Epic Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon Road Trip 2024

Looking for how to get from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon? You’ve come to the right place!
Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon are located in the same general area, so a lot of people like to visit both in one trip.
This article is going to tell you everything you need to know to visit Antelope Canyon from Zion or Zion from Antelope Canyon and all the amazing things to do in between.
Don’t forget to book your Antelope Canyon tickets in advance. Tickets sell out fast! This is the #1 tour we recommend.
So without further ado, keep reading to learn all about the best way to get from Zion to Antelope Canyon and the best stops along the way.
How far is Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon?

The drive from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon will take just under 2 hours and 30 minutes. The mileage distance from Zion to Antelope Canyon is about 120 miles, following US Highway 89 for almost the entire drive.
Can you visit both Zion National Park & Antelope Canyon in One Day?

Yes, it is definitely possible to visit both Zion and Antelope Canyon in just one day with some planning.
Because it’s required to have a guided tour to visit Antelope Canyon, it’s best to book your tour for the morning. Most tours take just 1-3 hours, so if you choose one right away in the morning, you could still make the 2-hour drive to Zion.
After your tour, head straight towards the national park and go on with your day however you have planned.
Remember that Zion can get pretty busy in the peak season, especially in the afternoon. So if you’re planning to visit both on the same day, it may be best to visit Zion in the off or shoulder season.
Even though it’s possible to visit both in one day, we wouldn’t recommend doing it. You will have a much more enjoyable time spending a whole day visiting Zion National Park and a whole day visiting the area around Antelope Canyon.
BOOK the #1 Antelope Canyon Tour we recommend here
Tickets to Antelope Canyon often sell out in advance, make sure to get your tickets now so you don’t miss out!
What is there to see between Antelope Canyon & Zion National Park?
If you’re making the drive from Antelope Canyon to Zion, there are plenty of stops to make along the way to make for one epic road trip. Here are some of the best options:
1. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most widely known stops along this road trip and offers beautiful views without having to put in too much effort.
It’s found within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is just a short distance outside of Page.
Just a short walk on a paved path from the parking lot will lead you to the iconic viewpoint that has become one of the most photographed spots in Arizona.
A large horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River gives this unique destination its name.
As you peer over the steep drop-off into the river, you might see kayakers below. And as you gaze out into the distance, it’ll seem like a never-ending landscape.
2. Powell Museum

Named after Major John Wesley Powell, who was known for being the first to make an expedition down the Colorado River, the Powell Museum shares information about the area.
If you’re a history lover or just enjoy knowing about where you are, then a stop at the Powell Museum is a must.
It’s found right in Page, and shares exhibits from the past eras of Page. Everything from history about the Colorado River to dinosaur bones extracted from the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
3. Glen Canyon Dam

Only below the Hoover Dam, the Glen Canyon Dam is the second-highest concrete dam in the country. It was created to provide water for the people of the area, using the power of the Colorado River.
You can take a guided tour of the dam by stopping at the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center.
Or, if you’d rather see the dam and not tour it, you can stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook and see it from above.
4. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is the second largest reservoir in the United States and acts as one of the best places to stop on your trip from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon.
Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking around the Lake Powell area.
You can either rent a boat or bring your own, and set out into the water for a fun-filled day.
There are even places along Lake Powell that can only be reached by strenuous multi-day hikes or by boat. This includes Rainbow Bridge National Monument and Reflection Canyon.
5. The Wave

While permits can be extremely hard to get for The Wave, if you’re able to snag one, visiting it on your way from Antelope Canyon to Zion is a great stop.
This sandstone rock formation, found in Coyote Buttes, is different shades of pinks, oranges, and tans and creates something that looks like you’re on another planet.
The hike is about 6 miles roundtrip if you start from the Wire Pass Trailhead. You’ll hike along red sand and rocks for most of the trail.
While some permitted areas can be overrated, The Wave is truly a beautiful area and deserves the hype. It’s one of the most unique spots in northern Arizona.
6. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument

The Wave is the most popular destination located within Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, but there are many other things to do near Zion and Antelope Canyon that some people aren’t aware of.
The Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness is home to Paria Canyon and Buckskin Gulch.
Paria Canyon is a large canyon with towering red walls and red rock amphitheaters. Buckskin Gulch is one of the longest continuous slot canyons in the world and one of the best slot canyons in Utah.
So if you love slot canyons like Antelope Canyon, then adding Buckskin Gulch to your itinerary is a must-do!
While you do need a permit to visit both of these, the permits are much easier to obtain and you won’t need to go through the lottery process.
7. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

While most of the national parks in Utah are heavily visited by tourists, you can escape some of those crowds by heading to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Whether it’s crawling through more slot canyons, enjoying the views of the red rock canyons, or taking in the scenic drives, this monument is vastly underrated.
Zebra Slot Canyon, Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch, and Coyote Gulch are a few of the best places to add to your list.
Another unique destination in the Grand Staircase-Escalante is the Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, which feels slightly similar to Bryce Canyon National Park.
8. Kanab Dinosaur Tracks Trail

This short but strenuous trail located just outside of Kanab leads you along dirt paths that can be hard to follow.
There are a few tough points that make take some scrambling or climbing, but once you’ve made it, you’ll get to enjoy the dinosaur tracks.
Pay special attention to the ground around you to spot the nearly 200 million-year-old tracks of carnivorous dinosaurs that once roamed this land.
Some are easier to spot than others, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
9. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

If you’re an animal lover, then a stop at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab may just be the highlight of your road trip from Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park.
This special sanctuary is the largest no-kill shelter in the United States and provides a home to over 1,500 animals searching for their forever home.
During your drive, you can stop in and tour the sanctuary, giving yourself a break from all of the hiking and adventuring.
You can either book a tour or claim a spot for volunteering to spend time with the animals that Best Friends have saved.
10. Peek-a-Boo Kanab Canyon Slot

