Antelope Canyon Vs. Horseshoe Bend: Which Is Worth Visiting?

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are the two main points of interest in Page. Located in northern Arizona, just a few minutes from one another, many people often choose to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the same trip. Maybe even add the Utah National Parks and Arizona National Parks to create one epic southwest road trip!

But if you are short on time and have to decide between Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, this is the guide for you!

In this Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend guide, I will share the differences between the two iconic destinations in Page, Arizona. That way you can decide if you should visit Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend. Or both!

Spoiler Alert: You can’t go wrong either way!

NOTE: This is just a comparison guide between the two places. If you are looking for in-depth information about hiking, kayaking, and tours for each, then you’ll want to read my other guides:

Antelope Canyon Vs. Horseshoe Bend: Which Is Worth Visiting?

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Know Before You Go: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon: All walking tours (via land) must be taken with a Navajo guide. If you want to explore the canyon without a tour guide, you’ll have to kayak into it.

Horseshoe Bend: Horseshoe Bend overlook can be accessed via a 1.5-mile roundtrip hiking trail. To get to the bottom, you’ll have to launch your kayak at Lees Ferry Boat Launch and paddle through the Colorado River.

Location: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon has many entrances – from land and water. Click here to view the canyon on a map. The exact location will vary depending on which tour you take and/or which entrance you use.

Horseshoe Bend is located off Highway 89 on the southwest side of Page. Get directions to the parking area here.

Accessibility: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon is accessible via a Navajo-guided walking tour, a guided kayak tour, or a self-guided paddle. Guided walking tours will depart from many different locations; the guides will drive you to the canyon entrance. Guided kayak tours and self-guided paddles will start at the Antelope Point Marina or Antelope Point Launch in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Horseshoe Bend is accessible via land and water. To access the bend overlook, you’ll park at this lot off Highway 89 and hike the 0.75 miles from the trailhead to the overlook. To access the bend from the Colorado River, you’ll launch your kayak at Lees Ferry Boat Launch. Kayak Horseshoe Bend will help you plan your trip.

Fees: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon’s fees vary. There are fees for walking and kayaking tours along with a $30/vehicle entrance fee to the boat launch. Since the boat launch is in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, America the Beautiful passes are accepted here.

Horseshoe Bend’s entrance fee is $10/vehicle and $5/motorcycle. America the Beautiful passes are not accepted here because the City of Page operates Horseshoe Bend.

Hiking: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon’s walking tours and post-paddle guided and self-guided tours involve some hiking. Depending on which part of the canyon you visit (Upper, Lower, X, Cardiac), you could be squeezing through tight spaces and/or climbing stairs/ladders. Most tours involve walking around 1 mile.

Horseshoe Bend’s hiking trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip. The hike is easy and has only 137 feet of elevation gain. However, there is very little shade on the trail, so make sure to wear sun protection and avoid hiking mid-day during the summer months.

Camping: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon does not allow overnight parking. Camping is available at Antelope Point RV Campground and Wahweap Campground & RV Park, which are extra convenient for those who are kayaking Antelope Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend does not allow overnight parking and camping at the trailhead. The closest camping available near Horseshoe Bend is Page Lake Powell Campground, just 4 miles away. You can also camp near Horseshoe Bend along the Colorado River; learn more about that here.

Kayaking: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon welcomes kayakers! You can either book a tour or take your own kayak through the water canyon. Launch from the Antelope Point Marina or Antelope Point Launch and paddle as shallow or deep into the canyon as you’d like. You can even get out and hike into the canyon – no Navajo guide necessary!

Horseshoe Bend welcomes kayakers, too! Most view it from above at the overlook, but few have seen it from the Colorado River. Start at Lees Ferry Boat Launch and paddle to Horseshoe Bend. You can even camp on the river!

READ NEXT: Kayaking to Antelope Canyon: Complete Guide

Weather and Best Time to Visit: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon: The best time to visit Antelope Canyon (walking and kayaking) is from May through September. According to the Navajo Tours, Antelope Canyon’s light beams are best viewed during these months. The shade inside the canyon makes the hot summer temperatures more bearable. The best time of day (lighting-wise) to tour the canyon is around 11 AM – 1:30 PM, give or take. If you want to avoid crowds or don’t care about lighting, consider visiting early spring or late fall.

Horseshoe Bend: The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is spring and fall. Winters are cold, and summers are hot. There’s very little shade on the Horseshoe Bend overlook trail. If you visit in the summer, consider paddling to Horseshoe Bend instead.

READ NEXT: Best Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tours

Dogs: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon does not allow dogs on any of the guided tours, but you can bring your dog with you on your kayaking adventure.

Horseshoe Bend welcomes pets, but they must be leashed. Pick up all waste and make sure to pack it out. And carry plenty of water for your pet to drink; they get dehydrated just like you! Avoid bringing your dog when it’s hot.

PAVEMENT AND PAW SAFETY

Air Temperature	Asphalt Temperature
77ºF / 25ºC	125ºF / 52ºC
86ºF / 30ºC	135ºF / 57ºC
87ºF / 31ºC	143ºF / 62ºC
102ºF / 39ºC	167ºF / 75ºC

Crowds: Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon receives around 4 million visitors per year. The Upper and Lower Canyon tours can feel crowded because of the tight spaces. If you’re looking for quieter, less popular tours, check out Canyon X or Cardiac Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend attracts around 2 million visitors per year. This is a popular sunrise and sunset destination. To avoid crowds, consider visiting mid-day. Just be careful of the heat!

Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend: FAQs

Can I See Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in One Day?

Absolutely!

This was our one-day Page itinerary:

• 9:00 AM – Kayak to Antelope Canyon
• 1:30 PM – Upper Antelope Canyon Walking Tour
• 4:00 PM – Hike to Horseshoe Bend

How Far is Antelope Canyon From Horseshoe Bend?

• Horseshoe Bend trailhead to most Antelope Canyon tour companies: 10 minutes
• Horseshoe Bend trailhead to the Antelope Point Marina and boat launch (for kayaking): 20 minutes

Can I Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Year-Round?

Yes! A couple of things to note:

• Summers are hot, so wear sun protection and consider paddling these locations instead.
• Winters are cold, so dress in layers.

Antelope Canyon Vs Horseshoe Bend: Final Verdict

If you are still torn about which destination you should visit, here is a lightning-round style chart to help you:

Do you…

• 10 Things to Know About the Horseshoe Bend Hike
• Best Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tours
• Kayaking to Antelope Canyon: Complete Guide
• One Perfect Day in Page, Arizona
• Ultimate Day Trip From Sedona to Antelope Canyon

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