Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Las Vegas

Summary

Antelope Canyon’s shifting light, Horseshoe Bend’s wild curve, stories from Navajo guides

You’ll ride out from Las Vegas while most are still asleep, share breakfast in Utah’s red rock country, stand above Horseshoe Bend’s dizzying drop, and walk Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide as sunlight cuts through stone. Expect real stories, shifting colors, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back on the Strip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Las Vegas before the sun really woke up—strange how the city looks softer at that hour. After a couple hours, we stopped in St. George for breakfast. There was this old temple, white against the red rocks, and the diner smelled like coffee and pancakes. The waitress called everyone “hon.” I tried to order eggs but got distracted by the view out the window—Utah just feels bigger somehow.

The drive into Navajo land felt like crossing into another world. Our guide, Marie, pointed out where the Colorado River cut through all that sandstone. When we finally reached Horseshoe Bend, there was this hush—just wind and some distant voices. Standing there 1,000 feet above that wild green curve, my legs went a little wobbly (not gonna lie). Everyone tried to get their perfect photo but honestly, you can’t fit that feeling on your phone screen.

Lunch was quick (sandwiches in the shade), then off to Antelope Canyon. Our Navajo guide—his name was Ben—walked us down into these narrow passageways where sunlight sliced through the rock like gold ribbons. He told us stories about “the place where water runs through rocks.” At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce it in Diné—probably butchered it completely. The walls felt cool under my fingers and dust hung in the air; I still think about that silence between footsteps.

We made one last stop at Glen Canyon for a final look at all those layers of color before heading back to Las Vegas. The bus was quieter on the way home—some people slept, others just stared out at the desert sliding by. It’s strange how much you can see in one day and still feel like you missed something important. Anyway… if you’re thinking about an Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend day trip from Las Vegas, just go. You’ll see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend tour

• Drive into Navajo territory
• Stop for breakfast in St. George
• Visit Horseshoe Bend viewpoint
• View Colorado River from cliff
• Explore Lower Antelope Canyon with guide
• Visit Glen Canyon viewpoint
• Return to Las Vegas in evening

Top questions

How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon?

The drive takes several hours each way with stops along the route for breakfast and sightseeing.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip transportation from select hotels in Las Vegas is included.

Will I have a local guide at Antelope Canyon?

Yes, a Navajo guide leads your walk through Antelope Canyon.

Are entry fees for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend included?

Yes, entrance fees for both sites are covered in your tour price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No formal lunch is included; expect a quick meal break during your day.

How much walking is required on this tour?

You’ll need to walk about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) over uneven surfaces during the tour.

What happens if there’s bad weather at Antelope Canyon?

If weather closes the canyon for safety reasons, refunds are at the discretion of the Navajo guides.

Are restrooms available on board?

Restrooms are available on full-size buses only; smaller vans may be used for small groups without onboard restrooms.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas hotels, all entrance fees for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle (with WiFi if it’s a full-size bus), guidance from both your main driver-guide and a local Navajo guide inside Antelope Canyon—and time for breakfast along the way before returning to Las Vegas in the evening.