#YOLO – it stands for “You Only Live Once.” So why would you tour the waterside of Antelope Canyon shoulder-to-shoulder with a boatload of strangers? Experience the power and majesty of Antelope Canyon as it joins with Lake Powell in a way that only a select few visitors will share, with Hidden Canyon Kayak Tours!
On Hidden Canyon Kayak’s Antelope Canyon Tour, you’ll glide between red sandstone walls towering high above tranquil morning waters, inching closer and closer together as you paddle gently and quietly toward the canyon’s land side. You needn’t have any previous kayaking experience to take part. Hidden Canyon Kayak’s licensed guides will teach you how to pilot your watercraft in safety and confidence, and provide all the equipment you need to keep your personal belongings safe and dry. Depending on Lake Powell’s water level, you’ll take a simple hike to where the slot canyon portion of Antelope Canyon begins. Your guide will take keepsake photos of you and your tour group at no extra charge! Group sizes are deliberately limited for more personalized service, so book your seats today, or you may be overcome by a bad case of FOMO.
Your tour price includes:
- Kayak (2-person models will be used unless previous alternate arrangements are made)
- Paddles
- Life jackets
- Snacks
- Refillable water
- Dry bags and boxes
Tour duration: 3-4 hours, depending on water level of Lake Powell
Tour schedules:
February 15th – April 30th: 7:30 – 11:30 AM
May 1st – September 14th: 6:30 – 10:30 AM and 7:30 – 11:30 AM
September 15th – October 31st: 7:30 – 11:30 AM
All times are Mountain Standard Time
Tours depart from from Antelope Point Marina Public Launch Ramp, which is about 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) from Downtown Page. Your kayak tour guide will meet you by the bathroom at the entrance to the parking lot. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Antelope Point Marina is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is a Federal Fee Area.
Tours require a minimum of 2 passengers to guarantee operation and are contingent on favorable weather conditions.
70 Responses
Hi,
Planning to visit Antelope Canyon area for 2 days a night(after visiting Zion and Bryce). We would love to see Antelope canyon, horseshoe bend etc… With Antelope Canyon closed. Is Kayak the only way to see the Upper/Lower Canyon or there is no way to see them. Someone suggested Boat ride, I am assuming its a ride on Lake Powell and one cant see the Canyon.
What can I expect during our trip during July 6 through 7 and how do we plan it best. Really appreciate all your suggestions and guidance.
Thanks
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 🙂
Hello Alley! My husband and I will be arriving in Phoenix on July 3rd and heading back home on June 8th. Each flight to and from is 5 hours (we are coming from Miami, FL). After reading a few of your responses, I realize that I may have unrealistic expectations on how much we can do with the little time we have. We arrive at 10:15 am on the 3rd and will need to rent a car. My hope was to take this kayak tour and see Antelope Canyon that way since there is no certainty that the on foot tours will have reopened by then. Regardless the early morning kayak tour sounds way more magical and serene! This will be my first trip to the Southwest, so the Grand Canyon is a must do as well. I also really want to spend time in Sedona and visit Devil’s bridge and Cathedral Rock. The flight home on the 8th takes off at 1:25 PM. Am I expecting too much? If so can you please suggest a realistic itinerary – even if it means scratching something off my list? Many thanks! This is a very long overdue bucket list trip away from the kids and I want it to be just perfect! Lastly , I know it’s going to be really hot mid-day and that you suggest doing physical activities in the early morning, but what would you suggest doing during that time given the little time we have?
Really appreciate any guidance and tips!
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 http://www.lakepowellpaddleboards.com
– Lake Powell Adventure Co. (928) 660-9683 http://www.lakepowelladventure.com
– Kayak Lake Powell (928) 660-0778 http://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 🙂
Hi, I’m planning a trip to Arizona June 17 – 23. My original plan was to fly into Phoenix and stay the night. Then drive to Sedona and hike a bit before heading to Page to stay the night. I was hoping to see Antelope Canyon, but sadly I see that it’s still closed. Any advice on the kayak option? We also want to see Horseshoe bend then stay the night near grand Canyon. we haven’t booked anything yet. Do you have any tips on hitting these places considering the closures?
