Airports Near Antelope Canyon: The Best Options to Get to Page, AZ
Antelope Canyon is a natural wonder on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona.
It’s really a natural desert wash, which empties into Lake Powell. The wavey orange sandstone walls have been carved by wind, sand, and floodwaters over time, and now attract crowds of visitors from all over the world.
Antelope Canyon is in a remote part of the desert southwest, so it’s no wonder so many people are searching for:
Airports Near Antelope Canyon!
You have a few options, which I’ll explain below, but they include:
- Flying to Page, AZ
- Flying to St. George, UT
- Flying to Las Vegas, NV
- Flying to Phoenix, AZ
- Flying to Flagstaff, AZ
Keep in mind: in addition to booking a flight, and a rental car, you’ll also need to book a tour to Antelope Canyon. Different sections are operated by different Navajo families. Visitors are not allowed to explore any part of the canyon on their own, without a Navajo guide.
Antelope Canyon Tours
Normally I enjoy hiking on my own, without a tour or guide, but Antelope Canyon is one place where the guides really do enhance the experience.
I have a whole separate post on the differences between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, and another on Antelope Canyon X.
These are your tour options:
➡️ Click to Book: Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X is a newer section of the canyon open to visitors. They cap tour groups at a lower level, so it’s less crowded. You’ll explore two different parts on a tour, just outside of Page. There are no ladders involved, but you should be able to walk on uneven, sandy surfaces without a problem.
The entrance is down a long set of steps.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope is A-shaped, so it’s a bit darker and “moodier.” There are no ladders involved here, though visitors will have to take a Jeep ride through the desert to get to the entrance.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope is V-shaped, so more sunlight shines in to illuminate the walls. You’ll have to be able to climb down a ladder to get into the canyon for your tour.
Cardiac Canyon
Cardiac Canyon, adjacent to Antelope Canyon X, offers the most unique experience. The operators only allow 6 people in per day, and they’re given hours to explore a stretch of the canyon. Photography equipment is also allowed on this tour.
Closest Airport to Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ
Page is home to its own small airport, which primarily serves private and small charter aircraft. It’s a hub for sightseeing tours of the surrounding region.
It does have one commercial airline, operating daily flights to and from PHX, Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Contour Airlines
I’ve flown the Contour flight from Phoenix to Page several times. The airline flies a single Embraer RJ135 back and forth, usually a couple of times a day.
It’s only a 45-minute flight, and the 37 seats onboard are comfortable.
Prices are usually very low, and Contour conveniently flies right to Terminal 3 in Phoenix.
However, the flights are known for delays. About half of my flights have been delayed, anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Still, I keep booking them, knowing I could face a delay.
Helicopter & Aerial Tours From the Airport in Page, AZ
Several tour companies offer scenic flights departing from Page Municipal Airport, providing visitors with aerial views of the stunning landscapes in the region.
TSA at Page Municipal Airport
The TSA experience in Page can only be described as friendly and personalized. A few agents are working, for the Contour flights, and you’ll go through individually, sort of escorted by an agent who checks your documents and sends your luggage through the scanner. From there you’ll wait in a glass enclosure for the flight to board. I’d advise against checking in too soon, since the glass room gets hot and crowded, especially in the summer months.
Rental Cars in Page
Page has more rental cars than it used to, but the supply is usually still pretty limited. There’s an Avis office right in the airport.
They don’t typically rent 4×4 vehicles, so if you’re planning more adventures in addition to Antelope Canyon on your visit, you might consider renting a Jeep from JeepBnB in Page.
The Airport in St. George, Utah: SGU
St. George Regional Airport is several miles outside the city of St. George, in southwestern Utah. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport into the city.
The airport is small, but it handles flights of tourists flying in on several commercial airlines:
- United flies to St. George from Denver
- Delta flies to St. George from Salt Lake City
- American flies to St. George from Phoenix and Dallas
The staff is small at the airport, so luggage tends to take a few minutes. But the baggage claim area is right next to the rental car counters, so you can grab your car while you wait for your bags.
St. George Airport to Page, AZ
The approximate driving distance between St. George Regional Airport and Page is around 115 miles. The drive typically takes about 2.5 hours.
You can opt to drive through scenic Zion National Park along the way.
Rental Cars
The St. George airport has all the big rental car companies to choose from:
- Enterprise
- National
- Alamo
- Hertz
- Budget
- Avis
There’s a taxi stand outside, and Uber and Lyft both service the city (though rates might be higher than renting a car!).
Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon
The drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas to Page, Arizona, takes you through some scenic desert landscapes.
The distance between Las Vegas and Page is approximately 275 miles (440 kilometers). The drive generally takes around 4.5 hours.
The drive from Las Vegas to Page offers the opportunity to explore some interesting sites and attractions along the way:
- Valley of Fire State Park: If you have some extra time, consider taking a detour to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. This park is known for its stunning red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
- St. George: This is a rapidly growing city, about halfway through the drive.
- Zion National Park: A stunning National Park, famous for its red rock views and hiking trails.
- Kanab, Utah: Close to Page, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out if you need to stretch your legs.
Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is a public airport located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. Here are some key details about Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, including its proximity to Page, Arizona:
American Airlines
American is the only commercial airline offering flights into Flagstaff, but you can find daily flights from the hub cities of Dallas and Phoenix.
Proximity to Page, AZ
The distance between Flagstaff and Page is approximately 140 miles (225 kilometers). The drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and the specific route taken.
