Can You Do a Day Trip From Vegas to Antelope Canyon?
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to experience the captivating beauty of Antelope Canyon in a single day from Las Vegas? Well, wonder no more because the answer is a resounding "YES!".
With careful planning and a dash of adventure, you can absolutely make the most of a day trip from Vegas to Antelope Canyon. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the road, including the driving time and the different ways to get from Vegas to Antelope Canyon.
How Far is Antelope Canyon From Vegas?
The driving distance from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is about 280 miles (450 km). This translates to around 4.5–5 hours on the road. The round trip adds up to 9–10 hours. It's a lengthy trip, but it's a doable day trip if you plan it right.
Antelope Canyon is located in the heart of the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona. Page is small and far from major cities, but Antelope Canyon is just a 10-minute drive out of town.
Antelope Canyon is a geological marvel renowned for its awe-inspiring slot canyons. These narrow passageways, carved by water and wind over thousands of years, create a breathtaking spectacle of swirling patterns and striking colors that will leave you speechless.
Saftey First
When driving such long distances in a day, we highly discourage you from doing it alone. Please consider sharing the driving with a fellow traveler, or signing up for a tour from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon so you can relax and not worry about the driving.
How to Get From Vegas to Antelope Canyon
If you want to go on an Antelope Canyon day trip from Vegas, you'll need an early start to make the most of your day. There are a few options for how to get from Vegas to Antelope Canyon:
Rent a car
Renting a car in Vegas is a popular choice. It grants you the freedom to set your own pace and explore more on your journey. If you do so, be sure to fill up your gas tank before hitting the road and pack plenty of water and snacks.
Book a tour
Another popular choice is to book a 1 Day Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas. This way, you'll be taken to and from Antelope Canyon by an experienced tour guide who has traveled the route many times. You won't have to worry about booking tickets or sorting out any logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the experience!
Take a bus
There is a bus that goes from Las Vegas to Page and back. The pick-up spot in Vegas is Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. As of the time of writing, there's just one trip going each way: 6 am from Las Vegas to Page, then 5 pm for the return trip.
Can you fly from Vegas to Antelope Canyon?
Considering how long the drive from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is, you may also consider catching a flight there. Page has its own airport, Page Municipal Airport. However, it's a small airport that only receives direct flights from Phoenix, Arizona via Contour Airlines.
You can take a connecting flight to Page from Las Vegas, but the shortest of these flights is about 4 hours and not much less than driving.
Papillon Helicopters has a tour from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon via airplane, but the cost starts at $699 per person.
Arriving at Antelope Canyon
Even if you get there on your own, once you arrive at the entrance of Antelope Canyon, you'll need to join a guided tour to explore this natural wonder.
Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land. It is a spiritually and culturally significant location for Navajo people, as it is considered to be a meeting point between the physical and spiritual worlds. Because of its importance, non-Navajo people can only explore the canyon with a Navajo guide.
There are several tour operators to choose from. When you join our Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas, your booking automatically includes a guided tour with Ken's Tours.
Most of the Navajo tour operators are not only knowledgeable about the cultural significance of Antelope Canyon but also the interesting and unique geological formations. They'll provide you with insights, help you capture the perfect photographs, and ensure you have a safe and unforgettable journey through the canyon.
It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, since Antelope Canyon tours tend to sell very quickly and they stick to strict visitor limits.
Upper Antelope Canyon vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
There's more to Antelope Canyon than meets the eye — did you know that it has two main sections? Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Having time to explore both in one day will be difficult if you also have to drive to and from Vegas. Think about which of the two you'd rather visit.
Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two. It's more accessible for people with mobility issues and takes slightly less time to tour. This section of the canyon is also more likely to have Antelope Canyon's famous light beams.
On the other hand, the Lower Antelope Canyon offers a more adventurous experience. It's longer and has more uneven terrain. We find that the more interesting terrain resonates with a lot of visitors, so this is the section we explore on our Antelope Canyon tours.
Make a Stop at Horseshoe Bend
If you've got a bit of time before heading back to Las Vegas, don't miss the opportunity to catch a sunset at Horseshoe Bend.
This iconic, horseshoe-shaped is just a short drive from Antelope Canyon, just outside of Page. It's part of the Colorado River and is downstream of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most recognizable sights in the area, offering a stunning view that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. We always make sure to stop here on our Antelope Canyon day trip tour!
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it! A day trip from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon is not only possible but also an adventure of a lifetime.
The round-trip travel takes 9 to 10 hours, which can vary depending on how you choose to get there. Will you drive yourself, join a guided tour, or take a bus? No matter how you get there, at the end of the day you'll be very tired but feel incredibly fulfilled.
It might be a whirlwind experience, but with a well-planned itinerary, an early start, and a sense of wonder, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Antelope Canyon and still make it back to the bright lights of Vegas for a well-deserved rest.
