Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from PAGE AZ

If you’re looking for a guided day trip that combines breathtaking scenery with a touch of Navajo culture, the Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from PAGE AZ offers a compelling option. This 5-hour adventure takes you from a convenient pickup point to two of the most photographed sights in the Southwest—Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon—plus a quick stop at the Glen Canyon Dam. It’s a well-crafted mix of natural beauty, easy walking, and engaging commentary, perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time without sacrificing quality.

One of the standout features of this tour is the expert Navajo guide, who brings both the scenery and the geology to life with informative storytelling. We also love the inclusion of lunch, which means you won’t go hungry during your exploration, and the small group size, typically no more than 12 travelers, ensures a more personalized experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour requires moderate physical mobility, as there’s a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain and sandy paths. This tour suits those who enjoy gentle hikes and are eager to see iconic landscapes with the help of knowledgeable guides.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic scenery, appreciates the context of Native American culture, and wants a smooth, guided experience, this trip hits many of those marks. It’s especially ideal if you value stunning photography opportunities and want a tour that balances scenic detail with comfort and convenience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Covers Horseshoe Bend, Upper Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and a local lunch.
• Expert guidance: Navajo guides enrich the visit with insights into geology and cultural stories.
• Valuable inclusions: All admission tickets, lunch, bottled water, and transportation are covered.
• Small group: Usually no more than 10 guests, for a more relaxed, personalized tour.
• Moderate activity level: Requires some walking on uneven terrain, suitable for those with decent mobility.
• Ideal for: Photography lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those interested in Navajo culture.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the Walmart Supercenter in Page, Arizona, with a 10:00 am pickup. The convenience of being picked up from a familiar location helps ease the start of the day, especially after a long drive or prior sightseeing. The tour lasts about 5 hours, returning by approximately 2:45 pm, which makes it manageable for travelers with limited time but a desire to see iconic sights.

The transportation is a climate-controlled van, typically carrying no more than 10 guests. This small-group approach enhances comfort and allows for a more conversational experience with the guide. The 90-minute drive from the starting point to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon is comfortable, with scenic views en route that set the stage for the day ahead.

Horseshoe Bend: The Introductory Marvel

The first stop is the Horseshoe Bend overlook, a 30-minute walk out to a panoramic viewpoint that gives you a jaw-dropping view of the Colorado River carving a massive, curved bend in Navajo Sandstone. The admission is included, so no surprises there. The view is the kind that makes your camera work hard, and it’s easy to see why this spot is one of the most photographed locations in the American Southwest.

Travelers often comment on how striking the view is; one reviewer mentioned appreciating the easy walk to the overlook, which makes it accessible for most. The exposure to sun and open space is enjoyable but warrants a hat and water, especially in summer.

Upper Antelope Canyon: The Crown Jewel

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the guided tour of Antelope Canyon. With an expert Navajo guide, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours exploring the slender, winding slot canyon known for its wavy, water- and wind-carved sandstone walls. The canyon’s interior boasts stunning light beams and vibrant colors that shift with the time of day, making it a paradise for photographers.

The tour is a moderate walk through uneven, sandy terrain, so good mobility is necessary. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, offering insights into the canyon’s formation and cultural significance. Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and storytelling, adding depth to what might otherwise be just a visual feast.

A guest noted, “The guide was very informative and friendly, making the whole experience even more memorable.” And with admission tickets included, there’s no need to worry about extra costs or reserving in advance, which adds convenience.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

After the canyon, a quick 15-minute stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook provides a sweeping view of the dam and the vast reservoir behind it. It’s a brief but memorable look at how human engineering interacts with natural beauty, with excellent photo opportunities of the canyon rim and Colorado River.

Lunch and Relaxation in PAGE

Midday is reserved for a prepared lunch with menu options included, allowing you to refuel without leaving the group. The stop in PAGE gives a chance to stretch, use facilities, and appreciate the town’s charm before heading back to the starting point.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $207.62 per person, this tour covers a lot: transportation, all entrance fees, guided commentary, and lunch. When you consider the cost of individual tickets for Antelope Canyon can be quite high, plus the convenience of transportation and a guide, it’s a practical choice for those wanting a hassle-free experience.

The small-group setting makes for a more engaging day—your guide can answer questions and personalize the experience. Plus, the inclusion of bottled water keeps you hydrated during the warm parts of the day, which is crucial in the desert environment.

Some Considerations

While the tour is well-rounded, it’s important to be aware of the physical demands. The walking is moderate but on uneven surfaces, and you should be comfortable with some sandy terrain. Also, as it’s a guided, scheduled experience, it doesn’t allow for much flexibility if you want more time at each site.

Travelers have noted that the tour departs Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, making it essential to book ahead, especially since it’s often scheduled 69 days in advance. The non-refundable policy means you should confirm your plans before booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, informative, and scenic day without the hassle of planning each step. It’s fantastic for photographers, nature lovers, and those interested in Native American culture, given the Navajo guide’s insights. It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind some walking and uneven terrain, but who prefer to avoid strenuous hikes or long, self-guided explorations.

If you’re traveling with children, remember that children eight and younger need a car seat or booster seat, and the terrain might be challenging for some. The tour’s small group size ensures a more intimate experience but requires you to be on time and prepared for a scheduled adventure.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid value for those eager to see one of the most visually stunning areas in the Southwest with expert guidance and minimal hassle. The combination of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon showcases contrasting yet equally mesmerizing landscapes—one a sweeping river bend, the other a narrow, winding passage of light and shadow.

The included lunch, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guides make it a convenient choice for a day trip. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to enjoy these iconic sights with a bit of storytelling and background, rather than just rushing through on their own.

While it’s not ideal for those seeking extreme physical activity or very flexible schedules, it delivers on the essentials for a memorable, picturesque, and culturally respectful experience.

FAQ

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning around 2:45 pm.

What’s included in the price?
All admission tickets for Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Glen Canyon Dam, plus lunch, bottled water, transportation in a small van, and a professional Navajo guide.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Layered clothing is suggested in winter, and a light jacket may be useful in the canyon. You need to provide your own car seat or booster seat if traveling with young children.

Is walking difficult?
The tour involves about 1.5 miles of walking, some on sandy, uneven terrain. Good mobility is required.

Are there any restrictions?
Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level. Children eight and younger need their own car seats.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable. Cancellations due to bad weather may be rescheduled or refunded, but otherwise, no changes are allowed.

Where does the tour start?
At Walmart Supercenter, 1017 Haul Rd, Page, AZ, at 10:00 am.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and convenience. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking to photograph, learn about, and experience some of the most iconic landscapes near Page, Arizona.