Arizona is a state in the United States known for its varied landscapes and stunning natural beauty, including the imposing Grand Canyon, the vibrant red rocks of Sedona, and the enigmatic Antelope Canyon. It is a fantastic experience to explore Arizona’s red rocks from Antelope Canyon to Sedona.
The scenery is impressive, with towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant canyons, and stately mesas. Every rest point en route offers a different viewpoint on the region’s cacti, fauna, and red rock formations.
The area’s distinct topography offers chances for hiking, picturesque drives, and just soaking in the allure of the surroundings. The breathtaking Antelope Canyon and the well-known Red Rocks of Sedona are only two examples of Arizona’s spectacular red rock country.
See the fantastic splendor of the Arizona desert and visit these famous sites if you’re considering a vacation to this southwestern state.
How to Travel from Sedona to Antelope Canyon
Several routes from Sedona lead to Antelope Canyon.
Travel by car to Antelope Canyon from Sedona
One way to get to Antelope Canyon from Sedona is by car. Driving from Sedona to Antelope Canyon takes roughly two and a half hours. You follow the path up 89A to Flagstaff, then US 89, US 98, and the Navajo Bridge.
Once you cross the bridge, turn left onto US 89A and go a few miles on this route until you come to the Antelope Canyon.
Hire a Car
Hiring a car is the second choice. This is an excellent option for people without a vehicle of their own. In Sedona, numerous car rental agencies provide a range of cars at affordable prices.
Renting a car in Phoenix or Las Vegas can be less expensive if you arrive by plane. You can then take a car to Antelope Canyon in Sedona.
Tour from Sedona to Antelope Canyon
Taking a tour from Sedona to Antelope Canyon is the third option. These trips are a fantastic choice because they offer transportation, an experienced tour guide, and a unique opportunity to enjoy the canyon’s natural splendor. It is a tremendous Viator tour that goes from Sedona to Antelope Canyon.
- The Sedona Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour consists of:
- Collection and delivery of hotels in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek Canyon
- Water and lunch
- Addendum
- Expert tour guides
- Visits to the Historic Cameron Trading Post and Horseshoe Bend
- Powell/Glen Canyon Dam
- Canyon of Upper Antelope Slot
This tour lasted a gorgeous day and was well worth the journey! We had a fantastic experience with Mark, our tour guide, throughout the day. The Antelope Canyon is a must-see, and every tour stop offers breathtaking views and landscapes. What a peculiar and isolated location! Lisa (View additional reviews)
See Things While Traveling from Sedona to Antelope Canyon
Make the most of your trip and stop at some spectacular views and attractions if you plan a road trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon. After your trip, you can drive from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon if you’d want to include an overnight stop somewhere.
Here are five locations that you really must see when visiting Antelope Canyon:
Banner Staff
Situated approximately midway between Sedona and Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff is a bustling, historic city with many sights and things to do.
Highlights include the Museum of Northern Arizona, which displays the state’s natural and cultural history, and the Lowell Observatory, where you can observe the stars and planets through large telescopes. And the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, a superbly preserved turn-of-the-century home.
After you’ve seen everything there is to see, proceed from Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon.
Forest National Coconino
The Coconino National Forest encircles it in Flagstaff. With 1.8 million acres, The Forest is a vast wilderness area. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and animals, and it also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like biking and hiking, horseback riding, and camping.
If you have time, stop at the picturesque overlooks to enjoy the expansive vistas of the surrounding area and the forest. There are numerous excellent locations for scattered camping in the woods close to Sedona.
National Monument Wupatki
The Wupatki National Monument is a conserved archaeological site north of Highway 89. It houses the remnants of historic Native American communities. The monument has several Pueblo-style building ruins and a tourist center where you may discover more about the local population’s history and way of life.
Numerous hiking paths in the monument lead to the ruins and provide breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Equineshape Bend Viewpoint
Pause at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook as you get closer to Antelope Canyon. This picturesque overlook provides a fantastic perspective of the Colorado River as it flows through the canyon’s horseshoe-shaped bend. The tower is a well-liked location for sightseeing and photography, and it’s right off Highway 89.
