Customer Questions

Hi Maya,
There are 3 Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies that allow children to travel:
– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, downtown Page, Arizona, www.antelopecanyon.com, 928-645-9102
– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours, US98, Mile Marker 302, www.navajoantelopecanyon.com, 928-380-1874
– Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, US98, between Mile Markers 299 & 300, www.navajotours.com,928-698-3384
You will need a car seat for him or her during the ride to the Canyon’s entrance. There are no bathrooms at the Canyon, so if your child is very young or is not likely to be relaxed without a bathroom around, you may want to make preparations for his or her comfort. At the very least, make sure everyone has their bathroom needs taken care of prior to your tour.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

February 01, 2022 at 9:51 PM

Hi Giulia,
The official policy of the Antelope Canyon tour companies is that “no refunds are available. Guests are able to reschedule their tour reservation 15 days prior to their tour date. Or, with the purchase of a $10 per ticket trip insurance, you are able to receive a refund of the purchase price of the ticket (minus applicable fees) up to 5 days prior to your scheduled tour. Without refund protection, there will be no refunds offered.”
That’s why we recommend purchasing travel insurance, either an “umbrella” policy (for the entire trip) or through the tour company itself.
Hope that helps,
Alley

January 25, 2022 at 2:19 PM

Hey Brittany,
Well, the good news is, you won’t go wrong visiting either one, they’re both beautiful!
If you are both relatively fit and can handle descending and ascending a few ladders, try to book Lower Antelope. Even though it is busy, it is more of a hands-on (or feet-on as the case may be LOL), up close and personal experience. To gauge whether this would be an appropriate activity for you, take a look at this full video walk-through of Lower Antelope Canyon. Note that the people on the tour are carrying backpacks, which is no longer allowed.
Whichever you decide, be sure to make reservations ASAP. You’re traveling during a timeframe that falls within the spring break holiday for many US schools, plus tour operators are running at partial capacity to facilitate social distancing.
Hope that helps! If you require further assistance, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

January 13, 2022 at 5:34 PM

Hi Mary Jo,
I would recommend dropping one night at the Grand Canyon and staying 2 nights in Page, AZ. I know that sounds crazy, but the fact is, you’d be doing a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing on the drive to Page, AZ. The shortest route takes you along the East Rim Drive of the Grand Canyon, where there are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Point. Upon exiting the park, you’ll be on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, where you’ll find lots of other photo ops as well, such as Chief Yellowhorse’s Souvenir Stand, the Cameron Trading Post, Chinle formation views, just to name a few. The distance from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, is about 150 miles, but don’t be surprised if the drive takes you ~3.5-4 hours when you factor in all the stops.
Unfortunately, there is a bit of bad news: the kayak tours do not allow kids under 7. The good news is there is a water-based activity that does welcome kids 4 and up: the Horseshoe Bend Raft Trip. This is a wonderful family-oriented raft trip that doesn’t traverse any rapids, but what it may lack in excitement if adequately compensates for in beautiful scenery and compelling history. You could then visit Horseshoe Bend anytime at your convenience before or after the raft trip. The Horseshoe Bend parking lot is open from sunrise to sunset, which in August, is 5:40 am and 7:20 pm respectively.
The Antelope Canyons are open now, and a guided tour is required to visit the landside segments of the canyon. Be sure to book your Antelope Canyon tour ASAP as they are running at partial capacity to facilitate social distancing. Also, your options will be somewhat limited with a 5 YO in tow. Bringing Kids to Antelope Canyon
RE: rental car companies that do 1-way rentals, they are out there. AVIS is the only operator out of the Page Municipal Airport, so I’d look there first. Contour Airlines is the sole air service provider in Page, AZ. They fly primarily to Phoenix but also offer seasonal service to/from Las Vegas.
Hope that helps, I know it’s a lot to process. If you wish to contact me directly, you may do so at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley

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January 10, 2022 at 6:20 PM

Hey Kelly,
We recommend booking Antelope Canyon tours as far in advance as possible. It indeed looks as though Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours is only taking reservations through February. However, they are one of four Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies operating in Page, AZ.
You might also inquire with:
– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours, 928-645-9102, www.antelopecanyon.com
– Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, 928-645-5594, www.antelopeslotcanyon.com
– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours, (928) 614-4919 or (928) 640-6808, https://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com/
If these tour companies’ slots are sold out for April, you might consider Antelope Canyon X, which is managed by Taadidiin Antelope Canyon X Tours https://www.antelopecanyon-x.com/ (928) 660-8890
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

January 06, 2022 at 3:03 PM

Goodmorning
There is any photography tours for lower or x canyon? Take a tripod on the ordinary tours?

Thanks for attention.

September 14, 2022 at 12:17 AM

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From Alley Keosheyan

Hi Stefano,
Neither Upper nor Lower Antelope Canyon offer photography tours any longer. The exploding popularity of these two canyons have made that impractical, and cost-prohibitive. Tripods are not allowed on sightseeing tours in either of the main segments of the canyon.
You can take a photography tour in Antelope Canyon X. These do allow for the use of tripods, and the time required to get the perfect exposure.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 14, 2022 at 12:25 PM

Hi Travis,
Totally get having a job that doesn’t allow much leeway for advance planning. Unfortunately, with the Antelope Canyons tour operators running at partial capacity due to COVID-19, and people chomping at the bit to travel, you may find it difficult booking both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours on short-ish notice.
If you find that to be the case, I wouldn’t fret too much about it. You can have a perfectly fulfilling visit to Page, AZ, by touring one segment of the Antelope Canyons. If you do prefer to delve deeper into its complexity, you might accomplish this by touring one of the alternate drainages of the canyon, such as:
– Antelope Canyon X
– Secret Antelope Canyon
– Mystical Antelope Canyon
– Waterholes Canyon
– Owl Canyon
– Mountain Sheep Canyon
– Rattlesnake Canyon
– Ram’s Head Canyon
– Wind Pebble Canyon
– Ligai Si’Anii Canyon
For more information, check out Antelope Canyon Alternative Tours.
As for who we are, we are not affiliated with any of the Antelope Canyon tour companies. Our site is owned and operated by Grand Circle Media, who administers several sites devoted to dispensing information on Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and other attractions in the surrounding area.
If you wish to contact me directly, you may do so at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!
Alley

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December 15, 2021 at 2:59 PM

