Flagstaff & Sedona: LOWER Antelope Canyon Day Trip

Northern Arizona boasts some of the most captivating geological wonders in the world. On this comprehensive day trip, adventurers can explore the vibrant colors and ancient formations of the Painted Desert, hike to the renowned Horseshoe Bend, and venture into the breathtaking Lower Antelope Canyon. With a focus on the region’s rich Navajo heritage, this tour offers a seamless and informative experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty and cultural significance of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, the day’s lineup of activities promises to leave you awestruck and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This 10.5-hour day trip from Flagstaff and Sedona explores the Lower Antelope Canyon, a geological masterpiece within the Navajo Nation.
• The tour includes a 1.5-mile hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook, offering stunning vistas of the Colorado River.
• Guests will learn about the region’s 225-million-year-old geological history and cultural significance from professional guides.
• The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a provided lunch, and all necessary fees in the small-group format.
• Restrictions include no children under 6, no pets, and minimum 4 passengers, with additional considerations for taller or heavier participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour lasts 10.5 hours and departs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Guests are picked up from Sedona around 6-6:30 AM and return around 5:30-6 PM, while those departing from Flagstaff are picked up around 7-7:30 AM and return around 4:30-5 PM.

The small group size is limited to 14 participants.

During the tour, guests will experience the Painted Desert, learn about the Navajo Nation, hike to Horseshoe Bend, visit the Glen Canyon Dam, and explore the Lower Antelope Canyon.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, bottled water, a professional guide, and all necessary fees.

Highlights

Guests on this tour can expect to experience the Painted Desert, learn about the Navajo Nation, and hike 1.5 miles to the Horseshoe Bend overlook on the Colorado River.

The highlights also include visiting the Glen Canyon Dam and discovering the Lower Antelope Canyon, where they’ll witness the changing light patterns on the sandstone walls during a 1-mile hike.

This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The highlights of this tour include:

• Experiencing the Painted Desert
• Learning about the Navajo Nation
• Hiking 1.5 miles to Horseshoe Bend
• Visiting the Glen Canyon Dam
• Discovering Lower Antelope Canyon

Inclusions

This tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in Sedona or Flagstaff, a provided lunch and bottled water, and the services of a professional tour guide.

All necessary fees are also covered as part of the tour. This ensures that guests can fully focus on the amazing sights and experiences without having to worry about logistics or additional costs.

Whether you’re exploring the Painted Desert, hiking to Horseshoe Bend, or discovering the stunning Lower Antelope Canyon, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable day.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature allows you to simply sit back, relax, and learn about the natural beauty of northern Arizona.

Restrictions

Children under 6 years old aren’t allowed on this tour, and neither are pets or service dogs.

A minimum of 4 passengers is required for the tour to operate.

Guests must be able to navigate steep stairs and narrow passageways, and those taller than 6 ft (183 cm) or heavier than 250 lbs (113 kg) should advise the tour operators.

This tour has several important restrictions to keep in mind:

• No children under 6 years old
• No pets or service dogs
• Minimum of 4 passengers required
• Ability to navigate steep stairs and narrow passages
• Advise if taller than 6 ft (183 cm) or heavier than 250 lbs (113 kg)

Following these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Painted Desert and Ponderosa Pine Forest

The tour departs through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon and Ponderosa Pine Forest on the way to the Painted Desert. This breathtaking landscape is characterized by vibrant hues of red, orange, and lavender, created by the erosion of the region’s mineral-rich soil. As the tour winds its way through this otherworldly terrain, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the geological history and cultural significance of the Painted Desert.

Painted Desert Facts
Location	Northern Arizona
Elevation	3,000 – 5,400 feet
Geological Age	225 million years old
Predominant Colors	Red, orange, lavender

Horseshoe Bend Overlook

After exploring the Painted Desert, the tour continues to the iconic Horseshoe Bend overlook on the Colorado River.

Guests hike 1.5 miles to reach the breathtaking viewpoint, where they can gaze upon the dramatic, horseshoe-shaped curve of the river surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.

Elevated viewpoint provides stunning vistas of the Colorado River.

Opportunity to witness the river’s power as it carves through the red rock.

Guides share insights about the region’s geology and Native American history.

Time to snap photos and take in the serene natural beauty.

Challenging hike requires sturdy footwear and physical ability.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Next, the tour ventures into the remarkable Lower Antelope Canyon, where guests embark on a 1-mile hike to discover the ever-changing light patterns that dance across the breathtaking sandstone walls.

This slot canyon, carved over centuries by the powerful forces of water and wind, offers a truly awe-inspiring experience. As the group descends into the narrow passageways, they’ll be surrounded by intricate rock formations and vibrant hues that change with the shifting sunlight.

The tour guide will share insights about the unique geology and the sacred significance of this iconic landmark within the Navajo Nation. With every step, visitors are immersed in the natural beauty and wonder of this geological masterpiece.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour departs from both Sedona and Flagstaff, providing convenient pickup and drop-off options for guests.

From Sedona, the tour leaves around 6-6:30 AM and returns approximately 5:30-6 PM, making for an 11.5-hour journey.

Meanwhile, the Flagstaff departure is around 7-7:30 AM, with a return time of 4:30-5 PM, totaling a 9.5-hour excursion.

The tour pickup and drop-off locations offer the following benefits:

• Flexibility for guests to choose their preferred departure point
• Scenic drives through Oak Creek Canyon and Ponderosa Pine Forest
• Personalized service with small group size, limited to 14 participants
• Professional tour guides to ensure a seamless and informative experience
• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. It requires hiking 1.5 miles and navigating steep stairs and narrow passageways. Guests must be able to physically manage these activities to fully participate in the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but guests are welcome to pack additional snacks or beverages to enjoy during the day.

How Much Free Time Is Allocated at Each Location?

The tour allocates a specific amount of free time at each location, typically ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, allowing participants to explore the sites at their own pace and take in the sights.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. All participants pay the same rate, regardless of age or student status. However, the tour may have special pricing for larger groups or private bookings.

Can I Book This Tour as a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private group. Private group tours are available, but may require a minimum number of participants and incur additional fees. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator for more details.

Recap

Discover the captivating natural wonders of Northern Arizona on this comprehensive day trip.

Witness the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert, gaze upon the iconic Horseshoe Bend, and explore the stunning Lower Antelope Canyon.

With expert guidance and seamless logistics, this tour offers an immersive experience that showcases the region’s breathtaking landscapes and rich Navajo heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: