Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour from Page

If you’re dreaming of visiting the stunning slot canyons and iconic river bends near Page, Arizona, chances are you’ve come across various tour options. This particular tour, offered by Scenic Bend, promises a balanced experience of Antelope Canyon’s mesmerizing formations, Horseshoe Bend’s sweeping views, and a stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. We’ve gathered the details and reviews to help you understand what this tour offers and whether it matches your expectations.

What we like about this experience? First, the convenience of transportation from Page makes it accessible without the hassle of self-driving or arranging separate guides. Second, the knowledgeable Navajo guides are frequently highlighted for their educational insights and helpfulness, which can turn a sightseeing trip into a more meaningful experience. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that some travelers feel the tour can be rushed or not as personalized as they’d like.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized half-day adventure, especially if they prefer having transportation and guided insights included. But if you’re looking for an ultra-personalized or more leisurely pace, it’s worth considering the mixed reviews.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation and pickup from your Page hotel streamline the experience.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, photo tips, and friendly attitude.
• The itinerary includes key highlights like Horseshoe Bend and both sections of Antelope Canyon, plus Glen Canyon Dam Overlook.
• Tour duration is around 4 to 5 hours, making it manageable for most travelers.
• Variety of stops offers a comprehensive snapshot of the area’s geological and cultural significance.
• Some reviews mention the experience can be rushed or lacking in detailed communication; plan accordingly.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of the most famous sights around Page in about half a day. Right from the start, you’ll be picked up in a small, air-conditioned shuttle, which adds to the comfort—especially in the Arizona heat. The first stop is the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, where you’ll get a sweeping view of the Colorado River and the dam itself. This is a great warm-up, setting the scene before you dive into the canyons.

Next, you head into Antelope Canyon, which is split into two options—Upper or Lower—depending on your booking. Both are incredible but offer different experiences. The Upper Antelope Canyon is ground level with striking light beams most visible in summer, while the Lower Antelope Canyon, known as Hazdistazí, involves some metal stairs and ladders, making it a bit more adventurous. Expect about an hour at each section, with guides sharing insights about the geology, history, and best photo spots.

Following the canyon visits, the group makes its way to Horseshoe Bend, a famously dramatic meander of the Colorado River. It’s about a half-mile walk to the overlook that towers roughly 1,000 meters above the river—the views are jaw-dropping and perfect for photos. This stretch is relatively short but involves some walking and steps.

Finally, you’ll return through the landscape with a quick stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for more scenic views, rounding out a comprehensive yet manageable tour of the area’s highlights.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You’ll Experience

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook — This spot offers a broad perspective on the river’s path through the canyon and the dam’s structure. It’s a quick stop, but the vistas are spectacular, giving you context for the geological forces shaping the area.

Antelope Canyon — Whether you visit the Upper or Lower section depends on your booking, but both are worth seeing. The Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams, especially in summer, and its ground-level entrance makes it accessible. The Lower Canyon features more ladders and narrow passages, which some find more exciting.

Travelers have noted guides are very informative here, with reviews like: “Sonny, our guide on the Upper Antelope, is great! He gave us educational information about antelopes and tips on photos.” Others mention guides like Wyatt making the tour engaging and fun.

Horseshoe Bend — You’ll walk about 0.6 miles one way to reach the overlook, which is perched over the river below. The views are simply stunning, and many reviews mention it’s a highlight. One traveler said, “Incredible light rays and scenery in the upper canyon. Horseshoe Bend was beautiful and a great hike.”

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook — This is a quick stop but worth the time for the chance to see the scale of the dam and the river’s course through the canyon. It’s a free vantage point that provides a nice ending to your trip.

Transportation and Group Size: What It Means for You

You’ll be picked up from your Page hotel or a designated meeting point in a small, air-conditioned shuttle—generally a 15-seater—which makes the journey comfortable and intimate. The limited group size (max 14 travelers) means you can expect less crowding and more personalized attention from guides.

