Antelope Canyon is 163 miles from Sedona — about 2 hours and 45 minutes by car. That makes it one of the more manageable day trips in the Southwest: closer than Las Vegas (270 miles) and closer than Phoenix (230 miles). Leave Sedona by 7:00 am and you arrive in Page before 10 am, in time for a guided canyon tour, a stop at Horseshoe Bend, and lunch before the drive home. This guide lays out exactly how to do it — whether you book an all-inclusive guided tour or drive yourself.
Distance
163 mi · 262 km (via AZ-89A + US-89)
Drive time
2h45min each way (non-stop)
Leave Sedona by
7:00 am (self-drive) · 6:00–7:00 am (guided tour)
Canyon in Page
Lower Antelope Canyon (guided tours) — Upper available separately
Canyon tour cost
$65–75/person (Lower) · booked in advance
Guided tour from Sedona
from $303/person (hotel pickup + lunch + entry)
Horseshoe Bend
$10 parking · 1.5 mi round trip hike from car park
Is Antelope Canyon a day trip from Sedona?
Yes — and a more comfortable one than many visitors expect. At 163 miles (262 km), Sedona is closer to Antelope Canyon than Las Vegas or Phoenix. The round trip is roughly 330 miles and 5.5 hours of total driving, which leaves a meaningful amount of time in Page if you start early.
The honest tradeoff: you will spend more of the day in the car than in the canyon. A typical guided tour from Sedona runs 11 hours total — 6 hours of driving and 5 hours between the canyon, Horseshoe Bend, lunch, and travel stops. If you want more time in Page — to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, or to explore Lake Powell — a one-night stay in Page turns a rushed day into a genuinely relaxed trip. But as day trips go, Sedona to Antelope Canyon is one of the Southwest's most doable.
How far is Sedona from Antelope Canyon?
163 miles (262 km) via AZ-89A North and US-89 North. Non-stop drive: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Add one fuel stop and a quick coffee break and the realistic outbound time is around 3 hours. Guided tours, which include multiple stops along the route, plan for 3 to 3.5 hours in each direction.
There is no faster alternative route from Sedona to Page. The AZ-89A/US-89 corridor is both the direct route and — as it happens — one of Arizona's most scenic drives. You get the Oak Creek Canyon pass and Painted Desert views as a free bonus, not a detour.
The drive: Sedona to Page via Oak Creek Canyon
The route from Sedona to Antelope Canyon passes through some of the most striking scenery in the American Southwest. Here is what you will see along the way:
Sedona to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon (AZ-89A North — 28 miles)
Leave Sedona heading north on AZ-89A. Within minutes you enter Oak Creek Canyon — a 16-mile slot carved by Oak Creek, flanked by red and white sandstone cliffs rising 2,000 feet above the road. The switchback climb out of the canyon floor to the Flagstaff plateau gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation in a few miles. Even in a car, it feels dramatic.
At the top of the canyon, the landscape shifts instantly: desert red rock gives way to ponderosa pine forest at 7,000 feet. Slide Rock State Park sits at the base of the canyon (worth a quick stop on the way back, not worth the detour time on the outbound leg).
Flagstaff is 28 miles from Sedona — about 45 minutes including the canyon climb. Stop here to fill your tank (gas is significantly cheaper than in Page or at any pump near the Navajo Nation) and grab food if your tour does not include lunch.
Flagstaff to Page via US-89 North (135 miles)
From Flagstaff, pick up US-89 North — a straight, fast highway that descends from pine forest back into high desert. Key landmarks:
- Cameron Trading Post (75 miles north of Flagstaff): Historic trading post at the junction of US-89 and AZ-64. Good bathrooms, Navajo artwork, and a restaurant. Most guided tours make a brief stop here. Worth 15–20 minutes.
- Painted Desert views (between Cameron and Page): The highway runs parallel to the eastern edge of the Painted Desert. The banded cliffs in shades of purple, orange, and cream are visible from the road — no need to stop, just look left.
