Grand Canyon, Antelope & Zion: 2-Day Small Group Tour

Summary

Grand Canyon sunrise, Antelope light beams, Zion’s wild quiet

You’ll hike Zion’s wild trails with new friends, slip into Antelope Canyon’s cool shadows guided by Navajo stories, stand quietly at Horseshoe Bend as sunlight shifts across stone—and end up watching sunrise over the Grand Canyon South Rim before rolling down Route 66 for burgers and small-town nostalgia.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rolling out of Las Vegas before I’d finished my coffee—our guide, Sam, had a playlist that somehow matched the landscape as we left the city lights behind. The van was quiet at first, but by the time we hit Zion’s Watchman Trail, everyone was swapping stories about their hometowns. The air in Zion felt different—crisp and a little piney—and when Sam pointed out Checkerboard Mesa, I finally understood why people get obsessed with rocks. There’s something about seeing those patterns up close that makes you want to run your hand along them (I did; it was rougher than I expected). Lunch was simple but tasted better after that hike—maybe it was just being hungry or maybe it was the view.

Lower Antelope Canyon came next. Our Navajo guide, Lani, had this way of walking ahead and then doubling back to show us the best angles for photos—I tried to keep up but mostly just stared at how the light slid down those orange walls. It smelled faintly dusty and cool inside; I kept brushing sand off my shoes. Lani told us a story about her grandmother in between questions from our group—she laughed when I tried to pronounce “Tsé bighánílíní” (I definitely butchered it). Horseshoe Bend was quieter than I expected; there was this moment where everyone just stopped talking and watched the river curve below us. That silence stuck with me more than any photo.

The hotel in Page wasn’t fancy but honestly, after a day like that, all I cared about was a hot shower and not having to set an alarm for sunrise (someone else did that for us). Breakfast felt like a reunion—everyone comparing phone photos over weak coffee before heading out toward the Grand Canyon South Rim. Sam knew all these less-crowded stops—Grandview Point had this wind that nearly stole my hat. He told us how old the rocks were and pointed out where condors sometimes nest; I squinted but only saw shadows. Lunch in Williams on Route 66 tasted like nostalgia even though I’ve never been there before—burgers and pie in a diner with checkered floors.

On the way back through Seligman, we poked around souvenir shops filled with Route 66 signs and neon trinkets. Someone bought a snow globe—I still don’t know why. There’s something about long drives through Arizona with strangers who start to feel familiar by hour twelve. Looking back now, it’s not just the canyons or views that stick—it’s flashes of laughter on the bus or how quiet everyone got at Horseshoe Bend. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zion Park and Antelope Canyon

• Hike Watchman Trail in Zion
• Visit Zion Visitor Center
• See Checkerboard Mesa
• Tour Lower Antelope Canyon
• Overnight stay in Page or Flagstaff

Day 2 — Grand Canyon and Route 66

• Visit Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints
• Lunch in Williams on Route 66
• Stop at secret photo spot
• Explore Seligman Route 66 town

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Grand Canyon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for hotels within 2 miles of the Las Vegas Strip or Downtown Las Vegas.

How many days does this small group tour last?

This is a two-day tour starting from Las Vegas.

Do we visit both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend?

Yes, you’ll visit Lower Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide and stop at Horseshoe Bend.

Is overnight accommodation included?

Yes, one night at a quality hotel in Page or Flagstaff is included in your booking.

Are national park entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees for parks and attractions are included in the tour price.

What kind of transport is used during the trip?

The tour uses an air-conditioned minivan for comfort throughout both days.

Will there be a local guide during visits?

You’ll have an expert local guide throughout plus a certified Navajo guide at Antelope Canyon.

How much physical activity is involved?

You should have at least moderate fitness—the tour includes hiking and walking on uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas, bottled water along the way, all entry fees for Grand Canyon South Rim, Zion Park, Horseshoe Bend and Lower Antelope Canyon (with local Navajo guide), transport by comfy minivan plus an overnight stay at a well-rated hotel so you can actually rest between adventures.