Phoenix to Antelope Canyon Tours + Road Trip Guide (2024)
Are you looking for the best way to get from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon?
Well, you’re in luck! We just went on this road trip and have compiled all our best advice into this article to help you plan the most epic road trip and pick the best tour to Antelope Canyon.
If you’re wondering now, what is the best tour to Antelope Canyon? We recently just went on this Antelope Canyon tour and loved it.
There are a ton of stops and things to consider when planning your trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon, so we’re here to tell you what’s worth it, what’s not, and what you absolutely must do.
So grab your luggage, road trip snacks, and sense of adventure, and get ready to explore one of the most breathtaking slot canyons in the American Southwest. Let’s hit the road!
Phoenix to Antelope Canyon Overview
In this article we’re going to cover:
- The best tours from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon
- Road trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon by car
- The distance between Phoenix and Antelope Canyon
- The best stops when driving from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon
- The best time to visit Antelope Canyon
- How to take a day trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon
- And much more!
The Best Phoenix to Antelope Canyon Tours
Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix
🤩 RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 16 hours | 🏜️ BOOK NOW
If you want more personalized Antelope Canyon tours from Phoenix, this Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip to Phoenix is a great choice. After pick up at your hotel, your guide will drive you down Route 66 through the Sonoran Desert to the historic city of Flagstaff.
Once at the canyon, you’ll explore Lower Antelope Canyon with your local Navajo guide, getting plenty of opportunities for photos. You’ll make a pit stop at Lake Powell before lunch, then head to the final stop of the day: Horseshoe Bend.
It’s a 1.5-mile round-trip walk, but you can cool off in the air-conditioned shuttle and drink plenty of water on the way back from Antelope Canyon to Phoenix!
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend from Scottsdale or Phoenix
🤩 RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 to 14 hours | 🏜️ BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a Phoenix to Lower Antelope Canyon tour, this is it! This extensive full-day Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Adventure will take you around Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with a local Navajo guide.
Expert commentary on the history and geology of the slot canyon is an added bonus of a guided day tour. You’ll learn things you wouldn’t have if you had explored on your own!
A hearty and lavish complimentary lunch in the town of Page, Arizona is also included.
You will have time to briefly explore Page in search of native souvenirs and handmade specialties before driving back to Phoenix. This is definitely our pick for one of the best Antelope Canyon tours in the area!
Phoenix Arizona to Antelope Canyon by Car
Driving to Antelope Canyon from Phoenix, AZ is one of the best road trips you can do and we absolutely loved it!
Along the route, you’ll pass by a ton of really cool stops including Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Flagstaff, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument.
If you decide to forgo the tour option and road trip on your own, we recommend that you start your day early to beat traffic and have enough time to arrive at Antelope Canyon in Arizona for your tour.
How Far is Phoenix from Antelope Canyon?
The driving distance from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon is about 276 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Given the route from Phoenix, AZ to Antelope Canyon is a relatively long drive, it’s important to get a head start early in the morning.
Leaving early will allow you to not only beat the morning rush hour but plan for any unforeseen interruptions. You’ll also have more time to explore the slot canyon and make any additional stops along the way.
Renting a Car or RV for your Antelope Canyon Phoenix Trip
If you don’t have your own car, or you plan to fly to one of the closest airports to Antelope Canyon such as the Phoenix airport, there are plenty of transportation options to get you from Phoenix, Arizona to Antelope Canyon.
First, it’s super easy to rent a car and drive from the Phoenix Airport to Antelope Canyon on your own time. Our favorite car rental company to use is RentalCars.com– we always find the cheapest prices here and we’ve had great experiences with them.
Of course one of our favorite ways to travel is by RV. We absolutely love the freedom and flexibility it gives us. So if you’re interested in trying out RV or Van Life, you can rent a camper and go on your very own road trip.
Our favorite RV/van rental company is Outdoorsy, you can choose exactly what kind of camper will suit your needs and they have a ton of options to choose from.
Is Antelope Canyon a Day Trip from Phoenix?
