REVIEW · PAGE
Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by JoyFun Tour, LLC · Bookable on Viator
Two breathtaking stops, one smooth route.
This tour connects Secret Antelope Canyon with Horseshoe Bend so you get classic Page views without a chaotic self-drive day. You’ll move between sites in a scheduled, guided flow, and the company keeps groups small (max 12), which helps the whole pace feel calmer than the usual crowd scene.
I love the focused time at each place—enough wandering for photos and angles without feeling rushed. I also love the iPhone photo coaching vibe, with guide Gail standing out for helping people frame shots and even stepping in to take photos when needed.
One consideration: this experience needs good weather, and it has a strict policy about no-shows and being late, so plan your timing carefully.
In This Review
- Key things I’d circle before you book
- Two Icons, One Smooth Route From Page
- Secret Antelope Canyon: the 300-meter nature walk and up to an hour inside
- The Off-Road Ride From Page: shaded truck time and sandy wash scenery
- Horseshoe Bend Rim Time: skipping the crowded lot and walking to the edge
- Guide Gail and the small-group advantage for better photos
- Price and value: is $179 for 3 hours a smart deal?
- What to pack and how to show up ready
- Who this tour is best for (and who should choose something else)
- Where you start and end (so you’re not wasting time)
- Should you book this Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What is the price per person?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What is not included?
- How long do you spend at each stop?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- What are the cancellation rules?
Key things I’d circle before you book

- Secret Antelope Canyon access with limited crowds in the Antelope Canyon system
- A private-feeling Horseshoe Bend approach that cuts the walk from the rim area
- Small group size (max 12) for a more relaxed experience
- Guide Gail’s photo help, including strong iPhone tips
- Up to an hour to explore inside the slot canyon with time for pictures
Two Icons, One Smooth Route From Page

If you’re basing yourself in Page, this is one of the more efficient ways to see two headline sites in about three hours. You get canyon drama at Secret Antelope Canyon, then you switch gears to a wide-open view over the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend. The real win is that it’s organized so you’re not bouncing between parking lots, shuttles, and navigation on a tight timeline.
The tour also keeps you in a small group (up to 12 people). That matters more than you’d think at Horseshoe Bend, where the rim can get crowded. A smaller group helps you get space to stroll along the edge and choose your own photo angles instead of feeling packed in.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Page.
Secret Antelope Canyon: the 300-meter nature walk and up to an hour inside

Secret Antelope Canyon (often called Secret Antelope) is part of the Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon system on Navajo Nation land. What I like about this stop is that it’s positioned as an undiscovered option compared to the bigger, more famous Antelope Canyon routes—so you’re more likely to feel like you’re stepping into something quieter.
You’ll start with a short nature walk (about 300 meters) to the slot canyon entrance. That walk is short enough to keep momentum, but long enough to build anticipation—sand, canyon air, and that moment when the walls start to close in.
Once you’re inside, you’ll have up to an hour to photograph and meander through the slot canyon. The exact path can feel different each time you visit because the light changes as you move. The slot canyon also gives you a built-in “moving viewpoint” for photos: you don’t just stand in one spot. You can step aside, turn slowly, and use the canyon curves to create different compositions.
Possible drawback to expect: slot canyon time is fixed. If you’re the type who wants to linger for a long, slow photo session, you’ll need to work efficiently—choose your spot, take your shots, then move on with the group.
The Off-Road Ride From Page: shaded truck time and sandy wash scenery

A big part of this tour is the ride itself. You start with a short drive from Page on Highway 89, then you switch into a rougher off-road section via sandy washes and rolling hills. The plan is built to get you from the main road out toward the canyon area south of Lake Powell.
The route includes about a six-mile off-road drive after leaving the highway. That means you’re not just driving past scenery—you’re experiencing the terrain. It’s also described as a shaded 4×4 tour truck approach, which is helpful when the desert sun is doing its thing.
This ride matters because it changes the feel of the day. You’re not treating Secret Antelope Canyon like a quick parking-lot visit. You’re committing to a real Page-region excursion, then landing at the canyon entrance with your energy up.
Horseshoe Bend Rim Time: skipping the crowded lot and walking to the edge

Horseshoe Bend is a one-of-a-kind “river loop from above” view, where the Colorado River wraps around a rock promontory. The reason it’s so popular is also the reason it can be stressful: everyone wants the same rim shots, and the public parking area can feel packed.
This tour avoids the congested public parking lot for the overlook. You’ll take a private dirt road that gets you within about 100 meters of the edge, so your walk to the rim is shorter. That sounds like a small detail, but in practice it changes the whole experience—less waiting, fewer bottlenecks, and more time to actually enjoy the view.
From the rim, you’ll stroll along the side of a roughly 1,000-foot drop, giving you different angles on the river’s curve. The tour allocates about an hour for this portion, which is plenty for a mix of quick overview photos and a slower “walk and frame” session.
If you want sunrise or golden-hour style shots, this is also where timing matters. The tour duration is set, so you’ll want to choose your booking time wisely if you’re picky about light.
Guide Gail and the small-group advantage for better photos

