Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Sedona: Slot Light and River Curves
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–12 hours (with 60–90 minutes on foot)
Fitness Level
Comfortably walk 1–2 miles on sand and uneven surfaces and climb several stair-ladders without assistance.
Overview
From Sedona’s sunrise to Page’s sculpted sandstone, this full-day trip links Horseshoe Bend’s sweeping river arc with the intimate glow of Lower Antelope Canyon. Guided on Navajo land with photo-savvy tips and time on the rim, it’s a high-desert classic balanced with practical comforts.
Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Sedona: Slot Light and River Curves
Select participants and date
Dawn shakes the red rocks of Sedona awake as the van turns north, slipping past ponderosa pines and up onto the high desert. By the time the San Francisco Peaks fade in the mirrors, the road is aiming through Navajo Nation toward Page. The landscape opens its hand—painted badlands, stone bluffs, and a river that has been carving its argument with time. Horseshoe Bend appears first, a short, sandy walk leading to a cliff-edge balcony where the Colorado River loops in a confident arc, slow and green, daring you to lean into the view. The bend pushes forward, a living contour line at the scale of a city, and every camera on the rim answers.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate early, hydrate often
Carry at least 2 liters per person and start sipping before the sandy walk to Horseshoe Bend; summer heat accelerates dehydration.
Wear real shoes
Closed-toe hiking shoes with grippy soles make the metal ladders and sandy steps in Lower Antelope Canyon far safer and more comfortable.
Mind the midday light
Lower Antelope glows best late morning to early afternoon, while Horseshoe Bend rewards sunrise and golden hour for softer shadows.
Follow Navajo Nation rules
Stay with your guide, don’t bring bags that exceed size limits, and respect photo stops to keep the narrow canyon flowing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- California condor (occasionally near Glen Canyon)
History
Lower Antelope Canyon sits on Navajo Nation; guided access supports local stewardship and preserves sensitive terrain. Glen Canyon Dam, completed in the 1960s, created Lake Powell and reshaped water management in the Southwest.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths and follow guide direction—slot canyon walls are fragile. Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing cryptobiotic soils that hold desert slopes together.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed‑toe hiking shoes
Traction and toe protection are key on sandy trails and metal ladders in the canyon.
2L hydration system or water bottles
The dry desert air pulls moisture fast; carrying ample water is non-negotiable in hot months.
summer specific
Wide‑brim hat and sun protection
Open terrain at Horseshoe Bend offers little shade; a brim and sunscreen keep the sun in check.
spring specific
Wide‑angle lens or phone with ultra‑wide
A wider field of view helps capture the canyon’s sweeping curves and the full river arc at the overlook.