Zion National Park To Antelope Canyon. Read more! (2024)

Zion National Park To Antelope Canyon

Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon are two of the most iconic natural wonders in the American Southwest.

Both are famous for their stunning landscapes, awe-inspiring rock formations, and unique geological features that have been shaped by millions of years of erosion and geological activity.

While Zion National Park offers an incredible hiking experience through its towering cliffs and deep canyons, Antelope Canyon offers a completely different but equally breathtaking adventure, with its narrow and winding passages that reveal incredible shafts of light and color.

Make sure you book your Antelope Canyon tour well in advance as they normally sell out fast.

In this blog post, I'll share the top highlights between Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon including how you can experience them on a remarkable road trip.

This road trip guide includes:

• the best place to start your road trip

• the best things to see and do

• where to find the best RV rentals and car rentals

• tips on where to stay

• the best and most direct driving route

• itinerary options for 1, 2 and 3 day road trips

How far is Zion National Park from Antelope Canyon?

Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon are approximately 123 miles (198 kilometers) apart, with a driving time of approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

The most direct route between the two locations is to take Highway 89 from Springdale, Utah to the town of Page, Arizona, where Antelope Canyon is located.

Highway 89 is beautiful drive with stunning landscape views such as Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Rent An RV

Nothing quite beats traveling and camping with an RV on a Zion to Antelope Canyon road trip. I'd recommend renting an RV from Outdoorsy or RVshare. They have the largest selection of different types of RV rentals plus the best prices compared to traditional RV rental companies.

Rent A Car

If you're not renting an RV, having a rental car is your next best option. I'd recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the lowest prices from all the major companies including Enterprise, Hertz and Avis Enterprise, Budget, Thrifty and many more.

There are some wonderful places to camp on a Zion to Anelope Canyon road trip.

Here are my campground recommendations:

• Zion Canyon Campground in Springdale for RVers requiring full hookups close to Zion National Park.

• South Campground in Zion National Park for RVers and car campers looking for a basic campground.

• Waheap RV Campground near Page and Antelope Canyon.

• Page Lake Powell Campground near Page and Antelope Canyon.

If you need a break from RV camping, there are plenty of hotels to stay at on your road trip.

Here are few of my hotel recommendations:

• La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdalein Springdale close to Zion National Park

• Best Western View Of Lake Powell Hotel in Page close to Antelope Canyon
  

Where To Start Your Road Trip

Las Vegas is a great location for starting a Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon road trip.

Not only is it the closest major city to Zion National Park but it also has an international airport, RV rentals, car rentals, hundreds of hotels and all the services you need for getting organized for your trip.

Plus it's a great place to celebrate at the end of your trip by taking in a show or concert on the Las Vegas Strip.

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park will add approximately 2 1/2 hours to the start and end of your trip.

From Zion, it's just a short drive to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon.

Getting Your Road Trip Organized

If you're flying into Las Vegas I recommend spending your first day and night in the city.

Below are few key things you need to do to get done before heading out the next morning:

• pick-up your RV rental or car rental

• check into your hotel

• purchase any camping gear, snacks or groceries you need

• if your arriving from another country purchase a sim card and plan that will work with your smartphone

• if you have time book the Big Bus Las Vegas Open Top Night Tour for a panoramic night tour of Las Vegas with it's famous glittering lights on the world famous Las Vegas strip.
  

Places To Stay Overnight In Las Vegas

There are numerous places to stay in Las Vegas.

Here is a selection of hotels that I can confidently recommend (all three have good ratings and are close to the Las Vegas Strip):

• Hilton Vacation Club Polo Towers Las Vegas

• Las Vegas Hilton At Resorts World

• Las Vegas Hilton At Resorts World

What is there to see on a road trip between Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon?

The area between Zion National Park and Antelope Canyon is known for its beautiful scenery and natural wonders plus there are several attractions worth seeing along the way. 

Some of the top sights, hiking trails and points of interest that you might want to include in your own personal itinerary are listed below:

Zion National Park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and diverse wildlife.

The park is home to a variety of hiking trails and scenic drives that showcase the park's natural beauty.

Some of its most famous trails include Angels Landing, The Narrows and Observation Point, which draw millions of visitors each year that want to hike these trails.

Less demanding trails such as Emeral Pools and the Pa'rus Trail are also very popular.

The park is also known for its unique geology and ecosystems, which support a wide range of plant and animal species.

Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking to experience the park by riding the Zion Canyon shuttle bus, Zion National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience for road trippers of all ages.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a 6.3 mile (10.1 km) long road that runs up Zion Canyon.

