If you are traveling in Arizona, you must visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two unforgettable natural wonders. We have always recommended visiting Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend to our readers, but one of the most frequently asked questions is whether or not one can plan a one-day tour to both of these remarkable places. We’ll give you the answer straight away. Yes, it is possible.
In this article, I’ll try to give you all the information you need to organize a visit of the two places on your own and afterwards, I will describe in detail a tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, which will allow you to enjoy a more leisurely visit to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Contents
A Brief Description of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon is known for its narrow rock walls, smoothed and shaped by water and wind, and the changing colors caused by the sun’s rays filtering between the walls. It is the most famous and visited slot canyon in the Southwest. It is divided into 3 areas, Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon and Antelope Canyon X, and, unlike most other nature parks, it can only be visited on a guided tour. In other words, you cannot visit it at your own leisure.
Horseshoe Bend is an incredible “creation” by the Colorado River. It is a bend in the river shaped like a horseshoe. The placid waters of the river flow around the bend and it would seem like a talented artist painted this scene. As we have already said in another article, visiting Horseshoe Bend is completely free but you have to pay the parking fee. From the parking lot, you will take a short walk (however, keep in mind that you will be walking in the heat) to reach a spectacular viewpoint.
Although Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are both in the Navajo Nation, they are not in the same park, so if you buy a tour to Antelope Canyon in the various Navajo tourist agencies located in Page, Horseshoe Bend is not included in the tour.
How to Visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon Independently
So, how can you visit both attractions in a short time? If you will be spending a day near Page – and want to stop by the nearby Lake Powell as well – would you run the risk of missing out on something? The answer is no, if you follow these recommendations.
First, book the Antelope Canyon tour in advance! Many tourists arrive in Page without knowing that they cannot visit it unless they go on a tour. Consequently, they attempt racing against time, going from agency to agency in the hope of getting on a waiting list. If you book your tour in advance, you can better plan your day and include Horseshoe Bend in your itinerary.
- As I already mentioned, you will not be able to visit Antelope on your own. Most tours to Upper Antelope Canyon start in Page, while those to Lower Antelope Canyon start near the slot canyon itself. In any case, you will leave your car near the agency and after the tour (which lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes in the first case, and 1 hour in the second), you can pick it up and continue your trip.
- What about Horseshoe Bend? Does it take a long time to visit it? How far is Horseshoe Bend from Antelope Canyon? From Page, you will have to travel just 4.3 miles on Highway 89, which takes about 10 minutes by car. Then you will take a 20-minute walk before you can enjoy the view of Horseshoe Bend. Although it can be crowded, there is no need to make reservations and wait or to stay in line – simply choose the best time to visit. As of 2019, you have to pay for parking.
In conclusion, you can see that a combined tour of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend is by no means impossible in terms of time. On the contrary, if you plan well, you could even visit both of them in the morning and spend the afternoon visiting other places, such as Marble Canyon, the aforementioned Lake Powell, or even Glen Canyon.
Where to Stay
I advise you to look for a hotel in Page or choose the beautiful Lake Powell Resort. Booking accommodations in the area will allow you to take your time as you explore all the natural beauty around Page without risking missing anything. If you are coming from other parks in the area such as Grand Canyon, Monument Valley or Bryce Canyon and you can’t stay overnight in Page, read these guides:
Tours from Page, Las Vegas or Flagstaff
What if you want to enjoy these two wonders without worrying about planning a strict schedule to follow or booking tours in advance at the Navajo tour agencies? If this is the case, we would like to point out this interesting tour that starts in either Las Vegas or Flagstaff , which makes it suitable for all those who intend to visit the attractions around Page before or after visiting the Grand Canyon, which is located near these cities (especially Flagstaff, which is the best city to stop in when visiting this famous canyon in Arizona).
It is very common to travel between Flagstaff and Antelope Canyon on West Coast road trip itineraries, so it might be interesting to take advantage of this package.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour
After the (optional) pick-up service from your hotel in Las Vegas or Flagstaff, you will be transported to Page, where a Navajo guide will be waiting for you, ready to introduce you to the spectacular Antelope Canyon. Bring your cameras, because as your guide is explaining the geological features and history of the slot canyon, he or she will give you tips on how to take the best pictures of the canyon.
After Antelope Canyon, it’s time to head to Horseshoe Bend! You will climb back into your vehicle and be accompanied by a guide along the short trail that leads to the phenomenal panoramic view of Horseshoe Bend. At the end of the day, after being inspired by the natural beauty of these places, you will be taken back to your hotel (optional).
- Duration: 9-13 hours
- What’s included: All expenses (tickets, taxes); tour by a professional guide; pick-up and drop-off service (optional)
- Price: Starting at $180
- Advantages: No need to booking your own tour of Antelope Canyon; long duration of the visit; expert guide
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Las Vegas
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Flagstaff
Antelope Canyon and Scenic Flight over Horseshoe Bend from Page
I also want to mention another great tour starting from Page, which only became available recently. What’s so special about it? In addition to a tour of Antelope Canyon, it also takes you on a scenic flight over Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend by helicopter or plane. Imagine the view from up there! To find out more about the differences between the tours available, please click on the link below to read our in-depth article.
Antelope Canyon and scenic flight: tours available
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are both places that should be added to a trip to nature parks in the Southwest. Now that you have all the information you need to choose a tour or a plan visit on your own, all you have to do is to go discover these two enchanting natural wonders!
I always like to read this kind of article which give information like this. I will try to go through taking the Vegas to Antelope Canyon Tour.