It’s a point that cannot be overstressed: Antelope Canyon is a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Arizona! You can only go there with a guided tour, and making an advance reservation is not just a nicety, it’s an absolute necessity. Long gone are the days when you could show up in Page, AZ, drive up to Antelope Canyon or a tour outfitter’s office, and hope to get on a tour within a reasonable timeframe. You can’t even do that in Lower Antelope Canyon anymore. On top of its popularity COVID has added its own challenges and the Tour Operators have been reduced to 50% of their Tour Inventories. (For Public Saftey)
So what’s a traveler to do in case they didn’t get the memo? First off, it depends on when you wanted to tour Antelope Canyon. Online reservations can be made directly with the different Antelope Canyon tour companies up to 24 hours in advance. Some, but not all, offer same-day online bookings, availability permitting.
If you wish to tour Antelope Canyon within 24-48 hours and are still finding tours sold out after exploring all avenues available, here’s what we recommend you do:
Go old school. All Antelope Canyon tour companies offer real-time tour availability via their websites; in theory, anyway. In reality, seats that get cancelled last minute or under duress may not make it back into online inventory right away. How can you get access to those seats? Get on the phone.
Phone numbers for the companies that tour the main branches of Antelope Canyon (Upper and Lower) are as follows:
Lower Antelope Canyon
Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours 928-606-2168
Dixie Ellis’ Antelope Lower Canyon Tours 928-640-1761
Upper Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours 928-698-3384
Roger Ekis’ Antelope Canyon Tours 928-645-9102
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours 928-380-1874
Chief Tsosie’s Slot Canyon Tours 928-645-5594
Consider alternatives. Antelope Canyon is amazing, to be sure, but it’s not the only slot game in town. There are many other slot canyons in the immediate vicinity of Page, AZ, that are just as beautiful as Antelope Canyon, but not nearly as crowded. If you strike out on getting reservations for an Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon tour, a tour of one of these alternate slot canyons just might save your vacation. Some tour companies offer same-day reservations, availability permitting. In most cases, online reservations can only be made 24 hours or more in advance. If you’re looking for last minute reservations for an Antelope Canyon alternative tour, once again, inquiring by phone will get you faster results.
Contact information for Page, AZ, companies who manage alternate slot canyons to Antelope Canyon:
Taadidiin Tours – Antelope Canyon X, Cardiac Canyon – 928-660-8890
Waterholes Canyon Experience – Waterholes Canyon – 928-660-2031
Horseshoe Bend Tours – Secret Antelope/Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon, Lucky Slot Canyon – 435-275-4594
Chief Tsosie’s Slot Canyon Tours – Cathedral Canyon – 928-645-5594
Mystical Antelope Canyon Tours – Mystical Antelope Canyon – 928-640-3852
Antelope Valley Tours – Ligai Si’Anii, Ram’s Head, Wind Pebble Canyon – 928-640-2594
Peek-A-Boo/Red Slot Canyon – Dreamland Safari Tours – 435-677-5967 (Kanab, UT)
Approach it from a different angle. Antelope Canyon and its sister slots were formed by the rushing waters of flash floods. That water has to end up somewhere, and in this case, that “somewhere” is Lake Powell. Boat and kayak tours to the water side of Antelope Canyon are a great way to not only check this attraction off your to-do list, but to come away with a deeper comprehension of its complexity.
For boat tours to Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, and other areas of Lake Powell departing within 48 hours, call Lake Powell Resort at 928-645-2433.