Hi Nitz,
Yes, a guided tour is required to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, and the Christmas holiday, and days leading up to it, are typically busy, so make those reservations ASAP!
Why You Should Book In Advance
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays,
Alley Keosheyan
Staff Writer/Social Media Consultant
Grand Circle Media

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December 10, 2021 at 1:16 PM

Hi Lora,
Well, I’ll get the bad news out of the way first: it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to get to visit The Wave. This landmark is located in a Special Management Area of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs National Monument known as Coyote Buttes North. An advance permit is required to access this area, which is dispensed by an online lottery, held 4 months in advance of one’s proposed hiking date. The application period for permits for the month of March was November, so, if you have not applied for and won a permit in this manner, your likelihood of getting one through the virtual walk-up lottery are very low, especially for a party of 5. How To Get A Wave Permit
As for the rest of the attractions on your wish list, you should be able to visit those in the timeframe you specify, although you won’t be able to give certain parks such as Zion the time they deserve. Also, using Page, AZ, and Springdale, UT, as “base camps” from which to visit these attractions is not the best idea due to driving distances and short daylength.
For the Grand Canyon, you should plan on staying either inside the park at the South Rim, or Tusayan, AZ, ~7 miles outside the park. For Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, you’ll need 1 night in Page, AZ. For Bryce Canyon and Zion, Kanab, UT, would be a better place to stay since it’s located between the two parks, whereas Springdale, UT, is on the Western border of the park.
As to what kind of plan you need, that largely depends on when and where you can find hotel availability.
A popular itinerary would go something like this:
Day 1: Fly to Las Vegas, drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~5 hours), optional stop at Hoover Dam, overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 2: Drive to Page, AZ (~3-3.5 hours from Grand Canyon if you stop at the viewpoints between GC Village and Desert View), visit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, overnight in Page
Day 3: Tour Antelope Canyon in the AM (advance reservations required), drive to Bryce Canyon (~3 hours), optional stop to hike Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, take scenic rim drive in Bryce, maybe hike part of the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail in the park, overnight in Bryce Canyon area or Kanab, UT.
Day 4: Drive to Zion (~1 hour from Kanab, UT, or 2 hours from Bryce), take Zion Canyon Shuttle from Springdale to the main sightseeing areas in the park, hike Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools trails, overnight in Springdale or Kanab
Day 5: Drive back to Las Vegas (~4 hours from Kanab, ~3 hours from Springdale), optional stop at Valley of Fire State Park, fly home
Trip map
Again, hotel availability (or lack thereof) will ultimately tell the tale of which order you visit these attractions in. Be prepared to flip-flop this itinerary if necessary. The main thing is DON’T think you can wing it, reservations are necessary for all hotels and guided tours! Remember also that you’re traveling during the Spring Break holiday for many schools, so it will be busy.
A couple of other things to keep in mind: although the calendar says “spring,” weather might still be more “winter” like. Best case scenario, expect days that are sunny but brisk, worst case, you could encounter a snowstorm. Start monitoring local weather about 2 weeks before you get set to travel. Another thing: daylength. Knowing when sunrise and sunset occur is very important in this part of the U.S. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged due to local roads being very dimly lit and the possible presence of deer, elk, and even livestock animals that can elevate your risk of a collision. That’s not something you want to chance in an unfamiliar area that’s pitch black, freezing cold, where cell service is spotty (IF you can get any bars at all), and help will be a long time coming, not to mention VERY expensive. At the time of year you’re visiting, sunrise in Arizona occurs at 6:20 am and sunset takes place at 6:40 pm. Utah will be one hour ahead. Plan to be at your final destination for the day well before dark for optimal safety.
Hope that helps, I know it’s a lot to process! Please feel free to contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!
Alley 🙂

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December 07, 2021 at 5:27 PM

_________________________________________

From Lora

Alley, thank you so much for the great information!
Happy Holidays!
Lora

December 08, 2021 at 1:01 PM

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From Taylor

Hi Alley. I have a few questions for you about our trip. Could I email you?

January 05, 2022 at 7:58 PM

Hi Peggy,
If you’ve got the Horseshoe Bend & Secret Antelope Slot Canyon tour booked already, there’s no need to book an Upper Antelope Canyon tour. Because your travel dates are in the days leading up to Thanksgiving might have something to do with lack of seats, but Secret Antelope is very scenic, and less crowded than Upper. If you have your heart set on seeing Upper Antelope Canyon, which I wouldn’t blame you a bit for, then I’d recommend cancelling the Horseshoe Bend & Secret Tour; otherwise, you might get “slotted out.”
With three nights in Page, AZ, you can certainly accomplish a lot. If by “spending a day on Lake Powell,” you mean doing some kind of boat tour, these are being offered during the shoulder season as private charters, which must be booked by phone at 928.645.1027. Word of warning, it will be cold, so be sure you’re ready for that, as well as wind.
If being on the water isn’t necessary, you can still enjoy the views of Lake Powell from the shoreline, or further back if you don’t want to pay the $30/vehicle entrance fee for Glen Canyon. Inside the park, there’s a nice trail that extends from the Lake Powell Resort complex past a couple of beach areas. Or you could drive *almost* to the border of Utah and poke around the Lone Rock Beach area. If paying that entrance fee doesn’t appeal, you can get good views of Lake Powell from the Page Rim View Trail or Grandview Overlook Park.
Other activities you might enjoy include but certainly aren’t limited to:
– Glen Canyon Dam/Steel Arch Bridge
– Hanging Garden Trail & The Chains
– Glen Canyon Dam/White House Overlook
– The “New” Wave and Radio Tower Rock
– Gunfighter Canyon
– Wahweap Overlook
– Big Water Visitors Center & Dinosaur Museum
– Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail
– Wire Pass Canyon/Buckskin Gulch
– Alstrom Point Tour
Hope that helps! Please feel free to contact me personally at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

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November 09, 2021 at 5:40 PM

Hi Sophie,
This is a good question!
We are a privately owned site, but we work with the majority of the Antelope Canyon tour operators in Page, AZ. We are fortunate to have a good arrangement with them which enables us to offer seats before other sites do.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

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November 05, 2021 at 11:58 AM

