Trading Post, too! It’s the perfect “mid-way” point between Grand Canyon South Rim and Page at the junction of Highway 64 and 89.

Hope that was clear enough 🙂 Please don’t hesitate to write again if we can be of further assistance!

January 31, 2017 at 5:33 PM

Hi Dani, thank you for your question. Ryan is out of the office, but as a longtime former resident of Northern Arizona, I am happy to assist you!
First of all, let me get the “bad news” out of the way. Havasu Falls is located a long ways away from Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon and what’s more, it’s quite difficult to get to. Access is via an 8-mile trail that is only accessible to horses and hikers, so it’s definitely not a “day trip.” Lodging and camping options are extremely limited and require advance reservations, which must be secured with the Havasupai Tribe, and are typically booked out 1 year or more in advance. Long story short: 99.99999999% probability that you won’t be going there.
Now for the “good news.” Getting to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell is easy! Both attractions are located about a 15-20 minute drive from Lake Powell. No commercial tours go to Horseshoe Bend since it’s so easy to get to (about 5 minutes South of the town of Page on Highway 89). Keep in mind that the trail to the overlook has some areas with fairly deep sand, so good walking shoes are a must. Plus there are no guardrails at the overlook, so take care near the edge, it’s a 700′ drop!
As for Antelope Canyon, both Lower and Upper are beautiful! Lower is a bit more physical as it requires navigating a few stairs and boulders. Upper is an easy, flat walk of approximately 100 yards. If anyone in your party has difficulty walking, Upper would probably be best, but if you’re all in reasonably good health, you can probably manage Lower Antelope Canyon. In either case, you simply drive up to the Tribal Park entrance gate on Highway 98, pay your entrance fees and a tour guide will meet you shortly thereafter.
Here is a link to a map of the area ->: https://goo.gl/maps/cq8QKKYffHx
Hope that helps 🙂 Please don’t hesitate to write again if you have further questions!

January 31, 2017 at 5:45 PM

Hi Shira, thank you for visiting our website!
First of all, it takes approximately 5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Page. Before you get to town, stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook approximately 5 miles South of Page. Keep in mind that the trail is relatively short (less than 3/4 of a mile), but has some deep sand in some areas, so good walking shoes are a must, as is water since this is a dry, desert environment. Also, there are no guardrails at the overlook, so take care when approaching the edge – it’s a 700′ drop to the river!
After enjoying Horseshoe Bend Overlook, you can then head to Page and check into your hotel. If you’re still feeling somewhat energetic, maybe take a walk along the Rim Trail. This is a favorite among the locals and offers beautiful views of Lake Powell. https://www.glencanyonnha.org/hiking-page-area/
The next morning, pay a visit to the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum to learn more about the natural and human history of Page and the surrounding area, then head down to Lower Antelope Canyon. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours to walk through the canyon and take in all of its beauty. Here is a link to a map of the area ->: https://goo.gl/maps/kekfwjBXW542 Be sure to book your accommodations in Page well in advance if you haven’t already. For more information on Page hotels, visit this link and scroll down to the section on Page, AZ hotels. https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
Hope that helps – if you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again. Have fun!

