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Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend: One-Day Scenic Tour from Phoenix

Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend: One-Day Scenic Tour from Phoenix

A long, rewarding day from the Phoenix Valley takes you into Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide and out to the vertiginous Horseshoe Bend overlook. Expect tight sandstone corridors, sweeping river views, and a 13–16 hour itinerary with pickup included.

Page, Arizona
13–16 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Start early and rest up

Pick-up can be as early as 6am; you’ll be on the road for most of the day so get a good night’s sleep beforehand.

Hydrate and carry 2L water

Desert heat and long walking windows demand proactive hydration—bring refillable bottles or a hydration bladder.

Wear closed-toe shoes

Slick rock, ladders and uneven sand in Lower Antelope make sturdy footwear a must.

Prepare for tight spaces

Lower Antelope has narrow passages; travelers with claustrophobia or mobility limits should choose carefully.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for a quieter riverside view
  • Little Colorado River overlook—striking turquoise water where the tributary runs through colored shale

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Red-tailed hawk

Conservation Note

Stay on designated paths, follow guide instructions, and pack out trash; tours limit group size to reduce impact and protect fragile sandstone.

Lower Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and is traditionally managed and interpreted by Navajo guides who explain both cultural connections and the canyon’s formation from ancient dune fields.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Midday in summer for slot-canyon light beams, Sunrise or sunset for Horseshoe Bend to avoid harsh shadow, Golden hour for softer rim lighting
Key viewpoints:
  • Inside the main Lower Antelope chamber where light accents the curves
  • Center of the Horseshoe Bend rim for the full river meander
  • Glen Canyon Dam overlook for broader Lake Powell context
Subjects to capture:Slot-canyon textures and light patterns, The Colorado River meander at Horseshoe Bend, Cliff-edge landscapes and sky

What to Bring

Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Provides traction on sand, ladders, and rocky walking surfaces in the canyon.

2L+ hydration system or bottlesEssential

Keeps you hydrated through long drives and hot, exposed overlooks.

Wide-brim sun hat and sunscreenEssential

Protects against intense desert sun during outdoor stretches and parking stops.

Light, windproof layer

Useful for cool, windy mornings and colder temperatures at the overlook.

Common Questions

How long is the tour door-to-door?

Expect 13–16 hours from your Phoenix/Scottsdale pickup to drop-off; exact timing depends on pickup location, traffic, and weather.

Is photography allowed inside Lower Antelope Canyon?

Yes—your guided hour allows photos, but guides manage group flow and may restrict tripods during busy times to protect the canyon and keep lines moving.

Can people with mobility issues do this tour?

Lower Antelope requires stairs and ladders and has uneven footing, so it’s not suitable for travelers with serious mobility limitations; Horseshoe Bend is an easier short walk but has exposed cliffs.

What happens if it rains?

Tours can be canceled or routes changed due to flash flood risk; operators monitor weather closely and will provide refunds according to the cancellation policy when necessary.

Are permits or entrance fees included?

Yes—this tour includes admission to Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend as part of the package and a guided Navajo tour of Lower Antelope.

Where is pickup available in Phoenix/Scottsdale?

Pick-up is offered from most hotels and residences in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area; you’ll select or confirm your pickup point during booking.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

13–16 hours

Location

Page, Arizona

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness—able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces for an hour, tolerate long vehicle rides, and climb short ladders.

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Page?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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