Another slot canyon that is easy to get to and doesn’t require a permit is Peek-a-Boo Kanab, otherwise known as Red Canyon.
With just a short one-mile round trip hike, you can enjoy walking through the towering orange and red canyon walls.
It does feel similar to Antelope Canyon, so if you’re looking for more adventures like that one, this is the perfect spot between Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon.
11. The Belly of the Dragon Trail
If you have little ones with you and are searching for a kid-friendly activity between the two destinations, check out the Belly of the Dragon Trail.
The short and easy ½ mile hike leads you to a red tunnel through a large rock. The tunnel goes right underneath US Highway 89 and is used for drainage of the upper canyons.
Make sure to not head here if there is any chance of rain in the forecast!
Itinerary Options for Visiting Antelope Canyon & Zion National Park

There are many different ways that you can make the trip from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon fun. Depending on how much time you have and what you want to see, here are a few great itinerary options for your travels.
Option 1: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, & Zion National Park (1 Day)
The first itinerary idea is to start in Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon and take a tour of the popular slot canyon in Arizona. This itinerary can be covered in just one day.
After touring the slot canyon, make your way towards Page and stop in Horseshoe Bend. This spot is a worthwhile spot to see and won’t take too long!
Lastly, make the drive from Horseshoe Bend to Zion and spend time exploring the beautiful national park.
Option 2: Antelope Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, & Zion (2 Days)
Another best option with at least 2 days is to visit Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park and stop at Grand Staircase-Escalante on the way.
Hike Antelope Canyon before heading to the national monument on your first day. It has its own share of great hikes, including multiple other slot canyons, a waterfall, and hoodoos. It also has beautiful scenic drives and viewpoints.
On your second day, head to Zion and spend time exploring there. Stay on the east side of Zion at one of the best places to stay between Zion & Bryce.
Option 3: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Kanab, & Zion (3 Days)
If you want to hit some of the best things to do on your road trip from Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park, then this itinerary is perfect for you. It will be best done in at least 3 days.
On your first day, take a tour of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Next, head to Horseshoe Bend and spend some time at Lake Powell boating, fishing, or hiking.
Spend the night at one of the great hotels Page has to offer or if you’re on a budget check out some of the best campgrounds near Antelope Canyon.
On the second day, head over to Grand Staircase-Escalante and hike in the slot canyons and trails. After exploring, head to Kanab and spend time in the small town and check out the trails in the area.
Lastly, spend the entire third day exploring Zion National Park to end your road trip. Stay at one of the great unique accommodations near Zion. Some of these accommodations are within walking distance of some of the best restaurants near Zion so that you can easily grab dinner after a long day of exploring.
Where to Stay Between Zion National Park & Antelope Canyon

There are plenty of really great places to stay on your road trip from Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park. While it is possible to do a day trip between the two destinations, staying somewhere offers you more time to explore all of the great places in southern Utah.
Here are our top suggestions for where to stay:
- Kanab Suites: Enjoy the views of red rocks in the distance at the Kanab Suites. The adorably decorated guest rooms are spacious, have comfortable beds, and make for a great place to rest after a full day of exploring. Each room has its own small kitchen if you’d like to cook your own meals.
- Canyons Boutique Hotel: This charming hotel is located right in Kanab, about halfway between Zion and Antelope Canyon. It offers a hot breakfast buffet, complimentary bike rentals, and an outdoor pool at its nearby sister site.
- Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more unique. You’ll be located between Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon, and will stay in a luxury tent. With beautiful views and easy access to some of the best activities, this is the perfect accommodation.
Also don’t forget to stay somewhere close to places to eat so you don’t have to drive forever. There are a ton of really great restaurants in Page, so you definitely won’t be lacking on food!
What to Pack When Visiting Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon

Packing for a visit to the southwest United States can be tough since the weather changes a lot by season. Here are some items that everyone should bring along when visiting Zion and Antelope Canyon:
- Shorts and t-shirts for warmer weather
- Long pants and long sleeves for cooler weather
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.)
- Backpack with a 2-3 liter water bladder
- Hiking poles
- Hat, gloves, micro spikes, etc. (if visiting in winter)
- Plenty of snacks/meals for the day
- Camera
- Any required permits or passes needed
- Rental gear or waterproof gear for The Narrows
Antelope Canyon Zion National Park FAQs
Yes, the drive to Antelope Canyon from Zion National Park is only about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive, which is only about 120 miles.
Yes, the drive from Horseshoe Bend to Zion National Park is only about a 2 hour and 15-minute drive, and covers around 120 miles. It would be totally possible to visit both of these locations in one trip.
The closest city to Antelope Canyon is Page, Arizona. While the city isn’t huge and most activities are found outdoors, it will likely have what you need. Page is only about 10 minutes from Antelope Canyon. There are gas stations, restaurants, and hotels in Page.
Wrap-Up: Antelope Canyon Zion National Park Road Trip
We hope this guide helped you plan your trip from Antelope Canyon to Zion National park or visa-versa. There is so much to see and do in the section of United States, you could spend weeks and not see it all!
Looking for more info about the Southwest? Check out our other guides to nearby destinations:
- Sedona to Antelope Canyon (Tours + Road Trip Guide)
- Antelope Canyon Hiking: Trails & Ultimate Guide
- Antelope Canyon Camping: The BEST Places to Camp
- Antelope Canyon X: Tips for Visiting
- Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon Tours + Road Trip Routes
- Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon: Plan Your Trip
- Closest Airport to Antelope Canyon: 8 Best Airport Options
- Where to Stay Between Zion and Bryce (15 Best Choices)
- Epic Salt Lake City to Arches National Park Road Trip