Upper Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Page, AZ — What to Expect

Short on time but hungry for iconic scenery? This five-hour loop from Page, AZ delivers both the wide sweep of Horseshoe Bend and the intimate light shows of Upper Antelope Canyon, led by Navajo guides who explain the geology and culture behind the sandstone walls.

Page, Arizona•

5 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

The van eases out of Page just after 10 a.m., the desert air already warming. Road dust clings to the windows and a guide passes around bottled water while pointing out the ridged horizon. Within an hour you stand at Horseshoe Bend: the Colorado River has carved a wide, slow loop through Navajo Sandstone below, the water a green ribbon daring you to imagine how it once thundered through this stone.

Before You Go

Start early

Departures begin at 10 a.m.; cooler morning temperatures make the Horseshoe Bend walk more comfortable and Antelope Canyon light more dramatic.

Hydrate and layer

Bring at least 1 liter of water and a light jacket—desert temperatures swing quickly between shade and sun.

Bring a strap for your camera

Upper Antelope is narrow and uneven; a secure camera strap prevents drops and frees hands while climbing short stairs.

Car seat requirement for young children

Arizona law requires children 8 and under to be in a car seat or booster—guests must provide their own.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for wide water-and-contrasting-rock views
•Little Colorado River Gorge for vivid turquoise water and fewer crowds

Wildlife

•Desert cottontail and jackrabbit
•Ravens and common desert lizards

Conservation Note

Stay on designated trails, avoid touching sandstone walls to preserve delicate patina, and follow Navajo Nation rules to support local stewardship.

Upper Antelope sits on Navajo Nation land; the slot canyon has cultural significance and guides share stories of how local communities relate to the land.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Late morning for Antelope light shafts (around 11am–1pm), Sunrise or golden hour for Horseshoe Bend, Midday for balanced canyon wall detail

Key viewpoints:

• Horseshoe Bend rim overlook
• Entrance and midpoints inside Upper Antelope Canyon
• Glen Canyon Dam overlook for Lake Powell contrasts

Subjects to capture:Slot canyon light beams and textured walls, Aerial sweep of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, Human figures for scale against massive sandstone

What to Bring

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Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential

Grip and sand protection for the uneven trail to Horseshoe Bend and the stairs in Antelope Canyon.

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Sun hat and SPFEssential

Essential for sun exposure on the exposed Horseshoe Bend trail.

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Light insulated layer

Useful for cool mornings and the climatic contrast between canyon shade and canyon rim.

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Camera or smartphone with wide-angle lens

Wide framing captures the canyon’s curves and the broad sweep of Horseshoe Bend.

Common Questions

How long is the walk at Horseshoe Bend?

The roundtrip walk to the overlook is about 1.5 miles (approx.) on sandy, uneven trail and takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on stops.

Is photography allowed in Upper Antelope Canyon?

Yes; guides provide time and tips for photos, but tripods and professional equipment rules may vary—follow your guide’s instructions.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, minimum age is 6, but Arizona law requires children 8 and under to be in a car seat/booster that you must supply.

What happens in bad weather?

Tours can be canceled for flash flood risk or unsafe conditions; the operator may reschedule or cancel with no refund per policy—confirm weather contingencies when booking.