Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell: Guided Kayak, Hike & Swim Tour

Summary

Kayak Lake Powell then hike Antelope Canyon’s winding slot

You’ll paddle across blue-green Lake Powell toward Antelope Canyon, guided by a local who knows every turn. Hike through narrow sandstone slots and cool off with a swim after—all gear included. Expect laughter, quiet moments surrounded by red rock walls, and memories that linger long after your shoes dry out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak, hike, and swim at Antelope Canyon

• Meet guide at Antelope Point Launch Ramp
• Receive safety orientation and kayaking instruction
• Walk down steep sandy hill to water
• Paddle 30 minutes across Lake Powell
• Paddle 30–60 minutes deeper into Antelope Canyon
• Pull kayak ashore at canyon back
• Hike approximately 2 miles through slot canyon
• Paddle back to launch area (1–1.5 hours)
• Swim or relax at Lake Powell

Top questions

How long is the Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell kayak tour?

The full tour lasts about four hours, including kayaking, hiking, and swimming time.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join as long as they are reasonably fit and comfortable on uneven terrain.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at the bottom of Antelope Point Launch Ramp near Page.

How much kayaking is involved?

You’ll kayak about 2 hours total: 1 mile across Lake Powell each way plus extra time paddling into Antelope Canyon.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Bring water, snacks if you want them, sun protection, sturdy shoes for hiking, and clothes you don’t mind getting wet or sandy.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes—there’s usually time for swimming in Lake Powell after hiking through Antelope Canyon.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, life jackets are included along with kayak gear and a dry bag.

Is lunch included?

No lunch is provided; bring your own snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayak equipment—paddle, dry bag for your stuff, and life jacket—and a local guide who leads you from launch ramp to canyon slots and back again. Swimming time is built in before returning to shore; just bring your own snacks if you want them along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Paddle dips quietly into the water before I even realize I’m grinning. Our guide, Sam, waves us down the sandy hill at Antelope Point Launch Ramp—bit steeper than it looked in photos, but you just sort of slide with it. The lake is glassy in the morning, all those red cliffs reflected back. There’s this hush except for a couple of ravens yelling at each other overhead. Sam checks if we’re okay with the kayaks (I was nervous but he made it feel easy), and then we set off toward Antelope Canyon. The first mile across Lake Powell goes by weirdly fast when you’re gawking at those walls.

We paddle deeper into the canyon—the air gets cooler and everything narrows in around us. The sandstone feels close enough to touch (I did, actually; it’s rough and warm). At one point I just stopped paddling to listen—wind echoing off rock, someone laughing up ahead. It smells like sun-baked earth and lake water. When we finally pull up on shore for the hike, my arms are jelly but I don’t really care. The slot canyon hike is…well, not what I expected. You have to twist sideways sometimes or duck under ledges. Sam points out these tiny plants clinging to cracks—he called one “desert parsley,” which sounds made up but apparently isn’t.

On the way back we take it slower—my friend tried swimming (the water is shockingly clear and cold; she yelped so loud a guy on another kayak cracked up). We just float there for a bit before heading back to the ramp. I still think about that moment with sunlight bouncing off orange walls while my shoes filled with sand. If you’re looking for a day trip from Page or want something more than just snapping photos of Antelope Canyon—this tour sticks with you.