You have two days in Page, Arizona. Sweet! Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are definitely on your to-do list. We’re with you so far. Then what else are you going to do to occupy your time? Here’s a news flash for you: you’re going to find so much cool stuff to do here, you’ll wish you had three days to spend in the area! More on that later…
So, what’s the Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, Arizona? Well, like the Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary, it consists of touring Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, but with a few twists.
Since a good majority of Page/Lake Powell visitors come to us from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff and points South, we’re going to assume that you are, too. If not, just take our suggested itinerary and shuffle it around a bit.
Day 1
Sunrise: Pack up the night before so you can get an early start on the drive to Page, Arizona. Depending on how often you stop, the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim or Flagstaff can take anywhere from 2.5- 4 hours. Enjoy breakfast at the Historic Cameron Trading Post. The Navajo Taco with an egg on top is amazing, but fair warning: unless you’re starving, get the “mini.” The regular is huge!
Mid-morning: Stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook just 5 miles South of Page, AZ, at Mile Marker 545 on US89. The new parking lot is well-signed, easy to find, and open from sunrise to sunset. After paying your entrance fee of $5 per motorcycle, $10 for standard passenger vehicles, or $35 for light commercial vehicles, hit the trail to the rim! The walk to the overlook is .7 miles each way and is manageable for most people in relatively good health. Along with the parking lot construction, grading and partial paving of the trail was done, making it a slightly longer, but less hilly walk than in years past. There are benches placed every few hundred yards if you or anyone in your party needs a breather, plus wheelchair access is also manageable with assistance. Other recent improvements include a raised platform with safety railings. However, the railings do not extend all the way around the overlook. For the most part, this remains an exposed overlook in a desert environment. Water and sun protection are a must, as are appropriate, preferably close-toed walking shoes. What To Bring to Horseshoe Bend Keep children and pets under control at all times; it’s a 500’+ drop to the river. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Allow 60-90 minutes to enjoy the stunning view of this 270° turn (what geologists call an “entrenched meander”) of the Colorado River! Can’t make the walk? Here’s what to do.
Early afternoon: Tour Antelope Canyon. This world-famous slot canyon is on the photographic “bucket list” of every traveler to Northern Arizona, and deservedly so. Its surrealistic colors and shapes must be seen to be believed. You’ll need to decide ahead of time whether to tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. The walk through Upper Antelope Canyon itself is 100 yards and flat pretty much the whole way. A newly constructed exit ramp consisting of a short staircase and a network of metal walkways back to the tour vehicle parking area adds approximately a one-half mile onto your adventure. Three (3) Antelope Canyon tour companies depart directly from to the Tribal Park Entrance on Highway 98. Two (2) meet at their respective offices in downtown Page, AZ. Lower Antelope Canyon is a bit more physical, requiring some stair climbing and simple boulder scrambling. For Lower, you must drive to the Tribal Park Entrance Gate directly. Whichever branch of Antelope Canyon you choose to tour, you’ll need to book a tour well in advance of your arrival. This attraction is becoming more popular – and crowded – every year. If the prospect of sharing a confined space with all those people doesn’t thrill you, or Antelope Canyon tours are already sold out, consider doing an Antelope Canyon Alternative Tour which will take you to slot canyons that are every bit as beautiful as Antelope, but far less populated OR check Antelope Canyon Now for last minute availability.
Depending on the time of year, your preference and Antelope Canyon tour availability, these activities can easily be done in reverse order as well. During the summer months, visiting Horseshoe Bend right at sunrise offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
Did we forget that you had to eat at some point? Not at all! Page, AZ has a diverse array of restaurants to choose from, both familiar franchises and independently owned. For those who choose to tour Antelope Canyon directly from the Tribal Park Entrance Gate on US98, grab a hearty, hand-made sandwich to go from the Deli at Big Lake Trading Post, or sit down to a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view that’s off the hook at the Sandbar Restaurant at Antelope Point Marina.
In the town of Page itself, you can take your pick of burgers to sushi and everything in between! The Grand Circle Grille, located in the historic Sanderson Building, offers up delicious American food, large portions, and reasonable prices for lunch or dinner, with occasional live music. For a totally different dining experience with an extra helping of local history, dig into a plate of sushi, a piping hot bowl of miso ramen, or a light traditional Japanese bento box at New York Teriyaki. This unique eatery happens to be built inside the Canyon King, a retired paddleboat that logged many tours on Lake Powell in its heyday.
What a day it’s been, and you’re just getting started. Go to your Page, Arizona hotel or vacation rental and get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to set your alarm. In Page, AZ, the fun starts early in the morning!
Day 2
Sunrise (optional): Many of you like to start your day back home with a brisk walk or jog to get the blood pumping. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with your exercise routine, and do a little sightseeing to boot! The Page Rim View Trail is a 10-mile dirt track that encircles Manson Mesa (the site Page, AZ was originally built on). Popular with local walkers, runners and cyclists, it is manageable for adults and children who are at least moderately fit. It offers spectacular views of Lake Powell (though no lake access), and for those visiting in springtime, a radiant display of colorful wildflowers. Once on the trail, you are able to exit it at several points along the way. You are by no means obligated to do the full 10 miles! Also, it is completely exposed to the elements, so water and sun protection are a must, as is appropriate footwear.
Be sure to fuel up for your busy day with a good breakfast. Some Page, AZ hotels may include continental or cooked-to-order breakfast in their room rates. Those staying at vacation rentals or accommodations with full kitchens have the freedom to do their own cooking. Favorite breakfast spots in Page, AZ include the Ranch House Grille, Canyon Crepes Cafe, and Hot & Sweet Donut & Coffee Shop.
Option 1 – 6:15 AM: Check in at Wilderness River Adventures for the Horseshoe Bend Half Day Float Trip. This leisurely raft trip, which takes place on a silky-smooth 15-mile stretch of the Colorado River through the only remaining intact section of Glen Canyon, is safe for children as young as 4. Putting in at the base of the massive Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll coast through Horseshoe Bend (be sure to wave to the people gazing down at you from the overlook!), stop at Petroglyph Beach where you can take a cool dip in the river, marvel at centuries-old etchings in the canyon walls left by Ancestral Puebloan people, or munch on a bag lunch purchased at one of the local grocery stores or restaurants. After pulling off the river at Historic Lees Ferry, you’ll board a motorcoach and be dropped off back in Page at approximately 11:30 AM.**
Grab lunch if you desire, then head over to the Glen Canyon Conservancy Information Center (formerly the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum) to learn more Glen Canyon, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and the ongoing controversies about land and water conservation that continue to this day. You can also examine relief maps of Lake Powell, and shop for mementos of your visit for the folks back home.
