The Ultimate Guide For Kayaking to Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous and awe-inspiring slot canyons in the United States. Located in Page Arizona about an hour east of Kanab, Utah, these beautiful slot canyons are more beautiful in person than any photograph can ever portray.
Many people sign up for group tours to see the upper or lower Antelope Canyon, not realizing there is another way to see these magnificent long and narrow channels.
Did you know that the Lower Antelope Canyon is accessible by Lake Powell?
In this ultimate guide for kayaking to Antelope Canyon, I will go over everything you need to know about accessing the most beautiful slot canyons you will ever see, what you need to bring, and what to expect.
Group tour or private kayak rental
There are tour companies that offer to take you with a group on Lake Powell down to the canyon. You can also rent a kayak privately for less than half the price, and have the freedom of seeing the lake and enjoying the slot canyons on your own time. We opted to rent our own kayak and go by ourselves.
With the money we saved, we were able to use it to pay for an unforgettable horseback riding experience in Bryce Canyon. You can read all about that experience here.
Private kayak rental can be reserved from the Antelope Marina cost $45 for the day and Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayak will run you $55.
Kayaking To Antelope Canyon
Kayaking from the marina to the beginning of lower Antelope Canyon can take about an hour to an hour and a half depending on how hard you’re paddling, and whether or not you are stopping along the way.
It’s important to note that you will also be on the water with other boats, so there is a good chance depending on the time of day, that the lake will have waves and be somewhat choppy. It’s a good idea to start early in the day if you can to avoid the boat traffic.
Once you make the turn off for the Antelope Canyon, which is about halfway into your kayaking, it turns into a no wake zone, so the water will be much calmer.
We kayaked during the week and left at 12:30 and the water was perfect! There were only a few boats that we saw and the waves were barely noticeable. Also the winds usually pick up later in the afternoon which could make the lake water a little rougher.
The kayaking itself is not strenuous, but it is long.
You are reading The Ultimate Guide For Kayaking to Antelope Canyon. If you are staying in Page, check out How To Spend 24 Hours in Page, Arizona.
Must bring items
Sunblock is a must! You can sunburn much faster being on the kayak as the reflection from the water makes the sun’s rays stronger.
Waterproof case for your phone. Between the waves and the splashes from the paddles, it’s a good idea to put your phone in a waterproof case when not in use.
Waterproof hiking sandals – You’ll want to purchase a good pair of waterproof hiking sandals that have a good, durable sole for the hiking part of your trip.
Quick drying shorts – Your shorts will get wet being on the kayak, A quick drying pair of shorts will make your hike much more enjoyable.
A hat to protect your face from the sun. A baseball hat works great, but don’t wear one you’re too fond of. Being on the water can get pretty windy and your hat can fly off at any time. A sunhat with a chin strap is a good option so you won’t lose it.
Water – I’d suggest bringing at least two bottles.
Items to Note
The kayaking part of your trip is about three miles each way. You can expect the way back to take a little longer as you will be going upstream.
The Antelope Marina is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The National Park Service will charge you $15 to enter or $25 per vehicle to enter. If you plan on going to the marina multiple times, or will be visiting other National Parks, consider buying a yearly pass for $80. It will give you access to all the National Parks for an entire year.
You probably want to give yourself about 5 hours total for the entire trip. You may want to pack a lunch and sit on the rocks in the canyon. (Our trip took us four hours. We hiked about a mile into the canyon and hung out for a little bit on the beach.)
If you are not up for kayaking, your other option is to rent a Jet Ski. It’s much more expensive option than kayaking, but it certainly is quicker and less strenuous.
Reserve your kayaks ahead of time as they do sell out quickly.
Antelope Canyon
You can walk through the lower Antelope Canyon and take as much time as you want enjoying what Mother Nature has given us. The hike into the canyon is about a mile. When you get to the end of it, you will literally hit a brick wall. The slot canyon walls tend to get smoother the farther in you go and are absolutely beautiful.
Just in case you were wondering, Antelope Canyon was formed from years of erosion. The basin above the canyon would send water and sand into the slots deepening the corridors and smoothing the edges to give it the flowing shape.
Final thoughts
As I mentioned throughout this article, the slot canyons are super cool and absolutely fascinating.
I would highly suggest putting this once in a lifetime adventure on the top of your list of things to do in Page, Arizona. You will not be disappointed!
You are reading The Ultimate Guide For Kayaking To Antelope Canyon. If you are heading to Northern Utah after your excursion, check out How to Spend 24 Hours in Moab, Utah.