January 31, 2017 at 5:54 PM

Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the compliments on our website. With 5 days to work with, Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon will be just a small sampling of the scenic beauty you can enjoy in Northern Arizona!
After arriving in Phoenix, I would recommend visiting Sedona, Arizona. Located approximately 2 hours from Phoenix, Sedona is home to some of the world’s most famous and beautiful red rock formations, exquisite art galleries and retail shops, and some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in the state. With so much to offer, you’ll have no trouble spending 2 fun-filled days in this area! For more information, visit www.Sedona.net
After Sedona, proceed to Grand Canyon South Rim approximately 2.5 hours North of Sedona. Staying at one of the 6 hotels inside the park is most desirable, but if these are sold out (which is quite possible at this point), Tusayan/GC Village South is the next best option just 3 miles outside the park gate. For complete information on Grand Canyon hotels, visit https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/ Because much of the Grand Canyon can be experienced on the drive to Page, we suggest staying just one night there.
From Grand Canyon South Rim, proceed East on Highway 64 along the Desert View drive. Plan to stop at a few of the viewpoints along the way. After exiting the park, you’ll be on Navajo Indian Tribal lands. The Cameron Trading Post makes a good lunch stop or at least mid-way bathroom break stop at the junction of Highway 64 & 89.
About 5 miles South of the town of Page, Arizona, you’ll arrive at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Allow about an hour for the walk there and back, and for viewing time at the overlook. Take care as some parts of the trail are very sandy, plus there are no guardrails at the overlook. Upon leaving Horseshoe Bend, head North to the town of Page for your overnight accommodations. Scroll down to the section marked Page AZ on this link https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
After a leisurely start to your next morning, you can plan to visit Antelope Canyon. You’ll need to decide whether to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, which is a short, easy walk; or Lower Antelope Canyon, which is a bit longer and requires some climbing (staircases, a few boulders). Tours to Upper Antelope Canyon are offered from the town of Page, or at the Tribal Park entrance gate on Highway 98. For Lower Antelope Canyon, pick-ups in Page are not offered, but the drive to the park entrance gate is a short 5-10 minutes.
Hope that helps and that you enjoy your visit! BTW, here’s a map of the drive I’ve proposed ->: https://goo.gl/maps/fgoQwjAdSfS2
Success and blessings back to you,
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 6:15 PM

Hi Alexander!
Thank you for writing. Ryan is out of the office, but as a longtime former resident of Northern Arizona, I can definitely help you.
With 8 days to work with, you can definitely accomplish a lot, as long as the weather cooperates. We do receive snow, and sometimes a lot of it, in this part of Northern Arizona, so keep an eye on the weather as your trip date approaches. You can use this site for Grand Canyon South Rim ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/weather/south-rim-weather/ and this one for Lake Powell/Antelope Canyon area weather ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/weather/east-weather/
From Phoenix, I would suggest hitting Sedona first. It’s approximately 2 hours from Phoenix and you can easily spend 2-3 days enjoying what the area has to offer, from red rock formations to unique art galleries and retail shops and some of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in the Nation!
After Sedona, head to Grand Canyon South Rim and plan to spend 1 night. If possible, book your lodging inside the park. If these facilities are sold out, Tusayan/GC Village South is your best “back-up” option. For complete information on Grand Canyon South Rim hotels, visit this site ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/
From Grand Canyon South Rim, head to Page and Lake Powell via the Desert View/East Rim Drive. Normally, this drive takes 2.5 hours without stops, but there are many beautiful viewpoints you should definitely take time to enjoy along the way. Plan to stop at the Cameron Trading Post for at least a bathroom break, or a delicious lunch. The house specialty is the Navajo Taco!
Plan to spend 2 nights in Page to enjoy Horseshoe Bend (which you can catch on your way into town), Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. From Page, Zion National Park is approximately 2.5 hours. 2 nights in this area is also warranted as there is a lot to see and do.
So far, this proposed itinerary is taking 7 of your 8 days, so you might consider adding Bryce Canyon to your itinerary, or Monument Valley. Since these are relatively small parks, geographically speaking, 1 day is usually sufficient for most visitors. However, the drive from either one back to Phoenix would be 7 hours. If the prospect of that does not appeal to you, you might consider shifting Sedona to the end of your visit so the drive back would be shorter.
Hope that helps – have a great time! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for good weather 😉

January 31, 2017 at 6:29 PM

Dear Noi,
I am so sorry that we were unable to reply to your question prior to your visit! Due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays we were closed for an extended period of time. We hope you were able to sort out which tour company to use and that you had a good time. We would be very interested to know how you got on.
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 6:32 PM