Hi Varun,
There are no guided tours from Grand Canyon South Rim that do what you’re wanting to accomplish.
You’ll need to self-drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, which is about a ~3.5 hour drive one way. If you’ve looked on Google maps and found a drive time figure of 2 hours and change, that’s “wheels turning, no stops,” which rarely happens because the drive is very scenic and you will be stopping to take pictures more often than your think! You should definitely take advantage of the opportunity to visit the more than half a dozen Grand Canyon viewpoints between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Point, all with varying perspectives and features that make them worthwhile photo stops.
A guided tour is required to visit both Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope Canyon. Regarding Lower Antelope Canyon, I would consider carefully whether this would be an appropriate activity for your 5 year old. It’s not a super-hard hike, but there are several staircases and ladders that one must navigate to get down into the canyon, then ascend back out of it. To get a sense of what that looks like, watch this Full Video Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon Note that backpacks are no longer allowed in Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon (this video was made a few years ago). Also, there’s a new network of steps and walkways to navigate from the exit of Upper Antelope Canyon back to the vehicle parking area. Both Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon will take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours each to visit.
Horseshoe Bend can be visited at one’s leisure during normal operating hours of the parking lot, which are sunrise to sunset. At the time of year you are visiting, sunrise takes place at 7:16 am and sunset occurs around 5:11 pm. Allot at least 60-90 minutes to park your vehicle, walk to the rim, take photos, then walk back to your vehicle.
Since you don’t have much daylight to work with in late November, I do not recommend you attempt to visit the Antelope Canyons and/or Horseshoe Bend as a day trip from Yavapai Lodge. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to local roads being very dimly lit and the possible presence of deer, elk, and even livestock animals that can elevate your risk of a collision. That’s not something you want to chance in an unfamiliar area that’s pitch black, freezing cold, where cell service is spotty (IF you can get any bars at all), and help will be a long time coming, not to mention VERY expensive. It would be best if you were able to stay overnight at a hotel in Page, AZ, in order to accomplish everything on your wish list without risking a nighttime drive back to the South Rim.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 25, 2021 at 3:40 PM

Dear GK,
No, they are not. The terrain is far too rugged, plus there are several ladders that most animals (as in 99.999999%) are not able to navigate.
To see what we mean by this, take a look at this Full Walk Through of Lower Antelope Canyon Video
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 24, 2021 at 2:01 PM

Hi Denise,
I understand that the BLM website has experienced some intermittent troubles, but to my knowledge, camping with a trailer is legal on BLM land. The thing to keep in mind, however — well, a few things, really — is that many sites where “boondocking” is permitted are situated down dirt roads, such as the House Rock Valley Road, which may be rendered impassable after recent rains or snow. At the time of year you’re traveling, your risk is higher for encountering precipitation. Also, BLM campgrounds typically have no electrical hook-ups, and don’t permit the use of generators. In November, nights are starting to get cold, and you’ll definitely appreciate access to reliable heat.
In light of those concerns, you might want to rethink this plan, and either a. make reservations at developed campgrounds or b. spring for hotels. For more information, you might call the local BLM office to speak with a live human being. Their # is 435-644-1300.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 13, 2021 at 3:56 PM

Hi Corrie,
Thank you for contacting us!
1. All roads you plan to travel should be open and passable, but to be safe, bookmark www.az511.com (for Arizona) and https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/current-conditions/road-conditions/ (for Utah). If you were to encounter any closures at all, it would most likely be due to weather.
2. RE: the “glass bridge over the canyon,” that is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is located in Grand Canyon West, not Grand Canyon National Park, so if the National Park is where you’re planning to go, that’s a non-starter. There are some sections of road in Zion and Bryce Canyon that hug a cliffside, but they are typically protected by guardrails. I would definitely recommend staying away from the Moki Dugway! The last part of the drive between the Grand Canyon and Page, AZ, also has a few precarious spots on US89 from Bitter Springs to Manson Mesa. There is a bypass route, US89T, that you can catch from The Gap that is more gradual, but still scenic. I don’t know if you were planning on going to Sedona, AZ, but 89A from Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon is very twisty and windy. If that does not appeal, simply go in the back way, via I-17 to US179. That will add some time to your trip, but you’d avoid a lot of teeth-gnashing and nail-biting. You might want to proceed with caution to Horseshoe Bend as well, because even though a platform with a safety rail was recently installed, most of the overlook is unfenced, and it’s a 700′ drop off to the river.
3. RE: planning vs. winging it, you have room for both. One thing I do need to point out is that even though November is considered off-season, Thanksgiving week gets busy. All hotels should be booked in advance. Ditto for guided tours, which you need to do for Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend can be visited at your leisure, anytime during normal operating hours of the parking lot, which is sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. During Thanksgiving week, sunrise occurs at around 7:20 AM, and sunset occurs shortly before 5:15 PM. Speaking of sunrise and sunset times, you’ll need to be aware of these, especially sunset. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to local roads being very dimly lit and the possible presence of deer, elk, and even livestock animals that can elevate your risk of a collision. That’s not something you want to chance in an unfamiliar area that’s pitch black, freezing cold, where cell service is spotty (IF you can get any bars at all), and help will be a long time coming, not to mention VERY expensive. On your transitional days, you need to be sure you’re at your destination well before sundown.
Hope that helps, I know it’s a lot to process. If you need further guidance, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 11, 2021 at 7:04 PM

_________________________________________

From Corrie DeCamp

Thanks, Alley. This is great.

In addition to the roads (very helpful), are there any recommended easy to moderate trail hikes in Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches that do NOT have steep drop offs visible from the hiking trail?

Thanks!
Corrie

October 16, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Hey Kamal,
A permit lottery is not held for Antelope Canyon tours, but you must make advance reservations for a tour. Winning the permit lottery is required, however, if you wish to hike The Wave. For more information on that, check out the article on this site regarding How To Get A Wave Permit. Since the likelihood of you winning a permit, statistically speaking, is extremely low, I would also recommend checking out our companion site, www.TheWaveAZ.com, particularly the article “So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit – Now What?”
Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 05, 2021 at 3:03 PM

Hey Anke,
Almost everything is open, with a few limitations. For example, Antelope Canyon tours are operating at partial capacity in order to facilitate social distancing, which means that making advance reservations is more imperative than ever! Boat tours won’t be running at the time of year you’re visiting (it’s too cold), which is normal. The Carl Hayden Visitors Center remains closed, but could reopen by the time you visit. For more information on the status of visitor facilities, activities, etc., in the various parks you wish to visit, go to NPS.gov and choose the “Find Your Park” option.
Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 05, 2021 at 2:56 PM