Option 2 – 6:30 AM: Meet at the Public Launch Ramp of Antelope Point Marina for Hidden Canyon Kayak’s Antelope Canyon Waterside tour. This 4-hour land and water combination tour will immerse you in the beauty of Lake Powell and the complexity of Antelope Canyon in a way that can only be experienced by small watercraft. Your certified tour guide will guide you through towering sandstone cliffs until you reach the northernmost portion of Antelope Canyon. From there, you’ll begin an incredible hike through the section of the slot canyon just before it joins Lower Antelope Canyon. This tour is suitable for those of all levels of physical fitness, including those who have never kayaked before! Tour price includes all kayak equipment and dry bags to store valuables. After your tour, enjoy lunch or an early dinner at Antelope Point Marina, or at your choice of chain or independent restaurants in Page, AZ.
Next, it’s time to hit the wave. Not The Wave, the one that everybody and their sibling wants a permit for – we’re talking about The “New” Wave! Located a short drive past the Western flank of the Glen Canyon Dam, this easy-to-follow cairned trail, which doesn’t require a permit to enjoy, will take you into a small but interesting cluster of rock formations, some bearing a resemblance to that Wave, others not so much. Radio Tower Rock is one of many unique sandstone features you’ll encounter. Just be sure you’re not accidentally parking in someone’s campsite. Beehive Campground is right next door to the trailhead.
In the mood for more fun and exploration? Go back across the Glen Canyon Dam and take another easy but fun hike to the Hanging Gardens. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a stalwart colony of ferns, mosses, and flowers, surviving on the precious drops of water that trickle through a crack in the sandstone walls in an isolated alcove. Time/desire permitting, you can also walk across the Glen Canyon Dam and Steel Arch Bridge for an unobstructed view of the 700′ chasm and the Colorado River below!
Head back to your hotel, kick back, and reflect on your day’s adventures, or discover a new place for dinner. If you’re still feeling perky towards the day’s end, take the short drive off the mesa to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, also known as the “White House” to enjoy sunset. Or, kick up your feet to some live music at State 48 Tavern, Gone West Family Restaurant (formerly Ken’s Old West), Big John’s Texas BBQ, or the Dam Bar.
Hit the sack, sleep in if you want. You deserve it!
A few last notes: this suggested trip plan is designed for Page, Arizona’s peak travel season of late spring through early fall. Due to extreme heat typical of this time period, you don’t want to be out on the water in the blazing afternoon sun if you can possibly avoid it. If you happen to be traveling in early spring or late fall, you can flip the order of these activities around and still be comfortable, for example, on Day 2, maybe hit Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon in the morning, then do the Horseshoe Bend Raft Trip or Kayak Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Keep in mind, also, that many of these activities are offered seasonally. If you’re visiting in the winter months, water-based activities most likely won’t be running at all, or would require a certain number of passengers to guarantee operation. Last but not least, any tour, food & beverage, lodging, or retail establishment in Page, AZ, may require masks or face coverings to enter, or operate at reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing should COVID-19 remain a concern.
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So here it is, Day 3, and time to head to your next destination, like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, or maybe back to Phoenix, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV. We hope you’ve had fun! If you’ve followed these suggestions, and maybe done a little “mixing and matching,” the last 48 hours will have certainly been memorable ones. But, that doesn’t mean the fun is over until you hit your next park. Here are just a few ideas for some “bonus activities” to add on to your list as you leave Page, AZ for the next phase of your vacation:
On US89 as you head toward Bryce, Zion or St. George:
- The Big Water Visitor Center: located 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ over the Utah border on US89, this small but impressive facility features locally-excavated dinosaur bones, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and award-winning paleontology and geology displays.
- The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: at mile marker 19 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 you’ll find a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to a Mars-like landscape of whimsical hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities. Don’t be fooled by what looks like the end of the trail; a short rock scramble leads to the main hoodoo garden.
- Kanab, Utah: once the on-location darling of Western movie producers, Kanab, Utah is a charming small town with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. Locals and visitors alike are partial to the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant.
On US89 heading toward Flagstaff, Sedona or Phoenix:
- The Gap Trading Post: if you’re into Old West trading posts, but prefer those that are more “real” trading post than tourist trap, pop into The Gap Trading Post just 45 miles South of Page on US89. Still an active commerce center, albeit a low-key one, you can purchase Navajo textiles, jewelry and pottery, or a cool beverage to refresh you for the drive ahead.
- Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks: 20 miles South of the Gap Trading Post, take a slight Eastern detour off US89 to AZ160. A few miles before you get to Tuba City, you’ll find an unassuming sign advertising free parking. Here you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks, eggs and dung. The jury is still out on the latter two; the former, though, is obviously the real deal. This area is located on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, so you must have an authorized representative escort you to the track site. There is no charge, technically, but gratuities are appreciated.
- Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments: Double your pleasure, double your fun, two cool monuments are better than one! Just North of Flagstaff, Arizona, these are actually two separate monuments connected by a convenient loop drive. Wupatki showcases the remains of an ancient, and surprisingly expansive Ancestral Puebloan Village with some unusual features, including a multi-story complex and a ball court. Sunset Crater is a dormant cinder cone that last erupted approximately 800 years ago, which, according to geologists, seemed like yesterday.
Do you have anything to add to this list? We’d love to hear about it! Feel free to write us in the comments, or visit our companion sites:
‘Til next time, good luck and happy traveling!
227 Responses
Hi Alley and Ryan
Thank you so much for all the wonderful information on your website. I was hoping for a bit of guidance on our planned trip to Arizona from Dec 26-Jan 1 this year. Just with the time of year we are traveling, your valuable input would be much appreciated. We are a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids 17, 15 and 11) and love to hike!
Dec 26 – Arrive late into phoenix and staying just north of the city overnight.
Dec 27 – Drive to Sedona – Best options for the rest of the day in Sedona ?? Over night in Sedona
Dec 28 – Morning Sedona – Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim, walk along the rim trail, O/N GC
Dec 29 – A hike down into the GC – best option? Helicopter ride over GC today or early tomorrow morning ? ON GC
Dec 30 – Drive to Page – Lower Antelope Canyon Tour in the afternoon – ON Page
Dec 31 – Horseshoe Bend in the morning, either New Wave or Monument Valley in the afternoon. Today is my 50th birthday so somewhere to celebrate??
Jan 1 – Drive back to Phoenix for 4pm flight.
Thank you – we would really appreciate any advice!