Travelers generally find this setup makes the experience more relaxing, especially compared to larger bus tours. However, some reviews highlight that timings might be tight or the schedule can shift slightly, so flexibility is a good idea.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $229 per person, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, but it does bundle tickets, transportation, and guided commentary into one package. When you consider that individual canyon tickets are included and that transportation from Page is taken care of—something you’d otherwise have to arrange yourself—the cost can be justified.

Many travelers say guides add value by sharing insights and helping with photos. One review enthusiastically states, “The guides made it that much better with their knowledge, accommodations, and photography assistance.” On the other hand, a few reviews mention that it feels a little rushed or that the experience could be more personalized, especially if you’re after a more leisurely exploration.

Visitor Reviews: Real Perspectives

The reviews are somewhat mixed but lean towards positive, especially regarding guides and scenery. Many praise the friendly and knowledgeable guides who provide educational tidbits and photo tips, making the experience more engaging. For example, Carolyn from one review mentions: “Sonny, our guide on the Upper Antelope, is great! He gave us educational information about antelopes and tips on photos.”

Some travelers highlight that the viewpoints are breathtaking and worth the price, especially the light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon and the sweeping vistas of Horseshoe Bend. One person said, “Antelope Canyon is just so beautiful,” emphasizing how memorable the scenery is.

However, criticisms about the tour feeling rushed or not matching expectations do appear. Several reviews point out the lack of detailed communication about timings or what’s included—like the absence of water or the need to bring your own supplies in hot weather, despite some descriptions suggesting otherwise.

Notably, a few reviewers express frustration over misrepresentations or feeling that the experience is mainly just transportation without added services. One even called the tour a “total ripoff,” citing that they only experienced part of the trip and felt misled by the description.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing

• Book in advance—most travelers plan around 4 weeks ahead, especially in peak seasons.
• Bring your own water and sun protection—despite some descriptions, reviews suggest you may need to supply your own water and cooling towels, especially during hot months.
• Prepare for walking—the hike to Horseshoe Bend is about 0.6 miles one way, with some steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring your camera—the views are stunning, and guides often give helpful photography tips.
• Be flexible with timing—the schedule can shift slightly depending on the day’s capacity or weather conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a convenient, guided experience that covers the main highlights and includes transportation from Page, this tour generally offers good value. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate informative guides and want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transit on their own.

However, if you’re seeking a more personalized or leisurely experience, or if you prefer to explore at your own pace, you might find this tour a little rushed or too structured. It’s also worth noting that some reviews mention the experience can feel a bit commercial or crowded, which might be a turn-off for the more adventurous or privacy-seeking travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend tour from Page represents a solid choice for those wanting a well-organized, scenic day with the advantage of guided insights. While it may not be perfect for everyone—some feeling it’s a little rushed or not as personalized—it does deliver on the stunning sights and educational content many visitors are after.

The guides are often praised for their knowledge, particularly about photography, which can be a big plus if you’re keen to capture the best shots. The included transportation and the convenience of pickup points make it accessible for most travelers, especially those new to the area.

If you’re okay with a slightly scheduled experience and value having a guide to enrich your visit, this tour could be a worthwhile investment. Just remember to bring plenty of water and be prepared for some walking to make the most of the day.

FAQ

Is the transportation air-conditioned?
Yes, the shuttle provided for pickup is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable, especially during hotter months.

What is included in the tour price?
Your ticket for Antelope Canyon (either Upper or Lower), access to Horseshoe Bend, the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, a Navajo guide, and transportation from Page are included. Bottled water is also provided.

Can I book this tour well in advance?
Most travelers book about 28 days ahead, which is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times.

How long does the entire tour last?
Expect around 4 to 5 hours from pickup to drop-off, covering multiple stops and walking between sites.

Are the canyons accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the Upper Antelope Canyon is at ground level, the Lower Canyon involves some stairs and ladders, so check your specific needs before booking.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and your camera. Some reviews suggest that you may need to supply your own water, especially in hot weather.

Is the tour suitable for families?
The tour is generally accessible for most travelers, but consider the walking involved and the stairs in Lower Canyon if traveling with young children.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour provides a practical opportunity to see some of the Southwest’s most iconic sights with the benefit of guided commentary and transportation. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a straightforward, scenic overview that doesn’t require extensive planning.