Make sure you take a moment to relax and appreciate the scenery, especially the majesty of the Arizona desert. See our Horseshoe Bend travel guide for additional details.
After that, you’ll be prepared to travel to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona. After you tour Antelope Canyon, you can also go to Horseshoe Bend if it takes place earlier in the day.
Powell Lake
Lake Powell is just a short drive through Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canon if you have time. Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir stretching 186 kilometers along the mighty Colorado River. The lake is a well-liked location for house boating and camping, and it provides various leisure opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports.
Remember to pause and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lake’s surrounding red cliffs.
How far apart is Antelope Canyon and Sedona?
The travel from Sedona to Antelope Canyon is roughly 160 miles long and takes approximately 2.5 hours on average. Look Up Directions
Organizing a Tour to Antelope Canyon
Is it possible to visit Antelope Canyon without a guide?
The only way to see Antelope Canyon is on a tour. The canyon entrance fee is covered for the Sedona to Antelope Canyon tour. If traveling to Antelope Canyon alone, you must sign up for a guided tour at the slot canyon’s entrance.
On your tour, a Navajo local guide will lead the way. Whether you are on a Canyon X, Lower Antelope Canyon, or Upper Antelope Canyon tour makes no difference. It is necessary to book your time in advance to see this stunning location.
The Navajo Tours of Antelope Canyon perform admirably.
Antelope Canyon Upper
The most frequented canyon is Upper Antelope Canyon, and it makes sense why a trip there from Sedona is well worth it. With light filtering through the top of the canyon, the sandstone that makes up its sides is remarkably smooth and curved.
Enjoy the stunning vistas and an in-depth tour of Upper Antelope Canyon with an experienced guide who will highlight the history and cultural significance of the canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon is the most likely to witness the well-known light beams in the summer. The cost of touring this portion of the canyon is also the highest.
The Antelope Canyon Lower
Conversely, the Sedona to Lower Antelope Canyon area is equally breathtaking but marginally less well-known than its counterpart. Light streams from the canyon’s side illuminate the striking, angular sandstone that makes up Lower Antelope Canyon’s walls.
Discover the region and the Navajo Nation’s cultural history by taking a guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon. See our Lower Antelope Canyon guide for more information on what to anticipate in this canyon section.
The X Antelope Canyon
Finally, Antelope Canyon X is a terrific option to have a great experience without spending much money. Like the other canyons, it can only be accessed with a tour guide and gives breathtaking views of the canyon walls.
Because it is not as well-known, the trip is much less crowded, but it is still a fantastic opportunity to take excellent photos. Check out Antelope Canyon X if the other excursions are full or you want to save some cash.
On our most recent trip to Page, we strolled down Antelope Canyon X and immensely enjoyed our time there. More information regarding our visit to Antelope Canyon X can be found here.
Advice for Traveling to Antelope Canyon
Plan a tour.
Tours include transportation to and from the canyon and a guided tour that lasts around two hours. Reservations for tours should be made well, as they usually fill up quickly; please plan.
Put on proper attire.
Particularly in the summer, Antelope Canyon may get very hot. To stay hydrated, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and carry lots of water.
It’s also advised to wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes because the canyon bottom might be rocky and sandy.
Avert the busiest travel times.
It can get highly congested in Antelope Canyon, especially during the busiest travel times. To prevent this, try to travel in the off-season crowds and have a more relaxing experience.
Honor the canyon.
Respecting the Navajo Nation’s land and culture is essential, as Antelope Canyon is a significant sacred site. Be considerate of the surroundings and heed the advice of your tour guide.
Route: Day Trip to Antelope Canyon from Sedona
The recommended Antelope Canyon itinerary will help you make the most of your day trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon if you are considering one of these day trips.
8:00 a.m.: In Sedona, begin your day with breakfast. Take your time and enjoy a leisurely breakfast; many excellent cafes and restaurants exist.
9:00 am: Travel to Antelope Canyon following breakfast. Because the canyon is roughly two hours drive from Sedona, allow enough time for your trip.
11:00 am – Explore Antelope Canyon after checking in for your tour and arriving at this breathtaking natural wonder.
