A Full Day of Northern Arizona's Best: Lower Antelope Canyon, Colorado River & Lake Powell
Day 4 of this road trip showcases one of the Southwest's most photogenic slot canyons alongside two of its most iconic water features. The video follows a family driving from Hurricane, Utah to Page, Arizona early in the morning to catch a 10:30 a.m. tour of Lower Antelope Canyon, then pivoting to add a Colorado River swim at Lee's Ferry and an afternoon at Lake Powell before dinner. It's a solid itinerary for travelers who want to experience the dramatic geology and recreation that make this corner of Arizona unforgettable.
This day suits anyone drawn to narrow canyon walls, natural light photography, and water-based cooling off in the desert heat. Whether you're a serious photographer chasing that perfect shaft of light or simply want to see the famous red-rock formations without committing to a multi-day backpacking trip, the stops here offer a manageable, single-day alternative.
Key Moments
Highlights from This Page, Arizona Adventure
- Lower Antelope Canyon tour: walking through narrow slot canyon walls with the famous ambient light the location is known for
- Colorado River swim at Lee's Ferry: a quick, cold dip in the Grand Canyon region at mile one of the river, about 15 minutes from Page
- Lake Powell swimming area: a scenic pebble-beach swim with a 3/4-mile walk from the parking area and views from the Glen Canyon Dam overlook
- Tour group photo accumulation: the family took over 1,000 photos combined across all five people during the canyon tour alone
- Casual Mexican dinner: carne asada, flautas, and pork dishes at a local restaurant to cap the day before an early sunrise wake-up

What to Know Before You Book a Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
- Strict gear restrictions: No purses, backpacks, tripods, gimbals, or selfie sticks are allowed on the Lower Antelope Canyon tour; only professional cameras, cellphones, and water bottles are permitted, with hefty fines for violations
- Tour operator: The video used Canyons Tours for their Lower Antelope Canyon experience
- Temperature underground: Despite the desert heat above, the canyon itself stays pleasantly cool once you descend
- Physical demands: The tour involves walking through the canyon; one family member noted it felt shorter than expected and became somewhat repetitive by the end
- Light conditions: The video crew hoped for dramatic shafts of light but noted the morning was overcast, meaning natural lighting may vary depending on weather and time of day
- Lee's Ferry water: The Colorado River at Lee's Ferry is extremely cold; plan for brief swims and bring towels
- Lake Powell beach access: The public swimming area requires a short walk and features a pebble beach, so water shoes are recommended
Common Questions About This Page-Area Road Trip Itinerary
How long does a Lower Antelope Canyon tour take?
The video doesn't specify the exact duration, but the family completed their tour and were back discussing it by the 5:34-minute mark of the video, suggesting a tour length of roughly 1–2 hours plus travel time.
Is Lower Antelope Canyon better in the morning or afternoon?
The family booked a 10:30 a.m. tour hoping to capture the famous light shafts, though they noted the overcast conditions that morning affected visibility. The best light typically occurs midday, but weather conditions play a major role.
Can you swim in the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry?
Yes. The video shows three family members taking a quick swim at Lee's Ferry, which is located at mile one of the Colorado River about 15 minutes from Page. The water is very cold, so be prepared for that shock.
Do you need a boat to enjoy Lake Powell?
The family notes that a boat is the best way to experience Lake Powell fully, but you can also swim at the designated public beach area. They walked 3/4 of a mile to access the pebble beach and had an enjoyable swim without watercraft.
What time does the sunset occur in Page, Arizona?
The family had expected to catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend around 9 p.m. based on their home time zone, but discovered the actual sunset in Arizona is much earlier—around 7 p.m.—causing them to miss it. Plan your timing accordingly if sunset views matter to your itinerary.