The drive begins just past Canyon Junction Bridge and ends at the Temple of Sinawava, which is the gateway to the park's famous Narrows hike.

Along the way, the road follows the course of the Virgin River through Zion Canyon, passing by towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and other stunning natural features.

The scenic drive is open to private vehicles between December and February.

Outside of these months (March through late November), private vehicles are not allowed on the scenic drive, but visitors can access the area via the park's shuttle bus system.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway is a 25 mile (40 km) long road that runs through Zion National Park to Mount Carmel Junction.

The highway begins at the park's south entrance near the town of Springdale and passes through the 1.1 mile (1.8 km) long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which was carved through solid rock in the 1920s to allow vehicles to pass through the park's steep sandstone cliffs.

If you're driving an RV or large vehicle you need to be aware of the vehicle size restrictions permits for driving through the tunnel.

The highway then winds its way through scenic desert landscapes, including stunning rock formations such as the Checkerboard Mesa, East Temple and the Streaked Wall.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway is known for its spectacjular views and challenging driving conditions, including steep grades, narrow highway sections and sharp curves.

The Zion Canon Overlook Trail is accessible from the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which runs through Zion National Park and connects the town of Springdale to the east with Mount Carmel Junction to the west.

The trailhead for the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is near the east entrance of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which is a major landmark in the park and an engineering marvel in its own right.

The trail itself is a short and moderately easy hike, offering visitors panoramic views of Zion Canyon, the Virgin River, and the surrounding landscape.

Checkerboard Mesa is beautiful rock formation located in Zion National Park.

It's named for the unique checkerboard-like pattern on its surface created by alternating layers of hard and soft sandstone.

Checkerboard Mesa is a popular destination for travelers passing through Zion National Park

There is a pullout and view point at the base of Checkerboad Mesa for taking photographs and admiring the surrounding scenery.

Belly of the Dragon is a short man-made tunnel located south of Mount Carmel Junction.

The trail to the tunnel and seasonal waterfall past the tunnel is 1.8 miles / 2.9 km long (out-and-back).

It's perfert for anyone looking for an short, easy stop to stretch their legs.

You can just go up and back thru the tunnel or make into a longer hike to the falls (often dry) and beyond.

The Moqui Cave Museum is located just west of Kanab.

The museum is located within a natural cave formation and features various artifacts, geological specimens, and Native American artifacts.

The Sand Caves are located 5 miles / 8 km north of Kanab.

The trail to the caves is approximately 1 mile / 1.6 km long (out-and-back).

It's a great short hike with cool views from inside the caves.

There are a few slightly steep and slippery spots but very manageable especially if you are wearing hiking shoes.

The caves are the result of a mining project for sand that created these spectacular caves to explore.

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary near Kanab is a haven for animals in need.

It's home to rescued animals including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats, rabbits, and many more.

Animals receive the care and attention they need until a loving home is found for them.

Over the years, the sanctuary has grown to become one of the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries in the United States.

One of the unique aspects of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is that it is open to the public.

Visitors are welcome to come and tour the sanctuary and interact with the animals.

The Little Hollywood Land is a quirky movie set museum in Kanab featuring iconic movie sets and a variety of Hollywood memorabilia.

It's known as "Little Hollywood" due to its long history of serving as a filming location for Western movies and TV shows.

Some famous TV series and movies filmed in the area include "The Lone Ranger," "Gunsmoke," "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Billy The Kid."

Dinosaur Tracks Trail is a must-visit for anyone interested in prehistoric creatures and their footprints.

It is a moderate hike near Kanab that's .6 miles / 1 km long (out-and-back) with some elevation gain and rocky sections to negotiate.

The footprints are preserved in sandstone and are estimated to be about 190 million years old.

Many of the footprints measure up to 16 inches in diameter and are surrounded rocks making them easy to locate.

The Toadstool Hoodoos Trail is located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument along the Cottonwood Canyon Road.

The hike is 1.8 miles / 2.9 km long (out-and-back) making it a short, easy roadside stop.

The unique toadstool rock formations and the cliffs in the background make the hike definitely worth doing.

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is located near the Glen Canyon Dam.

The visitor center provides visitors with information about the history and significance of the dam.

A variety of exhibits, multimedia presentations, and educational programs make it a popular stop for traveleers and other visitors to the Glen Canyon Dam.

The Glen Canyon is located on the Colorado River near the town of Page.