Noon: The Antelope Canyon trip will start at noon. During your canyon tour, your guide will point out the best locations for photos and provide background information on the area’s geology and history.
2:00 pm: Take some time to explore the nearby town neighboring Page following your tour of Antelope Canyon. Consider visiting stunning natural sites like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and the Glen Canyon Dam.
5:00 pm: Return to Sedona as the sun begins to set. You can eat dinner in Sedona or stop along the road when returning to your accommodation.
The airports closest to Antelope Canyon
The Page Municipal Airport in Page, Arizona, is the nearest airport to Antelope Canyon. This airport serves private and commercial aircraft and is only 8 miles from Antelope Canyon.
Still, it’s a tiny airport. I suggest flying into the Phoenix or Las Vegas airports if searching for anything more significant.
Where in Sedona to Stay?
The Thunder Mountain Inn
One of the best locations to stay in Sedona is the Inn at Thunder Mountain. This quaint Inn provides visitors with an exceptional and opulent stay in the middle of the desert. There are numerous rooms for guests to select from, each furnished with contemporary conveniences and rustic elements.
After a hard day, guests can unwind in the Inn’s restaurant, lounge, spa, and pool.
Inn Casa Sedona
When searching for a reasonably priced hotel in Sedona, the Casa Sedona Inn is a fantastic choice for lodging. Cozy rooms with private balconies overlooking the breathtaking red rocks are available at this Inn.
In addition to dining at the on-site restaurant, The hot tub and pool are outside for guests to unwind in.
Morning Star Bed & Breakfast
The Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice for those seeking a romantic retreat. The B&B is situated in the forest’s center in a peaceful, isolated region.
There are numerous rooms for guests to select from, each with opulent furnishings, secluded patios, and stunning views.
Accommodations Close to Antelope Canyon
If you spend the night in Page, Antelope Canyon is close to several excellent motels. You can explore this page for further possibilities or read about three excellent ones below.
Colors of Canyon Bed & Breakfast
Ideally situated in the center of Page, Arizona, the family-owned Canyon Colors B&B offers guests sumptuous views of the surroundings and pleasant, comfortable rooms with all the hotel amenities.
A hearty breakfast is provided every morning, and the amiable hosts are always eager to suggest ways to make the most of their visitors’ stays.
The B&B Bear’s Den
The Bear’s Den B&B provides guests with a peaceful haven since it is tucked away in a quiet area of Page. With breathtaking views of the surroundings, guests can unwind in the cottages’ rustic decor or swim in the hot tub. The prices include free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and a full breakfast.
Hilton’s Home2Suites
It would help to look for pleasant and convenient lodging while choosing a location close to Antelope Canyon. If you want to be as close to the canyon as possible, Home2 Suites by Hilton is an excellent choice because it’s only a short drive, about 10 miles away.
The hotel offers suites with HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, and fully functional kitchens. Additionally, the motel provides a complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. So you can go to the canyon and begin exploring after grabbing breakfast early!
Final Thoughts: Antelope Canyon to Sedona
One of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the Southwest can be experienced by traveling to Antelope Canyon from the Sedona region. Antelope Canyon is a must-visit location for anyone who enjoys photography, the outdoors, or beauty.
It is the ideal day trip from Sedona because of its handy location and breathtaking surroundings. Traveling from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon and Sedona is also possible.
FAQ: Antelope Canyon to Sedona
From Sedona, is Antelope Canyon a day trip?
Yes, it’s a simple day trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon. The distance of approximately two hours and thirty minutes is the driving time from Sedona to Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. It’s a quick trip to the canyon from Page.
How do you get to Sedona from Antelope Canyon?
You may drive or go on a guided tour from Antelope Canyon to Sedona. You only have to go back to Sedona if you have a car.
Can one see Antelope Canyon?
Absolutely! One of the most captivating and picturesque locations in the American Southwest is Antelope Canyon. The light leaking through the canyon’s bent, winding walls creates an incredibly unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
To what extent should I visit Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon guided excursions last around two hours. Following your trip, you might easily occupy at least 30 minutes discovering the other exciting local attractions, such as Lake Powell and the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. A wonderful day excursion is to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
