Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour: An Honest Look at One of the Southwest’s Best Hidden Gems

If you’re exploring the stunning landscape around Page, Arizona, you’ll no doubt come across countless tour options for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. But what if you want something a little more private, less crowded, and with a personal touch? We’ve come across a tour that promises exactly that: the Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour. It’s highly rated, small-group, and offers a more relaxed, intimate experience of these iconic sites.

What we love about this tour is its focus on privacy and comfort—you’re not crammed into a large bus with dozens of other travelers—and the fact that it includes a private Navajo viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend, which is often overwhelmed during peak hours. The tour also adds a bit of adventure with an off-road drive through sandy washes, making the whole experience feel more engaging and personal.

Of course, a potential downside is that because this tour limits group size and includes specialized transportation, it’s not the cheapest option out there. It also requires booking about three weeks in advance, so planning ahead is necessary. But if you’re after a more relaxed, personalized experience that minimizes crowds, this might be an ideal fit.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure—perfect for those who want to see some of the Southwest’s most beautiful sights without the hassle of large tour groups or crowded viewpoints.

Key Points

• Small group size means a more personalized, relaxed experience with just 12-15 guests.
• Private Horseshoe Bend viewpoint offers fewer crowds and a closer look at the canyon’s edge.
• Includes access to Secret Antelope Canyon, a less-visited but equally stunning slot canyon.
• Comfortable transportation in a shaded, open-air 4×4 adds a touch of adventure.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with knowledge and helpfulness.
• Book early—average booking is about 23 days in advance—to secure your spot.

An In-Depth Look at the Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

The Introduction to Something Special: Why Consider This Tour?

If you’re tired of the crowds common at popular sites like Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, this tour offers a refreshing alternative. It’s designed to give you a more serene and unhurried experience, with fewer visitors and a focus on intimate exploration. We love that it includes Secret Antelope Canyon, part of the Lake Powell-Antelope Canyon system, which remains relatively undiscovered and therefore less crowded.

The inclusion of a private Navajo viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend is a standout feature. Instead of fighting for space at the busy public overlook, you’ll take a private dirt road that gets you close to the edge—just about 100 meters away—giving you stunning vistas with fewer people around. The tour’s overall length is about 3 hours, a good amount of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

One thing to keep in mind is the price: at $185 per person, it’s not the cheapest tour you’ll find, but considering the small group size, private access, and included transportation, it offers notable value. However, booking early is wise because it tends to fill up about three weeks in advance.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want high-quality guided service, aren’t keen on massive crowds, and appreciate a bit of off-road fun. It’s an excellent choice for those who value comfort and personalized attention.

Breaking Down the Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Secret Antelope Canyon

The journey begins with a short but scenic drive—just around three miles—from Page, AZ, in a shaded, open-air 4×4 vehicle. This part of the tour is part of what makes the experience special: the ride takes you through sandy washes and rolling hills, adding a dash of adventure before you reach the canyon.

Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a 300-meter nature walk that leads to the entrance of Secret Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon, part of the Lake Powell system, remains relatively less-visited, which means you’ll have a more peaceful experience compared to the often crowded Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.

The canyon itself offers the signature stunning light beams and intricate rock formations that make Antelope Canyon world-famous, but with fewer people and a more relaxed pace. One reviewer mentioned that the guide, Gail, was “awesome and knowledgeable,” which adds a lot to the experience. The fact that admission, Navajo permits, and transportation are included means you won’t have to worry about extra costs or logistics here.

Stop 2: Horseshoe Bend

After exploring the canyon, the tour moves on to Horseshoe Bend. What sets this part apart is that you won’t go to the typical crowded overlook. Instead, the tour takes a private dirt road, bringing you within about 100 meters of the canyon’s edge. This shortcut means a shorter walk to the rim and a more exclusive view of the Colorado River’s iconic loop.