Hi Zharmagne,
The trip plan described in this article is not an escorted tour, it is merely a suggested itinerary to get the most out of one’s visit.
If you prefer to go with an escorted tour, these are offered by companies such as Viator, primarily out of Las Vegas, NV. They may not follow this itinerary to the letter, but will come very close to doing so. If overnight hotel stays are involved, the tour company typically picks the hotel.
Otherwise, this itinerary is very easy to self-drive, using Las Vegas, NV, or Phoenix, AZ, as your fly-in/out point. Regarding which hotel you should stay in, Page, AZ, offers a decent selection of chain and independent hotels. About half a dozen new hotels were built over the past 2-3 years what with Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon increasing exponentially in popularity. For a fairly complete listing of Page, AZ, hotels, sortable by price and/or traveler ranking, visit TripAdvisor.com: Page, AZ, Hotels
Hope that helps! Please contact us at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

October 04, 2021 at 12:25 PM

Hey Darlene,
At the moment, the Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon tour bundle is not available for booking. This is most likely due to the Antelope Canyon tour operators running at limited capacity due to COVID.
You can still book the Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope Canyon tours separately. Be sure to allow enough time between tours so you do not risk being late and missing out on anything.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 30, 2021 at 1:35 PM

Hi Steve,
According to Recreation.gov (the site where you apply for Wave permits):

You may select a max of 3 other people to act as alternate permit holders on your trip. Please enter a valid email address for each of the intended holders. They will receive an email and will need to validate within 72 hours. See Alternate Permit Holders for more information.

Other group members’ names need not be submitted.
To confirm 100%, call (435) 644-1300
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 27, 2021 at 8:37 PM

Hey Tammy,
According to Recreation.gov, who administer issuance of Wave permits via the online lottery, “Violators of group size may be cited if limit is exceeded. Joining with those on a separate permit to exceed 6 is prohibited.” You might have to have half your group apply for permits on one day, then the other half the following or prior day.
Since the likelihood is low anyway that any portion of your group will be successful in obtaining a Coyote Buttes North hiking permit, another way you might experience The Wave — which will be kind of pricey, but most find well worth the cost — would be to fly over it. Airplanes and helicopters can be chartered out of the Page Municipal Airport (PGA). Mornings are the best time to fly for lack of wind, optimal lighting, and to ensure natural quiet during peak hiking times. For more information on flying over the Wave, and alternate areas you might visit, please go to our companion site, www.TheWaveAZ.com: So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit, Now What?
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 20, 2021 at 1:42 PM

Hi Chaniya,
How sweet of you to want to have your father accompany you on this definitely amazing itinerary! You’ll be happy to know that many octogenarians successfully make the trip every year, and have no shortage of easy walking trails to enjoy in all the different parks. I would recommend visiting www.NPS.gov and doing a search on all the parks on your itinerary, then go to the “Plan Your Visit” section, and click on the “Hiking” tab.
As for “sitting at a cafe and wait while you go on a hike,” that may not be too practical as park restaurants see large numbers of people during peak season, and are not keen to have people taking up tables waiting on hiking parties. A better plan, should your father not join you on any activities, would be to have him hang out in the hotel room, or perhaps take in a ranger program at a local visitors center. In Zion, if you’re not staying at the Zion Lodge inside the park, you’ll have to utilize the Zion Canyon Shuttle to get around.
For Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope is the segment of the canyon that we used to recommend most for seniors, but during COVID-19, they installed a 1/2-mile long series of steps and catwalks out of the canyon and over a ridgeline back to the vehicle parking area. The walkway doesn’t have a lot of uphill, it’s mostly downhill, but it is completely exposed. If your Dad can’t handle long periods of exposure to the sun or hot, dry weather, you might want to do Secret Antelope Canyon instead. It’s another beautiful slot canyon, with no stairs, about a 450 meter walk all told. The slot canyon also goes by the name Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon or Secret Canyon on some sites.
The Horseshoe Bend Overlook trail is a 1.4 mile walk, round-trip, and while it’s fairly flat, it can be hard to manage in the heat of summer, if that’s when you’re traveling. That’s an activity I’d recommend planning for just after sunrise to enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. If you decide that activity might be too much for your father to take on, you might consider flying over it in a fixed-wing airplane or helicopter. Horseshoe Bend air tours depart out of the Page Municipal Airport daily, weather permitting and possibly contingent on a certain number of passengers traveling. Here again, mornings are the best time to fly for light and shadow play on the canyon walls and lack of wind.
One last thing: before committing to this trip, your Dad might want to have a sit-down with his physician. One over-arching concern throughout the itinerary is altitude, which can vary from 4,000 ASL (above sea level) in Page, AZ, to 8,000′ ASL. Individuals unaccustomed to this type of environment can experience symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulties, more commonly known as altitude sickness.
Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 20, 2021 at 1:36 PM

Hi Mita,
Unfortunately, many Antelope Canyon tour operators forbid children younger than 6 from taking part.
The exceptions are, for Upper Antelope Canyon:
– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours, 928-645-9102, www.antelopecanyon.com
– Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, 928-698-3384 https://navajotours.com
For Lower Antelope Canyon, children are allowed, with parental discretion advised, with:
– Dixie Ellis’ Antelope Lower Canyon Tours, (928) 640-1761, www.antelopelowercanyon.com
– Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours (928) 606-2168 http://lowerantelope.com/
In late October, you will not see the light beams at all, so simply book whichever tour has availability.
Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 14, 2021 at 9:02 PM

Hi Stacy,
Since your comment was posted on the “How To Get A Wave Permit” article, I assume you are referring to hiring a guide to The Wave.
The answer to when, would be when you are notified of having successfully received a Coyote Buttes North hiking permit through the online lottery, which is held 4 months in advance. There are over a dozen authorized companies who can escort you to The Wave, or suggest alternate areas in the likely event you do not succeed at getting a hiking permit in the online lottery. For the complete list, visit our companion site, TheWaveAZ.com: Hire A Guide
If you are not successful at obtaining a Wave permit in the online lottery, your other option would be to try for a walk-in permit through the in-person lottery, which is held the day prior to when you wish to hike at the Kanab Center Gymnasium. If you are successful at obtaining a North Coyote Buttes hiking permit in this manner, you may have a harder time hiring a guide on such short notice. The good news is, you don’t necessarily need a guide to get to The Wave. If you get a permit, either via the online or in-person lottery, you will be issued a detailed map with directions to the Wire Pass Trailhead, and Coyote Buttes North.
Hope that helps. If you have further questions, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

