Deep within the heart of the American Southwest, the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon serve as stunning testaments to the country’s natural splendor. Connecting these two magnificent landmarks is a well-trodden path frequented by both locals and tourists alike.
Here’s how to navigate your journey from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon, information about shuttle services, and how to secure reservations to tour Antelope Canyon, one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been!
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Driving from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon
Driving from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon is a journey of approximately 134 miles, achievable in under 2.5 hours. The fastest route is via US-89 N and AZ-64 E. Beginning at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, head east on AZ-64 E for about 33 miles. Turn left onto US-89 N and continue for around 100 miles until you reach Page, Arizona.
Be aware that Antelope Canyon is on the Navajo Nation, so you must have a Navajo guide take you to this protected area, more about securing a tour reservation later.
The journey offers a scenic drive through expansive landscapes, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Southwest. Be sure to fill your gas tank before you leave the Grand Canyon area and carry plenty of water, especially during summer months when temperatures can soar.
How far is Antelope Canyon from Grand Canyon?
You can drive from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon East Entrance in about 1 hr 51 min. How far is that drive? Antelope Canyon is 111 miles / 179 km from Grand Canyon East Entrance.
Grand Canyon East Entrance is 32 miles / 51 km west of Cameron, AZ.
Likewise, Antelope Canyon is approximately 134 miles / 216 km to the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon near Tusayan, AZ.
Sights Along the Way from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon
Certainly, the route from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon traverses an impressive slice of the Southwest, offering travelers the chance to encounter a rich tapestry of natural and cultural landmarks.
One of those is Desert View, a significant stopover on the route from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon, and it offers visitors a unique perspective on the region’s culture and natural beauty.
Desert View Watchtower on the route from Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon
Desert View is a small settlement situated about 25 miles to the east of Grand Canyon Village along AZ-64 E, the road you’d likely take when driving toward Antelope Canyon.
The highlight of Desert View is the iconic Desert View Watchtower. Designed by renowned architect Mary Colter and built in 1932, this 70-foot-high stone structure was inspired by the architecture of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau.
Cameron Trading Post between Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon
Plan extra time on your journey to stop at Cameron Trading Post, approximately 57 miles from Grand Canyon’s South Rim along US-89 N. Founded in 1916, this stop offers a rich collection of Native American crafts, textiles, jewelry, pottery and artworks.
The trading post also features a restaurant where you can sample local Southwestern and Navajo cuisine, like traditional Navajo tacos. With its authentic atmosphere and rich cultural offerings, a stop at Cameron Trading Post offers a delightful detour en route to Antelope Canyon.
Scenic desert landscape of the Navajo Indian Reservation
Another key highlight from Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon is the scenic desert landscape visible as you drive along the historic U.S. Route 89. This route traverses the Navajo Indian Reservation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States.
Keep an eye out for traditional Navajo arts and crafts stands along the way, where you can buy unique souvenirs and learn about Navajo culture. This route also presents expansive views of the Painted Desert, a stunning geological formation known for its brilliant, multicolored layers of sediment.
As you journey north, you’ll pass by the Echo Cliffs, a dramatic escarpment that forms part of the Colorado Plateau, and Vermilion Cliffs, another picturesque plateau recognized for its striking red-hued rock formations.
Shuttle Services from Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon
If driving is not an option, shuttle services operate between these two iconic locations.
One reliable service is the National Park Express which offers a daily shuttle service between Grand Canyon National Park—South Rim to Page, Arizona. Page, Arizona, is where you will meet your Navajo guides. They will escort you to Antelope Canyon for walking tours of the slot canyons.
Shuttle services offer the convenience of online booking and a range of departure times. Prices vary depending on the season, but as of the latest update, they range from $75 to $120 per
Securing a Reservation for Antelope Canyon Tour
Gaining access to Antelope Canyon, which is part of the Navajo Nation, requires a guided tour. The only way to see the slot canyon is with Antelope Canyon tour companies authorized by Navajo Nations Parks.
The canyon has three distinct sections: Upper Antelope Canyon, known as ‘The Crack,’ Lower Antelope Canyon, known as ‘The Corkscrew’ and Antelope Canyon X.
Both sections require separate tour bookings and offer different visual experiences. Upper Antelope is famous for its light beams, while Lower Antelope provides a more adventurous climb.
1.) Upper Antelope Canyon Tours
The Upper Antelope Canyon tours typically depart from the city of Page, Arizona, which is the nearest urban area to the canyon. The common meeting point for these tours is at the company’s office in Page.