Hi Prashant,
Apologies if your visit has already taken place, but other travelers are surely considering the same trip.
First off, Monument Valley is in a very remote area straddling the border of Northern Arizona and Utah. It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Page to Monument Valley, so it makes for a long “day trip.” Likewise if you try to visit on your way back to Phoenix or other destination, it’s still a long drive. If at all possible, we recommend trying to free up enough time in your itinerary to stay overnight at Monument Valley.
As for the roads, they are fully paved from Page to Monument Valley, but the road through the Valley itself is not paved. I drove a Nissan Sentra through there many years ago, but if you’re driving a rental car, you’d be safer opting for a guided tour since off-road driving is prohibited per your contract. Tours are offered by several outfitters. We recommend Goulding’s Lodge https://www.gouldings.com/tours/ or the View Lodge. https://monumentvalleyview.com/navajo-guided-tours/
Hope that helps – have a wonderful time in Arizona!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 6:42 PM

Hello Bryan,
So sorry that we were not able to answer your inquiry before your arrival. We hope you had a great time in Las Vegas and Arizona!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 6:44 PM

Hi Akshay,
Apologies for not getting back to your inquiry prior to your visit, but since future travelers will certainly be pondering the same question, we’ll go ahead and reply for their sake!
Long story short, although what you’re proposing can be done, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. The drive from Kanab, UT to Page, AZ takes about 1.5 hours. Touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons takes a bare minimum of 3-4 hours. Factor in about 60-90 minutes for Horseshoe Bend, and so far we haven’t even put Lake Powell into the equation. A quick “look-see” can be accomplished in 60-90 minutes, but won’t really do the place justice. Something like a boat tour or perhaps a flyover would allow you to really comprehend its size, magnitude and beauty.
Driving from Page to Flagstaff (or anywhere in Northern Arizona for that matter) at night is not recommended. Artificial/supplemental lighting is deliberately kept to a bare minimum in this part of the country, so when it gets dark, it gets DARK. Plus deer, elk and other wildlife tend to congregate around the roadways and are notorious for jumping in front of cars without warning or provocation. Staying overnight in Page would definitely be safer, and offer a better quality experience for you.
Instead of going to Flagstaff, going directly to Grand Canyon South Rim would be more efficient and practical.
Hope that helps. Hope you had a good trip, Akshay!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 6:57 PM

Hello Johanna,
Ryan is out of the office, plus it looks like we weren’t able to get to your comment in time for your trip. We hope you had a good time, though your itinerary did look a little rushed. We’d be curious to see how things turned out for you.
For other travelers to Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, keep these things in mind:
1. Drive times that Google Maps or Mapquest gives you are rarely what materialize in reality! There is so much to see that you can count on making multiple stops to take photos, buy souvenirs, purchase meals and drinks, etc., not to mention the inevitable restroom stops. In any case, long drives are a fact of life in this neck of the woods and if you’re not used to them, your vacation will feel like drudgery by the time you’re ready to head home. Who wants that?
2. The bigger the park, the longer you should plan on staying. Zion National Park, for example, is huge and multi-faceted, and warrants at least a 2 day stay. Bryce Canyon, on the other hand, is less than 40 square miles in area, so 1 night tends to be sufficient for most visitors. Lake Powell is another “biggie,” calling for 1-2 nights at the very least. Grand Canyon South Rim can usually be experienced fully with an overnight stay, especially for those coming from or going to Page; a good part of your sightseeing will be experienced on the drive to or from GC.
In wintertime, it’s important not to schedule yourself too tightly as inclement weather can throw a wrench into your plans.
Happy travels to all!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 7:05 PM

Hi Chris,
Thank you for the compliments on our site. Ryan is away from the office, but I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments. Congratulations on your impending bundle of joy! In light of your wife’s pregnancy, Upper Antelope Canyon would probably be the better choice for touring. It is a flat, easy walk at only 100 yards in length. Lower Antelope requires some stair climbing and navigating over and around boulders.
As for touring in January, it can be quite nice due to the lack of crowds, but then again, inclement weather can put the “kabosh” on plans in relatively short order.
Hope the two of you got on OK.
Take care and best of luck to you and your new family!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 7:08 PM