September 13, 2021 at 4:46 PM

Hi Jane,
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your chances of getting a Wave permit aren’t great at that time of year, primarily because late September/early October are prime times to hike The Wave. This is due to cooler, mostly stable weather that tends to predominate in autumn.
Since the online lottery for September took place in May, your only chance at this point is to get a permit through the walk-in lottery, which takes place daily at the Kanab Center Gymnasium in Kanab, UT.
In the likely event you are unable to secure a hiking permit for North Coyote Buttes, you might consider flying over the area in a fixed-wing airplane or helicopter. These can be chartered out of the Page Municipal Airport in Page, AZ. Touring aircraft would not land at The Wave, but you would get to see a ton of incredible scenery in addition to The Wave in a relatively short time in the air. For more information, visit our companion site, TheWaveAZ.com: So You Didn’t Get A Wave Permit, Now What?
If the prospect and/or price tag of flying doesn’t appeal, you might consider hiking The New Wave and Radio Tower Rock Loop near Page, AZ. This small but interesting cluster of rock formations bears a slight resemblance to The Wave, is a relatively easy walk conveniently located near the Glen Canyon Dam, and best of all, doesn’t require a permit.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 31, 2021 at 6:47 PM

Hi Steph!
This is a really good question 😉
While weather in Page, AZ, after the Christmas holidays is typically cold, snow is relatively rare. Should it occur, however, it doesn’t “ruin the look of everything.” Quite the opposite, it provides a beautiful contrast to the landscape of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon that few get to see! Just be prepared for colder weather by packing a jacket and gloves, make advance reservations for hotels and guided tours (the Xmas and New Year’s holidays are still busy), and enjoy.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Wintertime
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 25, 2021 at 11:28 AM

Hi Carole,
I wish I could assist you with this, but you need to get in touch with your chosen tour company for confirmation of your tour. Not knowing who you booked with, contact information is as follows:

Upper Antelope Canyon

– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours, 928-645-9102, http://www.antelopecanyon.com
– Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, 928-645-5594, http://www.antelopeslotcanyon.com
– Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, 928-698-3384 https://navajotours.com
– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours, (928) 614-4919 or (928) 640-6808, https://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com/

Lower Antelope Canyon

– Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours (928) 606-2168 http://lowerantelope.com/ and
– Dixie Ellis’ Antelope Lower Canyon Tours (928) 640-1761 http://antelopelowercanyon.com
Be aware that Antelope Canyon tours are operating at limited capacity due to COVID-19, and due to a prolonged closures for the same reason, there a is a lot of pent-up demand for tours. Please be patient as there is bound to be a heavier than normal volume of reservation requests.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 24, 2021 at 12:26 PM

Hey Simone,
If you book 3 slots and end up cancelling two, that will open up the slots for other people. However, before booking (and paying for) any seats, you should be aware of your chosen tour company’s cancellation policy, specifically, whether you would be refunded for the seats you cancel, and how far in advance you would need to do so in order to avoid any penalties.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 24, 2021 at 12:28 PM

Hey Kelly,
This is a really good question! Unfortunately, to my knowledge, the Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies are not allowing visitors to walk back through the canyon to get back to the tour vehicles. This is to negate or minimize possible exposure to COVID-19 (even though masks are required), and ease bottlenecking through the canyon. Allowing for more time to navigate the walkways may be an option, but the only way to know this for certain is to contact your tour company directly.
– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours, 928-645-9102, www.antelopecanyon.com
– Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, 928-645-5594, www.antelopeslotcanyon.com
– Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, 928-698-3384 https://navajotours.com
– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours, (928) 614-4919 or (928) 640-6808, https://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com/
If you find out that the catwalks are unavoidable, there are other slot canyons in the area that do not require so much walking on the back end of the tour. These include, but aren’t limited to:
– Secret Antelope Canyon, aka Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon, formerly Secret Canyon, actually a side drainage of Waterholes Canyon, Secret Antelope/Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon is a long, continuous slot with no ladders, approximately half a mile in length. Accessed via a 6-mile 4×4 track off US89 on Navajo Indian Land, and a 300-meter walk on a flat, sandy trail, you’ll explore this spectacular slot canyon with a group no larger than 25 guests, in a relaxed, unhurried manner, so you can take as many photos as you wish, without the next tour group breathing down your neck. Like all slot canyons on Navajo Indian Land, Secret Antelope Canyon is only accessible with a guided tour, and what’s cool about this tour is that you can easily piggy-back it with a visit to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, with exclusive access to a private entrance that reduces the walk to the rim to a mere 100 yards! Secret Antelope Canyon tours are offered by Horseshoe Bend Tours, 821 US Highway 89, Page, AZ 86040; phone (435) 275-4594. Children must be at least 6 years old to take part. You can also inquire about tours to Alstrom Point here.
– Red Canyon, aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon: if your travels in the area will take you to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon, you’re in luck! A tour of one of the Grand Circle’s most scenic, easiest, and least crowded slot canyons can be conveniently enjoyed in historic Kanab, UT, just one hour from Page, AZ. Red Canyon, also known as Peek-A-Boo Canyon, but not to be confused with Peek-A-Boo Gulch that dovetails onto Spooky Gulch, features stunning orange sandstone walls reminiscent of Antelope Canyon, and unique geological formations you won’t find anywhere else. The walk through the slot canyon is approximately .7 miles, and is very easy; even a small rock jam midway through the canyon is a piece of cake for most hikers to get around. What isn’t easy is the access road to get there, so while it is possible to visit Red Canyon by yourself, we don’t recommend it, especially if you’re in a rental car. Fortunately, there are several reputable tour companies in Kanab, UT, who can get you to Red Canyon in comfort and safety. Like Upper Antelope Canyon tours, guided tours to Peek-A-Boo Canyon welcome people of all ages and fitness levels.
– Dreamland Safari Tours, 4350 E Mountain View Drive, Kanab, UT 84741 (435) 334-5893
– Kanab ATV Tour Company, 681 Chinle Drive, Kanab, Utah, 84741 (435) 644-5525
– TC Tours, 170 E 200 S, Kanab, UT 84741 (435) 668-5262
– Forever Adventure Tours, 78 E. Center Street, Kanab, UT 84741 (435) 644-5700
– Roads End Tours, 59 E 100 S, Kanab, UT 84741 (866) 656-6664
– Coral Cliff Tours & Townhomes, 848 Country Club Dr, Kanab, UT 84741 (435) 899-0697
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 20, 2021 at 2:23 PM

Hi V,
Yes, Grand Adventures offers an excellent Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour From Flagstaff. For more information, click on the link in the previous sentence.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 17, 2021 at 2:47 PM

Does the Upper Antelope Tour involve a lot of hiking? We are a group of senior citizens (75-82) with various disabilities but very anxious to do the tour.

