Upper Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas — Slot Canyons, River Overlooks, and Photo Stops
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
15 hours (includes roundtrip drive from Las Vegas)
Fitness Level
Good for travelers who can sit for long drives and walk unassisted on uneven, sandy terrain; must manage short climbs and a 1.5-mile round trip at Horseshoe Bend.
Overview
A long-day tour from Las Vegas that pairs the slot-canyon drama of Upper Antelope Canyon with the vertiginous sweep of Horseshoe Bend. Expect a 15‑hour day, Navajo-guided access, and rules about bags and tripods—bring sun protection and a light pack.
Upper Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas — Slot Canyons, River Overlooks, and Photo Stops
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The day begins before sunrise on the Las Vegas Strip: a bus filled with passengers, coffee cups and camera straps rolls east across the desert, the neon retreating as sandstone grows taller on the horizon. By midmorning you’re standing at the rim of Horseshoe Bend, wind pushing at your jacket as the Colorado River cuts a perfect horseshoe a thousand feet below — an instant that rearranges your sense of scale.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Leave bags on the bus
Antelope Canyon prohibits backpacks, tripods, and most bags—store them on the bus and carry only essentials on your person.
Hydrate early and often
The high-desert sun and long walks (including the 1.5-mile Horseshoe Bend loop) make water essential—drink before you feel thirsty.
Timing for light beams
If you want the iconic light shafts in Upper Antelope, mid-to-late morning in summer is best; winter lighting trades beams for richer wall colors.
Watch the edge at Horseshoe Bend
The rim has limited barriers in places—keep a respectful distance, especially with wind or crowded viewpoints.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common raven
- Desert lizards and small raptors (hawks)
History
The slot canyons are carved from Jurassic Navajo sandstone; the sites sit near Navajo Nation lands and Glen Canyon was flooded to create Lake Powell after construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s.
Conservation
Operators enforce strict rules (no bags, no tripods) to protect fragile slot-canyon surfaces and manage crowds; visitors should follow Navajo guide instructions and practice Leave No Trace.
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Adventure Hotspots in Page, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Grip and toe protection for sandy, uneven slot-canyon floors and rocky rim trails.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
High desert sun on exposed rim viewpoints can be intense—protect your skin and eyes.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone (no tripod in canyon)
Compact cameras capture the slot’s textures and river overlooks—tripods are not allowed inside Upper Antelope Canyon.
Light layers or windbreaker
Desert temperatures can swing; mornings and evenings are cooler, while midday warms quickly.
spring specific