If you’re looking for details about bus tours from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, you’ve come to the right place. We recently visited one of the most popular destinations in America, and in this blog post, I’ll share everything about our experience.
During each visit to Las Vegas, we make it a point to visit the nearby attractions. On our first trip, we toured the Hoover Dam, while on another, we headed to Death Valley National Park. This time, we decided to broaden our horizons and explore the breathtaking Antelope Canyons in the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
We booked a guided tour that included visits to both, Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend. The tour lasted 15 hours, including pickup and drop from our hotel (Excalibur) and two food stops for lunch and dinner. Be sure to check out my Antelope Canyon video for a glimpse of the stunning landscapes and gorgeous canyons!
There are three tour options you can choose from, Upper canyon, Lower canyon and Canyon X. Moreover, each tour can be clubbed with Horseshoe bend, which is a must-visit spot in Arizona. We picked Canyon X with Horseshoe bend for our tour.
Can we visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
Antelope Canyon resides within the protected lands of the Navajo Nation and can only be accessed through authorized tour companies. Each tour group is accompanied by a guide from the Navajo Nation and is limited to a designated time frame.
What’s so special about Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend?
Both are among the most iconic natural wonders in the Southwest USA, each offering unique experiences.
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon carved by water over millions of years. Its narrow passages feature flowing sandstone walls adorned with mesmerizing patterns and textures. Depending on the weather and time of day, you might witness something magical—beams of sunlight piercing through the canyon, creating ethereal, picture-perfect moments. These light beams are particularly popular in the Upper Antelope Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend, on the other hand, offers a jaw-dropping view of the Colorado River curving gracefully around a rock formation in the shape of a horseshoe. It’s one of the best spots to enjoy a dramatic sunset, with the vibrant colors of the sky beautifully reflecting on the river below. Unlike Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend doesn’t require a guided tour and is accessible via a short hike, making it a convenient and unforgettable stop for visitors.
Our Tour Itinerary
Here’s our complete itinerary for the day and what you can expect in your 15-hour tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas.
Morning: Pick-Up from Our Las Vegas Hotel
Our day began bright and early with a 5:30 AM pick-up from our hotel, the Excalibur, in Las Vegas. The tour company offers several pick-up spots along the Strip, so be sure to check the booking page for the most up-to-date details.
Breakfast on the way
For breakfast, we were provided with granola bars, which we enjoyed while marveling at the ever-changing landscapes of the Southwest USA. We passed through St. George in Utah and crossed the Glen Canyon Dam, offering us stunning views of Lake Powell, one of the largest artificial reservoir in the USA.
Noon: Quick stop at Bee’s Supermarket
Bee’s Supermarket is a popular grocery store and a local favorite, known for its organic produce, stunning views, and delicious coffee and sandwiches. We had 20 minutes to spend here while our tour company prepared our lunches. During this time, we explored the supermarket aisle by aisle and grabbed a cup of hot coffee from Beans & Brews, which was absolutely delicious.
Antelope Canyon X Tour
Upon reaching the Antelope Canyon X upper parking lot, we were escorted to our tour vehicle, which would take us closer to the canyon entrance. The 50-minute guided excursion allowed our tour guide to share insights about the region, including how the slot canyon was shaped over time by water and wind, tips for capturing the canyon’s unique shapes and colors with our phone cameras, and much more.
The hike from the lower parking lot to the canyon was short, not too steep, and offered incredible views of the surrounding landscapes.
I highly recommend visiting this place when in Las Vegas or any city in Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend Tour
Our next spot was Horseshoe Bend, a stunning rock formation that looks even more massive in person. I was in awe of this place—the view of the Colorado River flowing around the horseshoe-shaped peak was incredibly picturesque.
It was a short hike from the parking lot, and we had only 15 minutes to admire this natural wonder. One great thing about this spot is that you can visit it on your own, with no permits needed.
Evening: Another Quick stop at Bee’s Supermarket
On our way back to Las Vegas, our bus driver made one last stop at Bee’s Supermarket. It was almost sunset, and the sky was looking beautiful. This time, we tried ice cream from Arctic Circle and grabbed a plate of sushi on the go. I must say, everything tasted extra good here. Was it the fresh produce or the amazing location that made it so special?
It was almost 8 when we reached Las Vegas. Overall, we had fun exploring the beautiful landscapes of 3 different states and 10 kinds of weather (just kidding).
Best time to visit Antelope Canyon
We traveled there at the beginning of March, which is considered the shoulder season. The weather can be quite unpredictable during winter. Take our experience, for example: on our way to the canyon, we encountered sunny weather, overcast skies, a snowstorm, rain, and even a hailstorm. So, you can imagine how varied the weather can be.
According to many weather apps and travel channels, the best time to visit is from late March to October. That’s when the sun is out most of the time, allowing for the iconic sunbeams to shine through the slot canyons. However, if you’re not specifically hoping to catch the light beams, you can always check the weather during your Las Vegas trip and book a tour on the spot.
I hope this guide helps you plan a smooth, car-free adventure to the canyon—one that you’ll remember and cherish for years to come.