After meeting at the designated spot, visitors are then transported to the canyon entrance in a 4×4 tour vehicle guided by the Navajo tour guides.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours
Operating directly from the town of Page, this company offers a variety of tours led by knowledgeable Navajo guides. They offer tours focusing on the area’s history and geology, as well as photography tours.
Tours meet and depart from AZ-98, milepost 299, near the entrance to the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park, just three miles east of Page, AZ.
Antelope Canyon Tours by Roger Ekis and Carolene Ekis
This company offers a deluxe tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, designed for ease and comfort, and a photographer’s tour that provides the best opportunities for great photos. Dan and I really enjoyed our guides when we used this tour company.
Tours meet at the office located at 22 South Lake Powell Boulevard, Page, AZ.
Tsé Bíghanílíní Tours
Navajo guides share about the Dine’ culture and teach you how to use unique camera angles and canyon lighting to capture the most colorful images.
Tours depart from AZ-98, milepost 299.8, Page, AZ.
Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours:
This company offers a range of tours, including sightseers’ and photographers’ tours for Upper Antelope Canyon. They also offer combination tours that include other nearby slot canyons.
Tours depart from AZ-98, mile marker 302. The guest parking lot is on the south side of the highway.
We recommend booking your Upper Antelope Canyon tour in advance at places like Get Your Guide.
2.) Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
Similar to Upper Antelope Canyon tours, the Lower Antelope Canyon tours also depart from Page, Arizona. However, the meeting points can vary based on the tour operator. For instance, ‘Ken’s Tours’ operates directly from the Lower Antelope Canyon site.
Dixie Ellis’ Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
This tour company also operates directly at the entrance to Lower Antelope Canyon. They provide guided tours with local Navajo guides who share stories about the canyon’s history and culture.
Ken’s Tours
Ken’s Tours operates directly from the Lower Antelope Canyon site. They offer guided tours through the stunning canyon formations and have been praised for their knowledgeable and friendly guides. Meet your tour at Indian Route 222, Page, AZ, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Page. On arrival, you will find a reception area where you can check in for your tour.
It’s easy and safe to book your Lower Antelope Canyon tours at places like Get Your Guide. That way, you don’t have to worry about making reservations before your drive from Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon, which has limited cell service.
3.) Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon
Antelope Canyon Tours X by Taadidiin Tours
Taadidiin Tours is located approximately 12 minutes from Page, Arizona, south on AZ-98 at milepost 308. They specialize in guided tours of Antelope Canyon X and Cardiac Canyon.
Depart from the Taadidiin Tours/ Antelope Canyon X tour office at MP 308, AZ-98, Page, AZ.
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible on trusted websites like Get Your Guide.
7 Tips for Your Antelope Canyon Tours
1.) Remember to arrive at your designated meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time. This allows sufficient time for check-in procedures and any pre-tour instructions.
2.) Also, bear in mind that tour times are often set according to ‘Navajo Nation Time,’ which observes Daylight Saving Time, unlike the rest of Arizona.
3.) Due to the canyons’ popularity, booking your tour well in advance is recommended. Several companies, such as ‘Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours’ and ‘Ken’s Tours,’ offer various tours ranging from photographic tours to hiking excursions.
4.) To book a tour, you can visit the tour company’s website and choose the date, time, and type of tour. Prices vary depending on the length and type of tour but typically range from $40 to $120 per person.
5.) Some tips for your visit include checking the weather before your trip, as tours can be canceled due to rain or high winds.
6.) Since the canyons can get crowded, it’s advisable to book an early morning or late afternoon tour when it’s typically less crowded.
7.) Moreover, if you plan to capture stunning photos, the Upper Antelope Canyon tour around midday is your best bet, as this is when the sunlight filters through the narrow canyon walls, creating the famous light beams.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon
Traveling from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible geological diversity of the American Southwest. Whether you drive yourself or opt for a shuttle service, the journey is sure to be a memorable one. Just remember, securing a reservation in advance for an Antelope Canyon tour is crucial to make the most out of your trip.
By embarking on this adventure, you are not just traveling from one point to another—Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon—you are traversing a pathway steeped in natural history, beauty and indigenous culture. The journey will leave you with an awe-inspiring sense of nature’s grandeur, an appreciation for our planet’s past, and lasting memories of two of America’s most spectacular canyons.
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with a tour for the purpose of this guide. The Arizona travel writer believes in fully disclosing all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
Further, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.
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