Hi Karl,
Thank you for writing, and kudos to you for planning your trip well in advance! We also compliment you on allowing 2 days to experience the many things Page has to offer.
As to how to maximize your experience, having more of a “big picture” of your overall trip plan would help us advise you best. For example, will you be coming to Page from Las Vegas or Phoenix? If you are visiting from Phoenix, for example, it takes approximately 4.5 hours to drive to Page. Coming in from the South, you can modify the suggested itinerary. Since you’d come to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook prior to arrival in Page, you could stop there first, then head down to Antelope Point Marina for lunch and a boat tour of Antelope Canyon’s waterside. Time permitting, and if you desire, you could then explore Lower Antelope Canyon before heading back to Page and retiring for the evening.
If Upper Antelope Canyon is more to your liking, mid-day is the ideal time to view this part of the canyon, and you could do that the next day and maybe compliment it with a visit to the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center or the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum.
If you’re open to a rather novel way to see Horseshoe Bend, consider flying over it! https://horseshoebend.com/see-horseshoe-bend-air/
I hope that helps in your planning. Please don’t hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further assistance!
Alley

February 02, 2017 at 5:57 PM

Hi Michelle,
There is only one Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and it is in Utah. There are, however, several Visitors Centers, including one in Big Water, Utah, which is 13 miles North of Page, AZ. Visitors Centers for this monument are also located in Kanab, Utah and the Paria River Contact Station between Page and Kanab.
Keep in mind that Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument comprises some of the most remote areas in the country and many roads are unpaved and can become impassable when wet. Be sure to check road conditions locally before setting out.
For more information, visit https://www.visitutah.com/places-to-go/most-visited-parks/grand-staircase-escalante or https://www.blm.gov/nlcs_web/sites/ut/st/en/prog/nlcs_new/GSENM_NM.html
Thank you for visiting our site!
Alley

January 31, 2017 at 7:31 PM

Hi Ken!
Ryan is out of the office, but I’d be happy to help you. I lived in the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon area for many years and have made the drive you’re proposing to make many times 😉
From Las Vegas, head South toward Kingman, AZ on Highway 93. If your priority is making the best time, proceed directly over the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Going this way, the drive is about 4.5 hours. If you’d like to stop at Hoover Dam, prepare to spend about 5.5 hours total on the drive to Grand Canyon Village. In Kingman, AZ, you then head East on Interstate 40. If you’re into history, particularly Route 66 history, maybe make a stop in Seligman, where the 50’s are frozen in time! In Williams, AZ, you would then proceed North on AZ64 to Grand Canyon Village.
As for where to stay overnight, it is most desirable to stay inside the park. There are 6 hotels situated on or near the canyon rim. If these properties are sold out, then Tusayan/GC Village South would be your next best option. For a complete list of Grand Canyon area hotels, visit this site ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/south-rim-hotels/
The next day, head to Page, AZ, the town nearest to Antelope Canyon. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to make this drive if you go straight through, but there are a lot of beautiful viewpoints to stop at, so don’t be surprised if it takes longer. Head East on AZ64 along the Desert View/East Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon. Then in the town of Cameron, AZ, you would turn North on Highway 89. FYI, Cameron Trading Post is a perfect place to stop, if not for a quick bathroom break, then for lunch and some shopping!
If you arrive in Page by mid-day, you can easily join a tour of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, or perhaps both!
Since the drive from Page to Las Vegas is a full 5 hours, we strongly recommend that you stay an additional night in Page. If this is not possible, then make sure you get on the road in plenty of time to avoid driving at night. This part of the country has minimal supplemental/artificial lighting, so once the sun goes down, it gets really dark. Deer, elk and other wildlife like to congregate alongside the road and trust me, you don’t want to collide with one of these animals.
Hope that helps – have a great trip!

February 02, 2017 at 6:07 PM

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From Ola

HI Alley,
Could you pls advise how to visit most of these places from LVegas if I’m not driving? Are there any public transportation or bus tours that would bring me there and back in a few days?
Or I would better arrive first from Vegas to AZ and there searched for the bus tours?
I think of going there in about 2 weeks