Hi Liz,
Your itinerary looks pretty fun and well-planned, but the one thing that could throw a major wrench into these plans is weather. You’re visiting during the winter months, which means you could very well encounter snow in places like Sedona and the Grand Canyon. While that usually materializes as rain in areas such as Page, AZ, last year they had 6″ of snow over the Xmas/New Year’s holiday week!
In Sedona, you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do! Hiking the Courthouse/Bell Rock loop trail might be a good candidate for an afternoon hike, again, weather permitting. Or you might hit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, or explore some of the numerous art galleries and retail shops on one of Sedona’s Art Walks.
In the Grand Canyon, the easiest inner canyon hike will be down the Bright Angel Trail. The trailhead is located ~100 yards West of Bright Angel Lodge. Go down as far as you want, but be careful not to go down TOO far. A good rule of thumb is 1 hour down = 2 hours up. Bring water and snacks with you if you plan on spending longer than 1 hour’s time, or going further than 1 mile round trip. For the Grand Canyon helicopter flights, mornings are the best time to fly for optimal light and lack of wind, but again, these operate weather permitting, and snowstorms usually result in flights being cancelled.
At the time of year you’re going to be here, visiting Monument Valley as a day trip from Page, AZ, isn’t the greatest idea because 1. it takes 2 hours each way to drive there, so 4 hours in the car will be required right off the bat; 2. you’re up against short daylength at that time of year – sunrise takes place around 7:40 AM, and sunset occurs at about 5:15 PM. You’ll need to be sure that you time your drive so that you’re “back to base” well before nightfall due to the lack of artificial/supplemental lighting on local roads, and the tendency for deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses to gravitate around them at night, ratcheting up your risk of a collision. Believe me, that’s something you don’t want to deal with on a dark, lonely road on a cold winter night! In light of your limited time, I’d recommend either dropping Monument Valley from your itinerary, or freeing up more time so you can spend the night there.
For celebrating your birthday (congratulations!) there are a number of restaurants in Page, AZ, where you might do this. Bonkers Restaurant, State 48 Tavern, or the Dam Bar and Grille are some of my personal favorites. For more suggestions, visit TripAdvisor: 10 Best Restaurants in Page, AZ
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley
Thanks so much for all your great advice and I guess we will be at the mercy of the weather. Hopefully we’ll manage most of what we set out to do.
thanks also for your favorite places to eat – we’ll definitely check those out!
Best wishes
Liz
My husband and I are planning a 10-14 driving trip in late May that will begin in Phoenix or Las Vegas and end in Denver. Antelope Canyon is a must but we have been to Zion, Bryce, and the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Do you have suggestions for our itinerary? We are seniors but fit and enjoy moderate hiking and rafting.
Hi Betty!
Seeing as though you’ve already hit Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon, I wonder if you’ve also been to Sedona? If not, you should take the opportunity to spend some time there, therefore I’d recommend using Phoenix, AZ, as your starting point. 3 days minimum is recommended to get the most out of a visit there as it’s a beautiful area with lots to see and do, including easy-to-moderate hiking. Sedona is ~a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, then from there, Page, AZ, would be about a 3-hour drive, maybe 4-5 if you take the opportunity to drive the loop that covers Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments en route.
If you like rafting, then you should plan on staying at least 2 days in Page, AZ. On your arrival day, you could tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, then on your second day, take the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. As the name suggests, the trip does not go through any rapids, but includes a lot of beautiful scenery and compelling history.
From Page, AZ, I’d recommend driving to Mesa Verde National Park, with a possible stopover in Monument Valley. Rooms in Monument Valley might be hard to come by at this point. If that’s the case, the drive from Page, AZ, to Mesa Verde with a “drive-through” of Monument Valley would take ~5-6 hours. From Mesa Verde (best lodging locations would be Durango or Cortez), you could go on to Ouray, one of my favorite places in Colorado, and use that as a “base” from which to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, or maybe a day trip to Telluride. But be sure to schedule at least some “down time” in Ouray to soak in the lovely Municipal Hot Springs. Day trips from Ouray
Since the drive from Ouray to Denver is ~6+ hours, I would definitely recommend breaking up the drive somewhere. There are all kinds of good choices, including, but not limited to Glenwood Springs, or Frisco.
So… laid out from Phoenix to Denver, your trip would go something like this:
Day 1: Drive from Phoenix to Sedona (~2 hours), 3 nights in Sedona
Day 2: Sedona
Day 3: Sedona
Day 4: Drive from Sedona to Page, AZ (3-4 hours), tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, overnight in Page
Day 5: Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, 2nd night in Page
Day 6: Drive from Page, AZ, to Monument Valley, UT (2 hour drive), overnight in Monument Valley
Day 7: Drive from Monument Valley to Mesa Verde National Park (~3.5 hours), overnight in Durango or Cortez
Day 8: Drive from Durango or Cortez to Ouray (~3 hours), spend 2-3 days,
Day 9: Ouray
Day 10: Ouray
Day 11: Drive from Ouray to Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Frisco, or other intermediate city to break up the drive to Denver
Day 12: Drive to Denver
If swinging through Ouray, Telluride, and so forth doesn’t appeal, or you’ve already been there, you could substitute 3-4 days in Moab, UT, for days I recommended in Western Colorado. Moab, UT, has a lot to see and do, including excellent hiking white water rafting.
Hope this helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Alley, thank you so much- this is SO helpful! We have been to Sedona before. How would you suggest that we instead fit in going to the Arches? Or do you have any better suggestions? Also, I found a tour that bundles the upper and lower canyons of Antelope Canyon and includes a boat trip. Do you think that is too much to try to do in one day, or if it would be worth doing all three or if it just would be too much of the same? I also looked at the kayaking tour there. In Moab, I found a tour that include a 4WD tour through Islands of the Sky and rafting on the Colorado River. More of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Betty
Hey again, Betty! Thank you for further clarification of your vacation plans, and prior travel experience in Arizona.
In light of the fact that you’ve already been to Sedona, I’d say go directly to Page, AZ, from Phoenix, and plan on spending two nights there. The tour you’re considering that includes Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, plus the boat tour, IMO isn’t redundant at all. You get the “iconic” slot canyon scenery and a super-easy walk in Upper, a slot canyon experience with a little more physicality in Lower, then the boat tour gets you out on the water, and leaves you with a deeper understanding of Antelope Canyon’s true complexity. All put together, it does add up to ~7 hours of touring. If that doesn’t appeal, and if you’re physically able to handle Lower Antelope, you might consider doing a Lower Antelope + Boat Tour Combo. You can choose from taking them back-to-back, or leave a few hours downtime in between to grab lunch at Antelope Point Marina or do a little shopping, availability permitting, of course. Kayaking is fun, too, but IIRC, you’d have to book the kayak tour and hiking tours separately. There’s no bundle for that combination as of yet.