- Glen Canyon Dam (just before Page): The dam and its turquoise reservoir come into view as you descend into Page. Many guided tours stop here briefly for photos. The dam visitor center is free and worth 20 minutes if you arrive early.
You arrive in Page, AZ at the end of US-89. Antelope Canyon (Upper and Lower) are both on AZ-98 east of downtown — roughly 5 minutes from the main highway junction.
Guided tour vs. self-drive from Sedona
| Option | Cost/person | Time in Page | Planning required | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided tour from Sedona | $303–469 | 3–4 h | Low — book the tour, everything else handled | Couples and first-timers who want zero logistics |
| Self-drive | $80–100 | 4–6 h | High — book AC slot, plan Horseshoe Bend, fuel stops | Families, photographers, visitors who want both Upper and Lower |
| Overnight self-drive | $150–250 (inc. hotel) | Full day in Page | Medium — one extra night booked | Anyone who wants to see Upper + Lower + Lake Powell without rushing |
Choose a guided tour if: you want maximum convenience on a tight schedule. The operator handles the Navajo permit, the AC slot booking, lunch, and the drive — you sit back and enjoy the scenery. The higher price reflects real value, not just markup.
Choose to self-drive if: you want flexibility — especially if you want to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, spend more time at Horseshoe Bend, or stop at the Glen Canyon Dam visitor center on your own schedule. You will need to book your Antelope Canyon tour slot in advance at VisitAntelopeCanyon.az.gov or directly with the operator — do not assume you can show up and get a slot.
Best guided tours from Sedona to Antelope Canyon (2026)
These are the highest-rated Sedona-departure options currently available. All include hotel pickup in Sedona, the Navajo-guided canyon tour, Horseshoe Bend, and lunch. Most visit Lower Antelope Canyon (the standard for Sedona-based tours).
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona
The highest-volume Sedona departure for this route. A full-day van tour (around 11 hours) that picks you up at your Sedona hotel, drives the Oak Creek Canyon scenic route to Page, includes a Navajo-guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon, a stop at Horseshoe Bend, and lunch at Glen Canyon Dam. Small group — capped at 10 travelers. All entry fees, Navajo permit, and bottled water included.
Private Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Experience from Sedona
A fully private version of the same day trip — your group only, no strangers in the vehicle. The guide adapts the pace to your interests: more time inside the canyon for photography, longer at Horseshoe Bend, custom stops along Oak Creek Canyon on the way up. Minimum 2 travelers. Ideal for couples celebrating a milestone or families with young children who need flexibility.
Antelope Canyon X & Horseshoe Bend Scenic Tour from Sedona
For visitors who want a less crowded slot canyon experience. Canyon X is a Navajo-owned section of the same geological formation as Antelope Canyon — similar swirling sandstone walls and light effects, but with significantly smaller tour groups. A good choice if you have already visited Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon and want something different, or simply want fewer people around you in the photos.
Booking tip: Sedona tours fill 1–2 weeks ahead in spring and summer. The minimum advance booking window is 48 hours, but prime morning slots (8–10 am departure) go much earlier. Book as soon as you confirm your Sedona dates.
Self-drive tips: Sedona to Antelope Canyon
Book your canyon slot before you leave Sedona
This is the single most important thing to do. Antelope Canyon requires a Navajo-guided tour — no independent entry is permitted. Tour slots for the most popular windows (10 am–1 pm) sell out days or weeks in advance. Book via lowerantelope.com (Lower Canyon, Ken's Tours) or upperantelope.com (Upper Canyon, official Navajo site) before the trip. Cost: approximately $65–75 per adult including the Navajo Nation permit.
Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon
Full comparison here, but the short version:
- Upper Antelope Canyon (The Crack): Above ground, walk-through. Light beams appear June–August, mid-morning. More iconic photos.
- Lower Antelope Canyon (The Corkscrew): Below ground, requires climbing metal staircases. Deeper, narrower, fewer people than Upper. Open year-round.