Kayak tours of Antelope Canyon departing from Antelope Point Marina are offered by Hidden Canyon Kayak. For reservations for tours occurring within 48 hours of your arrival, call 928-660-1836
Go your own way. If you have a 4WD vehicle, some hiking/trailfinding experience, and a sense of adventure, you can explore one of several slot canyons on the Utah/Ariziona border that don’t require a reservation, including, but certainly not limited to:
Buckskin Gulch – at 30+ miles in length, it’s the grand-daddy of all slot canyons, but you don’t have to go all the way through it to enjoy it. A $6.00/per person (and dog) permit fee can be paid at the self-serve kiosk at the Wire Pass, White House, Middle, or Lees Ferry trailhead
Wire Pass Canyon – a tributary of the Buckskin Gulch with an attractive and relatively easy half-mile slot canyon; access via the House Rock Valley Road, permit fee of $6.00/person also applies
Blue Pools Wash – a short but memorable slot canyon that runs under a highway, this slot canyon has two major drops that require ropes and rappelling experience to navigate, as well as a vehicle with adequate clearance to get to the trailhead
Cottonwood Wash Narrows – another less-traveled slot canyon, for good reason: the sole access road is unpaved and often rendered impassable after rain and snow storms, but brave souls with adequately-equipped vehicles will be treated to a fascinating slot canyon and a surprisingly easy hike
69 Responses
If staying in Vegas is it possibly to drive and see both Upper and Lower Canyon and Horse show in 1 day?
Also how do you bundle all three?
Do you suggest early drive to horse shoe– (how much time do I allow to enjoy this?
It is my understanding it is a 5 hour drive from Vegas. So I assume a 5- 6am start on the road.
How do you know what tour company to use?
Who is best to bundle ?
Hey Becky,
Hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but you might find your plan is not feasible depending on the time of year you’re proposing to do it.
You are correct that it takes about 5 hours, one-way, to travel from Las Vegas, NV, to Page, AZ.
To visit Horseshoe Bend, including the time it takes to park your vehicle, pay the fee, walk to the rim, take photos, and walk back, will take about 90 minutes. Antelope Canyon tours run approximately 2-2.5 hours, per tour, factoring in advance check-in time, safety briefings, and the inevitable delays that occur later in the day. So, adding up 1.5 hours + 2.5 hours + 2.5 hours is =6.5 hours of activities. If your trip is coming up in the next few weeks, your days are still doing to be relatively short. In mid-March, for example, sunrise occurs at 6:30 AM and sunset occurs at 6:30 PM. That’s 12 hours of daylight on a day where you’re planning to eat up 10 hours of it in the car, then try to squeeze in 5-6 hours of touring. If you’re wondering what’s wrong with that, the main thing is that it will put you back on the road to Las Vegas after sunset. Driving at night 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 other wildlife can ratchet up your risk of a collision. Trust me, that’s not something you want to risk 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! The stretch between Page, AZ, and St. George, UT, is particularly hazardous after dusk. Between St. George, UT, and Las Vegas, NV, isn’t too bad because you have several towns with associated “light domes” that illuminate that stretch of I-15 fairly well.
Still, if you really want to do all that, it would be best if you could free up at least one night to stay in Page, AZ. As for “bundling” both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, that is not possible to do right now. Due to COVID-19, the Antelope Canyon tour companies have had to reduce capacities on their tours in order to facilitate social distancing and reduce or negate possible exposure. At this time, both Lower & Upper Antelope Canyon tours must be booked separately. Don’t worry too much about which company to use. They are all licensed and well-rated. their tours are virtually identical right down to the footstep, and similarly comparable in price. Book with whoever has availability and be sure to allow enough time between tours to transition, maybe get lunch, etc.
Please contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com if I can be of further assistance!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Lots of good info on here that I’m finding. I had a couple of questions.
1. My wife and I live in Phoenix, so we are somewhat flexible, but we’re hoping to visit the area in April-May-ish. Generally how far in advance does one need to book to have a good chance at getting tickets for both Antelope Canyons. I’d love to book now, but my job is such that I can’t plan so far in advance
2. Does your company lead the actual tours, or are you a company that just helps to book tours? The reason I’m asking is if you are booked up are there still other options. Just trying to get a feel for how it all works.
Thanks!