Hi Ashleigh,
First of all, I don’t recommend visiting Sedona as a “drive-by” between Phoenix and Page. It’s a 2-hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona, then an additional 3-hours to Page, AZ. After spending the better part of a day hiking in the summer heat, a 3-hour drive is probably the last thing you’ll want to face! Besides, Sedona is a huge and beautiful area with a lot to see and do. You’ll want to at least give it 1-2 nights, 3-4 is even better. What’s more, I recommend placing it at the end of your trip so you can relax and chill before heading back to reality LOL
RE: hiking, kayaking, any labor-intensive activities, at the time of year you’re visiting, you want to schedule these kinds of activities as early as you possibly can to take advantage of cooler temperatures. At the time of year you’re visiting, daytime highs can (and do) get up over 100-110 degrees. Not exactly idea conditions for hiking, but with proper sun protection and plenty of water, it can be done.
Using Phoenix as your staging city, here’s what I’d recommend
June 17: Fly to Phoenix, overnight in Phoenix
June 18: Drive to Page, AZ (~5 hours), visit Horseshoe Bend, overnight in Page, AZ
June 19: Kayak Antelope Canyon, 2nd night in Page, AZ
June 20: Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3-3.5 hours from Page, AZ), stopping at viewpoints on East Rim/Desert View Drive en route to Grand Canyon Village, overnight at Grand Canyon
June 21: Drive to Sedona, AZ (~2.5 hours from GC South Rim), overnight in Sedona
June 22: Sightseeing in Sedona, AZ, possible activities: Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour, hike West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, Bell Rock Trail, Fay Canyon, etc. Best hikes in Sedona, 2nd night in Sedona
June 23: Drive back to PHX (~2.5 hours from Sedona), fly home
Custom trip map
Whatever you decide, be sure to book all hotels and guided tours ASAP. Your trip is just around the corner! If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Wow, you’re super helpful! I really appreciate the recommendations! I guess I hadn’t fully thought it through. I did consider spending the night in Sedona… but then we were gonna fly out of Vegas after leaving the grand canyon south rim area. Your plan sounds way better tho! 🙌🏾
Hi again, Ashleigh!
Glad our advice helped and hope it helps you get the most out of your experience.
Take care and have fun,
Alley 🙂
H again!
We decided to postpone that trip.. horseshoe bend being closed and the weather made me second guess. We are now planning the same trip for late September. Do you think that’s a good time visit the area?
Hi again, Ashleigh,
Late September-early October is a wonderful time to visit Page, AZ, and the Southwest U.S. The weather is cooling off, and while it’s still busy, it’s mostly adults out traveling since kids are back in school. The Antelope Canyons are open, and tours are available for online booking now!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello,
Myself and 2 children, ages 11 and 13 would love to do this tour on 6/24. Do you have any availability?
Hi Jan!
To inquire about availability for the Antelope Canyon Kayak/Hiking Tour, you must inquire directly with the concessionaire. The company referenced in this article is Lake Powell Hidden Canyon Kayak, who can be reached at (928) 660-1836. Should they not have availability for your desired date, other companies offering similar (or identical) services are:
– Lake Powell Paddleboards & Kayaks (928) 645-4017 http://www.lakepowellpaddleboards.com
– Lake Powell Adventure Co. (928) 660-9683 http://www.lakepowelladventure.com
– Kayak Lake Powell (928) 660-0778 http://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/
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi there,
I will be arriving to Flagstaff with my husband May 23rd and would love to visit the antelope canyon although per your previous comments I see its closed. We are considering on doing the kayak and we are planning to spend a night at the canyon so we can see more of it in two days (May 24th & 25th). We would like to do some hiking too. I would like some recommendations on how to get the best canyon experience in two days and suggestions on what to wear the days we’ll be there due to the weather.
I appreciate any help.