So, a revised plan would look something like this:
Day 1: Drive from Phoenix to Page, AZ, ~5 hour drive direct, or take the loop drive through Wupatki & Sunset Crater National Monuments just North of Flagstaff if desired. That will add 90 minutes to 2 hours onto your drive time. Overnight in Page.
Day 2: Tour Antelope Canyon, second night in Page.
Day 3: Hit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, drive from Page, AZ, to Canyon de Chelly National Monument,* (~3 hour drive) overnight in Chinle, AZ,* or Kayenta, AZ.* *These areas are on Navajo Indian Tribal land, so the sale, consumption, or transport of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Day 4: Drive from Canyon de Chelly, AZ, to Moab, UT, via Monument Valley (~4-hour drive), overnight in Moab, UT.
Day 5: 2nd day in Moab, UT, Islands in the Sky 4WD/Colorado River rafting tour
Day 6: 3rd day in Moab, UT
Day 7: Drive from Moab, UT, to Ouray, CO, Telluride, CO, or Montrose, CO, (3-4 hours drive) overnight
Day 8: 2nd day in Ouray or nearby
Day 9: 3rd day in Ouray or nearby
Day 10: Drive from Ouray, CO, to Grand Junction, CO (2-hour drive), overnight in Grand Junction
Day 11: 2nd day in Grand Junction
Day 12: Drive from Grand Junction to Denver, ~4 hours
If you wanted to get Mesa Verde in there, you could slip it in between Monument Valley and Moab by freeing up one more day to travel, or by dropping Canyon de Chelly if that area does not appeal for some reason.
Whatever you decide to do, get an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass. For $80, this card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments, and Federal Fee Areas in the U.S. for one year’s time. The only areas it won’t work are State Parks, City Parks, and Native American Tribal Parks, so it wouldn’t work at Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or Monument Valley, but it would still pay for itself on the trip you’ll end up taking. Just pick it up at the first National Park you hit on your tour.
Have fun!
Alley 🙂
Hi Ryan
Thanks for sharing 2 day Itinerary in Page. I am travelling to Page from Vegas next Wednesday. My itinerary is like below, can you please advise me besides Antelope Canyon, Horse band and Lake Powell what can I do on Wednesday after coming to Page and on Friday full day. Worth visiting Zion or other nation park like Arches ?
Wednesday road trip to Page start at 10 AM. – May be visit Horseshoe band in the evening.
Thursday – 9.30 AM – Upper Antelope cave tour
1.30 PM Lake Powell boat tour
5.30 PM Horseshoe Bend
Friday : ???
Saturday :- head back to Vegas to catch 3 PM flight.
Jiten
Hi Jiten,
There are all kinds of possibilities for occupying that second day, whether you want to stay in Page, AZ, or visit another park. Arches/Canyonlands unfortunately is too far away to be realistic, it takes ~5 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Moab, UT, then ~7 hours to drive from Moab, UT, to Las Vegas, NV.
If visiting another park is your preference, then Zion would be the most sensible option as it wouldn’t be a huge detour. It takes ~1.5-2 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Zion. You might make a quick stop to do the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos hike. For lodging, Springdale, UT, would be the place to check out, it’s on the Western border of the park, and would put you ~3-4 hours from Las Vegas. The reason for such a wide variance in drive time is because there is some construction going on on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that could delay you anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
If you’d prefer to just hang out in Page, AZ, for another day, you won’t have any problem occupying the time. Worthwhile activities include but are not limited to:
– visiting the John Wesley Powell Museum
– taking a tour of the Glen Canyon Dam
– hiking to the “New” Wave
– visiting the White House overlook
– touring the Navajo Village Heritage Center
– taking a scenic flight over Monument Valley
– taking a tour of White Pocket
– taking a tour to Alstrom Point
Be sure to have all your lodging and guided tours booked before you get set to travel.
Good luck and have fun,
Alley 🙂
Thank you Alley for your suggestion, make sense to spend time in Zion.
You are welcome, let us know how you get on 🙂
Hello Ryan,
First of all. Fantastic website. This is like Google for Antelope :). We are coming to Vegas for 7 days (14 to 21) and appreciate if you can suggest what is the best way to visit West Rim & Antelope canyon (want to do both Upper & lower, though still to find a tour). Shall I take a tour from Vegas or self -drive as I have a rented car also? Another thing is shall I drive to West Rim & come back t Vegas or continue onward journey for Antelope. ? I already booked a hotel in Vegas so thinking if we can avoid booking another hotel in antelope, but don’t mind if I have to book 1 night. would you suggest to do South rim as well?
In addition to my earlier comment, if you suggest any decent place to stay (2 Adults & 2 kids – 11 & 6 ) near antelope will be great, We are vegetarian (no fish, no meat) so if you suggest any good vegi food place also.
I am only getting a tour at 6am for Upper canyon and 10am for lower, so I have to stay the night before somewhere nearby. As mentioned earlier we have total 6days in Vegas, out of which I am thinking to put 2 for Grand Canyon & Antelope canyon. I am thinking for below itniery;, as this is our first time in Vegas, want to fully explore the sin city 🙂
Day 1 – Vegas
Day 2 – Leave early and visit West Rim / South rim (whichever one is possible on the way to Antelope) and night at Page
Day 3 – Antelope canyon and back to Vegas
Day 4-6 – in Vegas.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks in advance
Anil
Hi Anil, and thanks for your compliments!
I combined your comments so I could try to answer all your questions at once!
First off, I recommend doing this trip on a self-drive basis, but you’re trying to cram too many destinations into a limited timeframe. To illustrate, the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West takes approximately 2.5 hours. You’re then looking at 4.5 hours to drive from GC West to the South Rim, and another 3.5-4 hours to get from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page. There’s no way you’re going to pull that off in one day and be on speaking terms with your family the next morning!
In light of that, I’d strongly recommend taking the West Rim off the table. The South Rim is where you’ll find the iconic picture-postcard views that you’re expecting to see. You can stop at Hoover Dam on the way there if you wish. Still, you’re looking at ~a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, therefore, it would be best if you were to overnight at the Grand Canyon and drive to Page, AZ, the next morning.
Here again, due to the distance between Page, AZ, and Las Vegas, I recommend you overnight in Page, AZ, after your Antelope Canyon touring. Try to hit up Horseshoe Bend while you’re there as well.