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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Taking an 11 day road trip starting in Phoenix and ending in Vegas. Hoping to stop at MANY of the parks along the way. I wanted to know which of these parks do you ABSOLUTELY recommend that we have a guided tour (we are pretty adept at directions and trails and looking to do easy to moderate hiking once we park our rental car):
Grand Canyon (1+ day)
Bryce Canyon (1 day)
Antelope (if open)/Vermillion Cliffs (1 day)
Zion (2 days)
We also bought the $80 park pass. Do we need other tickets to enter some of these sites? Or those in between?
What is the best place to find out when Antelope may open?
Thanks so much!
Hey Meredith,
The good news is that the majority of parks you are wishing to visit are self-guiding, with a couple of notable — or one notable and one kinda-sorta — exception.
For the Antelope Canyons, a guided tour is 100% necessary. You may not enter these formations on your own, at least not the land side of them. More on that in a minute 😉 As you have deduced, the Antelope Canyons are unfortunately closed by Navajo Tribal Executive Order. We have no idea when they will reopen. The best place to monitor the current status is the official website of the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department. You may also request placement on our priority e-mail list to be notified the minute the canyons reopen.
If seeing a slot canyon remained high on your priority list, which we don’t blame you for one bit, a couple of alternatives are to kayak into the waterside of Antelope Canyon where it joins with Lake Powell. You beach your boat on the “pre-slot” portion of the Lower Canyon, where you can hike in a ways on land that is under Federal and not Tribal jurisdiction. Kayaking can be done by guided tour or rental and self-guide. Whatever you decide, this activity is best done first thing in the morning for lack of wind and smoother waters.
If you prefer to go on foot, the nearest “hikeable” slot canyon to Page, AZ, is Wire Pass Canyon and Buckskin Gulch, near Paria, UT, ~1 hour’s drive from Page, AZ. This a two-part slot canyon that is fairly family-friendly, and a tour is not required to go there. You need only pay a $6/person day use fee via Recreation.gov (not covered by the National Park Pass). A nice thing about it is that you can easily piggy-back a short hike into Wire Pass with an exploration of the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail. The video linked above also shows that area, so do watch it all the way through. The only caveat about Wire Pass Canyon is that the trailhead is located down the House Rock Valley Road, an unpaved road that is passable to standard passenger vehicles most of the time, but if recent weather has been wet, it turns into red clay slip-n-slide, which will result in a lot of consternation and teeth-gnashing, and a VERY expensive tow bill.
Horseshoe Bend can be visited at your leisure anytime during regular operating hours of the parking lot, which are sunrise to sunset. There is a $10/vehicle parking fee, which is not covered by your National Park Pass.
In Zion National Park, if you are not staying at the Zion Lodge, you will be required to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle to access the main sightseeing area of the park. Due to COVID-19, and NPS’s desire to facilitate continued social distancing, shuttles are operating at reduced capacity, therefore, advance ticket purchase is required. These sell out fast, so be sure to get online and grab yours as soon as they are released through Recreation.gov If it sounds like a pain in the tookus, frankly it is. You might opt to go with a guided tour, or skip the Zion Canyon area altogether, which isn’t as bad as it sounds, there is plenty to see and do accessible via UT-9 on the Eastern side of the park (near Kanab, UT), or the Western end of the park (near Springdale, UT). Another option would be to day-trip from wherever you’re staying to the Kolob Canyon area of the park, which is gorgeous and tends to be a lot less crowded, probably because it has virtually no services.
I hope that helps, I know it’s a lot to process. If you need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at horseshoe.bend.az@gmail.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Will Antelope Canyon be open in beginning of April 2021?
I finally got my husband to go with me to Vegas and I wanted to show him Antelope Canyon.
Hi Jennifer,
The short answer to this question is, we don’t know.
The Antelope Canyons are located on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands, so it is their call as to when these popular attractions might reopen. I recommend monitoring the official website of the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department for current information.
