Antelope Canyon Kayaking: The Unique Lake Powell Experience
Kayaking is one way to explore Antelope Canyon, a lengthy desert wash, which runs through the Navajo Nation, near Page, AZ.
Over time, floodwaters have carved the canyon through the Navajo Sandstone. The wash empties into what is now Lake Powell.
Several parts of Antelope Canyon are open to visitors, but you’ll need a permit and guided tour for each. It’s all on private land.
Key Info on Kayaking to Antelope Canyon:
- Tours run March through October.
- No experience is necessary.
- It’s about 5 miles of kayaking, plus a hike into Antelope Canyon (optional).
- Prices range from $90-$120.
Map of Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon
On this map, you can see Antelope Canyon’s outlet into Lake Powell.
You’ll launch from the Antelope Point Launch Ramp, kayak west, and enter the winding canyon.
Lake Powell Paddleboard & Kayak
This family-run company has been around in Page for more than a decade. It’s run by Libby and Max Lapekas, and their rescue dogs, Cinco and Rigs.
They have the permits needed through the Glen Canyon National Rec Area to operate tours on Lake Powell.
Their guides are experienced and trained in first aid, CPR, etc.
Tour Length
It’s about 5 miles of kayaking (round trip), plus a mile of hiking into Antelope Canyon.
The tour usually takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.
Ages & Experience
There’s no experience necessary for the Antelope Canyon kayak tours.
As for children, ages 6 to 12 have to ride with an adult in a double kayak. Kids under 6 aren’t allowed.
Extra Fees
There’s a $30 per vehicle fee to get into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It’s not included with the tours or rentals, so be prepared to pay for it at the gate.
What to Bring
It’s likely to be sunny on the lake, so bring SPF, plus some snacks and plenty of water. If you’re on a tour, they’ll provide a dry bag. They also sell phone cases, dry bags, sunscreen, and more in the store in town where you’ll check-in.
Kayaking Safety
Everyone has to have a life jacket with them (provided with the tours) and anyone 13 and younger has to wear the life jacket at all times.
There’s no current in Lake Powell, but the weather and bigger boats can create choppy waves.
The Shop
Be sure to check out their shop, which is full of souvenirs, even if you don’t take a tour!
If you stand back from the building, you’ll see: it’s made of recycled cargo containers! Inside, they have shirts, hats, stickers, and a variety of SPF and things to take on the lake.
Antelope Canyon Kayak and Hiking Tours
You can choose to kayak through Lake Powell into Antelope Canyon. The best option is to add a small hike to the trip. You’ll paddle to the end of the water, run the kayaks up on the sand, and hike in.
They provide everything you’ll need: the kayak, life jacket, dry bag, etc.
Kayak + Hike Tour
You’ll check in at their office in Page, and have to drive yourself to the public boat ramp about 10 miles away to launch.
From there, it’s 2.5 miles of kayaking through Lake Powell and down into Antelope Canyon.
It’s a very pretty ride, which becomes even more impressive as the tall rock walls rise above you while paddling down the canyon.
The water is usually really nice. If it’s windy, expect some chopiness.
After 2.5 (roughly) miles of kayaking, the water ends on a sandy beach. From here you can start to hike into part of Antelope Canyon.
The hike into Antelope Canyon isn’t strenuous. There’s no incline or rock climbing. Usually, you’ll go about about half a mile into the canyon on land.
Again, this is the “end” of Antelope Canyon, the wash system that empties into Lake Powell. The more famous (or Insta-famous) parts of Antelope Canyon are up farther, known as Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope, Antelope Canyon X, etc.
The section of Antelope Canyon you’ll hike into from a kayak tour will be far less crowded than other sections which are more commercialized. There’s a good chance you won’t run into many other people on your hike.
You’ll pass through narrow parts of the slot canyon, which change over time as floods come through and deposit (or remove) more sediment and debris.
The cost is about $120 per person for the kayaking + hike tour, and the entire tour will take around 5 hours.
Antelope Canyon Kayaking Tours
If you’ve already hiked other parts of Antelope Canyon, or just want to spend the day on the lake and not hike, this is the option to choose.