The drive back to Las Vegas afterward will be about 5 hours. If you have to sacrifice a day in Las Vegas to accommodate that, I’d recommend doing so.
As for restaurants with vegetarian options, you’ll find that most places can accommodate that as long as you’re OK with dairy products like cheese or yogurt. If you’re vegan, eat no animal products whatsoever, you might have a harder time. A good source of information on vegetarian and vegan dining options is HappyCow.net You can search by state, then by city. You might also purchase a small cooler and visit a couple of supermarkets along your route to stock up on supplies for snacks or meals. Super-Walmarts are best for this, and you’ll find them in Las Vegas, NV, and one in Page, AZ.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Great blog! I am visiting Arizona for the first time from April 25 through 30. We are choosing not to include grand canyon as we want to make that a separate trip of its own maybe in the fall. Our itinerary is day 1 late evening arrival into Phoenix and overnight. Day 2 drive to Flagstaff and spend two nights. There seem to be a number of close by hikes, etc to do in the area. Suggestions for your favorites in this area? Day 4 drive Flagstaff to Page. Spend two nights. Horseshoe bend, slot canyon and maybe a float trip are on our list. Day 6 drive page to Hopi cultural center. Spend one night and take tour of mesas. Day 7 drive Hopi cultural center to Phoenix for evening flight. I had hoped to fit canyon de chelly but it does not seem to work for this trip. I prefer to spend at least two nights in each location rather than packing in too much. Thoughts?
Hi Mary,
Your plan looks nice and relaxed, and that’s cool that you’re planning to hit the Hopi Cultural Center.
Flagstaff does indeed have a lot of nice hikes to do. Which ones you choose depends on your physical fitness level, and how well you acclimate to the altitude. Walnut Canyon National Monument is fascinating, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Ancestral Puebloans by getting into their actual dwellings. The only drawback is it has a lot of stairs. The lava tubes are neat, too, but you’ll want to have 2-3 flashlights for it. Plus, they might not be open at the time of your visit due to the heavy snows we got this season. There are all kinds of possibilities! For more suggestions, visit AllTrails.com: Best Trails Near Flagstaff
If you want to include Canyon de Chelly on your trip, sacrificing a day in Flagstaff would probably be the most logical way to work it in. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Flagstaff to Canyon de Chelly going direct. The option is also there to include stopovers at Meteor Crater and/or Petrified Forest, which will extend the drive time only by a bit, technically, but may delay your arrival at Canyon de Chelly. Also, there is not much in the way of lodging at Canyon de Chelly, the town of Chinle, AZ, has a couple hotels, but that’s about it. Kayenta, AZ, about 1.5 hours North, has a few more, but options are still limited. Page would then be about 1.5 hours from Kayenta. Map However… if you were to go as far as Kayenta, it would be a shame not to visit Monument Valley, but that would probably mean sacrificing a day in Page, AZ, as well. *sigh* So many places, so little time! LOL
Whatever you decide, be sure you make all lodging reservations and bookings for guided tours well in advance, especially for Antelope Canyon if you haven’t done so already.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hey Alley and Ryan,
Family of six including 3 older teenagers (13, 15 &17) will be traveling from Phoenix. Dates are May 31 – June 6
Tentative itinerary at this point:
Sedona – May 31st & June 1st
Cathedral Rock
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Bell Rock
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Oak Creek Canyon
Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour
Grand Canyon June 2nd, 3rd- Staying at Yavapai Lodge
Page – June 4th & 5th
June 4th – Upper Antelope Canyon Tour – 3 pm (there is chance of changing the tour time to 1 pm)
June 5th -Glen Canyon Half day Float or Lake Powell & Rainbow bridge Boat Tour. Which one?
Horseshoe Bend
Sunset at Wahweap Overlook
Glen Canyon Dam
We have one free day before returning to Phoenix on June 7th. Would appreciate any suggestions on where to go and what to do on June 6th.
Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and recommendations.
Hi Usha,
You have a very well-planned itinerary, and I’m glad to see that you’re allowing ample time in each destination to really enjoy it!
With teens in the party, I’d recommend the Glen Canyon Float Trip. Even though it does not go through any rapids, it includes a lot of beautiful scenery and fascinating history. The kids will even get an opportunity to swim if they so desire. Fair warning, though: the water’s cold! 😀
I’d also recommend hitting Horseshoe Bend right after sunrise to take advantage of cooler weather, easier parking, and thinner crowds.
With an extra day to work with, and seeing as though June is going to be hot, I’d recommend going somewhere to cool off: The White Mountains. Lodging is available in the town of Payson, AZ, and popular activities/sights there include, but aren’t limited to: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Fossil Creek Creamery, Woods Canyon Lake, and Sunrise Park. From Payson, the drive to Phoenix is about 2 hours.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Ryan – awesome website!
Question about the Horseshoe Bend Canyon parking/shuttle situation. Am I correct in reading that if you arrive before the shuttle starts at 10AM, you can park at the closer parking lot to see the Canyon?
Thanks!
Hi CL,
Yes, you are correct, but to be on the safe side, I’d recommend clearing the parking lot before 10:00 AM so you don’t get caught up in a traffic jam. It takes on average 60-90 minutes to hike to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook and back, so try and get there about 8:30 AM to be on the safe side.
Alley 🙂
Thank you! It’s an awesome website!
Just to edit my previous comment. I didn’t check all the tour websites and have come to realize that not everything is sold out.
My choices for that Tuesday are:
Upper with ASCT @
6am for $60
8am for $70
10am for $80
2:30pm for $70
4:30pm for $60
Lower with Ken’s Tours @
3:30pm or 4:00pm for $52.8
Lower works better for pricing, but earlier in the day (upper) is preferable due to convenience, planning, and because I’ve heard these Canyons are best at midday. It would maybe be easier to choose if I knew the rest of my itinerary for the day. Truthfully I feel like the lower interests me more because they’re longer and it’s more of a trek to get into them, but I am open to whatever is best or works best. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks again!
Hey Christian,
See my reply to your earlier inquiry and recommendations for alternate slot canyons to Lower 🙂
Alley
Okay so I will quickly say I really appreciate all the info you’re giving out! Now if you don’t mind, I have a few questions about my proposed trip with my gf.
The plan is Monday April 29th (Morning) – Thursday May 2nd (Night). Flying into Phoenix and renting a car.
The must sees on our list are South Rim, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. We are students and thus want to keep costs down when possible. We were lucky enough to get one night at the GC and that will be Wednesday night, so the rest of the trip will be worked around that.