Should the Antelope Canyons remain closed at the time of your visit, I would recommend hiking either Wire Pass Canyon/Buckskin Gulch near Paria, UT, or Red Canyon/aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon near Kanab, UT. Wire Pass Canyon is a photogenic two-part slot canyon that is short enough for intermediate-level hikers to enjoy, yet offers the option to delve further into Buckskin Gulch for those wanting more of a challenge. The walk to the entrance of the initial slot is via a typically dry streambed, which is usually full of deep sand. An 8-10’ drop a short distance into the slot canyon is one reason why Wire Pass Canyon may not be appropriate for those traveling with young children, the elderly, or individuals afraid of heights. A makeshift ladder may sometimes be available. As the canyon walls become higher and closer together, they suddenly open up as the second slot connects with the Buckskin Gulch. If you’ve had enough at this point, you can simply turn around and head back to your vehicle. If you’d like to explore further, you can easily make a half-day hike out of the immediate area around the confluence with the Buckskin. Access to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch is off US89 between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, on the House Rock Valley Road and hikers pay a self-permitting fee at the kiosk by the trailhead or you can purchase a day pass online. Fair warning: the House Rock Valley Road is unpaved! While it is accessible to 2WD vehicles much of the time, if recent weather has brought any moisture whatsoever, the HRVR can turn into a muddy, impassable mess. Parties in rental cars should think twice about attempting this road since off-road driving is strictly prohibited by most rental car companies. A guided tour will get your family to Wire Pass Canyon and back in one piece, and turn you onto features you might have missed trying to find your own way. Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT based companies offering guided tours to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch include:
– Detours American West, 480-633-9013, http://www.detoursamericanwest.com
– Paria Outpost & Outfitters, 928-691-1047, http://www.paria.com
– Grand Staircase Discovery Tours, 928-614-4099, http://www.grandstaircasediscoverytours.com
Red Canyon aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon: not to be confused with Peek-A-Boo Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument! This family-friendly slot canyon is located between Kanab and Mt. Carmel Junction, Utah, approximately 90 minutes from Page, AZ. With twists and turns on par with the Antelope Canyons, this short but memorable walk features classic slot canyon scenery (including the occasional light beams in the summertime), as well as some unique features such as ancient “moqui” steps, and “Shaman’s Needle,” a pencil-thin stone column located in a small sub-drainage near the canyon’s entrance. While a guided tour is not required to get to Peek-A-Boo, we strongly recommend that you consider taking one, because while the walk through the canyon itself is usually not difficult, the drive to get there can be. 4WD vehicles with adequate clearance are a definite must, with tire pressure lowered to accommodate potentially deep sand. If you’re driving a rental car, forget it! You will void your insurance the minute your tires part with the pavement, which means you’d be on the hook for a very expensive rescue, should you need one, and have to foot the bill for any damage you’d sustain. For those who would prefer to explore Peek-A-Boo in the safety and comfort of a guided tour, there are several reputable companies to choose from in Kanab, UT, including:
– Dreamland Safari Tours, (435) 412-1790, http://www.dreamlandtours.net
– TC Tours, (435) 668-5262, http://www.slotcanyontourskanab.com
– Kanab Tour Company, (435) 644-5525, http://www.kanabtourcompany.com
– Forever Adventure Tours, 435-644-5700, http://www.foreveradventuretours.com
– Grand Circle Tours, (928) 691-0166, http://www.vermilioncliffs.net
Kayaking into the waterside of Antelope Canyon from Antelope Point Marina, then hiking into the section of the canyon on the shoreline of Lake Powell, which is Federal and not Tribal land, was also a popular alternative last year. Although that part of Antelope Canyon doesn’t boast the classic slot canyon scenery of Lower or Upper Antelope, judging from the number of sold out dates last year, people didn’t mind it a bit. Early April would most likely be a nice time for kayaking, too, so definitely consider this activity should you need a “plan B” to salvage your trip. Hidden Canyon Kayak Antelope Canyon Tour
Lastly, bear in mind that it’s ~a 5-hour drive, one way from Las Vegas to Page, AZ. Due to the driving distance, and the fact that you should avoid driving at night if at all possible, we recommend spending at least one night in Page, AZ, to enjoy these and many other activities and attractions the town has to offer!