Here, you’ll have roughly an hour to soak in the spectacular vistas. The undulating sandstone formations and the vast drop of over 1,000 feet make for phenomenal photo opportunities. The views here are often called one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the Southwest, and with fewer crowds, you’ll have more freedom to take your time and get those perfect shots. One enthusiastic reviewer said Gail “took pictures and answered questions without hesitation,” emphasizing how helpful and personable the guide is.

The entire Horseshoe Bend stop is designed to give you maximum impact with minimal hassle and crowds, making it perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a quieter moment at this beloved site.

Transportation and Group Size: Why It Matters

The tour uses comfortable, enclosed vehicles that are well-suited for the rugged off-road drive. The open-air 4×4 trucks add an element of fun and adventure, especially if you enjoy a bit of off-the-beaten-path exploration.

The group size is intentionally kept small—maximum of 12 travelers—so you’ll receive more personalized attention. This means fewer people vying for the best photo angles or crowding the viewpoints, which is often a concern at these popular spots.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Friendly

According to reviews, the guide, Gail, is a highlight of the experience. Her friendly, informative approach and willingness to take photos and answer questions make the tour feel more personalized. It’s clear that having someone who knows the sites well enhances the overall experience—whether it’s understanding the geology or simply catching those perfect shots.

Pricing and Value

At $185 per person, the price reflects the intimate size, private access, and included transportation. When you consider the cost of parking, permits, and perhaps the hassle of navigating alone, this tour offers good value. It’s a chance to relax without the stress of planning logistics, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The Booking and Cancellation Policy

The tour tends to be booked well in advance, about 23 days on average, so planning ahead is essential. It’s worth noting that the activity is non-refundable, so make sure your plans are firm before booking. Weather conditions can cause cancellations, but they usually offer a different date or a full refund if that happens.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, less-crowded experience. If you’re interested in stunning scenery with knowledgeable guides but dislike large tour groups, this is a solid choice. It’s also well-suited for photography enthusiasts who want to capture Horseshoe Bend without the throngs of other travelers.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a quick, no-fuss visit, other tours might be more convenient or cheaper. Still, for those valuing comfort, exclusivity, and a relaxed pace, this tour hits many sweet spots.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your priority is enjoying breathtaking views without the crowds, this Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour really delivers. The smaller group size, private access points, and knowledgeable guide create an experience that feels both special and relaxed. It’s perfect if you appreciate personalized service and want to avoid the hustle common at these popular sites.

The inclusion of Secret Antelope Canyon, often skipped by larger groups, adds a layer of exclusivity that many travelers will appreciate. The private viewpoint of Horseshoe Bend means capturing those iconic shots without fighting for space, making it a favorite for photographers and serenity seekers alike.

While the price may be higher than some group tours, the value comes with fewer crowds, a more personalized experience, and the comfort of quality transportation. If you’re willing to reserve your spot early and enjoy a more laid-back adventure, this tour is a fantastic way to see some of the Southwest’s most stunning natural wonders.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour is a great option for most travelers, it involves a short nature walk and off-road driving, so families with young children should consider their comfort with these activities.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 3 hours, which balances enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Are the sites crowded?
No, thanks to the small group size and private viewpoints, you’ll experience these sights with fewer people around.

What’s included in the price?
Admission to Secret Antelope Canyon, Navajo permit fees, transportation in a comfortable vehicle, and a guide/driver are all included.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The tour offers great photo opportunities, especially at Horseshoe Bend, where you’ll have plenty of scenic vistas.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. Poor weather may lead to cancellations, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How early should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 3 weeks in advance, as the tour tends to fill up quickly.

Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs, but tipping the guide is customary ($2-$5 per person).

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicles are shaded, open-air 4x4s designed for comfort and off-road adventure.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
It’s the combination of personalized service, private access, and the chance to explore Secret Antelope Canyon—a lesser-known gem—without the crowds.

If you’re after a more intimate way to see some of the Southwest’s most iconic sights, this tour could be just the ticket. It offers a blend of adventure, stunning views, and relaxed exploration, perfect for anyone wanting a deeper, less hectic experience.