It’s totally possible to see Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Phoenix. Although, be prepared that this will be a really long day.
Since it’s a 4.5-hour drive each way and you will need a few hours for your Antelope Canyon tour, you will need to leave early in the morning and get back late at night.
Another great option for seeing Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Phoenix is to take a guided tour from Phoenix. This will cut out the large amount of driving someone will have to do so you can sit back and relax.
Our favorite day-trip tour from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon is this awesome tour. If you plan to drive to Antelope Canyon on your own, you will still need to book a guided tour of Antelope Canyon to see it. This is the Antelope Canyon tour we just did and really like it.
Phoenix AZ to Antelope Canyon Directions & Map
If you’re wondering how to get to Antelope Canyon from Phoenix, we have you covered! The fastest highway route that you can take from Phoenix, AZ to Antelope Canyon is via I-17 North.
Directions to Antelope Canyon Via I-17 N
- Take I-17 out of Phoenix
- Follow I-17 N to Flagstaff for 146 miles.
- Take exit 201 from I-40 E onto US-89 N for 131 miles
- Turn right on AZ-98 E and follow for 5 miles
- Antelope Canyon tour offices will be on the right
Total drive time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The Best Stops on a Phoenix to Antelope Canyon Road Trip
1. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
For a unique hiking opportunity, be sure to stop by Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Located in central Arizona near the town of Payson, it’s one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world!
At 183 feet high and a tunnel more than 400 feet long, it measures 150 feet at its widest point. You can choose to traverse three different hiking trails, picnic in the group-use area, look for native wildlife, or explore the Goodfellow Lodge.
2. Montezuma Castle
If Native American history is of interest to you, Montezuma Castle definitely deserves a place on your Southwestern U.S. road trip itinerary. In fact, it’s one of the most prominent Native American historical sites in the world.
It’s the third National Monument in Arizona established to preserve Native American culture. Its once-significant shell houses 20 rooms that sit on a towering limestone cliff, overlooking a white-bark and Arizona sycamore forest.
Accessing it is easy, too! A 1/3-mile paved trail leads you right up to its base. Along the way, you’ll also spot a magnificent 900-year-old structure that stands to honor the legacy of the Sinagua tribe.
3. Sedona
You’ve no doubt heard of the western town of Sedona. From Pink Jeep tours to incredible Sedona hiking trails, waterfalls, and meals at award-winning restaurants, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat in and around Sedona.
If you plan to make a pit stop there on your drive from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon, allot for at least 2-3 hours.
First, you can hike the Seven Sacred Pools trail, which is an easy 2-mile out-and-back path and has a series of (seasonal) interconnected waterfalls. Next, you can head to the Verde River to cool off with a short Sedona kayak or tubing session. You can take to the water on your own or with a guided tour. Either way, it’s the perfect activity on a hot summer day!
Sedona is also a perfect stop-over destination if you are road-tripping and don’t want to drive to Antelope Canyon all in one day. If you are on a budget, we would recommend checking out one of the gorgeous campgrounds near Sedona. This would also be a perfect stop if you rent an RV from Outdoorsy.
Insider Tip: Sedona is a widely popular area and campgrounds fill up really far in advance. Use our camping in Sedona guide to pick out the campground you want to stay at and make reservations in advance.
4. Flagstaff
With a population of just over 77,000 people, the town of Flagstaff is quaint but large enough to boast plenty of art, culture, history, and natural beauty.
You’ll find plenty of trails, parks, and monuments here. Popular spots include Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Coconino National Forest, and Buffalo Park.
Want to stay indoors? The Lowell Observatory and Pioneer Museum are perfect family-friendly options to learn about the local history and the great outdoors without being in it.
5. Sunset Crater National Monument
Does exploring the remnants of a once-violent volcano sound cool to you? We thought it might!
The Sunset Crater National Monument cinder cone volcano is an estimated 3 million years old. Since it erupted more than 1000 years ago, it has since sat in eerie silence, with only a massive landscape of lava flow as a reminder. (These types of volcanoes only erupt once in their existence before going dormant.)
