Antelope Canyon tour from Sedona: Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend

Slot canyon, river overlook, and a dam: three Northern Arizona landmarks in one day

This 11.5-hour guided tour from Sedona takes you through Antelope Canyon's narrow sandstone slot via Canyon X, with stops at Horseshoe Bend overlooking the Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam. A Navajo guide leads the canyon walk on unpaved terrain. Hotel pickup and bottled water are included, and you arrange your own lunch at a break stop. Children must be at least 6 years old, and the tour departs early morning four days a week.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Oak Creek Canyonpassing by
2. Cameron Trading Post15m
3. Horseshoe Bend45m · entry included
4. San Francisco Peakspassing by

Sedona to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

• Depart Sedona
• Drive through Oak Creek Canyon
• Pick up guests in Flagstaff
• Break at Cameron Trading Post
• Visit Horseshoe Bend viewpoint
• Walk through Antelope Canyon with Navajo guide
• See Glen Canyon Dam

The experience

The drive out of Sedona starts before dawn, climbing through Oak Creek Canyon to pick up travelers from Flagstaff before heading north. A break at Cameron Trading Post gives you time to stretch and grab coffee or snacks. The landscape opens into high desert as you approach the slot canyons. This is the geography that makes the day possible, and the early start is what fits all three stops into a single afternoon.

Antelope Canyon is the main event. You walk through Canyon X, a narrow fissure carved by wind and water into orange and purple sandstone. The Navajo guide explains how the sun angle changes the colors on the walls throughout the day. The light shifts as you move deeper into the slot, and most travelers spend time photographing the formations. The walk covers unpaved, uneven ground for about 90 minutes, so the terrain itself is part of what you experience. Horseshoe Bend comes next: a short hike to an overlook where the Colorado River loops back on itself in a tight curve below. Glen Canyon Dam, the second tallest in the country, is a quick stop on the way back. You return to Sedona around 5:30 or 6 pm.

Lunch is on your own at the break stop, so you choose what works for you. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The guide is a professional who knows the canyon and the route. Tips of 15–20% are customary if you enjoyed the tour. Children ages 6 and up can join, though younger children need a car seat or booster seat that you provide yourself. Hotel pickup is included within Sedona city limits.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Sedona city limits.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a Navajo guide who leads you through Canyon X and explains the canyon formations.
• entry to Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam.
• a stop at the historic Cameron Trading Post.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Great West Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're ready for a 90-minute walk on uneven terrain through the canyon: the early 6 am start and full-day pace pack three major stops into one trip without gaps between them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Antelope Canyon like when you walk through it?

Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot carved into sandstone, with walls that glow orange and purple as sunlight filters down. You walk on uneven ground for about 90 minutes, and the Navajo guide shows you how the light plays across the rock formations at different times of day: most visitors spend time photographing the colors and shapes.

How early does the tour depart from Sedona?

The tour departs between 6 and 6:30 am, which is why hotel pickup is arranged in advance. This early start is what allows the day to include Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Glen Canyon Dam and still return by evening.

What is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is an overlook where the Colorado River makes a sharp loop below you, creating a distinctive curved shape. It's a stunning vista of the desert landscape and the river, and you have time to walk to the viewpoint and take photographs.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

Lunch is on your own at Cameron Trading Post, where the tour stops for a break. You can buy food there or bring your own. Bottled water is provided by the tour throughout the day.

What kind of walking is involved?

The main walk is through Antelope Canyon on unpaved, uneven terrain for about 90 minutes. You should be able to walk for that duration and be comfortable on uneven ground. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy, and you must be ambulatory and able to manage the terrain.