If you have researched the top 10 things to do in Arizona, you may have stumbled upon Antelope Canyon! The canyon is beautiful, regardless of where you enter – Upper or Lower, full of color and creates anticipation as you look for something new around every corner.
During COVID, we found ourselves headed to Arizona looking to tour Antelope Canyon, but the tours were closed (as of now the tours have reopened, but for who knows how long). We found a way to visit Lower Antelope Canyon (for free), by kayaking on Lake Powell! Here’s how to do it!
1. Head towards Page, AZ
You can fly into Las Vegas, NV, or Flagstaff, AZ, rent a car and make your way to Page, AZ. Depending on your interests and travel plans, you can find some exhilarating stops along the way!
From Las Vegas, you can visit the Valley Of Fire State Park and admire Native American petroglyphs. From Flagstaff, AZ, you can drive on Route 66, meditate in Sedona, or take a gnarly hike in the Grand Canyon. Because Page is so far north, you can also plan a trip to Utah and visit Zion National Park!
Tip: Less than 10 minutes before you enter the city of Page, you can visit Horseshoe Bend!
(You may have also stumbled upon this find when researching things to do in Arizona – and it’s free!)
As you build your itinerary, map out the various locations of the activities you wish to complete and see what fits in your schedule!
…onwards!
2. Choose a kayak rental company
There are many kayaking companies with tours to Lower Antelope Canyon! You can choose a tour or plan your own adventure! We rented kayaks for half a day at Antelope Point Marina (start kayaking at Antelope Point Launch Ramp area). You are forewarned… this is going to be a workout! Bring your hat, small cooler/backpack, plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen!
Purchase an America the Beautiful (NPS) pass or pay a $35 entrance fee
If you decide to go with Antelope Point Marina, you enter through the Navajo Nation Park Entrance and an America the Beautiful (NPS) Pass will get you in for free! Click on the link to get more information about the pass – it’s helpful if you are planning to visit other parks!
3. Make your way to Lower Antelope Canyon!
Here is the best part – visit Lower Antelope Canyon at your leisure!! Take your time kayaking from the Antelope Point Launch Ramp to Antelope Creek! You will not be alone… we saw at least 50+ kayakers on the water, all enjoying the beautiful journey!
4. You have arrived at Lower Antelope Canyon!
You reached your destination! No one is regulating who is entering or exiting the canyon. Take your belongings and head into Lower Antelope Canyon!
How to end up in Lower Antelope Canyon without a tour and $0 entrance fee?
Travel to Page, AZ – rent a kayak – get a workout on Lake Powell – kayak down Antelope Creek – park your kayak – enter into Lower Antelope Canyon on foot!
Lower Antelope Canyon is beautiful and the journey is worth the limitless time you can spend in the canyon. It’s freedom at its finest! Enjoy your adventure.
Remember to Kairos Your Time!
If you are looking for the best places to travel, visit my Ideas For Travel page and get some inspiration!