Both are about 5 minutes apart by car on AZ-98. If self-driving, you can visit both on the same day with good planning (e.g., Lower at 10 am, Upper at 1 pm).
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is 5 miles from downtown Page on US-89 South (back toward Sedona). Parking costs $10/vehicle. The viewpoint overlook is a 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot. Allow 45–60 minutes total. The walk involves soft sand — wear closed shoes. The best photos are taken mid-morning or late afternoon; high noon casts strong shadows into the bend.
Fuel and food
Fill up in Flagstaff on the way out. Gas at Cameron, Page, and anywhere near the Navajo Nation runs significantly higher than Flagstaff prices. Page has several restaurants and a Walmart for supplies; the Big John's BBQ near the canyon parking area is a reliable post-canyon lunch stop.
Sample day itinerary: Sedona to Antelope Canyon and back
This schedule works for self-drivers. Guided tour timings are set by the operator (usually departing 6:00–7:30 am from Sedona hotels).
- 7:00 am: Leave Sedona. Head north on AZ-89A. Grab coffee at the Jordan Road Coffee (Sedona) or fill a thermos — there are no drive-throughs on AZ-89A through the canyon.
- 7:45 am: Oak Creek Canyon viewpoint. A free pull-off at the top of the canyon switchbacks gives you a full view back down the canyon toward Sedona. 5-minute stop. Worth it.
- 8:00 am: Flagstaff. Fill fuel here (cheapest gas on the route). Quick coffee or breakfast stop if needed. Take US-89 North onramp — do not head into the city center.
- 8:30 am: Cameron Trading Post (optional stop, 15 min). Bathrooms, Navajo crafts, history. Skip if you are running late.
- 9:45 am: Arrive Page. Drive 5 min on AZ-98 to your canyon site. Check in for your pre-booked canyon tour.
- 10:00–11:30 am:Guided canyon tour (60–90 minutes inside). Your Navajo guide points out the best photo spots and explains the formation's history. Photography tips: bring your own phone or camera — tripods are only allowed on premium photography tours.
- 11:30 am:Lunch in Page. Big John's BBQ (5 min from canyon parking) or pick up food at Walmart for Horseshoe Bend.
- 12:30 pm: Horseshoe Bend. Drive 5 min south on US-89. Pay $10 parking. Walk 0.75 miles to the overlook. The Colorado River curves 1,000 feet below — the scale is always larger than the photos suggest. 45–60 minutes total.
- 1:30 pm: Optional: Glen Canyon Dam Overlook (5 min from Page) or Lake Powell viewpoint at Wahweap Marina (10 min). Worth 20 minutes for the views of the impossibly blue reservoir in the desert.
- 2:00 pm: Head south on US-89 back to Flagstaff. Fill fuel in Flagstaff. Return to Sedona via AZ-89A (Oak Creek Canyon again — different light in the afternoon, the red rock glows).
- 5:00–5:30 pm: Back in Sedona. Total driving: ~330 miles.
Best time to visit Antelope Canyon from Sedona
- March–May (excellent): Spring is the sweet spot. Temperatures in Page are comfortable (65–80°F), the canyon is not yet at peak capacity, and the light beams inside Upper Antelope Canyon are strong (they peak June–August, but March–May slots are much easier to get). Oak Creek Canyon is green and dramatic.
- June–August (peak season): The canyon light beams are at their best from 10 am–1 pm in June and July. Tours are at maximum capacity; book 2–4 weeks in advance. Temperatures in Page hit 95–105°F — the canyon itself stays cool inside. The drive through Flagstaff (7,000 ft) is comfortable even in summer.
- September–November (best for self-drivers): Crowds thin after Labor Day. Canyon slot bookings free up week-of rather than weeks ahead. The Horseshoe Bend hike is much more pleasant in 70–80°F temperatures than in July. Light beams diminish but do not disappear until late October.
