There are basically two ways to see Antelope Canyon and I’ve done them both. The first way is to pay for a tour and the second way is to paddleboard or kayak into the canyon yourself. When I went a few years ago for the private tour we used Ken’s Tours – current website prices are $55 a person for a 1 hour tour – and I would definitely recommend it. This takes you to a protected part of Antelope Canyon and when you see photos of Antelope Canyon they are likely from this portion. For the private tour, you climb down a ladder underneath the ground – so it’s more enclosed. When you paddle in, you can still see the wavy stone, but you can also see the sky above you – and that’s what we’re talking about today.
Now, as far as paddling into the canyon, I’ve done this twice and the water levels were drastically different each time so the experience was a bit varied.
Either way, you’ll want to launch your board or kayak at the Antelope Point Launch Ramp. There is a separate boat launch, don’t turn there. Keep driving and you’ll see the ramp for non motorized vessels. Now, the first time I did this the water levels were so low that we had to hike down this VERY steep hill on the left hand side of the ramp to launch our boards. The second time the water levels were much higher and we were able to launch them right from the end of the ramp. If this is a concern for you, I’d check the water levels before you go. This is a quick video of what the launch ramp looks like (sorry for the pump noise):
For contrast, apologies for the terrible photo, but this is the hill we had to lug our boards up/down in 2021 when the water levels were very low-
Once you’re in the water you’re going to paddle to the left, and you’re going to paddle about a mile until you see the canyon entrance, also on the left. There will be a “no wake zone” buoy and you can’t miss it. The water on Lake Powell itself is usually pretty choppy and quite frankly it’s not an enjoyable paddle with all the boats zooming by you. If your paddleboard has a kayak paddle (dual sided) I’d highly recommend bringing it. However, once you get into the canyon the water becomes progressively calmer and calmer and it is very peaceful.
On our most recent trip, the water was so much higher that we were still paddling in an area where we had been walking the first time we went – so your experience may vary, but you’ll continue to paddle through the canyon until you reach the end – maybe another mile or so once you leave the lake itself – and you’ll see other paddleboards/kayaks posted up along the shore/rocks. If it’s a hot day, and you have an inflatable board, make sure it’s in the shade and/or at least partially in the water. The first time we went, someone that wasn’t with us had their board pop and our group had to paddle them back. Once your board is secured, you can hike back as far as you’d like. I’ve been in July and September and both times was fairly warm, so we hiked back about an hour and then turned around. You’ll want water shoes that can maneuver in sand and on rocks for this.
Theoretically you could hike back for hours, but each time we’ve done about an hour in (which means an hour back out) and then called it a day. I do think it’s important to note that I did this as a girls trip both times and I wouldn’t bring my kids on a trip like this until they’re older. Both for safety and sanity reasons, plus I don’t think they’d enjoy it much.
Lodging
Paddleboarding into Antelope Canyon is an all day affair and I’d recommend staying overnight at least one night, or two if you can swing it. If you’re also paddling Horseshoe Bend then you’ll definitely need 2 nights minimum (we did 3 nights). The best place to stay for Antelope Canyon specifically, is Page, AZ and there are tons of options for lodging by most major hotel chains. While we’ve stayed at a few different places, most recently we stayed at the brand new Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell and it is incredibly nice for a Hyatt Place. It has a cute little lobby bar, free breakfast, and a fantastic view off the back. This is a Category 3 Hyatt and can be booked on points from as little as 9,000 points a night (off peak) up to 15,000 points a night (on peak). Our room had 2 queen beds plus a sofa bed so there was plenty of sleeping space too! We fit four in our room just fine.
Food
I’d recommend bringing a cooler and packing lots of snacks/water for the actual trip into the canyon – Uncrustables, chips, fruit, veggies, water and electrolyte packets are some of my go tos – I’ll link all my favorite paddleboarding supplies in the next post but definitely get a dry bag for anything you don’t want to get wet – extra clothes/phones/etc – and bring a small lunchbox cooler for your food/drinks. Once you’re inside the canyon, there are plenty of little corners/alcoves to “pull over” your board and take a lunch break on the water.
Once you’ve had your fill of hiking, it’s time to paddle back. You’ll head back the same way you came – and if you have enough time, you can take a refreshing swim once you get back to the shore before you load all your gear back up (highly recommend this btw).
After a long day on the water eating chips and PB&J, I don’t know about you but all I want is a nice hot dinner and maybe a margarita. El Tapatio is hands down my favorite place to eat in Page – every time I’ve been here the food has been hot, fresh, and delicious. It’s exactly what you want after a long day outside! If you like Mexican food, you will not be disappointed! I’m still drooling over this creamy sauce in the photo on the left.
All in all, paddleboarding into Antelope Canyon is completely doable as a girls trip (or a couples trip) and I would say it’s a must do if you’re even the slightest bit adventurous and enjoy exploring the great outdoors of Arizona. April/May or September/October is the perfect time to go, and when you see the red rock cliffs contrast the cool waters of Lake Powell, you won’t regret it. As for what’s next, on our most recent trip we met a couple girls who had recently paddled the Blue Ridge Reservoir and their photos were stunning, so maybe that will be our next trip!