The cost starts at about $90 per person, and it’s about 3 hours.
It’s still 2.5 miles each way, and during the heat of the summer, you can get out and jump off the rocks and swim.
Even when Lake Powell’s water levels are low, the kayak tours still launch.
Kayak or Paddleboard Rental
If you’re experienced with kayaking and paddleboarding, you can rent the equipment on your own and go without a group.
Kayaks and paddleboards are for rent on a daily or multi-day basis.
Rentals start at $55 or $60 per day, from Marth through October, and each rental comes with a life jacket.
The Best Time to Kayak to Antelope Canyon
The tours are open from March through October.
It gets hot in Page during the summer (triple digits some days) but being on the water will be a bit cooler. Plus, you can always jump in to cool off along the way.
For me, May or September would be ideal weather.
If it’s cold out, wear layers and consider gloves. Your hands will get wet and cold, while you’ll get warm paddling.
Summer Monsoons
Anyone visiting Arizona should be aware of the impact monsoon storms can have on outdoor activities.
The storms are spotty and difficult to predict. They can bring strong winds and heavy rains, and can lead to tour cancelations in all parts of Antelope Canyon.
Monsoon season typically runs from late June through September.
Other Parts of Antelope Canyon to Explore
Navajo families, with deep roots in the area, operate different parts of Antelope Canyon under a variety of names.
Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X is a few miles outside of Page, AZ. Its tour groups are generally smaller than what you’ll find at Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon.
They also offer a special tour for photographers. Photography equipment (aside from a camera or phone) is prohibited in most of Antelope Canyon. Photographers looking to set up tripods and take their time with lighting should opt for the unique photography tour offered at Antelope X.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon is V-shaped, allowing a lot of sunlight to illuminate the sandstone walls into shades of bright orange. Lower Antelope requires some physical fitness, and the ability to climb down a ladder into the slot canyon.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope is A-shaped, creating a slightly darker, moodier experience inside the slot canyon.
There are no ladders required, so Upper Antelope might be better for seniors and young children.
Cardiac Canyon
Cardiac Canyon offers the most unique tour of Antelope Canyon. It shares an entrance with Antelope X. Only six people are allowed in Cardiac Canyon each day. It’s a much more personalized experience, and your guides will bring you down for around six hours.
FAQs on Antelope Canyon Kayaking
Let’s tackle a few frequently-asked-questions about kayaking to Antelope Canyon. Many of these have been answered above.
How far is it to kayak to Antelope Canyon?
It’s about five miles of kayaking (round trip) from the Antelope Point launch ramp to Antelope Canyon.
Can you kayak on your own or do you need a guide to visit Antelope Canyon?
Lake Powell is open to the public, so you’re free to kayak in on your own. However, hiking into Antelope Canyon once you hit dry land will put you on private property.
Navajo families have rights to different parts of Antelope Canyon, and you can only access the slot canyon with a guide.
How much does it cost to go on a kayak tour to Antelope Canyon?
A kayak tour without a hike is $90, while the added hike (with kayaking) is about $120.
Can you kayak to Antelope Canyon all year?
Technically, yes. You can always put a kayak in, but it’s cold enough to snow in Page (and windy) during the winter, so be prepared for a chill if you go in the winter.
Kayak tours of Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon are generally offered from March through part of November.
Do I need to know how to kayak to go on a tour to Antelope Canyon?
No experience is necessary. They’ll give you a starter lesson before hitting the water.
Is Antelope Canyon Kayaking good for kids?
Yes, they have kayaks for adults and kids to sit in and paddle together. Plus, everyone wears a life jacket, so it’s safe for all members of the family.
The minimum age for a child is 6 years old, and children 6-to-12 have to ride with an adult on a double kayak.
Wrap: Antelope Canyon Kayaking
Kayaking to the end of Antelope Canyon, where it empties into Lake Powell, is a unique option if you’re coming to explore the natural wonders in the southwest!
If you’re traveling to Las Vegas, Phoenix or Sedona, check out these other posts for things to do around Page, AZ:
