Sand Dune Canyon: Quiet Slot-Canyon Trek South of Antelope Canyon
A quieter alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, the Sand Dune Canyon tour is a 3.5-mile, 3.5-hour trek through narrow sandstone channels and rolling dunes just south of Page, Arizona. Expect dramatic light, fewer people, and a compact lesson in desert geology.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring extra water
Carry at least 1.5–2 liters per person—there’s no reliable water on the route and the sun can be intense even in shoulder seasons.
Sturdy footwear
Wear closed-toe hiking boots with good tread to handle shifting sand and slick rock surfaces.
Timing for light
Start mid-morning or late afternoon for directional light that accentuates the canyon walls and avoids the harsh midday sun.
Watch the forecast
Tours are canceled in heavy rain due to flash-flood risk—check weather and plan flexibility into your schedule.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A shallow sand bowl mid-trail where winds create miniature dunes worth photographing up close
- •A small, elevated ledge near the canyon mouth that frames wide desert views toward Lake Powell at sunset
Wildlife
- •Desert cottontail
- •Raven
Conservation Note
Visitors are asked to stay on established routes, avoid touching fragile patina on rock surfaces, and pack out all waste to protect formations that take millennia to form.
The canyon is cut from Jurassic Navajo Sandstone—ancient dune fields that lithified into rock; the area is part of Navajo Nation with long-standing cultural ties to the land.
Photographer's Notes
- • Narrow slot segments where light slants across the walls
- • Open dune bowls mid-trail for wide-angle desert shots
- • Ledge near the mouth for sunset silhouettes toward Lake Powell
What to Bring
Hiking bootsEssential
Support and traction for sand, slickrock, and stair descents.
Hydration pack or water bottlesEssential
Keeps hands free and provides the 1.5–2 liters needed in hot, dry conditions.
Sun hat and UV protectionEssential
Wide-brim hat and sunscreen protect against intense desert sun reflected off sandstone.
Light trekking pole
Helps stabilize on soft sand and when descending stair sections; available on request from guides.
Common Questions
How long is the drive to the trailhead?
The tour includes about a 20-minute drive from the meeting point near Highway 98 to the trailhead.
Is this on Navajo Nation land and do I need a permit?
The area is Navajo Nation territory and the tour is operated with local authorization—individual permits are managed by the tour operator.
Are children allowed?
Children are allowed but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; the route requires attentive supervision and moderate fitness.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours are canceled in heavy rain or flash-flood risk; you’ll receive a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance under the operator’s policy.
Can I combine this with Upper Antelope Canyon the same day?
It’s possible logistically but tight—allow time for permits, photos, and travel between sites; ask your operator about combined itineraries.
Are guides knowledgeable about geology and culture?
Yes—guides provide insights into sandstone formation and local cultural practices, while emphasizing respect for sensitive features.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–3.5 hours
Location
Page, Arizona
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable walking on uneven ground and short stair descents; not suitable for those with serious cardiovascular or spinal issues.
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