Thanks a lot for your suggestions / ideas.
Ola

October 19, 2017 at 9:45 AM

Hi Nirali,
Two nights and three days is a little rushed IMO to get all this in. If you can possibly free up one more night, that would make a lot of difference.
It takes approximately 4 hours to drive from Tucson to Sedona. Overnighting there is definitely a good idea, but there is a lot to see and do there, so you’ll wish you had more time, trust me!
To get to the Grand Canyon, Pink Jeep Tours offers an excellent package in very comfortable vehicles https://www.pinkjeeptourssedona.com/sedona-to-grand-canyon-tour/ However, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the easiest parks in the Southwest to self-tour, and you can still learn a lot since the rangers hand you a park guide and other educational materials upon entrance to the park. If you opt for a tour with Pink Jeep or some other outfitter, though, your tour will take essentially all day. That’s why a 3rd night is highly recommended.
To experience Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, it is also possible to take a package tour to these two attractions from Sedona. https://grandcanyon.com/tours/south-rim-tours/antelope-canyon-horseshoe-bend-from-flagstaff-and-sedona/ This tour is about 7-8 hours hotel-to-hotel.
Thank you for visiting our site and hope you got on well.
Alley

February 03, 2017 at 8:22 PM

Hi Abby and thanks for writing!
Due to the driving distances between Phoenix, Grand Canyon and Page, I’d recommend rethinking your itinerary a little bit. It takes ~ 4.5 hours to drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim, then 2.5 hours to go from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. If you can possibly free up another night to stay at the South Rim, that would make for a much more pleasant experience. Then you can take your time driving to Page and stop at the many beautiful Grand Canyon viewpoints along the Desert View/East Rim drive and the historic Cameron Trading Post. Since Horseshoe Bend is located about 5 hours South of Page, you can easily make a stop there on your way to town. Depending on when you arrive, you might also be able to visit Antelope Canyon before retiring for the evening.
As for where to stay, Page has ample choices of lodging from budget-priced to higher-end and everything in between. For a complete list of hotels in Page, visit this site and scroll down to the section titled “Page, AZ – 133 miles to the South Rim, 153 miles to the North Rim” ->: https://grandcanyon.com/category/hotels/east-hotels-1/
Happy travels!
Alley

February 03, 2017 at 8:35 PM

Hi Antonia,
Thank you for the compliments! We definitely appreciate your feedback.
In answer to your query regarding which part of the Grand Canyon you should visit, the South Rim is recommended for families like yourself for several different reasons. For one, there are more visitor facilities available in this area of the park, including hotels, restaurants, retail shops and informational centers. Secondly, this area is open year-round, whereas the North Rim is only open from May 15th through October 15th. Lastly, there is more of the Grand Canyon that can be seen from this area by car. In fact, you can do the bulk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing on the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, which takes you along the Desert View/East Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon, where there are several beautiful viewpoints you should stop at!
Unfortunately, I have to tell you honestly that your schedule is a little too full for 2 days’ time. It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim and 2.5 hours (driving straight through) to drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, another 2 hours from Page to Zion National Park, then 3 hours to drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Going from LV-Grand Canyon-Page in the course of one day is tiring at best, and possibly dangerous if your travels take you along local roadways at night. Artificial/supplemental lighting is deliberately kept to a minimum in this part of the country to preserve the natural darkness the area is famous for. Deer, elk and other wildlife also like to congregate along the side of the road at night and trust me, you DO NOT want to have a deer vs. vehicle encounter in the dead of night!
With 2 days to work with, I would recommend going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, overnighting there, then heading to Page the following day, hitting Horseshoe Bend just before getting to town and spending the night. Depending on when you arrive, you might be able to squeeze an Antelope Canyon tour or a Lake Powell tour in before settling in for the evening. With an 11-month-old in tow, overscheduling your days is not a good idea.
And, I’m also recommending that you drop Zion from your “wish list.” You simply don’t have time to do it justice. 2 days at the very least is the minimum amount of time you should allot for a Zion National Park visit.
Hope that helps. Best wishes and Happy Travels!
Alley

