If you’re planning a trip to the American Southwest, you might want to consider going on a road trip from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon.
These two incredible natural wonders are only about two hours and a half apart by car (to the North Rim part of the Grand Canyon). Whether you’re driving yourself or taking a guided tour, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
A few years back, we went on an epic road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, which included a stop at both Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Since we were driving ourselves in a van, we had the flexibility to explore at our own pace and take in the stunning scenery along the way.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and recommendations to help you plan your journey and make the most of your time in these stunning locations.
So buckle up, grab some snacks, get your spotify playlist ready for an adventure!
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How to Get from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon
To get from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon, you will need to travel by car or bus. The distance between the two locations is approximately 120 miles and takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive, depending on which area of the Grand Canyon you want to visit.
Listed below are two of the most common ways to get from Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon.
1. Car / RV Rental Options
Antelope Canyon is located in northern Arizona, USA, and is a popular destination for tourists visiting the area. If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon from Antelope Canyon, there are several car rental options available to help you go on this epic road trip.
Although a regular car can drive the roads leading to the Grand Canyon, it’s recommended to rent an SUV or a high clearance vehicle, especially if you plan to venture off the main roads and explore the surrounding areas.
Having a vehicle with higher ground clearance can make the journey a lot more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a unique and convenient way to explore the Grand Canyon, renting an RV can also be a great option. You can rent an RV near Antelope Canyon and drive it all the way to the Grand Canyon, allowing you to enjoy the Grand Canyon at your own pace without worrying about hotel bookings or restaurant reservations.
You’ll have your own private kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, which can save you money on food and accommodation expenses.
We did this exact journey on a van and were able to park our van by Desert View Campgrounds in the East Rim. Although there were other larger campsites closer to the Southern Rim, as soon as we arrived at Desert View, we knew we made the right choice.
Just minutes away from the campsite, you have an incredible view of the sun rising from the Grand Canyon. Bundled up with a cup of coffee, we sat down and watched the sunrise which was definitely a trip highlight.
Alternatively, if you want to do this trip backward, you can also rent an RV near the Grand Canyon and drive it to Antelope Canyon.
2. Guided Tour from Las Vegas
Another alternative is to take a guided tour from Las Vegas. However, we personally don’t recommend this route as it involves sitting in a car for long periods of time. You also don’t have the luxury of stopping when you want to if doing this route.
Most tours from Las Vegas take around 15 hours but it is a good alternative for those who don’t drive.
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Distance Between Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon
Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon are both located in the American Southwest, in the state of Arizona. Antelope Canyon is situated near the town of Page, while the Grand Canyon is located further south, near the city of Flagstaff.
The distance between the two attractions is around 200 kilometers depending on which side of the Grand Canyon you intend to visit. The journey can be made by taking scenic roads through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country.
Visitors can expect to see towering rock formations, sweeping vistas, and endless expanses of red desert on their journey from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon.
While the roads are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, some areas may be steep or winding, so it’s important to exercise caution while driving.
To give you a better idea of the driving distances, here’s a rough guide.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon East Rim is 45 miles, a 1 hour drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon North Rim is 128 miles, a 2 hour 30-minute drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon South Rim is 151 miles, a 3 hour drive.
- Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon West Rim is 350 miles, a 5-hour 50-minute drive.
Map of Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a massive geological formation located in the state of Arizona, USA. It is approximately 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and over a mile (1.6 km) deep.
It is honestly one of those places that is very overwhelming when you see it. Standing by one of the viewpoints is an incredible experience.
The canyon is divided into several regions, each with its own unique terrain, elevation, and viewpoints. The North Rim, East Rim, South Rim, and West Rim are the most popular sections of the Grand Canyon, and each offers visitors a different perspective and experience of this natural wonder.
As you can tell from the map above, the closest part of the Grand Canyon is East Rim, which is about a one-hour drive away. The North Rim is also within driving distance, at about 2.5 hours away, while the South and West Rims are further away, at 3-6 hours of driving time.
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Attractions Along Antelope Canyon to Grand Canyon
The area between Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the American Southwest. Antelope Canyon itself is a narrow slot canyon with towering walls of red sandstone that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Just a short drive away, visitors can find Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. To capture the best photographs of Horseshoe Bend, photographers should aim to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take advantage of the soft, warm light.
We made the mistake of going there for sunrise which I don’t recommend because half the river was in the shade. We ended up sitting around, waiting for the sun to come up. I suggest checking the times for sunrise and sunset to help you time your visit.
There are several areas to photograph from, including the rim of the cliff, where visitors can get a wide-angle shot of the bend, and the lower section of the canyon, where they can capture the river winding its way through the sandstone cliffs.
Aside from this, we recommend exercising some caution when exploring the area, as there are no barriers or guardrails near the edge of the cliff.
I hope our travel tips have been helpful in planning your journey from Antelope Canyon to the Grand Canyon. Whether you choose to drive yourself or take a guided tour, the journey offers stunning views of some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Southwest.
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