Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas With Lunch Review

Are You Planning To Visit The Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend From Las Vegas But Don’t Know Which Tour To Pick? Keep Reading To Find Out!

So what is the Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas With Lunch?

Las Vegas might be known for its glitz and glamour, but just beyond the neon lights lies some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the American Southwest.

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines stunning landscapes, adventure, and incredible photo opportunities, then the Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas With Lunch is a must-do!

This full-day excursion takes you from the famous Strip to two of Arizona’s most iconic sights.

Standing on the edge of the Horseshoe Bend and looking down at the curving Colorado River is an outstanding experience.

Also, you’ll wander through the stunning Lower Antelope Canyon, where swirling sandstone walls create an otherworldly experience.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this tour—what to expect, how to prepare, and whether it’s worth the trip from Vegas.

Let’s dive in!

Pick-Up

We were staying at Paris Hotel Las Vegas, and the most convenient pick-up location was the Horseshoe Hotel, which is connected to Paris.

Our scheduled pick-up time was 4:55 AM, and the bus arrived right on time.

From there, we were taken to Treasure Island, another hotel on the Strip, where we transferred to our designated tour bus for the day.

By around 5:45 AM, we departed from Treasure Island, heading toward the Horseshoe Bend.

The early morning departure offered a quiet and peaceful setting as we avoided all the traffic, setting the stage for an unforgettable day ahead.

Bus Ride

The bus was modern, spacious, and designed for comfort, making the long journey much more enjoyable.

Each seat was equipped with a reclining feature and a footrest, allowing us to relax during the ride.

Large windows with adjustable shades provided both great views and the option to block out the sun when needed.

Also, the bus had TV monitors, adding an extra layer of entertainment for the passengers.

For convenience, there was a washroom on board, which was a huge plus for such a lengthy trip.

The bus offered Wi-Fi, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to connect to it during our ride.

Despite that minor issue, the overall experience was smooth, comfortable, and well-suited for a full-day excursion.

Tour Guide & Driver

Our tour guide, Marvin, was an absolute delight!

His enthusiasm was infectious, and he greeted us with a warm smile as he introduced himself.

Throughout the drive, he shared a ton of interesting information about the sites we were visiting.

He told us many entertaining stories and anecdotes that kept everyone engaged and laughing.

Also, Marvin was very committed to our safety, frequently reminding us of important tips and details, such as the pick-up times at each attraction.

His thoroughness ensured that we all felt well-prepared and secure during our adventure.

Driving us on this journey was Hector.

He navigated the roads with great care, creating a smooth and safe travel experience.

It was reassuring to know we were in such capable hands, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the scenic ride ahead.

Together, Marvin and Hector made the trip not just enjoyable but memorable!

First Stop – Rest Stop

After approximately two hours of travel, we made our first stop at The Border Store, which resembled a typical convenience store but offered much more.

The location featured clean washrooms, a coffee area where you could grab breakfast and coffee, and even a Subway.

In addition, small souvenirs, snacks and drinks were available.

We had about 20 minutes to use the washroom and grab anything we needed at this stop.

A word of advice for the ladies: if you need to use the restroom, head there right away, as there tends to be a line!

We did that ourselves, and afterward, we treated ourselves to some refreshments.

My partner grabbed a cup of tea and we shared a breakfast sandwich, and a cheese Danish, fueling up for the rest of our adventure ahead. 

Second Stop – Horseshoe Bend

After another 2 hours on the bus, we passed by Glen Canyon Dam & Lake Powell and finally got to the famous Horseshoe Bend.

What is the Horseshoe Bend?

The Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near Page, Arizona.

It is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and lies approximately 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.

The area around the Horseshoe Bend is also known as the east rim of the Grand Canyon.

The overlook stands about 1,000 feet above the river, and standing on the edge of it is absolutely breathtaking.

The Horseshoe Bend was formed over millions of years due to the erosive power of the Colorado River.

As it carved through layers of sandstone, creating this unique geological formation. 

We made our way to the overlook by walking on a 1.5-mile round-trip hike from a parking area just off U.S. Route 89.

It’s important to note that the hike to the Bend takes about 15 minutes of brisk walking.

While the return trip back to the parking lot will take approximately 20 minutes due to a slight incline.

Although the distance may not seem far, it’s easy to lose track of time, so be mindful of your schedule.

As we approached the Horseshoe Bend, the view was absolutely breathtaking.

Showcasing the stunning curves of the Colorado River surrounded by dramatic canyon walls.

However, it’s crucial to be careful and not venture too close to the edge, as the rock beneath is soft and can crumble unexpectedly.

You’ll have about 20 to 25 minutes to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery and capture some incredible photos.

This limited time means you’ll want to make the most of your visit, so take in the beauty, snap your pictures, and enjoy this iconic landmark before heading back!

Lunch/Food

As soon as we boarded the bus in the morning, we were offered a complimentary bottle of water and a granola bar to kick-start our day.

This helped us stay hydrated and energized during the journey.

After our breathtaking visit to the Horseshoe Bend, we enjoyed a delicious lunch that was provided as part of the tour.

The meal consisted of a deli sandwich, a bag of chips, and some cookies for dessert.

There were several sandwich options to choose from: Turkey, Roasted Beef, and Veggie.

I decided to go with the Turkey sandwich, while my partner opted for the Roasted Beef.

The sandwiches were delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed them.

After finishing lunch, we were full and ready to continue our adventure to the Lower Antelope Canyon.

Third Stop – Antelope Canyon

The Lower Antelope Canyon is about a 10-minute drive from the Horseshoe Bend.

What is the Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is a famous slot canyon located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona.

It is known for its stunning sandstone red and orange formations.

As well as the mesmerizing play of light within its narrow passageways.

