Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Sedona: Complete Guide
Run the gauntlet of light and sandstone on a full‑day tour from Sedona that pairs the intimate, laddered corridors of Lower Antelope Canyon with the vertiginous sweep of Horseshoe Bend. Expect a long but rewarding day—guided history, canyon geology, and top photo moments.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early and confirm pickup
Pickup in Sedona begins around 6:00–6:30 a.m.; confirm hotel pickup point 72 hours before your tour to avoid missed departures.
Hydration and sun protection
Bring at least 1–2 liters of water, a broad‑brim hat and sunscreen—the desert sun is intense on the hike out and at Horseshoe Bend.
Footwear for ladders and sand
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction; the canyon floor is sand and the route includes small ladders and uneven footing.
Camera and lens choices
A wide‑angle lens captures the canyon’s curves; your guide will recommend the best spots to shoot and when to avoid tripods.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cameron Trading Post — authentic Navajo crafts and local food between Sedona and Page
- •Glen Canyon Overlook — quieter vantage points near the dam for sunset silhouettes
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Canyon wren and small reptiles like collared lizards
Conservation Note
Tours support Navajo guides and local businesses—stay on designated paths, follow guide instructions, and avoid touching sandstone to protect fragile surfaces.
Lower Antelope sits on Navajo Nation land; the slot canyons are carved from Navajo Sandstone deposited in the Jurassic and later sculpted by seasonal floods.
Photographer's Notes
- • Inside Lower Antelope amid the main corkscrew chamber
- • Horseshoe Bend rim—center vantage point for the river curve
- • Glen Canyon Dam overlook for broad river and reservoir shots
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Grippy shoes protect your feet in sandy, uneven slot canyon terrain and on rim viewpoints.
1–2L water bottle or hydration bladderEssential
Carry enough water for the day—bottled water is provided but extra is wise in heat.
Wide‑angle camera lens
A 10–24mm or similar captures the canyon’s curves and narrow interiors.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Sun protection is essential when hiking between canyon and overlook, especially on exposed rim trails.
Common Questions
How long is the hike through Lower Antelope Canyon?
The guided portion through Lower Antelope is about 1 mile total, including ladders and narrow sections; plan for about 60–90 minutes inside the canyon.
What are the departure and return times?
The tour departs Sedona at approximately 6:00–6:30 a.m. and returns around 5:30–6:00 p.m.; exact pickup location must be provided 72 hours prior.
Are kids allowed and are car seats required?
Children must be 6 years or older to join; Arizona law requires children eight and younger to use a car seat or booster—guests must supply their own.
What happens if it rains or there are floods?
Flash‑flood risk can close Antelope Canyon; the operator will cancel tours in unsafe conditions and the booking policy is all sales final—confirm weather policies when booking.
Can I bring a tripod or professional camera gear?
Tripods and monopods are often restricted in slot canyons due to narrow passages and crowding—your guide will advise; handheld wide‑angle setups work best.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No—participants must be ambulatory, able to walk unpaved, uneven trails for extended periods and climb short ladders; the tour is not suitable for those with significant mobility restrictions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
11–12 hours
Location
Page, Arizona
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Requires moderate fitness: able to walk ~1 mile on uneven terrain, climb short ladders, and stand at overlooks.
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