A long, rewarding day-trip from Las Vegas that pairs the sculpted corridors of Lower Antelope Canyon with the sweeping curvatures of Horseshoe Bend. Expect dramatic light, narrow sandstone passages, and a 14-hour itinerary that requires planning but rewards the patient traveler.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The van hums west out of Las Vegas before dawn, taillights shrinking into the desert. By midmorning the neon gives way to a different kind of geometry: wide, low mesas and a horizon that seems to fold into itself. At Antelope Canyon the group disembarks into a thin ribbon of light — Lower Antelope’s narrow corridor where sandstone walls squeeze to a few feet apart and sunlight pours down like a spotlight, painting the sand with bands of copper and gold.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
14 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; short, uneven walks and stairs required but no technical climbing.
Wildlife
History
These formations sit on and next to Navajo Nation land; the canyon and river owe their shapes to millions of years of erosion and 20th-century engineering like the Glen Canyon Dam (completed 1966).
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths, pack out trash, and respect Navajo Nation rules—local fees and permits help fund stewardship and community services.
Reserve your spot on the Las Vegas Tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and pace yourself
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person; temperatures can spike quickly and there’s little shade between parking lots and viewpoints.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Sandy, uneven canyon floors and iron steps require traction—avoid flip-flops and lightweight sandals.
Protect camera gear
Bring a lens cloth and keep cameras in a padded bag to protect from blowing sand and crowded conditions.
Monitor weather closely
Monsoon season can close slot canyons with little warning—follow guide and Navajo Nation advisories.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for sandy floors and iron stairways inside the canyon.
2–3L reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
Keeps you hydrated through long drives and sun-exposed trails.
summer
Wide-brim hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Desert sun is strong—protect skin and eyes between stops.
summer
Light daypack
Carries water, camera, snacks, and layers for temperature swings on the plateau.