December 13, 2021 at 5:56 PM

_________________________________________

From Alley Keosheyan

Hey Cesar,
Upper Antelope Canyon does not involve a lot of hiking, but during the COVID-19 closure, the tour operators installed a network of steps and walkways from the exit of the canyon back to the tour vehicle parking area. It’s approximately a .5 mile walk, mostly downhill, but some may have trouble with that. I recommend you watch this video. Note that the walkway is now covered for better comfort.
If this won’t do for your party, you might consider Secret Antelope Canyon. It is another beautiful slot canyon located in the same general area (Page, AZ), but does not require managing any stairs. For more information on Secret Antelope Canyon tours, visit www.HorseshoeBendTours.com
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays!
Alley

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December 14, 2021 at 5:40 PM

Hi CRB,
Barring mitigating circumstances, such as a global pandemic, Antelope Canyon tours run year-round.
At this moment, they are running at reduced capacity, and requiring that all passengers wear masks or face coverings.
Also, be aware that touring Upper Antelope Canyon now requires that you traverse a half-mile long network of unshaded metal catwalks back to the touring vehicles, so it’s not necessarily the “easy” solution for families with young children or elderly visitors. The New Normal of Upper Antelope Canyon
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 16, 2021 at 1:25 PM

Hi Anouk,
It’s not so much a matter of making reservations, you must obtain a hiking permit for the Coyote Buttes North Area. A lottery is held on-line for the majority of permits 4 months in advance, so November’s permits were dispensed last month. An in-person lottery is held at the Kanab Center Gymnasium the day BEFORE one wishes to hike, every morning at 8:30 AM local time. So, you would want to be in Kanab, UT, the morning of November 3rd no later than 8:30 AM. For more information, visit our companion site, www.TheWaveAZ.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 04, 2021 at 8:21 AM

Hi Nandita,
So sorry I didn’t see your inquiry until now! Hopefully you had a wonderful time on the Antelope Canyon Kayak tour and that you found another activity to compliment your day without much trouble. Since the kayak tour actually covers the pre-slot portion of the Lower Antelope Canyon, I would have recommended you visit Wire Pass Canyon and/or Buckskin Gulch, or pursue an activity totally unrelated to slot canyons!
For instance, the Paria Rimrocks and Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is an easy and fun hike that leads to a beautiful and fascinating cluster of rock formations. The trailhead is located near mile marker 19 of US89, so if you were planning on visiting Wire Pass Canyon and Buckskin Gulch, you could easily make a two-fer out of it and the Toadstools as this young family did in this video. The “New” Wave is another pleasant and relatively easy hike, very close to Page, AZ, that you might enjoy. As the name suggests, some of the rock formations resemble The Wave in Coyote Buttes, but visiting this area doesn’t require a permit. Another very doable hike close by would by the Hanging Gardens Trail, which, if desired, could be complimented with a dip in Lake Powell at The Chains. One word of caution re: the Chains is that the water level of Lake Powell, as you’ve probably learned, is quite low, which means it would be a long hike down to the water, but more importantly, a long hike back up.
If you’re open to another tour, I highly recommend a 4×4 tour to Alstrom Point, Studhorse Mesa, Skylight Arch, or the Cottonwood Wash Narrows. For more information on these options, visit Big Orange Jeep Tours.
For a pleasant day trip, you might visit Lees Ferry and the Lonely Dell Ranch near Marble Canyon, ~1 hour’s drive from Page, AZ. A walk across Navajo Bridge may give you the opportunity to see some California Condors up close and personal, although with wildlife, that’s always kind of a crap shoot! Further up US89A, you’ll find an expansive balanced rock garden, including a house built into one! Time your visit so that you can enjoy breakfast or dinner at Cliff Dweller’s Lodge, one of the best-kept culinary secrets in Northern Arizona.
Whatever you decide, be sure to plan your more labor-intensive activities for the earlier morning hours to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
Hope that gives you some good ideas for how to spend the rest of your week!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 03, 2021 at 1:17 PM

Hi Lacey,
Boy, that’s a good question, unfortunately, the best photographer in Page, AZ, I was personally acquainted with passed away a few years ago 🙁
You might consider joining the Page, AZ, Community Billboard group on Facebook and posting an inquiry there. You could also contact the Page/Lake Powell Hub, the local visitors center, for referrals. Their phone # is (928) 608-5749. If you happen to talk to Gordon, tell him Alley said “hi” 🙂
Hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley

August 02, 2021 at 3:28 PM

Hey Joseph,
It depends on which tour you book and through which tour company, but standard is 72 hours prior to tour in order to qualify for a full refund.
Again, check with your tour company to be absolutely certain!
If you have further questions, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

August 02, 2021 at 3:20 PM

Hi Sarah!
We appreciate your compliments, and this is a really great question re: practical guidance to the other parks.
For Zion, a site we refer to often is “Joe’s Guide To Zion National Park,” which you can access at CitrusMilo.com/ZionGuide
For Bryce, a blog called “Well-Planned Journey” has some good advice and practical tips, including suggestions for non-hikers on enjoying the park to the fullest.
My personal go-to site for information on National Parks, Monuments, State Parks, Historic and Cultural Sites, and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, however, is www.AmericanSouthwest.net Thanks to that site, I’m still learning about the Southwest US and getting turned on to new places to visit, even after living there for 25 years!
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 26, 2021 at 1:14 PM

Hey Georgy,
We’re still waiting on that ourselves. I will e-mail you privately as soon as we get the green light!
Alley 🙂

July 26, 2021 at 12:49 PM

_________________________________________

From Georgy

Thanks so much Alley, I’ll look forward to hearing from you. Really appreciate your help!
Have you been loving all this rain!