The most consistent highlight in the feedback is guide Gail. People specifically praised her as friendly, informative, and strong at explaining the area. One review called out her history knowledge, and another pointed to her iPhone photo expertise—including actually taking pictures so you’re not stuck doing the “selfie arms” shuffle.
That matters because canyon and rim photography isn’t just about having a good camera. It’s about knowing where to stand, when to move, and how to handle bright skies against darker canyon walls. Even if you’re using an iPhone, having someone show you basic framing and angle ideas can save a lot of time—and you’ll leave with more usable photos.
And because groups are capped at 12, you’re not fighting for position every time the light shifts. You can pause. You can ask questions. You can move without feeling rushed.
Price and value: is $179 for 3 hours a smart deal?

At $179 per person for about three hours, this tour sits in the mid-to-higher range for Page day trips. The question is what you’re buying besides access.
Here’s the value math that helps you decide:
- You get admission to Secret Antelope Canyon, plus guided time to explore it.
- Transportation is included (described as comfortable and enclosed), and the off-road drive is part of what you’re paying for.
- Horseshoe Bend logistics are handled, including the private dirt-road approach that cuts the walk.
- The company limits groups to 12 travelers, which is a real quality factor at popular viewpoints.
What’s not included is important too:
- A Navajo Permit ($15 per person) is listed as not included.
- Navajo guide tips are recommended (about $2–$5 per person).
So if you’re comparing prices, make sure you compare the total out-of-pocket. Still, when you add in admission + guided access + transportation + a smoother rim arrival, $179 starts to make sense—especially if you don’t want to spend half your day coordinating rides and parking.
What to pack and how to show up ready

Because you’ll walk at both stops—short at Secret Antelope Canyon (around 300 meters to enter) and along the Horseshoe Bend rim—comfortable shoes matter. The terrain is described as sandy and off-road-adjacent, so traction helps.
You’ll also want to think about weather. The experience requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather trigger a reschedule or a full refund. That’s a helpful safety net, but it means you shouldn’t plan this as the only way you’ll see the area.
Finally, bring your phone camera confidence down a notch and your curiosity up. Gail’s iPhone help is a big part of the experience, so it’s worth arriving ready to ask and adjust.
Who this tour is best for (and who should choose something else)

This tour is a great fit if you want:
- A small-group day with a guided pace
- Both Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend without splitting your time between vendors
- A photo-focused experience with real guidance—especially if you’re using an iPhone
It’s less ideal if you want:
- Unlimited time at the canyon (your slot is time-capped)
- The flexibility of independent wandering for as long as you want
If you’re someone who likes structure but still wants room to move and take photos, this is a strong match.
Where you start and end (so you’re not wasting time)
The tour begins at Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, 821 US-89 # B, Page, AZ 86040. It ends back at the meeting point, so you can plan your next activity without guessing where you’ll be dropped off.
It’s also set up with a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. Confirmation comes at booking time.
Should you book this Secret Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour?
I’d book it if you want a smooth, time-efficient way to see two top Page stops with less hassle than self-planning. The standout reason is guide Gail—people consistently highlight her friendliness, knowledge, and especially her ability to help with iPhone photos. Add the small group size and the private-feeling approach at Horseshoe Bend, and you’ve got a day that feels organized without feeling stiff.
Don’t book it last-minute if your schedule is fragile. This experience needs good weather, and the company is strict about being late or a no-show. If you can plan carefully and you’re ready to walk a bit on sand and at the rim, this is a solid value way to see the canyon-and-river combo that makes Page famous.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 3 hours (approx.).
What is the price per person?
The price is $179.00 per person.
What’s included in the tour price?
You get admission to Secret Antelope Canyon, transportation in a comfortable and enclosed vehicle, and a tour guide/driver.
What is not included?
Not included are other personal expenses, Navajo guide tips (recommended $2–$5 per person), and a Navajo Permit ($15.00 per person).
How long do you spend at each stop?
You spend about 2 hours at Secret Antelope Canyon and about 1 hour at Horseshoe Bend.
Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, 821 US-89 # B, Page, AZ 86040.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What are the cancellation rules?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Also, no refunds are issued for no-shows and being late.
























