Antelope Canyon Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Day Tour Las Vegas

Antelope Canyon, the Navajo slot canyon near Page

Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon carved into red Navajo sandstone near Page, Arizona, on Navajo land, so you enter only with a Navajo guide. Water and wind have polished the walls into smooth, flowing curves, and on sunny days beams of light drop into the canyon and glow across the rock in orange and gold.

This tour uses prime-time entry, between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, when the light is strongest. The default is Lower Antelope Canyon, which is narrower and involves some staircases and ladders, while Upper Antelope Canyon has a flatter walk. A Navajo permit fee is paid to the guide on arrival. Bags, tripods, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the canyon.

Horseshoe Bend overlook

Horseshoe Bend is a tight, horseshoe-shaped curve of the Colorado River, seen from an overlook about 1,000 feet above the water. From the car park the walk to the overlook is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip on sand and flat rock, with little shade, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen in summer.

Is Horseshoe Bend worth the walk? Yes, the emerald river against red cliffs is one of the most photographed views in the Southwest. Entry is included in this tour, and professional cameras are allowed here, though not inside Antelope Canyon. The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend for light is often late morning to afternoon.

Lake Powell photo stop

Before heading back to Las Vegas, you stop at a Lake Powell overlook. Lake Powell is a large reservoir on the Colorado River, formed by Glen Canyon Dam, and its deep blue water against red sandstone makes a strong contrast. The stop is short, since the drive back is long, but it is a good place to rest and take pictures.

Lake Powell is a popular destination in its own right for boating and hiking, but on a Lake Powell day trip from Las Vegas you see it as a scenic viewpoint. Weather and traffic can change the time you have here.

Choosing between prime-time, VIP, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

The options differ in the canyon you visit and how you travel. Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon is chosen at booking. The VIP small group tours carry a maximum of 14 travellers in a premium business-class van with Wi-Fi, while the standard prime-time options travel in a shared vehicle sized to the group.

Which is better, Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? Upper has an easier, flatter walk, and Lower is narrower with steps, so choose the one that suits your group. The booking panel shows current prices and how children are counted for each option.

The long day from Las Vegas

The tour starts early, at around 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM, and lasts about 13 hours, so please be ready when your guide confirms the exact pickup time the day before. Pickup is from three designated Las Vegas locations, and you return to the same area in the evening.

Lunch is a sandwich with a choice of beef, turkey or veggie; tell your guide the day before, since turkey is the default. Wear closed-toe shoes and trousers or shorts, and bring cash for the permit fee and tips. Weather-appropriate clothing is advised.