Page: Secret Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Private Tour

Summary

Quiet slot canyon walls then wild river views with private navajo access

You’ll walk soft sand through Secret Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide, hearing stories as sunlight paints the walls. Then skip the crowds for a private entrance to Horseshoe Bend—just steps from its edge. It’s quiet, close-up, and feels personal in a way I didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the sand to be so soft under my shoes, or for the truck ride out of Page to feel like we were sneaking away from the usual crowds. Our Navajo guide, Thomas, grinned when I asked if this was really “Secret” Antelope Canyon — he just nodded and said, “You’ll see.” The air was dry but not hot yet, and you could smell sagebrush every time the wind picked up. I kept glancing back at the town shrinking behind us, wondering how many people missed out on this part.

The slot canyon itself felt quieter than I thought possible. Sunlight slid down in thin ribbons, lighting up the red walls in a way that made my photos look fake (they aren’t). Thomas told us stories about his childhood here — he pointed out shapes in the rocks that his grandmother used to name for him. At one point, he laughed because I tried to pronounce something in Navajo and totally butchered it. There was a moment where everyone just stopped talking and listened; it’s hard to explain why that sticks with me.

Afterwards, we bumped along another dirt road (I swear my teeth are still rattling) toward Horseshoe Bend. Instead of joining the big crowd at the public lot, we took this private path that landed us almost right at the rim. It’s only about a hundred meters from where you park to where everything opens up — suddenly there’s just space and that wild curve of river far below. The sandstone felt warm if you touched it. A couple next to me just stared without saying anything for ages; I get it now. You don’t really need words for that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

• Board shaded open-air 4x4 truck
• Drive three miles from Page on Highway 89
• Take six-mile off-road adventure drive
• Walk 300 meters to slot canyon entrance
• Explore and photograph Secret Antelope Canyon
• Return to vehicle and drive to Horseshoe Bend
• Walk short distance to private Horseshoe Bend Overlook
• Stroll along rim and take photos
• Return to office near Antelope Canyon

Top questions

How long is the Secret Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend tour?

The tour lasts several hours including both locations; each stop allows about an hour for exploring and photos.

Is hotel pickup included in this Page tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours depart from an office near Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ.

How far is Secret Antelope Canyon from Page?

The canyon is about three miles by highway plus six miles off-road from Page.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

No, infants and children under age 6 are not permitted on this tour.

Do I need a permit for Secret Antelope Canyon?

No separate permit needed—Navajo permit fees are included in your booking.

How much walking is required on this day trip?

You’ll walk about 300 meters into Secret Antelope Canyon and less than 100 meters to Horseshoe Bend overlook.

Can I take wedding or engagement photos on this tour?

No, wedding or engagement photo shoots are not allowed due to Navajo Nation rules.

Is lunch provided during this experience?

No meals are included; bring your own snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation in a shaded open-air 4x4 truck from Page, entry fees for both Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with access via private Navajo land, plus all necessary permits—so you just show up ready to explore and take it all in before returning to town.