My Girlfriend and I really enjoy the outdoors/hiking, and aren’t huge fan of tours when there is a do-it-yourself option. This is because of enjoyment, autonomy, and $$$
The plan:
Monday – Land in the morning, drive to Page AZ and stay there overnight. Now we want to do something on the way. I’m thinking something in Sedona, but am looking for ideas. Maybe Sliding Rock Park? We land at 9am, and would hope to be in Page by sunset. That will give us a few hours if the plane/car doesn’t delay us too much to do something for a few hours on the way to Page.
Tuesday – The plan was to do an Antelope Canyon tour, but because of our relatively last minute planning, they all seem to be booked up. I am curious what you recommend? Attempt a walk in? An alternative? There is an opening at 4:15pm on the Monday, but I feel like that would severely hinder the previous day. We’d be rushing and miss seeing things. Plus then we’d have to find more things to fill in the next day. Also had an idea of renting a kayak at the Wahweap Marina or Antelope Point Marina. Another option is one of the cheaper boat tour. We’d also like to see the Dam overlook (non-essential; but I’d assume it wouldn’t be too time consuming). Then stay in Page again.
Wednesday – Wake up very early, see horseshoe curve (Could see this Monday or Tuesday instead), and head to the South Rim. Spend the day exploring the rim or hiking down a little. See the sunset there. Stay there overnight.
Thursday – Ideally wake up for sunrise. Spend the day exploring the rim or hiking down a little (Have yet to look into how we will spend our time at GC these two days). Leave in the mid-late afternoon to catch our 11pm flight.
Now I am looking for:
– Help regarding the Antelope Canyon tour? (I was eyeing the lower, but would be open to either)
– Filling in our Monday and Tuesday. Is a Canyon tour and a boat tour or renting kayaks too much for one day?
– If you have any recommendation, Wahweap or Antelope Point kayak rental?
– Where you would place Horseshoe curve?
– Is there enough to do at GC South Rim for us to fill almost 2 full days of daylight?
– Any changes you’d make? Any additions or subtractions? Am I missing something that you feel we’d enjoy?
– If we were to rent bikes one day, is the GC the best place to do that? A different location?
– Any great hikes you’d recommend for any day?
– Any advice on saving money anywhere? Food is the obvious one that doesn’t have to be mentioned.
– Will we have any problems only having a carry-on bag each?
– Any big recommendations for the GC?
– Any tips for renting a car for someone under 25?
Notes:
– The trip cannot be extended
– The only locked in aspect is the Wednesday night at the GC, which I could cancel but I feel like one night there would be very nice.
Thanks for any help!
Hi Christian and thank you for your inquiry!
Your trip looks well-planned, but I still caution against falling prey to the temptation to schedule every second of every day of your vacation. There will be moments that unfold unexpectedly, and you should allow your curiosity to guide you at a leisurely pace, rather than playing a game of “beat the clock” to get to your next scheduled activity. Hope that makes sense.
On Day 1, for example, where you want to swing through Sedona and visit Slide Rock State Park. It’s doable as long as you’re not delayed for too long upon landing in Phoenix, but the logistics of picking up a rental car and just getting out of the Phoenix metro area tend to take longer than most visitors realize. So as much as I hate to say it, I’d recommend taking Sedona off the table this time around. Instead, plan on maybe having lunch in Flagstaff, AZ, then taking the scenic loop drive through Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monument just North of Flagstaff. Doing this will add another 90 minutes to 2 hours onto your drive time to Page, AZ. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re at your final destination for the day by sundown, which is ~7:15 PM. You want to avoid having to drive at night due to the fact that local roads are very dark, and large animals, such as deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses, tend to graze around them at night.
Regarding the availability, or lack thereof, of Antelope Canyon tours, this comes as no surprise. In your case, since you were considering touring Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d recommend looking at Antelope Canyon X. As the name suggests, it’s a secondary drainage of Antelope Canyon, is comparable physically and cosmetically to Lower, and tour group sizes are kept smaller for a more personalized experience. You might also look at Mystical Antelope Canyon, an alternate slot canyon that has only been recently opened to the public, and has some unique geological features.
A slot canyon tour and a boat or kayak tour would be a wonderful way to make good use of a full day in Page, AZ. All of the kayak and boat tour operators have excellent reputations for safety and service, and are licensed by Park Service, so no need to be overly picky as to who you go with. As for where I’d put Horseshoe Bend in the mix, I’d recommend visiting just after sunrise (~5:30 AM). Earlier in the day, you’ll encounter fewer people, whereas mid-day becomes extremely crowded, not to mention the light is better when the sun is not directly overhead, washing out the colors. Another concern is that at the present time, due to some construction projects running behind schedule, the main parking area is closed between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and visitors are required to use a shuttle for $5/head. It’s not certain whether that arrangement will still be in effect at the time of your visit, but it’s likely to be due to inclement weather pushing back a few project deadlines. Frankly, the shuttle is a pain, and best avoided if you can help it.
As for good hikes to take, no shortage there! In Page, AZ, the Rim Trail, Hanging Gardens, and the “New” Wave are good candidates. At the Grand Canyon, the paved Rim Trail extends for 10+ miles along the canyon rim, or you can venture down the Bright Angel Trail for a short way to get a taste for what the inner canyon is like. RE: the latter, remember that for every hour you hike down, you’ll need 2 hours to hike back out. Food and water must be carried if you plan on spending any longer than 1 hour, or hiking for more than 1 mile in the inner canyon. “Big recommendations” for the Grand Canyon? Splurge on a special dinner for you and your girlfriend at the El Tovar Hotel! Reservations are strongly recommended, they can be made up to 30 days in advance by calling 928-638-2631 x6432. And you are correct, the Grand Canyon would be the best place to do a bike rental if you desire.
For saving money on the rest of your trip, you’ve correctly deduced that food is a major expense, so you might purchase a small cooler in Phoenix and hit a grocery store before heading North. There’s a Super Wal-Mart in Page, AZ. The other major expense you’ll have is gas. Taking advantage of apps such as Gas Buddy is very helpful. As a general rule, the larger cities tend to have the lower gas prices, but check around to pinpoint where the least expensive gas is along your itinerary, and fill up whenever/wherever you get the chance. Regarding renting a car for individuals under 25, I don’t think that should be a problem as the minimum age for car rentals IIRC is 21, but according to a disclaimer on Enterprise’s website, you may incur a surcharge for being a younger renter.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Thank you so much for the detailed information! I am going to use a lot of your ideas!! I didn’t know about the shuttle/construction so that is very helpful to know!!
My updated itinerary:
Monday:
– Land (9-10am), grab car, stop at a Walmart for a cooler and food for the next 4 days, and then head for Page.