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Will antelope canyon be open to tour in March 2021?
Hi Mary,
The short answer is, we don’t know. “Officially,” the closure of the Antelope Canyons is slated to last through the end of 2020, but local rumor has it that it could very well be extended into Spring 2021.
We recommend you start looking to a “Plan B,” which, for most families is Red Canyon aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Kanab, UT. With twists and turns on par with the Antelope Canyons, Peek-A-Boo Canyon offers a short but memorable walk featuring classic slot canyon scenery, as well as some striking and unique geological formations. Plus it’s accessible to all ages and fitness levels. While a guided tour is technically not required to get to Peek-A-Boo, we strongly recommend that you take one anyway due to the potentially hazardous terrain of the access road. Tour companies that can get you to Peek-A-Boo Canyon are:
– Dreamland Safari Tours, (435) 412-1790, http://www.dreamlandtours.net
– TC Tours, (435) 668-5262, http://www.slotcanyontourskanab.com
– Kanab Tour Company, (435) 644-5525, http://www.kanabtourcompany.com
– Forever Adventure Tours, 435-644-5700, http://www.foreveradventuretours.com
– Grand Circle Tours, (928) 691-0166, http://www.vermilioncliffs.net
For updated information on the status of the Antelope Canyons and COVID-19 lockdowns, visit http://www.NavajoNationParks.org
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy Holidays,
Alley 🙂
We will be flying into Phoenix on Fri Oct 23, and on the road north to Grand Canyon, Sedona and/or Antelope starting about 2pm. We would like to optimize time on this side excursion lasting until Sun evening (checking into hotel in Scottsdale on Sun around 10pm), and possibly adding Horseshoe Bend. Can you please provide your best ideas and towns to stay optimize our time, but not be rushed? Is it possible to “check it out” in just a little over 2 days?
Hey Kim,
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you have 2 days, that’s not nearly enough time to fully enjoy the destinations you have named on your list. Sedona in particular is the kind of place where you need to spend 3-4 days minimum. Even so, people report having spent a week there and feeling as though they’d only “scratched the surface.”
If you want to at least say that you’ve seen it, I’d recommend passing through it en route to Scottsdale on your return trip. More on that in a minute…
On your arrival day, you only have about 3.5 hours of daylight to work with after 2:00 PM, so I’d recommend going straight to Grand Canyon South Rim, which is a 4.5-5 hour drive. You need to do the majority of your driving during daylight hours in this part of the U.S. Roads are very dimly lit (a deliberate move to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky), plus deer, elk, and other large animals tend to move around after dusk, which makes nighttime driving a dangerous proposition. Overnight at the Grand Canyon, then get up early the next morning and head to Page, AZ.
Normally, the drive to Page, AZ, takes ~3 hours. Due to COVID-19, an integral component of the driving route has been closed by the Navajo Indian Tribe, necessitating a detour back through Flagstaff, then on up US89 North. This means a 3-hour drive has turned into a 5-hour drive, hence, the recommendation for an early start. Another potential wrinkle: due to COVID-19, the Antelope Canyons are also closed. Whether they will open by the time you visit remains unknown. Should this be the case, you’ll still find plenty to occupy your time in Page, AZ, including Horseshoe Bend.
Spend Saturday night in Page, then head for Sedona, AZ, Sunday morning. Sunrise occurs shortly before 7:00 AM. The drive from Page, AZ, to Sedona, AZ, takes ~3 hours. If desired, and with an early enough start, you might take a backcountry jeep tour in Sedona before heading to Scottsdale, AZ, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Sedona. Again, shoot for an earlier arrival time in Scottsdale earlier than 10:00 PM so you’re doing as little driving as possible after dark.