July 26, 2021 at 2:22 PM

Hi Caroline,
Right now, the only tours available for booking are Upper Antelope, Cathedral Canyon, some hummer rentals and air tours. If Navajo Antelope Canyon states their booking site is down, you’ll need to keep checking back with them.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful,
Alley 🙂

July 22, 2021 at 2:42 PM

Hi Skip,
With a group that size, your best bet is to book directly with one of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies:
– Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, www.antelopeslotcanyon.com, 928-645-5594
– Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours, www.antelopecanyon.com, 928-645-9102
– Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours, www.navajoantelopecanyon.com, 928-380-1874
– Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, www.navajotours.com, 928-310-9458
No need to quibble too much about who is best, they will all offer the same exact tour right down to the footstep, and very close in price.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 22, 2021 at 2:39 PM

Hey Hey Christine 😉
Page, AZ, has been busy, but not super-crowded like years past. We are doing our best to get the word out about the reopening of the Antelope Canyons, which, even in this day and age, takes time.
As for how it will be in October, that obviously remains to be seen. In general, though, October is a great time of year to be here! Temperatures are cooling, and even though it is still busy (usually, anyway), it’s typically not as crazy as the summer months since it’s mostly adults out traveling.
All that said, we still strongly advise making advance reservations for Antelope Canyon tours. In order to reduce/negate possible exposure to COVID-19, all Antelope Canyon tour companies are operating at half capacity by Tribal Executive Order. Another thing to keep in mind if you were wanting to tour Upper Antelope Canyon with kids or seniors is that it’s no longer the easy-as-pie walk as it was in the past. There is now a network of steps and walkways you must navigate that goes over a ridge from the exit of the canyon back to the tour truck parking area. It’s a distance of about half a mile, and while it doesn’t involve a lot of uphill climbing, it’s completely exposed to the elements, which may be problematic for parents carrying an infant or toddler, or an elderly person unaccustomed to such conditions.
Hope that helps. Please contact us directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Alley 🙂

July 21, 2021 at 12:23 PM

Hi Paige,
Due to COVID-19 and Antelope Canyon tours only operating at 50% capacity, photography tours have been temporarily suspended.
That said, you can still take good photos on a regular sightseeing tour. The majority of tour guides are very knowledgeable about which settings, angles, etc., are required to best capture Antelope Canyon, even from a simple camera phone!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 19, 2021 at 12:32 PM

Hi Zach,
I am so sorry for the delay in response to your inquiry. The Antelope Canyon tour operators are doing their best to get things back up and running, and we have since learned that the Triple Crown will not be offered this season. We expect to have the Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon tour bundle available for booking online in a week or so. Meanwhile, you might look into booking the Antelope Canyon Boat Tour or an Antelope Canyon Kayak Tour separately.
Thank you for your patience. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2021 at 2:46 PM

Hi Georgy,
We are working on getting the Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon bundle back online as soon as possible! However, we have since heard that the “Triple Crown” won’t be offered this season due to issues with the boat tour component. I would recommend checking back to the above link in a few days time.
Thanks so much for your patience!
Alley 🙂

July 16, 2021 at 2:43 PM

Just the one we served…for which we thank you!

July 11, 2021 at 2:48 PM

Hi Reshma,
The Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons remain closed and we’ve received no indication of when they might reopen. The best alternative available right now is to kayak into the waterside from Antelope Point Marina (the tour described in the article you commented on), which includes some hiking into the pre-slot portion of the lower canyon, on Federal and not Tribal land.
You are correct in that Lake Powell Boat Tours will not go into Antelope Canyon, but it is possible to charter a boat, with a US Coast Guard Certified captain as your guide, for a set hourly rate. This service is offered from both Antelope Point Marina and Lake Powell Resort. This service may not be booked online, you must reserve by phone if interested. The phone number for Lake Powell Resort is 928-645-1027, for Antelope Point Marina, call 928-645-5900 x5053.
As for what you an “expect,” it’s going to be HOT! Be sure that you schedule all hiking and any other labor-intensive activities for as early in the morning as possible. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, wide brimmed hats, light clothing, and appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toed for walking in hot sand.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 23, 2021 at 12:46 PM

Hi Paul,
No, you just submit one application for a party of 4 🙂
Alley

June 14, 2021 at 2:54 PM

Hey Sunny,
I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to respond to your inquiry. For some reason I didn’t get an alert about it, which is weird, but… better late than never!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun, although teetering on the brink of being overplanned. Naturally, we are crossing fingers and toes that the Antelope Canyons and other Navajo Tribal Parks will reopen by the time you get here. If they don’t, you’ll have to look at alternatives, which there is no shortage of, thankfully.
Staying 2 nights at the Grand Canyon would certainly give you more time to enjoy it, especially in light of your itinerary, but as you’ve already seen, that may not be possible. One question: have you thought about dropping a night in Las Vegas, NV, and coming over on Day 4? Las Vegas, NV, really doesn’t have much to offer for kids, so IMO, you guys wouldn’t be missing much. It will take you ~5 hours to drive from Las Vegas, NV, to GC, longer if you factor in a stop at Hoover Dam. The drive to Monument Valley typically takes ~3.5 hours, wheels turning, no stops, but that rarely happens because the drive is very scenic, especially between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View Point. There are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints in that 26-mile stretch of road, all with different features and perspectives, so a good chunk of your Grand Canyon sightseeing will take place on the drive East. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it ends up taking more along the lines of 5-6 hours. I would strongly recommend going from GC to Monument Valley, then Page, AZ, and not GC-Page-MV. The latter route will involve a lot of backtracking, which is best avoided whilst on vacation.
If you’re looking for an easy hike to occupy your morning before heading back to Las Vegas, NV, the Lower Emerald Pool can be done in less than 1 hour (note that you’ll have to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle for that if you’re not staying inside the park). Or you may visit the fascinating ghost town of Grafton near Springdale, UT. The drive from Springdale, UT, back to Las Vegas, NV, will then take ~3-4 hours.
One last observation I can make is to resist the temptation to have every. single. minute. of your vacation planned. Vacations should be about exploring, certainly, but they should also include some good old-fashioned chill time. In my experience, the most memorable vacation memories come from places, people, views, even insights into your own character, that you discover for yourself.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 15, 2021 at 12:38 PM

_________________________________________

From Sunny

Hi Alley,

Thank you very much again for your always-helpful comments!!!
Everything we’ve read seems to scream that this itinerary is very popular, and advises wanna be travellers to book rather than drop by and hope for availability – and since we aren’t 1-2 ppl, as a family of 4 it would be even harder to hope for last minute availability especially if travel restrictions does lift, and everyone going on a frenzy, hence the over-planning. But then I tend to be an over-planner even before the pandemic LOL!!!
Super reassuring that you highly recommend GC-MV-Page (vs GC Page MV). The GC accommodations is the bottleneck that made us not able to add a night before or after the one night that we managed to get, and everything else sort of just fell in place around it. We adults have been to LV numerous times so we just plan to lounge in the hotel pool for one of the days LOL (we’ve been stuck in the cold and wet northern latitudes for way too long now) and the kids might just find a fake Venice, fake Paris, and fake new york interesting enough, especially after being stuck in the same scenery for 18 months. I haven’t booked the MV hotel room yet as it’s cancellation with a penalty… nothing is certain – if GC hotel opens up so maybe we just stay GC 2 nights and skip the overnight at MV (going straight from GC to Page).
Zion we’ve left more open ended – it will be end of our trip. I want to book horseback riding for 4 (our youngest would have just turned 9 – she’s not small but is on the lightweight side, skinny but strong legs as she’s a figure skater…. none of us has any horseriding experience though) – but i’m getting some anxiety-induced vetoes by 2 of the other 3 family members 🙁 Emerald Pool sounds lovely enough!

