Ready for one of the most beautiful drives in the Southwest? The road between Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park offers views that will stay with you forever. Towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and wide desert vistas make this route special.
This guide covers everything you need for your Antelope Canyon Zion National Park road trip. You’ll learn the best driving routes, where to stop along the way, and how to plan your time. I’ll share tips about booking tours, finding places to stay, and making the most of your visit.
The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, but you’ll want extra time to see the amazing spots between these two parks.
How to Get from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon?
The route connecting these two famous Southwest locations is simple to follow. Most drivers complete the trip in a single morning or afternoon, with time left over for stops.
Distance and Drive Time
The total distance from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon measures about 125 miles. Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours of actual driving time without stops. The road follows US Route 89, which many people call one of America’s prettiest highways.
Traffic stays light most of the year, except during peak summer months. The road conditions stay good throughout all seasons, making it an easy drive for any vehicle.
The Best Route
Start your trip in Springdale, Utah, which sits right at the entrance to Zion. Take Highway 9 east as it cuts through the park itself. This section offers incredible views of the red rock formations that make Zion famous.
At Mt. Carmel Junction, turn south onto US Route 89. Stay on this highway as it takes you through open desert and past small towns. Follow the signs toward Page, Arizona, where Antelope Canyon awaits. The entire route uses major highways, so you won’t need to worry about dirt roads or complicated turns.
Understanding Time Zone Changes
Your Antelope Canyon Zion National Park trip crosses from Mountain Standard Time in Utah to Arizona Standard Time. Here’s where it gets interesting: Arizona does not follow Daylight Saving Time. From March to November, Utah moves its clocks forward, but Arizona stays the same.
This means you might gain or lose an hour depending on which direction you’re driving and what season it is. Double-check your tour booking times to avoid confusion. Many visitors miss their scheduled tours because they forget about this time change.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
Don’t rush straight from one park to the other. The area between Zion and Antelope Canyon holds some incredible spots worth your time.
Kanab: Gateway to Hidden Gems
Kanab sits perfectly between your starting and ending points. This small town serves as a base for several unique hiking spots. The Toadstools trail takes you to strange rock formations that look like giant mushrooms. The Nautilus formation creates a spiral pattern in the stone.
Other great stops near Kanab include the Belly of the Dragon tunnel hike and Moqui Caverns. For those with 4×4 vehicles, Peek A Boo Canyon offers slot canyon views without needing a guide or tour. You’ll find this area much less crowded than the main attractions.
Horseshoe Bend
Located just 5 minutes from Page and Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend should be on your list. The entrance fee costs $10 per vehicle. A short 10-minute walk on a paved path takes you to the viewpoint.
The best time to visit is at sunset when the light hits the Colorado River below. Kids and pets can join you on this easy walk. The view shows the river making a perfect U-turn around a massive rock formation.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
This park sits about 30 minutes from Kanab, slightly off the main route. The bright pink and orange sand creates hills perfect for sandboarding and sledding. You can rent ATVs if you want a faster ride across the dunes.
The entry fee is $15 per vehicle. Kids love playing in the sand, and photographers find the colors amazing in early morning or late afternoon light. Bring sandals or closed shoes, as the sand gets very hot in summer.
Walking through Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. Planning ahead makes your visit much better.
Choosing Between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon require guided tours because they sit on Navajo Nation land. Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular with photographers because of the famous light beams that shine down from above. The canyon floor stays level, making it easier to walk through.
Lower Antelope Canyon sees fewer crowds but offers equally beautiful views. You’ll climb some stairs and ladders to move through the canyon. Most tours last 40 to 60 minutes for either location.
Booking Your Tour
Book your Antelope Canyon tour at least 2 months ahead if you’re visiting during busy seasons like spring break or summer. Tour prices range from $60 to over $150 per person, depending on the type of tour you choose. Photography tours cost more but give you better access and more time.
Multiple companies offer tours for Upper Antelope Canyon, including Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours. Only two operators run Lower Antelope Canyon tours: Ken’s Tours and Dixie’s Tours. Tours run in set time slots throughout the day to control crowd size.
