Updated 2026 with travel tips and photography advice
by Scott Turnmeyer
Sedona to Page Arizona Road Trip Guide
Planning a road trip from Sedona to Page, Arizona? This approximately three-hour drive connects two of northern Arizona's most spectacular destinations and puts you within reach of Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
We made the drive as part of our Southwest photography road trip, with an Antelope Canyon tour and sunset at Horseshoe Bend waiting for us in Page. This guide combines our firsthand experience with practical tips for making the drive, visiting Antelope Canyon and photographing some of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes.
This post is part of my full Southwest road trip photography guide covering Phoenix, Sedona, Page, Zion, and Las Vegas.
Read the complete trip here: Southwest Road Trip Photography Guide – Arizona, Utah & Nevada
Sedona to Page AZ: Distance, Drive Time & Route
Drive time: About 3 hours without stops
Distance: about 160 miles
Destination: Page, Arizona
Major attractions: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell
Best for: Scenic driving, photography and Southwest road trips
Sedona to Page AZ Road Trip Guide – Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
The drive from Sedona to Page, AZ is about three hours depending on your route, but it can easily turn into a full-day trip if you stop at some of the amazing locations along the way. Page is home to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two of the most famous photography locations in the Southwest, and both are well worth the trip.
On this day of our trip we left Sedona early in the morning, planning to reach Page in time for our Antelope Canyon tour later in the day.
So after a quick packup of the vehicle, locking ourselves out of our room and caffeine fill ups, we were off. The trek from Sedona to Page was astounding. We drove through massive canyons, high elevations, desert straight stretches that went on for miles. We went from sand to evergreen trees, with Watch for Elk signs along the road, back to desert. Along the way, you are surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful Navajo tribal reservation. Truly a drive that I would want to do many more times, but next time not under a time pressure so that we could stop and enjoy it like we did from Page to Zion, watch for that blog post coming up.
We arrived in Page, AZ, and checked in for our tour with 45min to spare. Things got a little tense on the way there because apparently the time zone line is super close so our phones were bouncing back and forth with us being early, then late. But when we got there all was well.
Antelope Canyon should be on anybody's list, especially if you are a photography. The slot Canyon is divided into the upper and lower canyons and each is different. Upper Antelope is the one most visited by tourists such, and you cannot get into it without a guide. The Canyon is on reservation land, so the tour groups that go into there are usually run by Native Americans, which I thought was great because you learned history while seeing and experiencing in a different point of view. We chose Chief Tsosie -Antelope Slot Canyon Tours (highly recommend and we gave a 5 star review on Facebook).
Visiting Antelope Canyon – Tour Tips, Photography Tips, and What to Expect
Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Arizona, and for good reason. The narrow slot canyon walls create incredible light, color, and shapes that change throughout the day.
If you plan to visit Antelope Canyon, you must book a guided tour in advance. Tours leave from Page, Arizona, and different tour times can produce very different lighting conditions, especially for photography.
As a landscape photographer, Antelope Canyon had been on my list for years, and this trip was my first chance to finally see it in person.
The Monument by Scott Turnmeyer - Click photo for purchase options
Chief Tsosie tours has two Upper Antelope Canyon tours, the standard group tour that lasts 55 minutes, or the highly recommended guided photography tour, which lasts 2 hours. The difference is night and day once you get in there. The main tour you stay in line and are always around people (this is a busy place people!!). The photography tour is just for that, photography. You have to have a tripod and a camera that you can perform manual adjustments on. No green automatic box here people. BTW, I teach how to get off of automatic mode, check out my classes page. It's pricier, but worth every penny. Your guide sets you up for spots, blocks people from your shot for up to 2 minutes at a time and is invaluable!! There is no way we could have gotten these shots without George's help, the best guide for sure.
If you'd like hands-on help mastering composition, my Manual Mode Photography Classes in Front Royal, VA walk through these techniques in real time.
While led the main tour has multiple offerings throughout the day, the photography tour has 2 options. 10:30am or 1:00pm. We chose the 10:30am because we wanted this magic light beams that shoot through the canyon. Again, George was amazing here. He knew the timings of each one and had us in the right spots at the right times, simply amazing! The shots speak for themselves.
The Chamber by Scott Turnmeyer - Click photo for purchase Options
I was was shooting on manual mode, cloudy white balance. ISO100, aperture ranging from f5 - f8, and then the shutter varying for the exposure that we wanted. You MUST use your tripod if you want to get anything like this. You will want to use a wide angle lens as it is close quarters in there.
We had such a great time, and checking that box off the bucket list was amazing. But in the end, George looked at us and said, "You know the light beams are cool, but the real color and magic happens later in the afternoon during the 1pm tour." So we went back the next day! Read about that in the Day 4 blog post.
Fire Within by Scott Turnmeyer - Click photo for purchase options
After we we finished with Antelope Canyon we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and started to get the lay of the land. Page, AZ isn't thought of as a touristy destination, but you can tell it is growing, and we found a ton to do. Hiking, photography, Lake Powell and so much more is there.
That evening we had sunset photos at the iconic Horseshoe Bend planned out. We've all seen this beautiful Bend of the Colorado River as it makes its way into the Grand Canyon. Yet another check off our bucket list on this trip.
Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Stops Near Page Arizona
Another must-see stop near Page is Horseshoe Bend, one of the most photographed views in the Southwest. The overlook is an easy walk from the parking area and offers an incredible view of the Colorado River as it curves around the rock formation below.
If you are driving from Sedona to Page, it is easy to visit both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the same day, but be prepared for crowds, especially during peak travel seasons.
Horseshoe Bend by Scott Turnmeyer
Horseshoe Bend is an easy find. There is a huge parking lot for it off the main road, you simply cannot miss it. There is a hike, I think All Trails said it was .5 mile, but it is in deep sand and up and down a hill. It's not bad going to it but a little more difficult coming back. But don't worry, we saw all ages and health conditions doing it, and I will tell you it is so worth it. It's so worth it that we made that trek 3 times on our trip taking photos.
When you you get to the end of the trail you are literally standing at the lip of one of the most beautiful things that I have ever laid my eyes on. So majestic, Mother Nature at work, showing us how small and insignificant we really are. If your jaw doesn't drop at first sight then you aren't human.
Also, you will see most of these photos released as fine art edition prints in the very near future. Watch for them because each one will have a huge sale on their release weekend.
Antelope Canyon Photography Tips – Camera Settings and Advice
Photographing Antelope Canyon can be challenging because of the low light and constantly changing colors inside the slot canyon. A tripod, low ISO, and longer exposures help capture the detail and color in the rock walls.
If you are serious about photography, try to book a tour that allows extra time for photos, and be ready to adjust settings quickly as the light changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving From Sedona to Page, Arizona
How far is Sedona from Page, Arizona?
Sedona and Page are roughly 160 miles apart by road, depending on your exact starting point and route. The drive takes you through some spectacular northern Arizona scenery and makes a great addition to a Southwest road trip.
How long does it take to drive from Sedona to Page?
Plan on approximately three hours of driving without stops. However, I recommend allowing extra time. There are plenty of places where you may want to stop for photographs or simply enjoy the scenery along the way.
Is the drive from Sedona to Page scenic?
Yes. The drive from Sedona to Page is one of those road trips where the journey is part of the experience. You'll see the landscape change dramatically as you travel north from the red rocks around Sedona toward the high-desert scenery surrounding Page and Lake Powell.
What is there to see between Sedona and Page?
The route offers plenty of Southwest scenery, with several possible stops depending on how much time you have. Flagstaff is a natural stopping point, and the drive north offers views of mountains, desert landscapes and dramatic rock formations. If you're building a larger Arizona itinerary, you can also incorporate other northern Arizona attractions into the trip.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the same day?
Yes. That's exactly what we did during our trip. We drove from Sedona to Page, toured Antelope Canyon and then headed to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. It makes for a long day, but it's very doable with good planning. Be sure to leave enough time between activities, especially if you have a scheduled Antelope Canyon tour.
Do you need a tour to visit Antelope Canyon?
Yes. Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation land and access is through authorized tour operators. Tour options, photography rules and permitted equipment can change, so check with your tour operator for the current requirements before your visit.
Is there a time change between Sedona and Page?
This can be surprisingly confusing. Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, while the Navajo Nation does. Because you'll be traveling through or near Navajo Nation lands, phones and other devices can sometimes display different times during the drive. We experienced this ourselves and briefly thought we might be late for our Antelope Canyon tour. Always confirm the local tour time directly with your tour operator rather than relying solely on your phone.
How much time should I spend in Page, Arizona?
At least one full day gives you enough time to experience Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but spending two days gives you a much more relaxed visit and additional time to explore the Lake Powell area and photograph the landscape.
Is Page, Arizona worth visiting?
If you're interested in Southwest landscapes, photography or outdoor travel, absolutely. Page makes an excellent base for visiting Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell, and it fits naturally into a road trip connecting Sedona, northern Arizona and southern Utah.
What is the best time to photograph Antelope Canyon?
The quality and direction of light inside Antelope Canyon change throughout the day and throughout the year. When we visited in 2017, specialized photography tours and particular tour times were available, but tour formats and photography rules have changed over time. Check current tour options before planning your visit specifically around photography.
What is the best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend?
Late afternoon and sunset can produce beautiful light at Horseshoe Bend, which is why we chose to visit after Antelope Canyon. The exact sunset and golden-hour times change throughout the year, so check the light for your specific travel date before planning your arrival. You can also use my golden hour calculator blog post.
Do you offer photography workshops?
Yes — I teach photography workshops in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
You can see upcoming workshops here: Explore Photography Experiences →
Next Stop – We’ll be heading from Page to Zion National Park
The next part of the trip would take us west now from Page to Springdale Utah and Zion National Park
Southwest Road Trip Itinerary – Phoenix, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, Zion & Las Vegas
Previous Day - Phoenix to Sedona Road Trip – Driving into Red Rock Country
Tomorrow - Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Photography Guide – Page Arizona
Several of the photos from this trip are available as fine art photography prints, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and other Southwest landscapes.
You can view available prints here: https://turnmeyers.com/pages/scott-turnmeyer-photography-wall-art
These prints are produced from my original landscape photography and are available in multiple sizes.
More Photography from Scott Turnmeyer
I write about landscape photography, night sky photography, camera technique, and photography workshops in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. You can explore more photography, workshops, and articles here:
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