St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page
The world-famous slot canyons of Antelope Canyon and the iconic Horseshoe Bend are just over four hours from St. George. Combined with Lake Powell, Page, Arizona offers some of the most photographed landscapes on Earth.
I-15 North → UT-9 → US-89 South → Page, AZ
275 miles
Distance
4 hr 15 min
Drive Time
east
Direction
March - October
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page
Route: I-15 North → UT-9 → US-89 South → Page, AZ
Head north on I-15 to Hurricane, take UT-9 East through Zion National Park (or bypass via UT-59/AZ-389 through Hildale/Colorado City), connect to US-89 South through Kanab and the stunning Vermilion Cliffs corridor, then continue to Page, Arizona on the shores of Lake Powell. The route passes through some of the most scenic desert landscape in the American West.
About Antelope Canyon & Page
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, located on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona. The narrow sandstone walls have been sculpted by millions of years of flash flooding into flowing, wave-like formations that glow with brilliant oranges, reds, and purples when sunlight enters from above. St. George to Antelope Canyon is approximately 275 miles and takes about four hours and fifteen minutes, making it a full-day or overnight trip with enough spectacular stops along the way to fill an entire weekend.
Page, Arizona sits on the shore of Lake Powell and serves as the gateway to multiple world-class attractions. Horseshoe Bend — where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree turn 1,000 feet below a cliff edge — is just minutes from town and has become one of the most Instagrammed natural features in America. Lake Powell itself offers nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline with houseboating, kayaking, and boat tours to Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
The drive from St. George to Antelope Canyon passes through extraordinary scenery including the Vermilion Cliffs, the Kaibab Plateau, and the vast Navajo Nation desert landscape. Many travelers combine this trip with a stop in Kanab (the halfway point) for lunch at one of the charming restaurants in this small town known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western movie filming history.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Hurricane, UT — 20 miles / 20 min (full services)
- Kanab, UT — 150 miles / 2 hr 15 min (gas, restaurants, halfway point)
- Big Water, UT — 240 miles / 3 hr 40 min (gas station)
- Page, AZ — 275 miles / 4 hr 15 min (full services)
Weather & Climate
Page sits at 4,100 feet elevation in high desert. Summer highs reach 100-110°F. Spring and fall are pleasant at 65-85°F. Winter is mild at 40-55°F with occasional cold snaps. Lake Powell water temperature ranges from 50°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Flash flood risk exists in slot canyons during monsoon season (July-September).
Best Time to Visit
March - October
Late March through October offers the best light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon, with peak light shafts from 11 AM to 1 PM during summer months. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) provide comfortable temperatures in the 70s-80s. Summer brings intense heat (100°F+) but the best canyon light. Winter visits are possible with fewer crowds but no light beams.
Things to Do in Antelope Canyon & Page
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Antelope Canyon & Page, Arizona.
Must-See Attractions
Upper Antelope Canyon
$60-$100 per personThe most famous slot canyon in the world, known for shafts of light that beam down through narrow openings in the sandstone ceiling from late March through October. The canyon is on Navajo land and can only be visited with an authorized Navajo guide.
Book the 11:00 AM-1:00 PM tour for the best light beams (summer months)
Lower Antelope Canyon
$40-$65 per personNarrower and deeper than Upper Antelope Canyon with steep ladders and tighter passages. Lower Antelope offers equally stunning light and rock formations with slightly smaller crowds and lower tour prices. The V-shaped canyon creates dramatic compositions.
Lower Antelope is better for photography enthusiasts who want more time and fewer crowds
Horseshoe Bend
$10 parking feeOne of the most iconic viewpoints in the American Southwest. The Colorado River wraps around a massive sandstone mesa 1,000 feet below the overlook. A 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot leads to the unfenced rim.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light — midday creates harsh shadows in the bend
Lake Powell
$30 day use feeThe second-largest reservoir in the United States with 1,960 miles of shoreline winding through red rock canyons. Houseboating, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by towering canyon walls.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
$100-$150 boat tourOne of the world's largest natural bridges, standing 290 feet tall and spanning 275 feet. Accessible by boat tour from Wahweap or Antelope Point marinas on Lake Powell. Sacred to the Navajo people.
Glen Canyon Dam
Free toursThe 710-foot-tall dam that created Lake Powell. Free guided tours take visitors inside the dam structure. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center offers exhibits on the dam's construction and the Colorado River ecosystem.
Dining in Page
Big John's Texas BBQ
$$Beloved local BBQ joint with slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Generous portions and authentic Texas-style barbecue in a casual setting.
Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge
$$$Surprisingly excellent sushi in the desert. Creative rolls, fresh fish, and Asian fusion cuisine with a stylish atmosphere.
Bonkers Restaurant
$$Family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu including burgers, pasta, steaks, and sandwiches. Good portions and reasonable prices.
Slackers
$$Casual burger and brew spot popular with visitors. Great craft beer selection and classic American pub food. Outdoor patio seating.
Outdoor Adventures
Wahweap Marina
Boat rental $350+/dayThe main marina on Lake Powell offering boat rentals, jet ski rentals, houseboat charters, guided lake tours, and the departure point for Rainbow Bridge boat trips.
Antelope Point Marina
Kayak rental $50+/dayNavajo-owned marina with boat rentals, guided tours, and a floating restaurant. Offers kayak rentals and paddleboard access to narrow side canyons.