– On the way to Page the plan is to stop and hike Cathedral Rock.
– (Horseshoe bend)
– Stay in Page
After doing a little more research, I believe that my girlfriend and I would enjoy Cathedral rock the most and it is something we could do in under a couple hours. If we feel our time is more limited, or don’t feel like hiking at all, Wupatki would most likely be our secondary plan. Depending on what time we are getting in to Page, maybe we will stop at Horseshoe Bend to check if there is parking because we will be driving right past it, and it will be something to do to kill time as well.
Tuesday:
– (Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise)
– Renting Kayaks at Antelope Point Marina, and kayaking through Antelope Canyon
– Have to be at Lower Antelope Canyon tour for 3:30pm
– Stay in Page
Wednesday:
– (Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise)
– Drive to South Rim, stopping at anything we find interesting on the way
– Hike down South Kaibab trail (Not sure what our turnaround point will be at this point, will probably stay flexible).
– See sunset (Not sure the best spot to see it at South Rim)
– Have dinner at El Tovar
– Stay at South Rim
Thursday:
– See sunrise (Again not sure best spot to see this)
– Hike down Bright Angel Trail. (I’d love to reach the plateau, but that might be very ambitious).
– Possible shower at Mather Campground
– Head for the airport
Some additional questions:
1. There is nowhere cheap-ish to stay between Page and the South Rim on our Tuesday night right? The idea would be to use some of the hours after the Lower tour before sunset, to get closer to the South Rim, to give us more time to hike the next day.
2. Do you know if it’s possible to bring a lunch on the kayak and disembark in the canyon at some point to eat? If so, what’s the best way to do it to keep our lunch secure and waterproof in case something happens?
3. If the plan is to see the sunset and then go for dinner, what time should I make the reservation for? Is 7:45pm too early? Also, what should we be wearing to this dinner? We each are only bringing a small carry-on suitcase, so space is at a premium. I love this idea by the way (my wallet doesn’t though).
4. If our flight leaves at 11pm, and we need to both fill up and return a car, at what point should we be planning on leaving the Grand Canyon? The plan would most likely be to eat in the car, and drive straight to the airport.
5. Grand Canyon = $35 | Antelope Marina = $25 | Wupatki = $25
The plan right now only includes the first two, and I know they both accept “America is Beautiful” passes. My question to you is, should we go for the 12 month pass? The chances of us visiting another park in a year is slim, but possible (We are from Ontario). I would like to make that decision while there, but if Antelope Marina is the first place we visit, I don’t believe they’d sell these 12 month passes, correct? Are there any other locations around our planned trip that accept these passes and you believe we could realistically visit with our limited time to make the full $80 worth it? We are obviously trying to save money, and paying $25 to visit a marina is bothering me a little, so that’s why I am hoping that maybe getting the 12 month pass could be the optimal solution.
6. Any idea of the best spots to see sunset/sunrise at GC?
7. Any additional feedback/critiques?
Notes:
– I was aware of the young driver fee, but was hoping there was a company or a method to reduce or eliminate it. That fee effectively doubles the price of the car. But after further research I don’t think there is a way.
– My girlfriend and I recently completed a 9-10 mile hike with 1000 feet of elevation change, so we do know how to be prepared and safe, but will also do a lot more research before our trip. I know going to the plateau is 12 miles, and 3000 feet of elevation change with a lot of direct sunlight.
Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it.
Hi again, Christian!
Your revised plan does look feasible, but again, don’t beat yourself up too bad if some of the plans, such as hiking Cathdral Rock, don’t happen. My understanding was always that it was more than a couple hours’ hike, but if the two of you are young and fit as you sound, you could probably pull it off. Speaking of things to do in the Sedona area, you might consider a visit to Montezuma’s Castle National Monument. It’s not too far out of your way between Phoenix and Sedona. The normal entrance fee is $10/adult, and factored in along with the Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon, that might make the purchase of the Annual National Park Pass a worthwhile investment. Just a though.
In answer to some of your other queries:
1. The selection of lodging options between Page, AZ, and Grand Canyon South Rim is very slim. There’s the Cameron Trading Post Hotel, and that’s pretty much “it.” Unfortunately, you’re traveling during what’s considered high season, so, no cost savings there. Sorry!
2. Hate to say it, but I can’t really answer that question since it’s been years since I’ve kayaked in that area. Fluctuating water levels can often create beaches one year and wash them away the next, so my advice would be to contact your kayak rental outlet for guidance.
3. Sunset at the Grand Canyon in late April occurs at 7:15 PM, so 7:45 PM would be an OK time. The dress code at El Tovar is casual, they just ask that you don’t wear shorts to dinner.
4. To make an 11:00 PM flight, and turn in your rental car, I would recommend trying to get to Phoenix by 8:00 PM, which means leave Grand Canyon South Rim by 3:30 PM.
5. See my suggestion above re: Montezuma’s Castle, or another option might be Walnut Canyon NM in Flagstaff, AZ. The NPS Fee Station at Antelope Point Marina does sell the Annual Pass, BTW.
6. Best spots to see sunset/sunrise at the Grand Canyon? Anywhere on the canyon rim! No need to overthink. My personal favorite spot for sunset is Grandview Point. It’s ~5 miles East of Grand Canyon Village, and has good views of the river. Fast forward to the 1:08 mark on this video to see what that looks like. For sunrise, you might take an early shuttle to Yaki Point and hike down the South Kaibab Trail as far as Ooh-Aah Point. Remember there is no water on this trail, so you’ll need to bring your own, and probably a light snack at least.
7. Additional feedback/inquiries: going all the way to Plateau Point may indeed be a bit ambitious, and if that’s the case, that’s OK. Hiking even a short distance down the Bright Angel Trail is a lot of fun, and a good way to get a sense for what life is like in the inner canyon. Just remember that 1 hour down = 2 hours up for most hikers, so keep an eye on your watch. You don’t want to miss your flight back to Phoenix! Also, on Day 3 where you drive from Page to GC with a “hike down the South Kaibab Trail” en route, that won’t happen. Yaki Point, where the South Kaibab Trailhead is located, is closed to all vehicular traffic, so, as I mentioned previously, you’ll need to take a shuttle from Grand Canyon Village there.
So hope that helps again, if you think about it after your trip is complete, let us know how you got on!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley, I just wanted to thank you for your help earlier! We ended up having an amazing trip!