Dear Mumax,
At this point in time, if you haven’t made hotel reservations, you’re going to have a rough time finding availability at Grand Canyon South Rim especially. Sorry to be blunt, but that’s the way things are. Start by seeing where you can find a place to stay, one night in Page, AZ, and one night at Grand Canyon South Rim. If at all possible try to hit Page, AZ (~2.5 hours drive from Flagstaff) first so you can hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, then take the Antelope Canyon kayak tour first thing the next morning. Drive down to Grand Canyon South Rim, taking advantage of the opportunity to stop at the half-dozen+ named Grand Canyon viewpoints between Desert View Point and Grand Canyon Village. Although the drive from Page, AZ to GC is only ~140 miles, it’s not unusual to take 3.5-4 hours to make the trip because the drive is very scenic.
As indicated before, Grand Canyon Village hotels are likely to be sold out, so you’ll probably have better luck in Tusayan 7 miles outside the park, or Williams, 60 miles South of the park. You might even have to go as far as Flagstaff, AZ, that night. Flag (that’s what we call it around here) is ~90 minutes from the park. Regardless of where you end up staying, be sure you do all driving during daylight hours. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to local roads being very dimly lit, and the tendency for deer, elk, and other wildlife to wander about after sundown. You don’t want to risk a collision with one in an unfamiliar area that’s pitch black, 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 your visit, sunrise occurs at 5:11 am and sunset takes place at 7:34 pm.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Does this tour allow you to get out of your kayak and walk around the canyon?
Thanks for your insight in advance!
Hey Lindsey!
Yes, you can walk into the pre-slot portion of the lower canyon, which is on Federal and not Tribal land. If you’re expecting to see the same scenery as you would in one of the walking tours, it is not the same, but judging by the number of sold out dates for this tour last year, people didn’t mind it one bit.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
The booking links for the kayak tour don’t work. Is there a phone number I can call or another link?
Caitlin,
So sorry about the booking link! We’ll see about getting that fixed ASAP.
Meanwhile, Hidden Canyon Kayak’s phone number is (928) 660-1836, their website is http://www.lakepowellhiddencanyonkayak.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley – do you guys have a number you can be reached at? My family will in Page in early July and it’d be great if I could discuss various activity options over the phone. Thanks!
Hey Ernest,
I don’t do phone consultations, but am happy to share ideas with you via e-mail! Write me at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
🙂 Alley
I’m reading everywhere that upper and lower Antelope Canyon is closed. I’m looking to visit next weekend. Can you confirm if tours are open or not?
Hi Tara,
So sorry to report that the Antelope Canyons remain closed. Alternatives you may wish to consider are:
– Kayak tours of the waterside of Antelope Canyon that also include some hiking into the pre-slot portion of the lower canyon, which is in Federal and not Tribal land
– hiking in Wire Pass Canyon and/or Buckskin Gulch near Paria, UT, which can be done with or without a guide; note that the trailhead to these canyons is located down the unpaved House Rock Valley Road, which can be rendered impassable after rain or snow events
– guided tour of Red Canyon, aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon near Kanab, UT; while a guided tour is not required by law, they are very strongly recommended due to the main access road being very sandy and difficult to navigate for those without prior 4WD experience. For a list of tour guides, visit our companion site http://www.TheWaveAZ.com: Hire A Guide
Good luck and safe travels.
Also, apologies for the delay in response to your question. We were hoping to get good news this week re: the Antelope Canyons, which unfortunately didn’t materialize.
Alley 🙂
Hi! My family of four (two girls, age 7 and 5) would love for any chance to visit Antelope Canyon. We are planning to visit towards the end of June and came across this private kayak tour. Would you recommend for kids their age? And if so, what time would be ideal? We will be coming from Flagstaff. Thank you!
Hi Jenn,
Kayak tours may be enjoyed by kids as young as 5! Both kids would be required to travel in a tandem kayak with an adult, and first thing in the morning is the best time to take part in this activity for lack of wind and minimal chop from larger boat traffic. Trying to do this as a day trip out of Flagstaff, AZ, however is less than ideal. It takes ~2.5 hours to drive from Flagstaff, AZ, to Page, AZ, so you’d need to get a super-early start out of Flag (that’s what we call it around here), or better yet, spend the night prior at a hotel in Page, AZ.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