Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Airplane Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing some of the Southwest’s most iconic sights in a single day, this Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Airplane Tour promises an adventure packed with breathtaking views and memorable moments. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, a thorough review of available details suggests it offers a solid mix of aerial spectacle and close-up wonder of some of the most photographed landscapes in Arizona.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the aerial views of landmarks like Hoover Dam and Lake Powell, which save you hours of driving and give a sweeping perspective of the vastness. The guided walks through Antelope Canyon are another highlight, offering excellent opportunities for capturing photos and feeling the textures of ancient sandstone.

A potential consideration is the airplane quality and safety procedures. Some reviews mention the aircraft feeling outdated and turbulence on the return flight, which might unsettle nervous flyers. That said, the pilot’s professionalism and the overall experience tend to outweigh these concerns for most travelers.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers who love scenic vistas and photography, but who also value comfort and safety. If you’re short on time but want to see some of Arizona’s finest landscapes from a unique vantage point, this experience could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Hoover Dam, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon offer a broad perspective of the Southwestern landscape.
• The guided tour of Antelope Canyon reveals the beauty of swirling sandstone formations in a setting ideal for photos.
• Horseshoe Bend, with its dramatic twist of the Colorado River, provides a memorable lookout spot accessible via a short hike.
• The small group size (limited to 8 participants) enhances this experience with personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• The included box lunch offers a convenient break during this full-day adventure.
• Transportation options include hotel pickup, but if you choose to self-arrive, arriving 45 minutes early is essential.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This 6.5 to 9-hour journey begins with your own transfer or a scheduled hotel pickup from select Las Vegas hotels. Once at the air terminal, you’ll board a sightseeing plane that takes off over the Nevada and Arizona deserts. This is where the experience elevates from a simple sightseeing trip to a thrilling adventure.

Airplane Flight Over the Southwest

Your pilot will point out Hoover Dam, a marvel of engineering, and other landmarks like Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. The views are expansive, giving you a sense of the scale of these landscapes that you can’t quite appreciate from ground level. The flight itself is a highlight, with some travelers noting the excitement of viewing these features from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Horseshoe Bend

After the flight, you’ll be transferred to Horseshoe Bend, a bend in the Colorado River that creates a stunning, horseshoe-shaped curve—perfect for photos. The walk from the bus drop-off to the overlook is short but worth doing; it’s a mild hike, and the view from the edge is jaw-dropping. One reviewer called it “incredible” and “breathtaking,” describing the cliffs as “twisted and layered” with the river winding below.

Antelope Canyon

Next comes the highlight for many: a guided walk into Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon is famous for its narrow pathways and shafts of sunlight that filter through crevices, illuminating swirling sandstone walls in dramatic patterns. You’ll have the chance to take memorable photos of sunlit sand dancing on the rocks. The canyon is a photographer’s dream, but note that the guided tour within the canyon is a key part of the experience—so no solo wandering here.

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Return Flight and Transfer

After exploring, you’ll return to the airstrip for your flight back to Las Vegas, still soaring over the landscapes you glimpsed earlier. Many find that this aerial perspective makes the trip feel like a true adventure in flying—and a quick, scenic way to cover large distances.

What Makes This Tour Special

Value for the Price: At $759 per person, this is not a cheap day out, but it bundles several significant sights into one seamless experience. The inclusion of an airplane flight, guided canyon tours, and entrance fees adds convenience and value. An added bonus is the small group size—limiting to 8 travelers—which means more personalized attention and less jostling.

Photographers’ Paradise: With ample opportunities to capture dramatic sandstone formations, winding rivers, and expansive vistas, this trip appeals strongly to those keen on photography. The included box lunch makes it easier to stay energized and focus on the sights rather than hunting for food.

Experience the Southwest’s Vastness: This tour offers a wide-angle view of the region’s geological grandeur, from the man-made marvel of Hoover Dam to the natural artistry of Antelope Canyon and the twisting Colorado River.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation & Timing: The drive from the Las Vegas Strip to the air terminal takes approximately 40–50 minutes, so plan accordingly. If you opt for hotel pickup, you’ll be shuttled from designated hotels, with pickup times ranging from 80 to 130 minutes before departure, depending on the hotel.

Safety & Comfort: The aircraft’s safety features and instructions are not detailed here, but some reviews mention the aircraft feeling “outdated” and turbulence during the return flight. Passengers are weighed at check-in, and anyone over 300 lbs might need an extra comfort seat, which adds a small cost but helps ensure safety.

Restrictions & Packing: Travelers should bring a passport or ID, but cameras are restricted inside Antelope Canyon, tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited, and large bags are not allowed. This makes sense for safety and preservation purposes, but it’s worth preparing accordingly.

Age & Mobility: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or anyone over 300 lbs, due to the nature of the activities involved.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Several reviews praise this tour’s stunning views and engaging guides. One traveler from Switzerland highlighted the “really interesting flight” and “awesome tours,” saying, “We’d do it again right away.” A Japanese traveler expressed happiness, describing it as “really fun.”

However, not all feedback is perfect. A German reviewer noted the aircraft turbulence and outdated plane as unsettling — especially during the return flight. They also mentioned the lack of safety instructions and the plane shaking due to turbulence, which did cause concern but was eventually tolerated. The fact that passengers clapped at the end of the flight suggests a shared relief and appreciation for the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers eager to see iconic landscapes from a unique vantage point. It’s ideal for those who appreciate stunning scenery, photography, and efficient travel. If you’re comfortable with small aircraft, this tour offers a wonderful way to cover ground quickly, especially if ground transportation isn’t your idea of fun.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, those uncomfortable with flying turbulence, or anyone seeking a leisurely, ground-based exploration. The inclusion of a guided canyon walk makes it appealing for photography enthusiasts seeking striking natural formations, but remember the restrictions on camera equipment inside Antelope Canyon.

The Sum Up

This Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Airplane Tour offers a compelling blend of aerial sightseeing and ground exploration of some of the most photogenic landscapes in the American Southwest. Its appeal lies in the spectacular views from the plane, combined with the opportunity to walk into Antelope Canyon’s swirling sandstone and stand at the edge of Horseshoe Bend for a view that’s truly unforgettable.

While the aircraft’s age and turbulence might give pause to the cautious, most travelers will find the overall experience a worthwhile adventure, especially if they value efficient, guided access to these landmarks. The small group size and included lunch add to the comfort and convenience of this day trip.

Ultimately, this tour shines for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the Southwest’s geological marvels without the hassle of multiple bookings or long drives.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 6.5 and 9 hours, depending on availability and conditions. It includes flying, sightseeing, and walking within Antelope Canyon.

Do I need to arrive early?
Yes, travelers self-driving should arrive 45 minutes before departure for check-in. If you’re picked up from your hotel, pickup times vary from 80 to 130 minutes prior.

Is hotel pickup included?
It’s an optional add-on. Pickup is available from several major Las Vegas hotels. If you don’t choose this, you need to arrive at the air terminal yourself.

Are cameras allowed?
Cameras are restricted inside Antelope Canyon. Tripods, monopods, and GoPros are also not permitted there. You can take photos outside but should be prepared for restrictions inside the canyon.

What about safety?
The aircraft may feel outdated and turbulence is possible during the return flight. Passengers are weighed and must adhere to safety instructions, and those over 300 lbs might need an extra seat.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or anyone over 300 lbs due to the physical and safety requirements of the activities involved.

This tour offers a well-rounded, visually stunning experience for those eager to see the Southwest’s most famous sights from the sky and on foot. If you’re prepared for a small aircraft ride and want to maximize your time, it’s a worthwhile way to tick off some of the most iconic landscapes in one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: