Help with planning our day

Question

We are leaving Sedona early on a Tuesday morning and have a 1:40 tour of Antelope Canyon planned. Is it reasonable to go see Horseshoe Bend before or after?

We know there isn’t much else to do in the area so we booked a hotel with an indoor pool, we have 3 kids who will love a little swim time. Anything else worth seeing in the area? Or any good dinner suggestions? We only spend one night in Page, we will get on road Wed morning to drive to Grand Canyon

Answer

Yes — your plan is absolutely reasonable, and you can comfortably fit Horseshoe Bend into the same day as your 1:40 pm Antelope Canyon tour. With an early departure from Sedona, you’ll have plenty of flexibility on timing.

Drive time: Sedona → Page is about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on stops and traffic. If you leave around 7:30–8:00 am, you’ll arrive in Page late morning with time to explore before the tour.

Horseshoe Bend timing: Most travelers visit Horseshoe Bend either late morning before Antelope Canyon or in the late afternoon afterward. Both options work well; it just depends on your preference.

Before your tour: Arrive in Page around 11:00 am, check in early or drop bags at the hotel, and head to Horseshoe Bend for the short hike. The walk is 1.5 miles round-trip on a wide gravel trail with some uphill on the way back. Most visits take about 45–60 minutes.
After your tour: Your Antelope Canyon tour will likely end around 3:00–3:30 pm depending on the operator. Going to Horseshoe Bend afterward gives you cooler temperatures, softer lighting, and fewer crowds than mid-day. You’ll be done around 4:30–5:00 pm.

If you have young kids who may be tired before the canyon tour, doing Horseshoe Bend afterward is a good strategy. If you want to get the big sightseeing done early, do it before.

Page does not have a long list of attractions, but there are a few worthwhile stops especially with kids.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook: A short walk to a beautiful viewpoint of the dam and Colorado River. Easy, quick stop.
Wahweap Overlook: Great high vantage point over Lake Powell; perfect for sunset or a quick scenic stop.
Lake Powell beaches (weather dependent): Lone Rock Beach or Wahweap Marina area offer soft sand and space for kids to run around. Even if it’s too cool to swim, it’s a fun place to explore.
John Wesley Powell Museum: Small but interesting; good for a short visit if you want an educational indoor activity.

Page has several casual family-friendly dinner options. Here are some reliable choices:

Big John's Texas BBQ: Very popular, outdoor seating, great for families.
Fiesta Mexicana: Big portions, colorful atmosphere, kid-friendly.
Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge: Surprisingly good sushi for a desert town; good variety.
Canyon Crepes Café: Light meals and sweet crepes — great for a fun treat.

Since you'll leave Wednesday morning for the Grand Canyon South Rim, consider stopping at the Desert View Watchtower as you enter the park — it’s a beautiful first impression of the canyon and less crowded in the morning.

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