Antelope Canyon: Day Trips and Tours from Las Vegas

Experience the otherworldly charm of the most famous slot canyon in the world as you explore the twisting arches and extraordinary rocks created by intense water erosion! Unearthly in its beauty, Arizona's Antelope Canyon is a symphony of shapes and textures where light and shadow play hide and seek with nature.

Nestled atop a Navajo Tribal Park, a few miles east of Page, Antelope Canyon is well-known for its labyrinthine, red canyon walls and the beams of sunlight that shine into them — this incredible wonder is a perpetual dream for photographers and tourists alike that you can experience on an Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas.

While it may be just a quarter-mile long (less than a city block), Antelope Canyon day trips not only offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse in the kaleidoscope of natural colors but also give you a breadth of information about the history, geology, and culture of the Canyon.

Check out our useful guide on Antelope Canyon, one of the most scenic day trips from Las Vegas.

What options are there to travel to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas?

There are a couple ways to reach Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas:

From Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon by car

It takes about four and a half hours to reach Antelope Canyon from the Strip. Antelope Canyon is capable of being done in a long day trip, but you’ll need to get an early start.

To Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas by guided tour

A popular travel method for an Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas is to take a guided tour by bus or private vehicle. The several hour drive is easier when you don’t have to focus on the road and can rest or even nap during the transport.

How long does it take to get from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon?

Traveling to Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas takes a little over four and a half hours by car. The quickest route is to leave The Strip and get back on Interstate 15 North. From there you reach St. George and take an exit east toward Colorado City.

Antelope Canyon is in a remote part of Arizona, wedged between Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park are also within a short drive from Antelope Canyon.

What are the most popular Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas?

There are different ways to explore Antelope Canyon. Keep in mind that the slot canyons are not open to individual access, so you need to book a guided tour to explore its inner depths.

Bus Tours

An Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas is best through a shuttle service. You don’t have to worry about driving personally and can sit back, relax, and appreciate the sights. Bus tours average $200 and normally include stops at other sights in the area like Horseshoe Bend.

Private Tours

The only way to access the Upper and Lower sections of Antelope Canyon is through a licensed outfitter. Small group tours of Antelope Canyon allow you to explore the depths of the area and see some truly breathtaking sights.

Combined Tours

There is so much to see in the southwest portion of the United States between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Combined tours offer a great bargain as you get to see places like Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Vermillion National Monument in a single day.

Multi-Day Tours

If you have the time, you can easily spend more than one day exploring the best around Las Vegas. Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce National Park are all several hours from Vegas. Therefore, scheduling a multi-day tour is a great idea.

What time of year should you visit Antelope Canyon?

If possible, avoid visiting Antelope Canyon in the heart of the summer. The area gets very hot, and conditions are less than favorable unless you reach the side canyons during the morning hours.

Antelope Canyon is terrific to visit between March and October. During that time, light beams into Upper Antelope Canyon to create some spectacular photography and sightseeing. The same pockets of light do not exist inside the slots canyons during the winter months.

What will I see at the canyon?

Antelope Canyon contains two slot canyons (The Crack and The Corkscrew), which attracts millions of visitors each year. The scenic natural landmark exists on Navajo land and is an important part of their sacred traditions.

Venturing into the “place where water runs through rocks” is a rare opportunity to snap breathtaking photos and cherish the moment. The Upper and Lower areas of the slot canyon have only been accessible to the public since the late-90s making it a fairly new tourist attraction.

Today, the only way to get into the slot canyons is through a licensed tour operator. You cannot access the slot canyons independently.

While you take a tour inside the depths of Antelope Canyon, you will hear stories about the Native American culture, primarily that of the Najavo Nation who used to live there in the past.

While the Upper and Lower Canyon only have so much you can see and do because the Navajo Nation seeks to preserve the area, there is plenty to experience in the surrounding region. Enjoy trekking, camping, take stunning picture, and do not miss the opportunity to visit the other famous parks nearby such the Zion National Park Tours, the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument or the Grand Canyon National Park.

Are there any other places to visit on the way from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon?

There are several worthwhile stops along the way from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon. What is fantastic about its location is that you can see places in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah in a single day.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a suitable stop during an Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas. The scenic location is downstream from Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. You need to hike over a mile to reach the scenic overlook.

Lake Powell

The popular recreational site is very close to Antelope Canyon. Boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking are very popular at Lake Powell. Your Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas should include a stop, time permitting.

Zion National Park

The national park is in Utah yet within a day’s drive from Las Vegas. Zion National Park is among the highlights of the national park, along with nearly 300 species of birds and one of the most diverse life zones on the planet.

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument exists near the border of Arizona and Utah. The national monument provides nearly 300,000 acres of public access. Visiting the Paria

Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, and Coyote Buttes through hiking adventures is the best way to appreciate the park.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous and popular national parks in the United States. It offers some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever witness over a mile above the Colorado River with a canyon that spreads nearly twenty miles wide in some parts.

Travel Tips

• Prepare for a long day. It takes several hours to reach Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas. If traveling by shuttle bus or helicopter, you might want to bring something to occupy the time. Get an early start, if possible.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. While most people want and have the time to travel during the summer, it does get toasty at Antelope Canyon. Make sure you get prepared for the excursion with water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Prepare for plenty of walking. It takes some work, time, and effort to reach the slot canyons. Arrive  prepared with hiking boots and comfortable fitness gear. The tour is not  for people with various health conditions.