Antelope Canyon sits high on any United States travel bucket list; Kayaking to Antelope Canyon should be on every adventurers bucket list. Carved from hundreds of years of water erosion, the popular slot canyon is a mesmerizing sandstone wave that’ll make you feel like you left the U.S. and landed on Mars.
Typically a visit to Antelope Canyon requires ample planning and a hefty fee to be herded through the lower or upper canyon. Unfortunately when we visited Page, AZ, the pandemic had put a halt to all Navajo run tours. Antelope Canyon was high on our southwest road trip bucket list, and after some careful research, we discovered the back door to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell.
Lake Powell is a man-made reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border. Compared to those I grew up near in Connecticut, calling Lake Powell a reservoir feels like an injustice. The lake is sunken into vast sandstone cliffs and formations, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to any kayak or boating adventure.
Make no mistake, accessing Antelope Canyon by kayak is no easy feat, but it is absolutely worth it. Without the confines of a tour, you are free to explore the canyon at your own pace. And if you’re visiting in the off-season and lucky (or just crazy enough to kayak in 40 degree temperatures), you may even get the canyon completely to yourself.
What to Expect When Kayaking to Antelope Canyon
After reading other articles detailing the trials and tribulations of kayaking Antelope Canyon, we had some skeptics in our group. So I am here to set the record straight. If you are a decently fit person, kayaking to Antelope Canyon is very doable. Will you be exhausted after? Absolutely. But sitting on the crystal water surrounded by the sandstone cliffs and being absolutely alone to take in the majesty of it all — it was a once-in-a-lifetime type of day.
Although the total distance depends on the water level of the lake, expect around five miles of paddling round trip. This can take anywhere from one to two hours each way, plus however much time you’d like to spend in the canyon, as well as any swim breaks you take.
There are many inlets along the way to pull your kayak up and take a break in the sand if needed.
Due to the colder weather when we visited, we were lucky to avoid the usual boat crowd and wake that comes with it. In peak season, get on the water as early as possible for calm conditions.
Antelope Point Marina Kayak Rentals
Antelope Point Marina sits close to the southernmost point of Lake Powell. Full day single or double kayaks rentals are available directly at the marina from 8am – 4pm daily. If going as a pair, I recommend a double to save on strength — trust me, you’ll need it.
Single, Full Day Kayak Rental: $45
Double, Full Day Kayak Rental: $55
When traveling in peak season, call to reserve your rental in advance.
The marina employees will provide you with a map and can answer any questions you may have before you push off from the dock and begin your adventure. Like many areas of Arizona, cell service does not exist on Lake Powell. Knowing that you won’t be able to quickly Google the answers once you launch your kayak, listen closely and ask questions if you’re unsure.
What to Pack for a Day of Kayaking
Aside from a kayak and life vest, there are a few key items you won’t want to leave behind.
- Sunscreen & SPF Lip Balm
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Plenty of Water & Nuun electrolyte tablets
- Snacks
- Waterproof Shoes: Water shoes in the summer or hiking boots in the winter
- Quick Dry Towel
- Waterproof Bag: We packed a backpack which was soaking wet by the time we reached Antelope Canyon
- Waterproof Phone Case or Ziploc Bag to keep valuables dry
- Band-Aids: You’re bound to get a blister or two when paddling for four hours
- Extra Layers: If traveling in cold weather months, you might consider an extra pair of dry leggings to change into once you reach the canyon. This was a last minute add to the pack, and one I will forever be grateful for.
- America the Beautiful Park Pass: There is a $30 fee to access Lake Powell, but it is conveniently covered with the annual park pass.
How to Get to Antelope Canyon on Kayaks without a Tour
If you remember one thing from this article, let it be this: keep left. As long as you stay to the left after leaving the marina, it will be very difficult to get lost.
After pushing off from the dock, you will be in a no wake zone for a while — enjoy it while it lasts. Once you turn the bend and hit open water, you’ve started the hardest part of the trip. Keep left along the sandstone to stay out of boater’s ways and to keep an eye out for the entrance to the creek. Once you see the no-wake buoy labeled Antelope Canyon, you’ll know where to turn.
This is where it gets magical.
The farther you row down the creek, the more narrow the route becomes. Keep going until you reach the end. You’ll likely see other kayaks pulled up onto the muddy shore. Where your boating ends, your hike begins. The canyon is yours to explore — just remember that as far as you go in, you have to come the same way back out.
Other Things to Know Before You Head Out
Pay Attention to the Weather
Strong winds would make an already challenging experience much more difficult. We were out in a light wind and when we hit the open water on our way out of the protected creek, we could feel the resistance all the way back to the marina. It took us double the time to get back as it took to get to the canyon because of this. Although I also chalk some of that up to arm fatigue.
When you are in a slot canyon, there is only one way in and out. Any rain brings a flash flood risk that needs to be taken seriously.
Even for the end of February, we visited on an unusually cold day with temperatures hovering in the 40s. Although the Arizona sun made it feel warmer at times, once you are in the shade of the canyon walls, it will get very chilly. I was grateful to have dry leggings to change into — and an empty canyon for the privacy to do so! As long as you have proper layers, it is still very doable in the cold.
Keep an Eye on the Time
The rental shop closes at 4pm, and if you are not back in time they will send out a search and rescue at your expense. We had a late start to the day and cut it a little too close for comfort. Get out on the water as early in the morning as possible to allow yourself time to truly take in and enjoy every aspect of this experience.
