Kayaking and Hiking Antelope Canyon – A DIY Adventure from Lake Powell

Antelope Canyon is hands-down one of the most iconic slot canyons in the American Southwest—and with good reason. It’s at the top of every must-see list in Page, Arizona. Most people explore Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon on a fast-paced, crowded guided tour. And while we absolutely recommend those tours, there’s another way to see this natural wonder that offers freedom, solitude, and stunning views: kayaking and hiking Antelope Canyon on your own.

Back in 2021, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons were closed due to COVID-19, but we discovered a more peaceful alternative. Spoiler: it involves paddling through aqua-blue waters, beaching your kayak, and hiking deep into a quiet, twisting canyon.

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Why You Should Kayak Antelope Canyon

Paddling into Antelope Canyon is a completely different experience than taking a guided tour. You move at your own pace, take photos when and where you want, and get a feel for the solitude that makes the Southwest so magical.

Don’t have your own kayak? No problem. There are plenty of kayak rental companies in Page, AZ or you can join a guided kayaking tour if you’d rather not go it alone.

Getting There

To access Antelope Canyon by kayak, drive from Page to Antelope Point Launch Ramp—about 15 minutes from town. You’ll pass the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area checkpoint, where you’ll need to show your America the Beautiful Pass or pay a day-use fee.

Due to low water levels, the boat ramp often doesn’t reach the lake. Only non-motorized vessels can launch here, and it’s a bit of a haul back uphill after your trip—so be prepared for a workout.

💡 Tip: You can drive down the ramp to unload your kayak, but parking is up the hill. Bring wheels if you have them.

Kayaking to Antelope Canyon

Once you’re on the water, head left (downriver) along the main channel of Lake Powell. It’s about one mile to the entrance of Antelope Canyon, marked by a buoy. You’ll likely see other paddlers heading the same way.

As the canyon narrows, the towering walls surround you in shade and echo your paddle strokes. It’s peaceful, surreal, and incredibly scenic.

⚠️ Note: The return trip can be more intense due to boat wake and wind. You’ll be paddling upstream through waves, which can be a bit nerve-wracking—especially if you’re like Lisa and not a fan of choppy water.

Hiking Antelope Canyon

At the end of the paddle, you’ll reach shallow water and a sandy landing. Beach your kayak securely and get ready to hike!

The hike is out-and-back and completely unguided. We hiked several miles into the canyon, all the way to a fork where the tourist section likely begins. There were no signs or restrictions—just nature and the narrow slot winding its way ahead.

👣 Footwear Tip: While we saw folks barefoot or in flip-flops, we recommend closed-toe water shoes or hiking sandals for safety.

Our Trip Report

We arrived at the ramp around 8:15 a.m. on a sunny 75-degree day. After some creative problem-solving involving makeshift dog leashes (parachute cord for the win!), we launched at 9:00 a.m.

The paddle was calm, scenic, and smooth. A few other kayakers were on the water, though unfortunately, some brought loud music, which broke the vibe. But once we got deeper into the canyon, peace returned.

The hike was just as amazing. While the beginning of the hike isn’t as visually dramatic as the guided tour sections, the further you go, the more awe-inspiring it becomes. The afternoon light created stunning colors on the sandstone—orange, pink, even purples. Smooth canyon walls and pink sand completed the dreamlike setting.

What to Bring & Safety Tips

This isn’t just a “hop in and go” kind of day. Here’s what we recommend packing:

• Plenty of water & snacks (we always overpack—it’s a good habit)
• Dry bags to keep your camera and gear safe
• National Parks Pass for entry
• Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
• Shoes for hiking
• Camera gear (the light is magical midday deep in the canyon)
• Patience and flexibility—the wind and wake can add time and effort
• A trash bag – sadly, not everyone packs out what they pack in

⚠️ Weather Warning: Flash floods are no joke in the desert. Check the forecast—rain upstream can be just as dangerous as rain overhead.

FAQs

Is Antelope Canyon a difficult hike?
Not really. The out-and-back hike is fairly easy, though it can be sandy and hot. Lower Antelope Canyon tours are slightly more strenuous due to the stairs.

Can you go to Antelope Canyon without a tour?
Yes—if you access it by kayak from Lake Powell as we did. Otherwise, you must book a Navajo-guided tour.

Which is better: Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Both are incredible, but we found Lower Antelope Canyon more relaxing and spacious. Upper Antelope gets more crowded due to the two-way traffic.

Our Other Kayaking Adventures

Final Thoughts

No, you won’t get those postcard-perfect pro shots without the light beams of Upper Antelope, but this trip is something few people can say they’ve done. Kayaking into a slot canyon, then hiking deep into its narrow, colorful corridors is a rare and unforgettable adventure.

We highly recommend it.

🚣‍♂️💡 Looking to book a tour? Check out our recommended Atelope Canyon Kayaking Tour here.

Bonus Moment

After returning from the canyon, we watched Sierra and Ruby race around the beach like wild pups—it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Have you been to any off-the-beaten-path places like this? Drop your favorite finds in the comments—we’re always adding to our must-see list.

What interesting places can you recommend?
We’re always on the lookout for unique, out-of-the-way experiences to add to our list.

Thanks for taking the time to read our article!
If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you in the section below.

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