Alternative Ways to Experience Antelope Canyon
For a different kind of trip, try kayaking from Lake Powell. You’ll paddle 2.5 miles and then hike another 2 miles to reach the canyon. This takes a full day but gives you a more active experience. Kayak rentals are available at Lake Powell marinas.
Canyon X provides another option for those wanting to avoid the crowds at the main Antelope Canyon sites. This lesser-known slot slot canyon offers similar beauty with far fewer people.
Where to Stay During Your Road Trip?
Good planning for your Antelope Canyon Zion National Park trip includes finding the right places to sleep.
Accommodation Options Near Zion
Inside the park, Zion Lodge offers the closest rooms to the trails, but you need to book 6 months or more in advance. The South and Watchman Campgrounds provide tent and RV sites. Springdale, Utah, sits right outside the park entrance. Zion Canyon Campground and many hotels line the main street.
Staying closer to the park costs more money. Some people choose to stay in Hurricane or St. George, about 30 to 45 minutes away, for cheaper rates.
Places to Stay in Page, Arizona
Campgrounds near Page include Wahweap Campground and Page Lake Powell Campground, both offering views of the lake. Hotels like Country Inn & Suites, Hyatt Place, and Hampton Inn provide standard rooms at fair prices.
Under Canvas Lake Powell offers a unique glamping experience from mid-March to mid-October. Lake Powell Resort sits right on the water and provides easy access to boat rentals and water activities.
Essential Tips for Your Zion to Antelope Canyon Road Trip
Planning your Antelope Canyon Zion National Park road trip requires attention to safety and comfort.
Flash flooding poses a real danger in slot canyons. Tour companies will cancel if rain is in the forecast, even if the sky looks clear where you are. Rain falling miles away can cause dangerous floods in narrow canyons.
Summer temperatures in the desert can reach over 100 degrees. Here are important things to remember:
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Wear sunscreen and reapply it often
- Pack a hat with a wide brim
- Choose light colored, loose-fitting clothes
- Start hikes like The Toadstools and The Nautilus early in the morning
The Chains section of Lake Powell offers a great place to cool off with swimming and cliff jumping. For food in Page, try Lake Powell Espresso for breakfast or BirdHouse for fried chicken.
Spring and fall provide the best weather for this road trip. You’ll avoid the extreme heat and the biggest crowds.
Conclusion
Your Antelope Canyon Zion National Park road trip connects two of the Southwest’s most famous natural wonders. The 125-mile drive takes just a few hours, but the memories will last much longer.
Take time to stop at places like Horseshoe Bend, Kanab’s hidden trails, and the pink sand dunes. Book your Antelope Canyon tour well ahead of your visit. Remember the time zone change between Utah and Arizona.
The landscapes change from red rock cliffs to slot canyons to open desert. Each mile offers something new to see. This trip shows you the best of what the Southwest has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park?
Spring, from March to May, and fall, from September to November, offer perfect weather. Summer brings extreme heat and big crowds. Winter sees fewer visitors, but some areas may close due to snow or ice.
Can You Visit Antelope Canyon Without a Tour?
No, you must take a guided tour to enter Antelope Canyon on Navajo Nation land. However, Peek A Boo Canyon near Kanab does not require a guide. You can also kayak to Antelope Canyon independently with your own equipment.
Is One Day Enough to Visit Both Zion and Antelope Canyon?
One day is very tight for both locations. Plan at least two days minimum, with one full day for each park. You could see Horseshoe Bend and your Antelope Canyon tour in one afternoon if needed.
Do I Need a 4×4 Vehicle for This Road Trip?
No, the main route from Zion to Antelope Canyon uses paved highways. Regular cars work fine. Only Peek A Boo Canyon and a few other side trips require 4-wheel drive. You can rent these vehicles in the area.
What Should I Do If My Antelope Canyon Tour Gets Canceled Due to Weather?
Tour companies offer refunds or let you reschedule for another day. Visit Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, or Lake Powell instead. Page has museums and restaurants to fill your time until the weather clears.