Hanging Garden Trail
FreeA short but beautiful 1-mile round-trip hike to a desert oasis with hanging gardens of ferns and wildflowers on a seeping sandstone wall. A hidden gem near Page.
Rim View Trail
FreeA 3-mile loop trail along the rim above Lake Powell with panoramic views of the lake, Navajo Mountain, and the surrounding desert landscape.
Lodging Options
Lake Powell Resort (Wahweap)
$200-$400/nightThe premier hotel on Lake Powell with rooms overlooking the marina and lake. Restaurant, pool, and direct access to boat tours and rentals.
Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell
$150-$300/nightModern hotel in Page with free breakfast, pool, and comfortable rooms. Central location near restaurants and attractions.
Page Campgrounds
$15-$40/nightSeveral campgrounds near Page including Wahweap Campground (lakeside), Lone Rock Beach (primitive beach camping on the lake), and Page Lake Powell Campground.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page Drive
Antelope Canyon tours MUST be booked in advance — walk-ups are not available. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (April-October)
Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are on Navajo Nation land and require guided tours with authorized Navajo operators
Stop in Kanab (halfway point) for lunch — Rocking V Cafe and Peekaboo Kitchen are excellent
Horseshoe Bend parking lot fills up quickly — arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM. Bring water for the 1.5-mile round-trip walk
The drive through Vermilion Cliffs on US-89 is one of the most scenic drives in the Southwest
Gas up in Kanab — the stretch from Kanab to Page has limited services
Summer temperatures in Page exceed 100°F — carry plenty of water and wear sun protection
Consider making this a 2-day trip to see both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend without rushing
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page
How far is St. George from Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona is approximately 275 miles (4 hours 15 minutes) from St. George, Utah. The route goes through Kanab and along the scenic Vermilion Cliffs corridor on US-89.
Do I need a reservation for Antelope Canyon?
Yes, reservations are absolutely required for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. The canyons are on Navajo Nation land and can only be visited with an authorized Navajo guide. Book 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (April-October). Walk-up tours are not available.
Which is better, Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for dramatic light beams streaming through narrow ceiling openings (best from 11 AM-1 PM in summer). Lower Antelope Canyon is narrower with ladder sections and equally stunning formations, often with slightly smaller crowds and lower prices. Serious photographers often prefer Lower for more time and fewer people.
Can I do Antelope Canyon as a day trip from St. George?
It is possible but makes for a very long day (8+ hours of driving). Most visitors prefer to stay overnight in Page or Kanab to enjoy both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend without rushing. If doing a day trip, leave St. George by 5-6 AM and pre-book a midday Antelope Canyon tour.
Is Horseshoe Bend free to visit?
Horseshoe Bend requires a $10 parking fee per vehicle. The overlook itself is free. It is a 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot to the unfenced rim overlooking the Colorado River 1,000 feet below.
Nearby Destinations from Antelope Canyon & Page
Lake Powell / Page
Nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, deep red canyons, and crystal-clear water make Lake Powell one of the most stunning reservoirs in the world. The nearby town of Page offers Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Kanab
Known as "Little Hollywood" for its Western film history, Kanab is a charming gateway town to The Wave, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page
St. George to Antelope Canyon & Page — 275 miles, 4 hr 15 min Drive
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, located on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona. The narrow sandstone walls have been sculpted by millions of years of flash flooding into flowing, wave-like formations that glow with brilliant oranges, reds, and purples when sunlight enters from above. St. George to Antelope Canyon is approximately 275 miles and takes about four hours and fifteen minutes, making it a full-day or overnight trip with enough spectacular stops along the way to fill an entire weekend.
The route from St. George, Utah to Antelope Canyon & Page, Arizona covers 275 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 15 min via I-15 North → UT-9 → US-89 South → Page, AZ. Head north on I-15 to Hurricane, take UT-9 East through Zion National Park (or bypass via UT-59/AZ-389 through Hildale/Colorado City), connect to US-89 South through Kanab and the stunning Vermilion Cliffs corridor, then continue to Page, Arizona on the shores of Lake Powell. The route passes through some of the most scenic desert landscape in the American West.
Things to Do in Antelope Canyon & Page
Must-See Attractions: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend. Dining in Page: Big John's Texas BBQ, Blue Buddha Sushi Lounge, Bonkers Restaurant. Outdoor Adventures: Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Marina, Hanging Garden Trail. Lodging Options: Lake Powell Resort (Wahweap), Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell, Page Campgrounds.
Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon & Page
Late March through October offers the best light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon, with peak light shafts from 11 AM to 1 PM during summer months. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-October) provide comfortable temperatures in the 70s-80s. Summer brings intense heat (100°F+) but the best canyon light. Winter visits are possible with fewer crowds but no light beams.
Travel Tips
Antelope Canyon tours MUST be booked in advance — walk-ups are not available. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for peak season (April-October). Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are on Navajo Nation land and require guided tours with authorized Navajo operators. Stop in Kanab (halfway point) for lunch — Rocking V Cafe and Peekaboo Kitchen are excellent. Horseshoe Bend parking lot fills up quickly — arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM. Bring water for the 1.5-mile round-trip walk.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Lake Powell / Page, Kanab, Zion National Park.