February 06, 2017 at 4:57 PM

Dear Susanna,
Wow, thank you for the wonderful compliments on our site! We compliment you as well for planning your trip to the Grand Circle well in advance.
I agree that narrowing down what to see and what to skip is crazy-hard! Not knowing how much time you have to work with makes it a bit difficult to advise you accurately, but I’ll do my best 🙂
The prospect of driving from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas may look good on paper, but in reality, may be somewhat inconvenient and costly. Most rental car outlets prefer that customers drop vehicles off at the same location from which they picked them up. Fees for one-way drop-offs can be quite expensive, and I certainly could think of better things to do with that money!
I recommend instead using Las Vegas as your “staging” city. From Las Vegas, a popular itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, maybe stop at Hoover Dam, overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim. Drive time: 4.5-6 hours
Day 2: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, taking the opportunity to stop at the viewpoints along the Desert View/East Rim Drive and perhaps lunch (or at least a bathroom stop) at the Cameron Trading Post. Stop at Horseshoe Bend prior to arriving in Page. Overnight in Page. Drive time: 2.5-4 hours
Day 3: More sightseeing in the Page/Lake Powell area. Start with the 7:30 AM departure of the Colorado River Discovery Glen Canyon Smooth Water Raft Trip. Segue into an Antelope Canyon tour. The company that conducts the raft trip offers several tour packages that include Antelope Canyon, so check out all their tour offerings. https://horseshoebend.com/see-the-canyon-from-the-river-colorado-river-discovery/ Spend another night in Page.
Day 4: Page to Bryce Canyon National Park. Possible stops at the Glen Canyon Dam, the “New Wave,” Lakeshore Drive of Lake Powell, Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Big Water, UT. Overnight at Bryce Canyon. Drive time: 3-5 hours.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park, overnighting in Springdale, UT. During the summer months, the main visitor services area of Zion Canyon is only accessible by shuttle from Springdale. Use it to visit the Weeping Rock overlook, Emerald Pools, Visitor Center and Museum. In Springdale, there is also an IMAX theatre with an entertaining and educational presentation on the park.
Day 6: 2nd day in Zion. Maybe take on a more involved hike such as Angel’s Landing or Observation Point, or drive to the Kolob Canyons section of the park. For more information, click here ->: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/2016-Winter-MG-Final-Web.pdf
Day 7: Head back to Las Vegas. Drive time: 3 hours

As you can see, we’ve easily filled up 7 days. If you wish to include Monument Valley, it’s best to free up another day, or if that’s not possible, take a scenic flight over it from the Page, AZ Municipal Airport. For more information on Monument Valley air tours, visit https://www.westwindairservice.com/tours-from-lake-powell/monument-valley-air-tour/

Hope that helps! One more thing: be sure to pick up an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass. For just $80, this handy card grants you access to all the National Parks and Monuments in the U.S. for one year’s time. It would easily pay for itself on the trip you’re proposing to take.
Happy travels!
Alley

February 06, 2017 at 5:28 PM

Het beste is om deelnemen in een wedstrijd voor tot de beste blogs op het web. Ik zal suggereren website!

April 11, 2017 at 11:46 AM

_________________________________________

From Alley Keosheyan

Translated by Google Translate

Dank u voor uw bezoek aan onze website. Goeie reis!

April 11, 2017 at 5:44 PM

Hi Sheena,
Driving to Vegas and back in the same day would make for a really long trip. I think you would be a lot better off staying the night. Then you could stop by Zion on the way back, or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon if you wanted too. At night, I would either go to Lone Rock Beach or into the desert and build a bonfire!
Best,
Ryan

October 05, 2016 at 7:46 PM

Dear Irene,
Depending on the time of year, the first tours to Antelope Canyon are conducted between 8 AM and 9 AM. The Horseshoe Bend Overlook is open 24 hours a day, but attempting to go there at night is not advisable. Outside lighting is kept to a minimum and the overlook has no guardrails. It is a 700′ drop to the river!
Regarding Antelope Canyon, it is mandatory to go there with a tour guide endorsed by the Navajo Indian Tribe. There are 3 outfitters offering round-trip tours from the town of Page, AZ and 1 that offers tours from the Tribal Park entrance gate on Highway 98. The latter would be the closest to “just driving to Antelope Canyon by yourself and paying there.”
Hope that helps!
Alley