6. Coconino National Forest
If you find yourself in Flagstaff, you might as well pay a visit to Coconino National Forest!
In fact, it’s one of the most diverse landscapes in the entire U.S. Boasting red rocks, Ponderosa pine forests, desert, and alpine tundra in one, it’s like stepping foot onto another planet. And when we say “another planet” we mean it quite literally.
One of the areas of the National Forest north of Flagstaff is known as Cinder Hills OHV Area and was once a designated training field constructed by NASA. Its purpose was to duplicate a specific area on Mars to subject future Apollo astronauts to similar landscapes before missions.
There are also dozens – and we mean dozens – of hiking trails, overlooks, lakes, and scenic drives throughout Coconino that are prime for exploring.
7. Wupatki National Monument
Less than a 45-minute drive from Flagstaff sits the 900-year-old ancestral Puebloan site of the Wupatki National Monument.
After the eruption of the Sunset Crater Volcano in the 1100s, members of nearby tribes – Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni – began to gather. They built a community that included more than 100 rooms, as well as an above-ground community room and a ballcourt.
Archaeologists believe 85 to 100 people lived at Wupatki by 1182, and thousands more lived in the surrounding area. It was the largest building for at least fifty miles.
Although it is no longer physically occupied, Wupatki has been thoughtfully renovated and is regularly monitored for structural changes.
8. Grand Canyon National Park
For a short but necessary detour on your Phoenix to Antelope Canyon drive, consider taking a peek at the Grand Canyon. At the drive’s halfway point, you can marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The park doesn’t utilize a timed entry system, so you can come and go as you please. Both entrances are beautiful, but the South Rim is packed with slightly more hiking options and arguably better views.
You can enjoy hikes in as short as 30 minutes or as long as 14 hours. If hiking isn’t your idea of fun, you can drive along the rim and take in beautiful views just the same.
To enter Grand Canyon National Park on your own, you can pay $35 per vehicle or use an America the Beautiful Pass.
9. Lake Powell
A stop at Lake Powell is a popular activity for those traveling from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon. Lake Powell is located just a few minutes down the road from Antelope Canyon near the town of Page, AZ.
With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is a great place to rent a boat and enjoy the water for the day. There are also numerous places to hike, camp, fish, or off-road in designated areas.
10. Horseshoe Bend
Visiting the Insta-famous Horseshoe Bend is a must during a Phoenix to Antelope Canyon road trip. The horseshoe-shaped path of the Colorado River winds through towering red cliffs.
The best part is that it’s located in the town of Page, just minutes from Antelope Canyon! Unlike Antelope Canyon, you can visit Horseshoe Bend overlook on your own time without a guide.
Accessing Horseshoe Bend is also easier than you might think. The hike is just under 1.5 miles round trip and is rated as moderate. There’s very little shade on this trail, so wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Visiting Antelope Canyon Tips
A road trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon is an unforgettable experience, but planning ahead of time is absolutely necessary to avoid any unforeseen problems as much as possible. Check out these tips below to know before you go!
- Make reservations for Antelope Canyon tours in advance: Most canyon tours sell out months in advance and require hotel information if pick-up is included.
- Plan out your route: Even though we provide a lot of recommendations in this guide, it’s impossible to see and do it all! Pick the sites you absolutely can’t miss, and map out your route accordingly.
- Choose which canyon to visit. There are numerous parts of Antelope Canyon that you can visit. Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon provide different experiences. There is also a chance to visit Antelope Canyon X instead which isn’t as classically pretty but provides a much more serene experience.
- Leave your purses and backpacks in the car: Bags of any size are not allowed in the canyon, so you will be asked to leave them in your vehicle or tour bus.
- Pack water: Bring a reusable water bottle with you on each of your excursions. Both the canyon and Horseshoe Bend provide little shade and can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months.
- Camera: Don’t forget to fully charge your camera/phone batteries and have an empty memory card. You’ll want to take plenty of photos, trust us.