Naturally, the feasibility of all this depends on hotel availability. If need be, this itinerary can be reversed just as easily since Page, AZ, is also ~4-4.5 hours from Phoenix.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi there! I wanted to ask if the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend are open now. I appreciate any information. Thanks in advance.
Hello Ivette,
Horseshoe Bend is one of a few attractions in the Page, AZ, area that never closed. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
We wish we could say the same for the Antelope Canyons, but unfortunately, the Navajo Nation made the difficult decision to extend the closure of tribal parks on reservation lands through July 27th.
Should that coincide with the dates you plan to travel, you should start thinking of a “plan B” for a slot canyon tour.
We recommend Red Canyon, aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon (not to be confused with Peek-A-Boo Canyon in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument!), a family-friendly slot canyon located near Kanab, UT, approximately 90 minutes from Page, AZ. With twists and turns on par with the Antelope Canyons, this short but memorable walk features classic slot canyon scenery (including the occasional light beams in the summertime), as well as some unique features such as ancient “moqui” steps, and “Shaman’s Needle,” a pencil-thin stone column located in a small sub-drainage near the canyon’s entrance. While a guided tour is not required to get to Peek-A-Boo, we strongly recommend that you consider taking one, because while the walk through the canyon itself is usually not difficult, the drive to get there can be. Reputable companies in Kanab, UT, that cover Peek-A-Boo are:
– Dreamland Safari Tours, (435) 412-1790, http://www.dreamlandtours.net
– TC Tours, (435) 668-5262, http://www.slotcanyontourskanab.com
– Kanab Tour Company, (435) 644-5525, http://www.kanabtourcompany.com
– Forever Adventure Tours, 435-644-5700, http://www.foreveradventuretours.com
– Grand Circle Tours, (928) 691-0166, http://www.vermilioncliffs.net
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, Wire Pass Canyon is a photogenic two-part slot canyon that is short enough for intermediate-level hikers to enjoy, yet offers the option to delve further into Buckskin Gulch for those wanting more of a challenge. After paying a nominal self-permitting fee at the kiosk by the trailhead, the walk to the entrance of the initial slot is via a typically dry streambed, which usually consists of deep sand. An 8-10’ drop a short distance into the slot canyon is one reason why Wire Pass Canyon may not be appropriate for those traveling with young children, the elderly, or individuals afraid of heights. As the canyon walls become higher and closer together, they suddenly open up as the second slot connects with the Buckskin Gulch. If you’ve had enough at this point, you can simply turn around and head back to your vehicle. If you’d like to explore further, you can easily make a half-day hike out of the immediate area around the confluence with the Buckskin. Look for some bighorn sheep petroglyphs dating back hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Access to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch is off US89 between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, on the House Rock Valley Road, another unpaved road that can be problematic for parties in rental cars. While it is accessible to 2WD vehicles much of the time, if recent weather has brought any moisture whatsoever, the HRVR can turn into a muddy, impassable mess. Here again, a guided tour, while not required, will get your family to Wire Pass Canyon and back in one piece, and turn you onto features you might have missed trying to find your own way. Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT based companies offering guided tours to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch include:
– Detours American West, 480-633-9013, http://www.detoursamericanwest.com
– Paria Outpost & Outfitters, 928-691-1047, http://www.paria.com
– Grand Staircase Discovery Tours, 928-614-4099, http://www.grandstaircasediscoverytours.com
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
I am a travel agent and have a multi-generational family of 9 ( 4 adults and 3 children aged 15,12 and 10) planning to visit over Easter. I hope availability will not be a problem.
Which airport do you suggest and where should they stay to get the best experience? They will have 5 or 6 days.
Do you know if there is a tour company that would book all tours/adventures or do I need to contact several ones ?
