Page: Secret Antelope Canyon Tour

Exploring the Secret Antelope Canyon Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re planning a trip to Arizona and love the idea of exploring stunning landscapes without the crowds, the Secret Antelope Canyon Tour might catch your eye. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but from what we gather, it offers a uniquely intimate experience in one of the Southwest’s most beautiful natural wonders.
What makes this tour especially appealing are its small group size of 12 or fewer and the off-road adventure that gets you far away from the busy tourist spots. These elements promise a more relaxed, personalized experience and plenty of great photo ops.
On the flip side, a couple of reviews mention that the off-road ride can be bumpy and fast-paced, which might be a consideration if you have back issues or prefer a more leisurely journey.
This tour seems best suited for travelers who value privacy, stunning scenery, and a bit of adventure — especially those who are comfortable with a slightly rugged ride.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Small groups of 12 or fewer mean more personalized attention.
• Unique Location: Secret Antelope Canyon is less crowded than Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, offering a more peaceful visit.
• Off-Road Adventure: The journey involves a scenic 6-mile drive over sandy washes and rolling hills, adding an element of fun and adventure.
• Photography Opportunities: Plenty of time is allotted for capturing the canyon’s beauty, especially at iconic viewpoints.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues due to bumpy off-road travel.
• Cost-Value Balance: At $159, it offers a focused, intimate canyon experience without the crowds, which many find worth the price.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Journey Begins

The tour kicks off with a 20-minute comfortable, enclosed vehicle ride from the check-in point near Antelope Slot Canyon in Page, AZ. This part is pretty straightforward, and you’ll likely be greeted by your guide, who will set the tone for the adventure ahead. The tour is run by JoyFun Tour, LLC, and includes a live English-speaking guide, adding some local insight and safety reassurance.

Off-Road Drive Through Primitive Wilderness

Once you’re on board, you’ll leave the highway behind and head into the rugged landscape that surrounds Lake Powell. The 6-mile off-road ride takes you through sandy washes and rolling hills, delivering a bit of a thrill. This part of the tour is a highlight for many, as it offers a taste of real adventure. However, reviews suggest this ride can be quite bumpy, with some travelers feeling it was faster and rougher than expected. If you have back or neck issues, this might be a concern.

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Reaching the Secluded Secret Canyon

After the off-road drive, you’ll arrive at the entrance of Secret Antelope Canyon. The walk from the vehicle to the canyon entrance is about 300 meters, giving you some fresh air and a chance to enjoy the scenery. Once inside, you’ll have up to an hour to explore, photograph, and marvel at this long, winding sandstone slot canyon. The environment here is peaceful and less trodden, making it a perfect spot to capture stunning photos free from crowds, as some reviews highlight.

What You’ll See Inside

While not as famous or large as Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons, Secret Antelope Canyon boasts its own beauty. The walls are sculpted with beautiful curves and colors, ideal for keen photographers. Some guests have appreciated the unique tranquility of this location, noting that they had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures. Guides are often knowledgeable and helpful, sometimes sharing tips on photography settings or pointing out interesting formations.

Returning to Base

After your exploration, you’ll retrace your steps via the same scenic off-road route back to the starting point. The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. This timing includes transportation and exploration, providing a compact but fulfilling getaway.

The Value of This Tour

At $159 per person, the Secret Antelope Canyon Tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Page, but many find it worthwhile. The smaller group size and the chance to visit a less crowded, more private canyon means you’re not fighting for space or rushing through the scenery. Several reviewers mention that they appreciated the intimate atmosphere and the ample time to explore and photograph.

The inclusion of expert guidance and comfortable transportation adds to the overall value, especially for those who want a hassle-free experience. Plus, the off-road ride adds a dash of adventure that you might not get on more conventional tours.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a luxurious or ultra-smooth ride, be aware that the off-road portion can be bumpy. Also, for travelers with mobility issues or small children, this may not be suitable — the tour specifically states it’s not recommended for pregnant women, children under six, or wheelchair users.

The Real Experience According to Reviews

• One traveler from France lamented that the guide’s fast pace on the slopes meant more time holding on than photographing, which highlights the need for some travelers to be prepared for a lively ride.
• Conversely, many reviews praise the knowledge and helpfulness of guides, noting that they provide great tips for photography and making the experience memorable.
• A US-based guest mentioned that they appreciated having exclusive access to the canyon, with “plenty of time to walk around and take pics,” emphasizing the value of the small group setting.
• Another review from Germany highlighted a guide named Bob who went above and beyond, sharing camera tips and making the experience unforgettable.

These insights suggest that the tour can be quite personalized, especially with attentive guides, but the off-road aspect does vary in intensity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and get a more personalized look at a beautiful sandstone canyon. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture unique shots without the hustle and bustle of larger tour groups. Adventure seekers who enjoy off-road rides will likely find the journey fun, but those with back issues or mobility concerns should approach with caution.

Travelers who value expert guidance and a calm, peaceful environment will find this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re after a more leisurely, smooth ride, or if you’re traveling with young children, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Secret Antelope Canyon Tour offers a rare chance to explore one of the Southwest’s hidden gems with a small, dedicated group. The combination of off-road adventure, timeless canyon beauty, and personalized guidance makes it stand out from the more crowded tourist hotspots. The price reflects this more intimate, less commercial experience, and many reviewers feel it’s worth it for the exclusive access.

If your priority is photography, peacefulness, and a touch of adventure, this tour is likely to satisfy. Just keep in mind the bumpy ride and limited accessibility if those are concerns. For travelers craving a quieter, more personal canyon experience on the Navajo Nation, this tour could be just the thing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really. The tour is not recommended for children under 6 due to the bumpy off-road ride and the nature of the terrain.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours, including transportation and exploration time.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of photographic opportunities at the canyon.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, the tour involves off-road travel that can be bumpy, so it’s not suited for those with recent or chronic back or neck issues, or pregnant women.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The tour offers many chances to photograph the canyon, and guides often help with tips for capturing great shots.

Is this tour private or shared?
It’s a small group experience, with no more than 12 people, ensuring plenty of space and attention from your guide.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially since you’ll be walking and riding over uneven terrain.

How do I meet the tour?
Check in at Deer Spring Canyon Tours, VF9W+C64, Page, AZ, at least 30 minutes before departure. No physical documents are required.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour available in multiple times of day?
Yes, it’s typically available in the morning and afternoon, giving some flexibility in planning your day.

In the end, the Secret Antelope Canyon Tour is a solid pick for travelers wanting a more private, adventurous way to see this beautiful corner of Arizona. It’s not the most luxurious or smooth ride, but for those who love small-group experiences and photography, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: