Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Sedona — Upper Antelope Slot Canyon Guide
Leave Sedona before dawn for an 11.5-hour journey to two of the Southwest’s most photographed landscapes. Walk into Upper Antelope’s light-beamed chambers and stand above the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend — both guided, both dramatic, and both rooted in Navajo land and geology.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate for a long day
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person; the tour includes bottled water but bring a refillable bottle for the drive and hikes.
Time your photos
For light beams in Upper Antelope plan for late-morning light (10:30–12:30); for dramatic colors at Horseshoe Bend shoot at golden hour.
Wear steady shoes
The canyon and Horseshoe Bend trail are sandy and uneven — low hiking shoes with grip are best.
Kids and car seats
Arizona law requires children 8 and under to be in a car seat/booster — bring your own, the tour enforces this strictly.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short stop at Glen Canyon Dam overlook for engineered- landscape contrast
- •Cameron Trading Post for Navajo rugs and authentic frybread on the route back
Wildlife
- •ravens (common at overlooks)
- •desert cottontail rabbits and occasionally coyotes near dawn/dusk
Conservation Note
Access is controlled by Navajo Nation permits and guided tours to reduce impact; follow guides, stay off fragile rock surfaces, and pack out trash to protect the sandstone and cultural sites.
Upper Antelope and surrounding lands are part of Navajo Nation; the slot canyons and river corridors have spiritual and cultural significance and are stewarded through guide systems.
Photographer's Notes
- • Beam chamber inside Upper Antelope where vertical light meets sand
- • Horseshoe Bend overlook on the west rim for full river meander
- • Glen Canyon Dam overlook for a different engineered vs. natural perspective
What to Bring
Water bottle (1–2L)Essential
Stays hydrated during desert driving, walks, and while standing at exposed viewpoints.
Low-cut hiking shoes with treadEssential
Gives traction on sand, stairs, and uneven canyon floors.
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)Essential
Essential for the exposed Horseshoe Bend trail and midday stops.
Camera with dust cloth
Captures light beams and river views; bring a cloth to clear sand and dust between shots.
Common Questions
Are tripods allowed in Upper Antelope Canyon?
Tripod policies vary by Navajo guide company; compact tripods may be restricted during high-traffic times — check with the operator before you bring one.
Is this tour suitable for young children?
Minimum age is 6; children must be accompanied by an adult and those 8 and under require a car seat/booster per Arizona law (guests must provide it).
How long is the walking at Horseshoe Bend?
The Horseshoe Bend trail included is about a 3/4-mile out-and-back (roughly 1.5 miles roundtrip) on unpaved, sandy trail with minimal elevation change to the overlook.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour can be canceled for weather, especially if flash flood risk exists; refunds depend on the operator’s policy and bookings note weather-related cancellations.
Do I need a permit to enter Antelope Canyon?
Yes — Upper Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and access is only with authorized Navajo guides; tour admission covers that permit.
Can I be picked up in Sedona?
Yes — complimentary pickup is available within Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, and Flagstaff city limits; you must provide pickup details at least 72 hours before the tour.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11–12 hours
Location
Page, Arizona
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Comfortable with at least moderate fitness; includes walking 90 minutes on uneven terrain and short hikes on sand and rock.
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