Grand Canyon, Antelope & Horseshoe Bend Day Trip Las Vegas

Summary

Grand Canyon colors, Antelope light, and Horseshoe Bend views in one long day

You’ll hike sandy trails to Horseshoe Bend’s edge, slip through Antelope Canyon’s glowing curves with a Navajo guide, and stand above the Grand Canyon’s vastness—all in one day trip from Las Vegas. Expect big skies, honest moments with locals, and memories that linger longer than your photos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of sand under my shoes as we hiked toward Horseshoe Bend. It’s not a hard walk—just hot, even in the morning—and you start to hear people gasp before you actually see the river. Our guide, Mike, joked that he still gets nervous standing near the edge after all these years. I gripped the rail tighter than I’d admit. The Colorado River down there looks unreal, like someone painted it with a giant brush.

I didn’t expect Antelope Canyon to smell faintly of dust and something sweet—maybe sage? Our Navajo guide, Tessa, showed us how to angle our phones for those famous beams of light (I failed at first; she laughed and did it for me). The walls felt cool if you touched them, almost soft somehow. Sunlight kept shifting in stripes across the stone. There was this quiet when everyone stopped talking to just look up—I liked that part most.

The Grand Canyon South Rim is so wide it made me dizzy for a second. We only had about forty minutes at each viewpoint (Lipan Point and Yavapai for us), but honestly, it was enough to feel small and kind of lucky. Lunch was simple but hit the spot—a sandwich and chips eaten sitting on a rock with strangers who’d already started swapping stories about where they were from. On the way back to Las Vegas we stopped in Seligman on Route 66; neon signs everywhere, old cars rusting in front yards. I bought a root beer float just because it felt right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Grand Canyon and nearby landmarks

• Pickup from Bellagio or Circus Circus
• Hike to Horseshoe Bend viewpoint
• Explore Antelope Canyon with Navajo guide
• Visit South Rim of Grand Canyon
• Stop in Seligman or Williams on Route 66
• Return to Las Vegas

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon day trip from Las Vegas?

The tour lasts a full day with early morning pickup from Las Vegas and returns in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a quick lunch is provided during the tour.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; there’s hiking at Horseshoe Bend (about 1.5 miles round trip).

Are guides local or specialized?

Yes, Antelope Canyon tours are led by local Navajo guides; other sections have experienced guides as well.

What are the pickup locations in Las Vegas?

The designated pickup points are Bellagio Hotel and Circus Circus Hotel only.

Can young children join this day trip?

The minimum age is 3 years old; infants under 3 are allowed only on private tours.

Which parts of Antelope Canyon do we visit?

You’ll explore either Antelope Canyon X or Lower Antelope Canyon depending on conditions.

What happens if weather closes an attraction?

If poor weather causes closures, you’ll get a partial refund or be offered another date/tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Bellagio or Circus Circus in Las Vegas, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with both driver and guide throughout. Entry fees for Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend (with guided hike), and either Lower Antelope or Antelope X are covered. Lunch is provided along the route before returning to Las Vegas in the evening.