Over millions of years, Antelope Canyon was sculpted by the erosive forces of flash flooding and wind.

Rainwater, particularly during monsoon seasons, would rush into the canyon’s basin.

Gradually deepening the corridors and smoothing the rock surfaces to create the flowing shapes observed today.

What are the sections of the Antelope Canyon?

The canyon comprises three primary sections:

• Upper Antelope Canyon: Known as “The Crack,” this section is accessible at ground level, requiring no climbing. It’s particularly famous for the light beams that pierce through openings at the top, illuminating the canyon’s interior with shafts of light, especially during the summer months.
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Referred to as “The Corkscrew,” this section is narrower and requires visitors to navigate a series of stairs to enter. Its winding pathways and dramatic rock formations offer a more adventurous experience.
• Antelope Canyon X: This is the lesser-known part of the canyon and it offers visitors a serene and intimate experience away from the typical crowds. This section derives its name from the natural “X” shape formed by the canyon walls.

Our Visit

Once we disembarked from the bus, we were divided into smaller groups of about 15 people (the tour had about 50 people total) and waited for one of the knowledgeable tour guides to join us.

Our guide was fantastic; he provided us with a wealth of information about the history of the region and the Navajo culture.

After a brief introduction, we set off on a 10-minute walk that led us to a set of stairs.

It’s important to note that there are quite a few stairs along the way, and some sections get very narrow, requiring you to navigate backward at times—almost like entering a swimming pool!

When we finally reached the bottom of the canyon, we finally saw the narrow gorge.

There, the guide expertly pointed out notable features and famous spots within the canyon.

While there are additional stairs within the canyon, they are manageable and not overly numerous, allowing us to focus on the stunning scenery all around us.

The combination of the guide’s insights and the stunning landscape made for an unforgettable experience.

Fourth Stop – Rest Stop

After our exploration of the Antelope Canyon, we began our drive back along the same route we had taken earlier.

With the excitement of the day catching up to us, it was the perfect time for a much-needed nap as we settled in for the ride.

After about two hours of travel, we made our next stop at Bee’s Marketplace, which resembled a grocery store more than a typical rest area.

This convenient stop offered a variety of food options and coffee, making it an excellent place to grab a quick bite or a drink.

There were significantly more washrooms available here compared to our previous stop.

We had 20 minutes to use the restroom and pick up anything we might need before continuing our journey.

After everyone returned to the bus, some short documentaries were shown on the TV.

It provided interesting insights about the region we were visiting.

Which kept us entertained as we prepared for the next leg of the drive.

Drop-Off

After another two hours of travel, we finally arrived back in Las Vegas around 7 PM.

There were two drop-off locations: Treasure Island and Aria.

Since Aria was closer to our hotel, Paris Hotel, we decided to disembark there.

The day had been long, filled with unforgettable sights and experiences, but every moment was absolutely worth it.

This trip not only provided us with great memories but also a deeper appreciation for the stunning natural wonders just outside the city.

Tips For Doing The Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour From Las Vegas With Lunch

Before embarking on this amazing journey, keep in mind the following details:

Pre-Departure:

• Arrival Time: Arrive at your designated pickup location at least 10 minutes prior to departure. The tour operates on a strict schedule and cannot wait for late guests. Our tour guide was very adamant about being on time and not making the rest of the group wait.
• Pickup Location: Confirm your specific pickup point a day in advance to ensure you know exactly where to meet.
• Lunch Option: Confirm the type of sandwich you want to receive. If you do not let them know, the default is Turkey Sandwich.

Antelope Canyon tour guidelines:

• Bag Policy: No bags of any kind are allowed during the walking tour of Antelope Canyon. This includes backpacks, purses, crossbodies, fanny packs, large wallets and camera bags. All bags must be left on the bus no matter how small. The tour guide mentioned it a few times and explained why those rules are in place.
• Photography Equipment: Cameras and smartphones are welcome. However, tripods, monopods, drones, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
• Prohibited Activities: Video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. It’s not allowed to record video even on your phone. 

They are very, very strict about following those rules, so make sure you abide by the restrictions or they will ask you to leave and you may get in trouble. If you are unsure, ask your tour guide. 

What to Bring:

• Clothing: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Layered clothing is recommended to accommodate temperature variations. Keep in mind that it was a few degrees colder inside the canyon compared to outside.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for uneven and sandy terrain. Don’t wear white shoes as the sand is reddish and will stain them. 
• Sun Protection: Consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
• Hydration and Snacks: Bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the bus. Alternatively, you can always grab something to eat or drink during the two rest stops.

Physical requirements:

• Mobility: Keep in mind that participants must be able to walk unassisted on uneven surfaces with elevation changes, including steep inclines and declines.
• Restrictions: For safety reasons, items such as hiking sticks, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are not permitted in Antelope Canyon.

What’s Included On The Tour:

• Round-trip transportation from Las Vegas on a coach bus
• Granola bar and bottled water
• Access to the Horseshoe Bend overlook
• Boxed lunch featuring a deli-style sandwich (3 options)
• Entry to the Lower Antelope Canyon
• Navajo Parks and Recreation permit

Conclusion

In conclusion, our day trip to the Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend From Las Vegas With Lunch was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all expectations.

The breathtaking beauty of Antelope Canyon, with its stunning rock formations and play of light, left us in awe.

While the majestic views at the Horseshoe Bend offered a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.

The comfortable ride, thoughtful amenities, and well-timed breaks ensured that we could fully enjoy every aspect of the journey.

Despite the long day, we returned to Las Vegas feeling fulfilled and inspired by the natural wonders we had encountered.

If you’re in Las Vegas and looking for a unique adventure, this tour is undoubtedly one to consider.