It was constructed in the 1950s as part of a project to control the flow of the Colorado River and provide hydroelectric power to the western states.

It's an impressive engineering feat and a popular tourist attraction offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the dam.

There are scenic views of the Colorado River on one side of the dam and Lake Powell on the opposite side.

Lake Powell is a large reservoir located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area close to Page.

The lake was created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River.

Waheap Marina, on the shore of Lake Powell, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and camping.

Lake Powell is known for its stunning scenery and unique geological formations, such as the towering sandstone cliffs and narrow slot canyons that you can explore by boat along its shores.

The Powell Museum in Page is named after John Wesley Powell, an explorer who led the first expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869.

The exhibits at the Powell Museum cover a wide range of topics, including geology, archaeology, and Native American culture.

Another highlight of the museum is the Powell Expedition Room, which tells the story of John Wesley Powell's historic journey down the Colorado River.

The exhibit includes artifacts from the expedition, such as journals, maps, and photographs, as well as interactive displays that allow visitors to simulate the experience of navigating the river.

Antelope Canyon is on Navajo land near Page and consists of two separate slot canyon sections, known as Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

The canyons are known for their mesmerizing light beams and colorful, swirling sandstone formations that have been sculpted over millions of years by water and wind erosion.

Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist destination and is visited by thousands of visitors every year who come to marvel at its unique beauty.

Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are only accessible via guided tours.

Horseshoe Bend is located near the town of Page about 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell on the Colorado River.

It offers stunning views of a horseshoe-shaped bend in the river, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.

Horseshoe Bend is a popular attraction and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Page.

What is the best time of year for a Zion to Antelope Canyon road trip?

The best time of year for a Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon road trip depends on personal preferences and priorities.

Generally, the ideal time to visit these destinations is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) seasons, when temperatures are mild and the crowds are smaller.

However, summer (June to August) can also be a great time to visit, despite the high temperatures, as this is when the parks offer a variety of special events and activities.

Additionally, winter (December to February) can offer a unique experience, with fewer crowds and the opportunity to see the parks covered in snow.

Ultimately, the best time to plan your road trip will depend on your availability, budget, and the types of activities you want to do on your road trip.

Key Things To Do Before Your Road Trip

Booking flights, RV rentals, car rentals, lodging and campsites for a Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon road trip is very competitive.

You need to make these arrangements months in advance in order to avoid disappointment and to get the best price.

Getting There: The closest major airport to start your road trip is Las Vegas International Airport in southern Nevada. I recommend using Skyscanner and Momondo to browse flights to find the best prices.

Lodging: I recommend using Booking.com for making lodging reservations. They are a reputable company with many options for lodging. Use the lodging information in each day of the itinerary below to book your accommodation.

RV Campgrounds: To book campgrounds I recommend using The Dyrt. It's an all-in-one service for reading campground reviews, viewing campground features and for booking campsites. Plus it has a great feature for notifying you when campgrounds have vacancies that have been previously fully booked.

Getting Around: The best vehicle for a road trip is either an RV or car. UseOutdoorsyor RVshare to find the best deals on RV rentals or Rentalcars.com to find the best deals on rental cars.

Zion To Antelope Canyon Itineraries

• Depart Las Vegas early in the morning (no later than 8:00 a.m.) and drive approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to Antelope Canyon.

• Arrive at Antelope Canyon in the early afternoon and join a guided tour to Upper Antelope Canyon or a guided tour to Lower Antelope Canyon depending on your preference.

• Spend 1-2 hours marveling at the intricate rock formations and capturing stunning photos.

• Head to nearby Horseshoe Bend and take a short hike to the overlook to see the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River.

• Start driving back to Las Vegas stopping at as many points of interest that you have time for.

• Arrive back in Las Vegas in time for dinner and show or concert on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

• Depart Las Vegas early in the morning (no later than 8:00 a.m.) and drive approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to Antelope Canyon.

• Arrive at Antelope Canyon in the early afternoon and join a guided tour to Upper Antelope Canyon or a guided tour to Lower Antelope Canyon depending on your preference.

• Spend 1-2 hours marveling at the intricate rock formations and capturing stunning photos.

• Head to nearby Horseshoe Bend and take a short hike to the overlook to see the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River.

• Drive to Lake Powell and rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore the scenic lake and its canyons.

• Check into your hotel or campground in Page and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

• Go stargazing by driving either way out of Page on Highway 89 where there is minimal light polution for a magical view of the night sky.

