Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon are likely on your bucket list and for good reason. Both natural wonders are beautiful and unique. I took my family of three to both on an Arizona roadtrip during October. The weather was perfect and we were able to travel during my daughter’s fall break.

This article covers three options for going from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon. We started at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and then went to Antelope Canyon, but you can reverse stops or go to the North Rim instead. If you want to learn about going from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon, please click here. If you want to go from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon, then keep reading.

Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is in Page, Arizona. There are a lot of things to do in Page. We arrived in Page in time for lunch and then did a guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. After our tour, we saw Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and the Utah/Arizona sign. We left the next morning, but you could easily spend 2-3 days in Page.

Things To Do in Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is unlike anything I have ever seen. The light was magical! You must take a guided tour to the canyon, which is in the Navajo Nation. Self-guided tours are prohibited.

Antelope Canyon is a series of canyons. Most people visit Upper Antelope Canyon, though the Lower Antelope Canyon, is another good choice. The upper canyon is more popular and easier and is about 1.5 hours. The lower canyon involves descending the equivelant of 3-4 flights of stairs into the canyon and is about an hour.

We we only stayed in Page for one night, so we only toured Upper Antelope Canyon. Had stayed two nights, we would have added Lower Antelope Canyon to our itinerary.

🎫Book your tickets for Upper Antelope Canyon by clicking here!

If you want to visit more than Antelope Canyon, you have several tour options:

1. Upper and lower canyon with Horseshoe Bend
2. Upper canyon with Horseshoe Bend
3. Upper canyon with Lake Powell

And if both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are sold you, can try Waterhole Canyon or Canyon X.

When is the Best Time of Day to Visit Antelope Canyon?

The sunbeams are best during the mid-day (11 am to 1:30 pm). However, the crowds will be less during the early morning or mid-afternoon.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is free to visit, but you will have to pay to park at the parking lot, which is managed by the City of Page. The walk from the parking lot to the overlook is 0.6 mile (each way) and is flat, but there is not much shade, so be sure to bring sunscreen. You will need about 1.5 hours to visit Horseshoe Bend.

Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area includes areas in both Arizona and Utah. The Glen Canyon Dam has parking on it, making it safe to stop and take in the view of Lake Powell or the Colorado River (depending on which side of the dam you are on.

Lake Powell has many activities, including guided boat tours, kayaking, fishing, and off-road driving. There are also several overlooks of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Utah/Arizona Welcome Signs

If you make your way to the dam, you might as well drive about 7 miles further north to see the Arizona and Utah welcome signs. We made sure to see them so that our daughter could check Utah off her list of states.

Restaurants in Page, Arizona

Page has several restaurants. For lunch, we ate at a Mexican restaurant and had burgers and pub-style food at Slackers for dinner.

South Rim: Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

How far is Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon’s South Rim?

The drive from the Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor’s Center takes about 2.5 hours (131 miles). Your trip’s length will depend on when you leave Antelope Canyon, whether you stop on your way, and how busy the Grand Canyon is when you arrive.

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Optional Stop in Tuba City

If you want to break up your drive, consider stopping in Tuba City. Tuba City is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Page (74 miles). Tuba City is about 10 minutes from US 89 (adding 20 minutes roundtrip to your drive time).

Tuba City has two main attractions:

1. The Explore Navajo Interactive Museum is a small museum about Navajo life, with reviews suggesting you might spend an hour here. It’s in Tuba City, about 10 miles from US 89.
2. Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks is 3.5 miles from US 89 (which means you do not have to go all the way to Tuba City). The site is free, but tip your Navajo guide. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in dinosaurs (especially kids!). You only need about half an hour for this stop — though perhaps more time if you are traveling during the busy season (summer).

Restaurants from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon South Rim

Highways AZ-64 and US-89 meet near Cameron (south of the turn off for Tuba City) at which point you are about an hour and 10 minutes from the Grand Canyon South Rim. Cameron has few restaurants: Burger King, Blue Canyon Grill, HWY 89 Yummy Shack, and Cameron Trading Place.

At a minimum, you will want to stop in Cameron for fuel, snacks, and the restroom because your next major stop is Desert View Point at the Grand Canyon. Desert View Point has a market, deli, and picnic area. There are additional dining options inside the park or continue onto Tusayan, which is a 30 minute drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor’s Center.

Where to Stay at the South Rim

📍Budget Option: We enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon in Tusayan. It was a short 17-minute drive to the entrance of the Grand Canyon. I like that the hotel includes free breakfast, parking, and has an indoor swimming pool.
📍Mid-Range Option: The Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon has several appealing features including a game room, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, and four restaurants!
📍Luxury Option: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon is a 5-star hotel with a steakhouse restaurant and an indoor swimming pool.