Sites to See
You’ll pass a few spots to check out if you fly into Flagstaff for a trip up to Antelope Canyon in Page:
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument: Located about 15 miles north of Flagstaff, this monument features volcanic landscapes, lava flows, and the striking Sunset Crater. You can explore the area via scenic drives and short trails.
- Wupatki National Monument: North of Sunset Crater, Wupatki National Monument showcases well-preserved Puebloan ruins. Learn about the ancient inhabitants and their unique architecture.
Phoenix to Antelope Canyon
I have another post specifically dedicated to all the options you have to visit Antelope Canyon from Phoenix.
If you’re going to Phoenix for golf, spring training baseball, or a conference and would like to add a visit to Antelope Canyon to your itinerary, there are a few ways to do it.
Take a Tour
There are several day trip tours from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon. It’s a long day, but it always helps to have someone else do the driving.
➡️ Click to Book: Phoenix to Antelope Canyon Tour
Fly on Contour from PHX to Page
You’ll have to check options on contourairlines.com, but the fares are usually low. The flights leave once or twice a day from Terminal 3 at Sky Harbor Airport. It’s a quick, 45-minute flight, as I mentioned above.
Rent and Drive
It’s about 275 miles, and 4.5 hours from Phoenix to Antelope Canyon. I always recommend people divert into Sedona, then go up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on their way if they’re making the drive to Page.
With this option, it might be better to continue driving to Las Vegas or St. George after your time at Antelope Canyon, and flying out of one of those cities, rather than driving back down to Phoenix.
Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon
Page has a growing number of hotel and rental options, which are close to Antelope Canyon. You can plug your dates into this interactive map to check out the rates and availability for your trip:
I often stay at the Hyatt Page-Lake Powell, which is right in town and a quick drive to Antelope Canyon.
The staff is very friendly, the rooms are large, and I love that their restaurant is open late for dinner and early for breakfast.
Other Things to Do in Page, AZ
I love Page and its amazing landscapes, and on each visit I learn more about the Navajo Nation.
There are countless things to do in the area. I have another post on day trips from Page, a post on restaurants in Page, a post on hiking in Page, and a general “Things to do in Page” blog, full of ideas for all members of the family.
In short, aside from visiting different parts of Antelope Canyon, there are a few of my favorite sites to recommend to friends and family:
Horseshoe Bend
Unlike Antelope Canyon, there are no reservations or permits required to visit Horseshoe Bend. It’s the famous curve in the Colorado River, which is just south of Page.
You’ll pay a $10 fee to park in the big lot, right off Highway 89, and walk down a relatively smooth path (less than a mile) to the cliff. I love coming here at sunset!
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch
Wire Pass is another slot canyon west of Page, which has some similarities to Antelope Canyon. You don’t have to make a reservation, but you’ll have to pay to park in the trailhead lot.
You’ll find the parking lot on House Rock Valley Road, which is the same road you’ll use to get to The Wave, White Pocket, and other natural wonders. The road is usually passable, especially if you have a higher-profile vehicle. A storm could prevent a visit to Wire Pass.
The hike itself is very easy, and involves climbing down a ladder into the slot canyon.
Glen Canyon Dam
The Glen Canyon Dam helped create Lake Powell, and you can check out the Visitor Center (right on site), walk across the pedestrian bridge over the dam, and go to the designated overlook spot, behind the Denny’s in Page.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell’s water levels aren’t what they used to be … but they rose in 2023 thanks to a heavy snowpack to the north.
The lake is a hub for boating, fishing, and other activities. You can also paddleboard or kayak through the lake into Antelope Canyon.
White Pocket
White Pocket is a favorite spot, though there’s never a crowd because it’s challenging to get to. You definitely need a 4×4 to get to White Pocket, no matter what season you visit.
I have a whole other blog dedicated to the site, which really looks other-worldly!
There are no designated trails at White Pocket. You’re free to walk around, roaming all over the rock formations.
FAQs About Airports Near Antelope Canyon
Let’s go over a few frequently-asked-questions about flying to Antelope Canyon. Many of these are addressed above.
What’s the closest airport to Antelope Canyon?
The closest airport to Antelope Canyon is right in Page, AZ. It’s a municipal airport which primarily serves private or charter flights, along with aerial tour flights. Contour Airlines runs the only commercial flights to Page, daily from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Is Antelope Canyon closer to Sedona or Flagstaff?
Antelope Canyon is closer to Flagstaff than Sedona. Sedona is about 160 miles from Page, while Flagstaff is about 130 miles away.
Is Phoenix or Las Vegas closer to Antelope Canyon?
Antelope Canyon and Page, AZ, are about the same distance from both Las Vegas and Phoenix. It’s roughly 275 miles and 4.5 hours to drive from either city.
What’s the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper Antelope is more expensive, but less crowded. It’s A-shaped so less light shines in. Lower Antelope is the most crowded, and V-shaped, so more light shines in from above.
I have a blog dedicated to this question, with photos and a full explanation.
What is Antelope Canyon X?
Antelope Canyon X is one of the sections of the canyon that’s open to the public. Fewer people are allowed in Antelope X on a daily basis, and it’s one of the only spots left that also has the option of a special photography tour.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon on my own, or do I need a tour?
You need a tour and guide for all sections of Antelope Canyon. The canyon runs through Navajo Nation property, on privately-owned land. You can’t visit on your own.