February 07, 2017 at 9:19 PM

Hi Colette,
I would say that doing a slot canyon is a “must do” but that it doesn’t have to be Antelope Canyon. Kanab and Page are both great places to base from. I would apply every morning I could for a permit to “The Wave” and hope you get it for the next day. You might get lucky.
The first day I would go hike Wirepass to Buckskin, and spend most of the day exploring Buckskin. Hit the Paria Toadstools on the way out.
If you got the Wave permit the first day, the second day you’ll spend hiking it. It is very common for over a thousand people to apply for any given day; 10 permits are given out online, and 10 are given in person the day before at the Kanab office.
If you don’t get lucky, I apply for the Wave permit again, and then head out to Page to do Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. A half day boat rental is a great way to explore the lake, or perhaps a still water float down the Colorado River.
The third day kind of depends on what interests you more. If you like offroading, I would consider going out to Alstrom Point. I would also consider driving in the opposite direction and exploring Zion National Park. Angel’s landing if you’re feeling pretty ambitious, or just riding the shuttle and doing some of the short hikes would be very enjoyable. Zion is mostly closed to private vehicles in Oct so you will need to drive through the whole park to the visitor center and jump on the shuttle.
If you want a slower day, I would drive from Kanab to the Grand Canyon North Rim and make dinner reservations at the lodge. Watch sunset over the veranda. Hike down as far as you want and start planning for your return visit to hike to the bottom and out the North Rim 🙂
I hope that helps!
Ryan

September 20, 2016 at 8:01 PM

Rick,
I’m glad the information was useful, Feel free to ask on here if you have specific questions. It is a great way to help us think of future articles!
Best,
Ryan

September 20, 2016 at 6:05 AM

Hi Madisen,
You can fly to Page via Phoenix, but the schedule can be difficult. Check greatlakesav.com for pricing and times. You should also know that they wind up cancelling the flights a lot.
You can also fly in through Vegas then drive the 4.5 hours to Page, which is probably what most locals do, but at that point you’re getting pretty close to just driving from LA (9 hours).

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are less then 10 minutes from each other and take about 2 hours each so it’s very easy to do both in a day.

You might also consider flying into Flagstaff (via Phoenix hourly flights) doing the Grand Canyon South Rim for one day, and then doing Page for a day and driving back to Flagstaff.

I hope that helps! Let us know how it went when you get back:)
Ryan

September 14, 2016 at 4:53 PM

Hi Matt,
I’m glad you found the information helpful!

If you are physically able to do so, the bucket list item for the Grand Canyon is to hike down to the Colorado River. April is a great time to go, and you still have a good chance to get a reservation at Phantom Ranch; try to get a cabin. If you guys regularly do marathons, then you could consider doing it as a day hike, but the park strongly recommends against this. I always recommend hiking down the South Kaibab and hiking back up the Bright Angel Trail. Total distance would be 16 miles, but its the elevation change that gets you. That would take you two days (hike down, overnight at Phantom Ranch, hike up) then drive to Page and doing Horseshoe Bend for sunset.
Wake up and do Antelope Canyon. The boat tour may not be running at that time because it is still off season. Then I would drive to Monument Valley, do the tour and come back.
Then I would drive to Bryce and do the Queens Garden hike, overnight there.
Next day drive to Zion, do Angel’s landing if you still have the energy for a vertigo inducing hike. If not, take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and hike the narrows.
Drive back to Vegas.

What I’ve described is a pretty popular circuit of what is called the Grand Circle. It is a pretty efficient route for Vegas – Vegas.
Summary
Day 1
-Drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon, stopping at Hoover Dam
-Walk along the rim at Grand Canyon village and mentally prepare for the hike

Day 2
-Wake up early and take the shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead
-Hike 7 miles all the way to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch lodge.

Day 3
-Realize that you have to hike all the way out, and start early up the Bright Angel trail (9 miles)
-Drive to Page and stretch your legs going to Horseshoe Bend for sunset

Day 4
-Antelope Canyon in the morning
-Monument Valley and back
-Stay in Page again

Day 5
-Drive to Bryce
-Hike the Queens Garden Trail

Day 6
-Drive to Zion
-Hike Angels landing

Day 7
-Drive back to Vegas

That’s a pretty serious trip, but is what I would consider the must-do’s of each park. You don’t have to worry too much about crowds, as the season really stars around Memorial day. There will still be people, but much less than peak of season.

