Sedona to Antelope Canyon: 3-Day Desert Road Trip from Las Vegas
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days, 2 nights (approx 72 hours including drives)
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; able to walk short distances (0.5–2 miles) over uneven ground and climb stairs.
Overview
From Las Vegas to the red-rock amphitheaters of Sedona, the towering buttes of Monument Valley, and the light-carved veins of Antelope Canyon—this three-day tour compresses the American Southwest’s most iconic landscapes into a single, photo-rich loop. Expect long drives, short hikes, Navajo-led jeep tours, and prime sunrise and midday light in the slot canyons.
Sedona to Antelope Canyon: 3-Day Desert Road Trip from Las Vegas
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The bus eases out of Las Vegas before dawn and the neon gives way to a hard, horizontal light that strips the Mojave into ridges and scrub. By midmorning the road climbs the Colorado Plateau and Oak Creek Canyon opens like a curtain—red walls dropping roughly 2,000 feet to a ribbon of water. This three-day loop stitches Sedona’s scarlet spires to the vast basins of Monument Valley, then threads into the slot canyons around Page, where light and rock compose the filmic chambers of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for altitude and desert heat
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water per person each day and sip regularly—temperatures can climb and elevation can make exertion feel harder.
Timing for Antelope Canyon photos
Book the midday slot where light penetrates the canyon best; arrive early for Horseshoe Bend to avoid crowds and harsh shadows.
Footwear and footing
Wear closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread—sand, river-smoothed stone, and sudden steps are common in slot canyons and viewpoints.
Respect Navajo lands and guides
Follow guide instructions, stay on designated paths, and avoid taking drones or commercial photos without permission—many sites are on Navajo Nation with specific rules.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert cottontail and jackrabbit
- Ravens and occasional coyotes at dawn or dusk
History
This route crosses lands shaped by ancestral indigenous presence and 20th-century Route 66 travel; Monument Valley has been a backdrop for countless films and Navajo cultural life.
Conservation
Visitors should stay on trails, pack out trash, and avoid touching canyon walls—sandstone oils and handling accelerate erosion and damage fragile formations.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Daypack
Holds water, snacks, layers, and camera gear for short hikes and canyon walks.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on sand, slickrock, and uneven canyon floors.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)
Desert sun is strong—protect skin and eyes during long exposed drives and viewpoints.
summer specific
Camera with wide-angle lens and small tripod
Helps record Antelope Canyon’s tight interiors and Monument Valley panoramas during low light.