- Sun Protection: The sun in the Southwest U.S. can be brutal. If you’re sensitive to sunlight, you’ll want to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 45. Reapply throughout the day!
- Proper footwear: This should go without saying, but wear shoes that have good grip, traction, and adequate support.
Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon
If you want to spend a night or two near Antelope Canyon to make getting to your morning tours easier, there are a number of great places to stay in Page. Below are a couple of our favorite properties:
Think of all of the amenities of a luxury hotel, but make them eco-friendly! This outdoorsy accommodation in Page makes for the perfect getaway during your time in Antelope Canyon. The “glamping hotel” known as Shash Dine’ Eco Retreat allows guests to sleep (almost) under the stars while still enjoying modern and luxurious comforts.
You can pick your experience, choosing between luxury cabins, sheep wagons, or bell tents. There’s no sleeping on the ground in these parts – they are all fitted with comfortable bedding, complimentary toiletries, and fun games. In the morning, start your day with a complimentary breakfast that can be served vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free!
If you want an authentic Southwest U.S. experience, The Bear’s Den B&B is undoubtedly one of the most unique places to stay in Page, Arizona.
With a 9.8/10 rating, you’re sure to have nothing short of an exceptional stay. Previous guests rave about the hospitality of the local hosts, as well as all of the amenities that make them feel like they are at a home away from home.
The B&B provides free speedy WiFi, private parking, a private bathroom with a hot tub, and complimentary luxury toiletries. Perhaps the biggest highlight of this B&B is the second “B”: the breakfasts! They are made to order and a delicious way to start any day.
Insider Tip: If you plan to rent an RV and want to stay at one of the area’s many campgrounds, be sure to check out our Antelope Canyon: Best Places to Camp guide for top recommendations on where to rest your wheels!
Where to Stay Near Phoenix
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape
This luxurious Kimpton Hotel Palomar IHG Hotel is centrally located at the Phoenix CityScape, just a half-mile from the Phoenix Convention Center. The property features a 24-hour concierge desk, an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a fitness center, and an on-site rooftop restaurant and bar, Blue Hound Kitchen.
Rooms include large private bathrooms, plush bathrobes and toiletries, flat-screen cable TVs, and views of the city. Guests at this hotel raved about the nightly free wine hour, the sustainable seafood and locally sourced dining options on-site, and the hotel located downtown. It’s the perfect
Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort
For a tranquil and relaxing hotel experience, the Arizona Biltmore is just the spot. Featuring 39 acres of lush gardens, the property also features a full-service spa complete with world-class on-site facilities and accommodations.
In addition to the spa, the property offers two 18-hole golf courses, seven tennis courts, five on-site dining options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Each room offers a flat-screen cable TV and a private bathroom. Select rooms have a patio or balcony or a full kitchen.
The Best Time for an Antelope Canyon from Phoenix Trip
There’s really no “bad” time to visit Antelope Canyon. However, deciding the best time to visit really depends on your personal preferences.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting during a shoulder season or during the winter months (late December to mid-March) is best. Keep in mind, however, that Northern Arizona is cold from late November to mid-March, so dress accordingly.
If you want to balance fewer crowds with seeing the magical light beams and vivid colors, visit either in April or September.
Check out our Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon guide for more details on month-by-month weather, crowds, and the best time to see the light beams.
Wrap-Up: Phoenix to Antelope Canyon
There are endless ways to make the most out of a road trip from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon. You can opt for a full-day tour with a professional guide to learn about the geology and incredible history of the Southwest or plan your own adventure.
Whether you book one or more of our favorite tours to let a tour company do the work or map out your very own road trip with sightseeing and excitement at every turn, you will no doubt enjoy all that Arizona has to offer you.
If you are spending extra time in Page, and are looking for more things to do after your day trip to Antelope Canyon, we recommend checking out this Antelope Canyon Hiking Trails Guide.
These hikes range from easy to moderately challenging, so there is sure to be a hike that fits your physical abilities and interests!