April 29th – Landed around 10am, easily received our car and made our way to Walmart. Bought a cooler and food supplies needed for the week. We then headed towards Sedona. We quickly visited Montezuma’s Castle with the purpose of buying the $80 National Pass. We found this a bit underwhelming, but it really isn`t our thing. After the castle we went to Cathedral Rock. Shortly after we got there it started pouring. We decided to wait it out for 10-15 minutes in the car, worried that our plans may be ruined. Luckily enough for us it cleared up completely and became an absolutely beautiful day. We also got to spend a few minutes alone up there due to the rain, and the slippery rocks dried quite quickly. Following Cathedral Rock we drove to Page, getting there right as the sun set. From what we saw driving through Sedona, we found it to be the most beautiful town/city during our trip.
April 30th – Woke up and got to Horseshoe Bend around 8am. It truly was an amazing sight, but it was disappointingly cloudy and chilly. We then went to Antelope Marina where we were out on the water on our rented kayak at 11am. We showed up in pants and jackets due to the cold morning, but after our 3+ hour kayak we realized we got badly burnt. The wind, water, and temperature tricked us into thinking we were fine. The kayaking was amazing, we went all the way down Antelope Canyon, but didn’t get out of the kayak due to a ton of mud and gunk at the end, brought down there by the previous day’s rain. By the end of our kayaking journey we were quite tired and very happy to reach the marina. The canyon is both farther away and longer than you’d think. Following this we went for our 4:00 reservation at Lower Antelope Canyon. I would say this canyon lived up to the hype. I was worried I’d be underwhelmed, but it was worth the time and money. After this we gassed up at the cheapest station in the city and found something to eat.
Mat 1st – We got up and left our hotel at around 7:30am. We drove towards the South Rim of the GC. Once there we stopped at a few viewpoints along the way. We ate lunch right by the rim, and then planned the rest of our day. We decided on doing the South Kaibab trail this day. We took the GC shuttle to the trailhead. We hiked down to Cedar Ridge and back up. The views on this trail are amazing, and give you a whole new perspective of the canyon. After our hike we checked in, showered, got settled, and then went out for the sunset. We stayed until the sun could not be seen anymore, and then headed inside due to the cold temperature at this time. We went for our 7:45 reservation at El Tovar, which was wonderful (Thank you for the recommendation). After dinner, we passed out.
May 2nd – We planned on starting the Bright Angel Trail at 5am, but due to a mix of exhaustion and frigid temperatures at that time of morning, we didn’t get started until 8am. Our goal was to go for our longest hike ever, and we were able to achieve it. We hiked all the way to Plateau Point (12 miles round-trip; 6.5 hours). It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done, and we both still feel it 2 days later. The last 3 miles were very hard on us. We ate our lunch at Indian Garden which was an amazing place to rest and eat. After we got up the trail we headed towards Mather Campground. We were sweaty, dirty and dusty, and we needed a way to shower before our flight that night. The showers there were perfect for our needs. Before we left we were able to giveaway our extra water and cooler to another couple which was really convenient for us and very appreciated by them. We left the Grand Canyon at 4pm, and with stopping to eat once and stopping for gas at the very end, we made it to the rental car facility at around 8:15pm. The closest gas station to the rental car facility was 3.99 a gallon. We had time and we knew this was the most expensive gas we have seen on our trip, so we drove 2 minutes in the opposite direction and got gas for 3.11 a gallon.
It was a truly amazing trip and we are both very pleased with how (relatively) cheap we made it as well. I want to thank you for all your help, it was very appreciated! If you or others have any questions, I’d be happy to answer.
Just to note, for anyone wanting to replicate, we were extremely exhausted at multiple times during this trip. Each and every night ended up with us passing out immediately. 700 miles of driving, 8 hours of flying, and 14-16 hours of hiking/kayaking in a 4 day stretch took a big toll on us, but we loved it. It was the perfect trip for us, as we like the feeling of knowing we maximized our trip and accomplished a lot. At this point in time we wouldn’t change a single thing about our trip (If we didn’t need to buy the yearly pass at the castle, we would have skipped it).
Hi Christian,
Wow… wow! … all I can say is “wow.” Great report, thank you for taking the time to share it! Your insights will surely benefit future travelers to the area. Sorry to hear that Montezuma’s Castle didn’t live up to expectations, but glad you got to do the Plateau Point hike, and enjoy dinner at El Tovar. Both those places hold a lot of special memories for me.
Take care and have a wonderful summer!
Alley 🙂
Hi Ryan and Alley,
We’re 2 couples planning to visit in the beginning of May. Las Vegas is our starting and ending point. We’re giving ourselves 8 to 10 days and would like to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim, Page for Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion NP. I’m trying to figure out how many days are needed at each place (we don’t want to rush). We want to be sure to do photography and star gazing. If time allows, we’d like add on either Monument Valley, Arches NP or Sedona. Appreciate your thoughts!
Thank you,
Stacey
Hi Stacey!
With 8-10 days to work with, you should have a wonderful vacation! If at all possible, make it 10 days, if not 12 or more. There’s a lot to see and do out here!
A good 10-day itinerary in this area could go something like this:
Day 1 – Drive from Las Vegas to Sedona, ~4.5 hour drive, overnight in Sedona
Day 2 – Explore Sedona, Pink Jeep Tour, hiking, etc., spend another night in Sedona
Day 3 – Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim, ~2.5 hour drive, overnight at Grand Canyon
Day 4 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, ~3.5-4 hour drive (I know Google maps lists it as 2.5, but there are lots of photo ops on this leg of the trip!), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page, AZ
Day 5 – Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, take Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour, spend 2nd night in Page
Day 6 – Drive from Page, AZ to Bryce, ~3 hour drive, overnight in Bryce
Day 7 – Drive from Bryce to Zion NP, ~3 hour drive, overnight in Springdale, UT
Day 8 – Explore Zion, spend 2nd night in Springdale, UT
Day 9 – Drive back to Las Vegas, ~3 hour drive, detour to Valley of Fire State Park, time permitting
As you can see, 8 days is easily filled in this part of the U.S. If you can add another day or two onto your itinerary, maybe swing through Monument Valley between the Grand Canyon and Page. The hard part will be finding lodging there as there aren’t many choices, so, push comes to shove, you could do it as a “drive by,” which will extend your drive time to ~6 hours. If you can tack another 3 days onto your trip, or — horrors! — sacrifice Sedona, you could add Moab, UT (for Arches and Canyonlands) between Page and Bryce Canyon. That would add Capitol Reef onto your itinerary by virtue of the drive you’d have to take.
As you can see, the possibilities are practically endless! For more suggestions, visit “14 Days In The Grand Circle” on our companion site, http://www.HorseshoeBend.com
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