Day Tour from Sedona to Antelope Canyon

Question

My husband and I are planning a short trip to Phoenix end of this month and are going to be staying in Sedona for 3 nights. We are thinking of doing a day trip tour from Sedona to Antelope Canyon - many which include other sites - any tour groups you would recommend?

The reason we are thinking of going with a tour group is so we do not have to do all the driving but we could definitely consider it. Would you suggest we just drive and book Antelope canyon ourselves? Any points of interest along the way that we must include?

Answer

For a day trip from Sedona to Antelope Canyon, you have a couple of good options depending on whether you prefer convenience or flexibility. The drive from Sedona to Page, where Antelope Canyon is located, is about 4.5 to 5 hours one way, so a full day tour can be long but manageable if you start early.

Option 1: Guided Day Tours

Booking a guided day tour is convenient because you won’t need to navigate the long drive or deal with parking and entrance logistics. Several reputable companies offer tours from Sedona or nearby areas that include Antelope Canyon and often other scenic stops like Horseshoe Bend or Lake Powell.

Pink Jeep Tours: Known for comfortable transportation and experienced guides; often combine Antelope Canyon with Horseshoe Bend.
Detours American West or Navajo Spirit Tours: Offer guided full-day trips with commentary on local geology, history, and Native American culture.
Red Jeep or Viator day trips: Some include a scenic drive and lunch stops, allowing you to maximize the sightseeing experience without worrying about logistics.

Option 2: Self-Drive

If you enjoy driving and prefer flexibility, you can drive to Page yourself. This allows you to leave Sedona early in the morning and spend more time at Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or even take a short detour along scenic highways.

Book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance through one of the official operators (Upper Antelope Canyon Tours or Lower Antelope Canyon Tours) because slots can fill quickly, especially in peak seasons.
Points of interest along the way include the Cameron Trading Post, Little Colorado River Gorge, and Navajo Tribal lands with scenic views.
Stop at Horseshoe Bend either before or after your Antelope Canyon tour—it’s about a 10-minute hike from the parking lot to the viewpoint.

Other Tips

Start early from Sedona (around 6:00-6:30 AM) if self-driving to maximize daylight at the canyon and reduce fatigue.
Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes for walking in sandy areas.
Check the weather and slot canyon conditions; flash floods can close Antelope Canyon, though late March is generally safe.
If you want a more relaxed day, consider staying overnight in Page and exploring Antelope Canyon early the next morning before heading back to Sedona.

Overall, if you prefer to avoid a very long drive and enjoy guided commentary, a tour group is the easiest and stress-free option. If you value flexibility and want to explore additional stops along the route, driving yourself and booking the Antelope Canyon tour separately is perfectly doable.

Day Tour from Sedona to Antelope Canyon

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