Best,
Sunny

June 19, 2021 at 5:22 PM

Hi Valerie,
Technically, Monument Valley is closed. Even though hotel properties like The View and Goulding’s Lodge have gotten clearance to stay open, they are still offering limited services, including running tours on modified routes. The backcountry of Monument Valley remains off-limits. It is still possible to drive through on US163 from Bluff to Kayenta, which still offers good views.
It takes ~2.5 hours, each way, to drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ. Remember that Monument Valley is on Mountain Daylight Time but Page is on Mountain Standard Time. You should then allot 90 minutes to 2 hours to visit Horseshoe Bend, including parking, walking to the rim, taking photos, then walking back to your vehicle. While the Antelope Canyons remain closed, there are other attractions you can still visit, such as:
– Page Rim View Trail
– Glen Canyon Dam/Steel Arch Bridge
– Hanging Garden Trail & The Chains
– Glen Canyon Dam/White House Overlook
– Grand View Overlook Park
– The “New” Wave and Radio Tower Rock
– Gunfighter Canyon
– Wahweap Overlook
– Wahweap Swim Beach and/or Lone Rock Beach (located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which requires a $30/vehicle entrance fee, good for one week’s time)
If you need further guidance upon arrival in Page, AZ, stop by the Page/Lake Powell Hub. Ask for Gordon, and if you see him, tell him Alley says “hi!”
Good luck and safe travels 🙂

June 10, 2021 at 3:32 PM

Hi Shilpa,
I’m afraid the online lottery period for July Wave permits has already passed (it was held in March). Your only hope at this point is to take part in the walk-in lottery, which is held at the Kanab Center Gymnasium, the day prior to when you wish to hike. In the very likely event you are unable to secure Wave hiking permits in this manner, another option would be to charter an airplane or helicopter over Coyote Buttes. While neither aircraft would be able to land in the area, and this service would be pricey, you would get to see a ton of amazing scenery in addition to The Wave.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 07, 2021 at 1:20 PM

Hey Melissa,
I don’t see why you couldn’t pull off a good trip in the timeframe you have. I am going to suggest some minor modifications, but the kicker is going to be availability (or lack thereof) for tours and hotels, seeing as though you’re traveling during one of the busiest weekends of the year. Here’s how I’d recommend doing it:
July 3rd: Arrive in Phoenix, rent car, drive straight to Page, AZ (~5 hour drive), overnight in Page
July 4th: AM Antelope Canyon Kayak tour, then drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3.5 hour drive) stopping at Horseshoe Bend on the way, overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim
***Note that the article you commented on promotes Lake Powell Hidden Canyon Kayak tours, but they are not the only such provider in town. Should they be sold out, check availability with:
– Lake Powell Paddleboards & Kayaks (928) 645-4017 www.lakepowellpaddleboards.com
– Lake Powell Adventure Co. (928) 660-9683 www.lakepowelladventure.com
– Kayak Lake Powell (928) 660-0778 www.kayakpowell.com
– WazSUP Kayak Rental (602) 233-2847 https://wazsupkayaks.com/
– Lake Powell Rentals & Retail (928) 614-8573 http://www.lakepowellvacations.com/
– Paddle Lake Powell (928) 660-2182 http://paddlelakepowell.com/
Watch 4th of July fireworks at Lake Powell National Golf Course, 2nd night in Page, AZ
July 5th: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim, stopping at viewpoints along East Rim/Desert View Drive (~3.5 hour drive), overnight at Grand Canyon
July 6th: from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona (~3 hour drive), maybe hike to Bell Rock for sunset, overnight in Sedona
July 7th: Instead of Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock, hike West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon — there’s a nice cool river running through it! — or take the kids to Slide Rock State Park. Maybe take the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour, 2nd night in Sedona ***please note that most popular Sedona hikes require a Red Rock Pass which you can purchase at the parking lots for $5. If you want to avoid the $5 fee, then make sure you bring your America The Beautiful Pass on your trip and hang it in your car***
July 8th: Drive back to PHX (~2.5 hours from Sedona), fly home
Trip map
All that said, the part of your inquiry that concerns me most is your desire for this trip to be “just perfect.” Speaking as a fellow perfectionist, and having traveled in recent months (aka during and post-COVID), I can tell you that most vacations are not perfect under ideal conditions, and you may encounter some hiccups on yours. If you don’t have anything reserved, you could very well have a rough go of it. Rental cars are especially in short supply since many companies sold off the bulk of their fleets during the pandemic. Since you’re traveling over 4th of July weekend, you may find prices jacked up quite a bit compared to non-holiday periods. Eating in restaurants is also a bit of a cr@pshoot since many businesses are having difficulties hiring enough staff to cover peak season. Assuming your kids are school-age, I’m also assuming that summertime is your only available window for travel, so be ready to do your hikes, kayaking, etc., during the earlier hours of the morning, and be prepared to share your hikes and other activities with other people, and lots of them.
Hope that helps, I know it’s a lot to process. If you need further guidance, please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 05, 2021 at 2:00 PM

Hi Elisa,
I’m afraid the online lottery period for July Wave permits has already passed (it was held in March). Your only hope at this point is to take part in the walk-in lottery, which is held at the Kanab Center Gymnasium, the day prior to when you wish to hike. In the very likely event you are unable to secure Wave hiking permits in this manner, another option would be to charter an airplane or helicopter over Coyote Buttes. While neither aircraft would be able to land in the area, and this service would be pricey, you would get to see a ton of amazing scenery in addition to Coyote Buttes. Chartering a flight over The Wave
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂

June 04, 2021 at 8:52 PM