Many thanks, Cindy
Hi Cindy,
You are right to be concerned about availability over Easter weekend as that is Spring Break holiday for many U.S. schools. Nevertheless, I think you still have time to put together a fun and memorable vacation for your clients.
Las Vegas and Phoenix are the most popular airports for visitors to the American Southwest to fly into. As to whether there is a company that will make all the necessary arrangements for you, they are out there, but they are mostly escorted tours with pre-set programs. What’s more, many of them don’t start operating until later in the year, and only on certain days of the month, not to mention very expensive. Your clients will have far more freedom and flexibility if they were to self-drive. Therefore, you will have a job ahead of you arranging flights, car rentals, hotels, and guided tours.
In light of the time they have, here’s what I suggest:
Day 1 – fly to Las Vegas, pick-up rental car, drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (~5 hours), overnight at Grand Canyon (in-park or Tusayan, 7 miles outside the park)
Day 2 – drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hour drive, factoring in stops), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page
Day 3 – visit Horseshoe Bend Overlook just after sunrise (~6:00 AM), drive to Bryce Canyon (~3 hours), overnight in Bryce Canyon area
Day 4 – drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion (~2 hours), overnight in Springdale, UT, or Hurricane, UT
Day 5 – 2nd day/night in Zion
Day 6 – drive back to Las Vegas (~3.5-4.5 hours due to construction taking place along this route), optional detour through Valley of Fire State Park, fly home
Hope that helps. Feel free to write in again if you need to bounce some other ideas off us.
Take care,
Alley 🙂
Hi, thanks for the great advice !
I am going to be in Page on Thursday, March 12. I’m a family with 4 kids (they can all hike).
From a photography perspective, I am wondering if you can suggest best lighting, during the day, for each of the following:
Horseshoe Bend
Upper Antelope Canyon
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Michael!
For best lighting, Antelope Canyon is best viewed at mid-day. That’s when the sun is directly overhead and illuminates the chambers of the canyon with the most sunlight.
For Horseshoe Bend, opinions are all over the place as to what time is best to visit! However, these days, most of us don’t have the luxury of hitting the overlook at the best time for photography; it’s more about convenience in finding a place to park. Just after sunrise is generally regarded as the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. On March 12th, sunrise occurs shortly after 6:30 AM; sunset takes place at around 6:30 AM.
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello- I’m seeing lots of great advice here, thanks!
I’m going to be there on Monday, March 2nd and would like to see all three of: Upper, Lower, Horseshoe Bend.
1. I’ve read a lot of reviews that talked about it being very crowded but those are mostly from October– should I expect crowds on Monday, 3-2?
2. I’ve heard about the “Golden Hour” which I believe is only for Upper– is that right?
3. Any suggestions on order to do all three in one day? I don’t want to start too early as my girlfriend is not really a “morning person!” 🙂
Thanks! Stuart
Hey Stuart!
Thank you for your clear, concise and well-phrased inquiry.
Let’s get right to it 🙂
1. In March, the Antelope Canyons will be busy, but nowhere near as crowded as the summer months. Still, advance reservations are strongly recommended.
2. The “Golden Hour” reference is applied to both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons, when the light beams begin to penetrate all the way down to the canyon floor, mostly in Upper. Unfortunately, your visit is probably a little too early to experience this phenomenon. I wouldn’t sweat it. The Antelope Canyons are still beautiful!
3. The order in which you visit Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is a six-of-one/half-a-dozen-of-another proposition. Just book your tours at whatever time(s) fit your schedule, and where there’s still availability. For optimal convenience in the reservations process, book your Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours as a “bundle.” The first item on your agenda should be Horseshoe Bend, and as much as I hate to go against your girlfriend’s nature, it is best visited first thing in the morning. On March 2nd, the sun comes up just before 7:00 AM, which isn’t too bad. Once 10:00 AM rolls around, you’ll find the overlook very crowded with day trippers from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff, etc., which makes parking more of a challenge.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