• Drive back to Zion National Park stopping at as many points of interest along Highway 89 and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway that you have time for.

• Ride the free shuttle bus up and down Zion Canyon.

• Hike one of the park's iconic trails such as The Narrows, Angels Landing, or Observation Point (you need a permit for Angels Landing).

• If you're looking for easier, shorter and less demanding hikes try the Emeralds Pool Trail or Pa'rus Trail.

• After your hike, start driving back to Las Vegas.

• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner in Las Vegas and a late night show or concert along the Las Vegas strip.

• Depart from Las Vegas early in the morning and drive approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to Zion National Park.

• Arrive at the park, board the free shuttle bus and hike one of the parks iconic trails such as The Narrows, Angels Landing or Observation Point (you need a permit for Angels Landing).

• If you're looking for easier, shorter and less demanding hikes try the Emeralds Pool Trail or Pa'rus Trail.

• Check into your hotel or campsite in Springdale or a campground in the park and have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Springdale.

• Take a scenic drive to Kolob Canyons to see more of the park's natural wonders.

• Relax and enjoy dinner at your hotel or campsite before retiring for the night.

• Wake up early and drive approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to Antelope Canyon.

• Arrive at Antelope Canyon and join a guided tour to Upper Anetelope Canyon or a guided tour to Lower Antelope Canyon depending on your preference.

• Spend 1-2 hours marveling at the intricate rock formations and capturing stunning photos.

• Head to nearby Horseshoe Bend and take a short hike to the overlook to see the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River.

• For a bird's-eye view, take a Helicopter Flight Over Horseshoe Bend.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch or grab a quick bite to eat at a local restaurant in the town of Page.

• Drive to Waheap Marina on Lake Powell and rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore the scenic lake and its canyons.

• Check into your hotel or campsite in Page and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

• Go stargazing by driving either way out of Page on Highway 89 where there is minimal light polution for a magical end to the day.
  

• Drive to Zion National Park stopping at as many points of interest along the way that you have time for.
  

• Take a Helicoptor Tour Around Zion National Parkor explore the east side of Zion National Park on a Twin Knoll Horseback Riding Tour.

• Explore Springdale and shop for soveniers and gifts for family members and friends.

• Drive to Las Vegas.

• Enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Las Vegas.

• Take in a show or concerton the famous Las Vegas Strip before retiring for the night.

Book Your Zion To Antelope Canyon Road Trip Early and Save Money

Book Your Flight

I'd recommend using Skyscanner and Momondo to compare flight prices. Both companies search the entire globe to find the cheapest airfares.

Rent A Car

If you're flying, having a rental car is essential to get to and around the park. I'd recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the lowest prices from all the major companies including Enterprise, Hertz and Avis Enterprise, Budget, Thrifty and many more.

Rent An RV

Nothing quite beats traveling and camping with an RV on a road trip. I'd recommend renting an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy or RVshare. They have the largest inventory of different types of rentals plus the best prices compared to traditional RV rental companies.

Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. If anything goes wrong you'll have extensive protection. Never go on a trip without it!

The following companies offer the best service and value:

• SafetyWing (best for nomads)
• World Nomads (most comprehensive)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

• How many days do you need in Antelope Canyon?

  Half a day is plenty of time to explore Antelope Canyon.

  The Lower Antelope Canyon tour typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to complete and the Upper Antelope Canyon tour is approximately 1 hour.

  If you want to explore other points of interest near Antelope Canyon such as Hoodoo Bend and Powell Lake, you'll need a full day.

• Is there a shuttle from Zion to Antelope Canyon?

  No there is no shuttle between Zion and Antelope Canyon.

  Renting a RV or car in Las Vegas is a popular option as it provides the most flexibility and allows you to travel and stop at points of interest at your own pace.

• Which canyon is better in Antelope?

  Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular, busier and better equipped to handle larger crowds than Lower Antelope Canyon.

  Upper Antelop Canyon is known for its light beams streaming into the slot canyon and towering canyon walls. Of the two, it's the more photogenic.

  Don't get me wrong - both canyons are beautiful but Upper Antelope Canyon should be your first choice.

  If you want to take photographs of the light beams, the best time to visit the canyon is between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A Final Note

A road trip from Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon offers an unforgettable experience of some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States.

Whether you have a day or several days to spare, there are plenty of options to explore and appreciate the unique features of each location.

From the towering cliffs and narrow canyons of Zion National Park to the striking sandstone formations of Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend, this road trip offers a diverse range of sights and activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.