Give us an update after you get back! Safe travels!
Ryan

September 12, 2016 at 2:49 AM

Hi Jared,
Thank you for your kind words!
I would consider two options. I believe that one of the best parts of going to the canyon is to get below the rim. The end of October is the best time of year. Temperatures will be manageable, and the days still barely long enough to do some long hikes.

If you are really ambitious, then research hiking all the way to the bottom and spending the night there. I like going down the South Kaibab trail and then up the Bright Angel. You will need to have reservations for the Phantom ranch lodge or the Bright Angel Campground.

Alternatively, I would spend one day in the Grand Canyon and 2 days in Page. In the Grand Canyon I would walk the rim near the Bright Angel lodge (lots of things to see and places to stop) and then I would do a short hike. A short hike might be taking South Kaibab down to Cedar ridge, which should only take a few hours.

Then drive to Page and do Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and perhaps a day hike.
Let me know some more details about how adventurous you’re feeling and I’ll list some hikes I think you might enjoy!
Best,
Ryan

September 02, 2016 at 1:50 PM

Hi Marie,
I would recommend doing Antelope Canyon first during August and early Sept. During the monsoon season, afternoon rains are very common and will cause the canyon to shut down for safety reasons. Horseshoe Bend is a great afternoon or sunset hike.
If you want to do other local hikes, you might consider doing Catherdral Wash by Lee’s Ferry. It would take an hour to drive to from Page, and is a moderate hike to the Colorado River. There is a beach at the end that is a great place to have lunch or fish. There is some scrambling involved, so make sure to research the obstacles and see if it is appropriate for your group. It is my new favorite local hike!

When you are driving from Zion to Page, it is worth the stop to do the Paria Toadstools. The trailhead is just off the highway between Page and Kanab, and is an easy 1.5 mile hike round trip.
Hope that helps!
Ryan

August 25, 2016 at 9:55 PM

_________________________________________

From Marie

Awesome! Thanks a lot for the recommendations.

August 25, 2016 at 11:26 PM

Hi Nessie,
You can easily do both upper and lower canyon as well as Horseshoe Bend in one day. If you have nobody with mobility issues in the group, I find that lower canyon is more fun because of the stairs. If feels like you are descending into a canyon. Upper is considered to be a little more photogenic, but I would doubt most people could tell from a photograph which canyon it came from.

I would ballpark 2 hours each for upper, lower, and Horseshoe Bend. That should leave you plenty of time to drive to the South Grand Canyon. From Page to the Bright Angel Lodge takes about 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that on busy days the lines at the entrance to the park can add a lot of time.

Hope that helps!
Ryan

August 24, 2016 at 4:14 PM

Hi Ernie,
I would start from Flagstaff and go straight to the Grand Canyon and spend the day there and then drive to Page. Page prices can be significantly cheaper. That day would be about 5 hours of driving, and however much time you spend at the rim.

Overnight in Page, then wake up and do Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, then drive to Zion. You should get there for dinner (maybe a late dinner.) This would be about 3 hours of driving and 4 hours of walking attractions.

Overnight in Zion (or Springdale.) Wake up and take the shuttle to the various hikes. Most of Zion is only accessible via the shuttle. I would also do some research on which hikes you would be comfortable with. The Temple of Shinawava bus stop is very popular. I would consider getting off on that stop and walking along the river as it winds through the canyon.

Best,
Ryan

August 24, 2016 at 4:22 PM

Hi Shruthi,
That is an excellent question!
As long as everyone in the party is in reasonably good physical condition, you could probably manage either Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is an easy, flat walk of approximately 100 yards. Lower Antelope Canyon is longer and requires navigating a few staircases and around some boulders. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may wish to avoid the mid-day hours during the summer months as these can be quite hot.
If anyone in your party has mobility issues, Upper Antelope Canyon might be the best option. For a more detailed comparison of the two, visit https://antelopecanyon.az/lower-vs-upper-antelope/
Thank you for visiting our site!
Alley

February 07, 2017 at 9:22 PM