North Rim: Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

There are two options for driving from Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona to the Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor’s Center. There is a shorter option that stays in Arizona, which is a 2.5 hour drive (124 miles) (via US-89A N and AZ-67). The longer option goes through Utah and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes (154 miles) (via US-89 and AZ-67-S).

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Things To Do: The Shorter Arizona Route (via US-89A N and AZ-67)

1. Vermillion Cliffs scenic highway: Part of U.S.-89A includes this scenic drive.
2. Condor Viewing Site: Possibly see the condors roosting in the Vermillion Cliffs!
3. Kaibab National Forest: Biking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

Restaurants: The Shorter Arizona Route (via US-89A N and AZ-67)

Lonely JackRabbit is 44 minutes (39 miles) from Page and Cliff Dwellers Restaurant is 10 minutes further. Your other option is to eat at one of the dining options at the Grand Canyon North Rim.

Things To Do: The Longer Utah Route (via US-89 and AZ-67-S)

1. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: The Big Water visitor Center is about 28 minutes (17 miles) and the Toadstool Hoods are another 12 minutes (12 miles) from Page.
2. Kanab, Utah: Kanab is 1.5 hours (81 miles) from the North Rim and 1 hour and 22 minutes (74 miles) from Page, which makes it a good place to stop overnight. There are several activities near Kanab including Peekaboo Slot Canyon Jeep Tour and a guided hike.
3. Le Fevre Overlook: At this viewpoint in the Kaibab National Forest you can see the Grand Stairase-Escalante National Monument.

Restaurants: The Longer Utah Route (via US-89 and AZ-67-S)

There are a few dining options at the North Rim. Depending on your plan, Kanab might be a better place to stop for a meal on your drive because there are sevearl restaurants here.

Which route should you take?

The shorter and the longer route have things to see along the way. Your choice depends on how much time you have for your trip. If I were leaving Page after lunch, I would take the shorter route through Arizona or plan to stop in Kanab for the night on the longer route through Utah. If I were leaving first thing in the morning, I might take the longer route, but plan to stay the night at the North Rim.

FAQ: From Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon

Can You go from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

Yes! There are several tours you can take or drive yourself from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Organized tours last 1 or 2 days:

1. 2-Day small group tour to the Grand Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon
2. Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour
3. Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell Day Trip

What is the best time to go to Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon’s sunbeams are best viewed between 11 am and 1:30 pm during the spring or summer. We went to Upper Antelope Canyon for a tour in October and the light was great!

When is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon to avoid crowds and experience pleasant weather?

The Grand Cayon’s South Rim is best visited March through May and September through November. The crowds are smaller and the weather is cooler. We visited the South Rim during my daughter’s fall break and the weather was cool, but not cold.

Fewer people visit the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. It is only open between May 15 and October 15 and will be colder than the South Rim.

What are some things to avoid doing at the Grand Canyon?

• Respect the barriers at the Grand Canyon because people do fall into the Grand Canyon.
• Don’t throw anything into the Grand Canyon.
• Don’t take anything with you from the Grand Canyon.
• Don’t get near wildlife or try to pet wildlife.
• Pay attention to the conditions of the park and any warnings issued by the National Park Services regarding hiking and other conditions.
• Avoid hiking in the canyon during the high summer heat.
• Don’t go into any caves or mines in the canyon.

Can you visit Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon in one day?

Technically, yes, but it is a 2.5 hour drive from Antelope Canyon to the South Rim. You will need daylight and a tour guide to visit Antelope Canyon, which makes it harder to do both in a day. It is likely doable, but I would encourage you to take your time visiting both locations.

Can you fly from Antelope Canyon to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Yes! Scenic flights from Grand Canyon Village to Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell are available!

How far is the Grand Canyon from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend?

It is a 2.5 hour drive (131 miles) from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to the South Rim Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center. It is also 2.5 hours (124 miles) (shorter Arizona route) or 2 hours and 45 minutes (154 miles) (longer Utah route) from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

Are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend worth visiting while travelling through Arizona, Utah, or Nevada?

Yes! These sites are beautiful and unlike anything that I’ve seen anywhere else. Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend will add at least half a day to your trip for the visit (plus drive time).

Read More About Our Arizona Road Trip

Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon

10 BEST Things To Do In Antelope Canyon (Picked By A Pro!)

Arizona Packing List for Fall: From the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest

An Amazing 8-Day Arizona Road Trip

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