- December–February (budget season): Fewest crowds of the year and the cheapest tours. The canyon is open year-round; temperatures in Page drop to 35–55°F. The main risk is weather on the Flagstaff leg — US-89 occasionally closes briefly for snow north of Flagstaff. Check az511.gov before departure in winter months.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antelope Canyon a day trip from Sedona?
Yes — and it is more manageable than most people expect. Sedona is only 163 miles (262 km) from Page, AZ, roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes of driving. That is a significantly shorter trip than from Las Vegas (270 miles) or Phoenix (230 miles). Leave Sedona by 7:00 am and you arrive at Antelope Canyon before 10 am — in time for a morning canyon tour, a stop at Horseshoe Bend, and lunch in Page before heading back by 3–4 pm.
How long is the drive from Sedona to Antelope Canyon?
The drive from Sedona to Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ is approximately 163 miles (262 km) and takes around 2 hours 45 minutes without stops. The route follows AZ-89A north through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, then US-89 North all the way to Page. There is no meaningfully faster alternative — this is both the direct route and the scenic one.
Which Antelope Canyon section do Sedona tours visit?
Guided tours departing from Sedona (Pink Jeep Tours, Great West Tours, Viator operators) almost universally visit Lower Antelope Canyon. Lower is narrower, deeper, and requires climbing steep metal staircases — not better or worse than Upper, just different. If you want to visit Upper Antelope Canyon, you need to book that tour separately in Page (operators include Ken's Tours, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, and Dixie Ellis). A self-drive trip from Sedona allows you to book both canyons on the same day or across two days.
How much does an Antelope Canyon tour from Sedona cost?
Guided group tours from Sedona run $303–$350 per adult and include hotel pickup, round-trip transport, the guided Lower Antelope Canyon tour (with Navajo permit), a Horseshoe Bend stop, and lunch. Private tours run from $469 per person. Self-drive costs around $75–90 total per person: approximately $65–75 for the Antelope Canyon guided tour (required by Navajo Nation), $10 for Horseshoe Bend parking, and fuel.
Do you need to book in advance for Antelope Canyon from Sedona?
Yes, regardless of whether you go on a guided tour or self-drive. Antelope Canyon tours sell out days or weeks in advance in peak season (March–August). Guided tours from Sedona require 48-hour advance booking at minimum. If self-driving, book your Antelope Canyon tour in Page via VisitAntelopeCanyon.az.gov or directly with the operator before you leave Sedona — walk-up slots rarely exist.
What is the best time to visit Antelope Canyon from Sedona?
March through May and September through November offer the best combination of weather and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season: the drive is hot, tours are at maximum capacity, and Horseshoe Bend is crowded by 8 am. Winter (December–February) is the least crowded time; the drive through Flagstaff can involve snow at 7,000 feet, so check road conditions on AZ-89A before departing.
Can you visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon from Sedona in one day?
Technically yes, but it requires careful timing. Both canyons are on the same street in Page. Book Lower Antelope Canyon at 10:30–11:00 am and Upper at 1:30–2:00 pm (or vice versa). You need about 90 minutes inside each plus 30 minutes between. Add Horseshoe Bend as a standalone 45-minute stop before or after. Leave Sedona no later than 6:30 am for this itinerary. Guided tours from Sedona only include one canyon — if you want both, self-drive is the right format.
Which is better, Sedona or Antelope Canyon?
They are completely different experiences. Sedona's red rock landscape is an open-air park you walk and hike through freely — no queues, no tours required. Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon that requires a paid Navajo-guided tour and has timed entry. Most visitors find Antelope Canyon more dramatically photogenic (the light beams, the swirling sandstone walls), while Sedona offers more variety and flexibility. The good news: if you are already in Sedona, you are close enough to do both in the same trip.
About this guide
Written by Diego Fresno, travel writer and independent publisher covering the American Southwest. This guide draws on first-hand research conducted in Page, Arizona in July 2025, including visits to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and the Sedona–Page drive route, with current tour pricing cross-checked in July 2026.. Verified quarterly — last review April 2026. About the author →
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