Antelope, Monument Valley & Horseshoe, 3-Days from Las Vegas

Exploring the American Southwest becomes effortless with this 3-day tour from Las Vegas that covers some of the region’s most iconic sights. Priced at $620 per person, the trip includes two nights’ hotel accommodations, breakfasts, all entrance fees, and a Jeep tour in Monument Valley. The tour is designed for those wanting a comprehensive experience, with transportation in air-conditioned vehicles and the convenience of guided visits to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Sedona, and Valley of Fire State Park.

This tour has earned a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating from 83 reviews and is recommended by 94% of participants. It often sells out about 66 days in advance, which highlights its popularity. While the itinerary is packed and walking distances can total around 1.5 miles per day, the pace is manageable for most with moderate physical fitness. Travelers should be prepared for variable weather and dress accordingly, as some stops involve outdoor walking and uneven terrain.

Key Points

• Price of $620 per person covers transportation, two nights’ hotel stay, breakfasts, and all entrance fees.
• Three-day itinerary includes visits to Sedona, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Valley of Fire.
• Highlights include a Jeep tour of Monument Valley led by Navajo guides and guided tours of both Lower and possibly Upper Antelope Canyon.
• The tour departs from Las Vegas, with no hotel pickup, but the meeting point is near Luxor Hotel.
• Traveling in comfortable, air-conditioned vans or buses, with wifi available on full-sized vehicles.
• Moderate walking is required, with up to 2 miles on uneven surfaces, suitable for travelers with decent mobility.
• Favorable reviews praise knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, though some note the bus rides can be lengthy.

Starting the Adventure: From Las Vegas to Sedona’s Scenic Marvels

The tour begins outside the Luxor Hotel and Casino, where travelers gather and board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. After a brief introduction, the journey takes travelers across the Mojave Desert and up to the Colorado Plateau, following historic Route 66. The first stop is Sedona, often called the “jewel of the desert,” renowned for its striking red rock formations.

The scenic Oak Creek Canyon is a highlight, descending 2000 feet into the valley, offering spectacular views for photos at designated overlooks. The stop includes visits to the Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, both famed for their natural beauty and photographic potential. Travelers enjoy time to explore Sedona’s shops and galleries, featuring authentic Indian arts and crafts.

Exploring Sedona’s Iconic Red Rocks and Arts Scene

Sedona’s breathtaking landscapes are at the heart of this experience. The Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock stops are brief but impactful, providing chances to appreciate their unique shapes and geological features. The region’s vibrant arts community is evident in the boutiques and galleries, and travelers are encouraged to browse for souvenirs or local crafts.

The tour’s pace allows enough time to take in the views without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those wanting a relaxed yet immersive experience of Sedona’s natural charm. The lunch break offers a chance to try local eateries or enjoy packed snacks, with plenty of options available in the town.

Horseshoe Bend and the Mighty Colorado River

On day two, the tour heads to Horseshoe Bend, a spectacular natural arch carved by the Colorado River. The overlook provides an impressive horseshoe-shaped view of the river below, a photo-worthy spot that draws many visitors. The visit lasts about an hour, giving enough time for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Following Horseshoe Bend, the journey proceeds into the Navajo Nation to Monument Valley. This area is famed for its towering sandstone formations that reach up to 300 meters. Visitors experience the land through a Jeep tour led by Navajo guides, who share insights into the land’s cultural significance and natural history. The three-hour jeep tour takes travelers down into the valley, revealing mesas, buttes, and diverse plant life.

Jeep Tour Through Monument Valley’s Iconic Landscape

The Navajo-led Jeep tour is a major highlight of the tour, offering an up-close view of Monument Valley’s geological marvels. The guides share stories and facts that deepen appreciation of this iconic American landscape. The terrain involves some off-road driving, adding an adventurous element to the visit.

This experience allows travelers to see sandstone formations that have been shaped over millions of years, all while gaining cultural insights from Navajo guides. It’s a photo-rich activity, with numerous vantage points to capture the distinctive landscape.

Antelope Canyon: Wind-formed Dunes and Light Play

The third day begins with a visit to Antelope Canyon, one of the region’s most famous slot canyons. Depending on weather and crowd conditions, the tour visits either the Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. The Lower Canyon features a narrow, corkscrew-like passage with steep stairs, while the Upper Canyon is wider and known for light beams that shine through openings—though these are more visible at specific times of day.

Touring the canyon involves walking about 1.5 miles over uneven surfaces, with an experienced Navajo guide leading the group. The canyon’s wind and water-created dunes produce stunning light and shadow patterns, making photography especially rewarding. The visit lasts approximately an hour and a half, and visitors should be prepared for moderate physical effort.

Valley of Fire: Ancient Sands and Fiery Reflections

After exploring Antelope Canyon, the tour proceeds to Valley of Fire State Park. This area is known for its vivid red sandstone formations that date back over 150 million years. The landscape appears to be on fire when sunlight hits the rocks, creating dazzling reflections.

The stop at Valley of Fire lasts about an hour, providing opportunities for photos and short walks among the natural arches and petroglyphs. The park’s terrain involves some walking over uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The timing is planned to coincide with the best lighting conditions, weather permitting.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and travelers are advised to dress appropriately for outdoor walks and variable temperatures. Wifi is available on full-sized coaches, but not on smaller vans. The group size is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring a relatively comfortable experience.

Meeting at the Luxor Hotel means that self-arranged transportation or ride-sharing is necessary to join the tour. Parking at the hotel is available but may incur fees. Luggage is restricted to one piece plus a small carry-on, and travelers should have moderate mobility due to walking distances and uneven terrain at some stops.

The Role of Guides and Overall Experience

Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides who help with photo opportunities and locating restaurants. Guides often share interesting stories and are praised for their friendly, helpful attitude. Many travelers note the scenery as breathtaking and the jeep tour as a majestic part of the trip.

While some reviews mention the lengthy bus rides and crowded conditions at certain stops, the overall sentiment is positive. The combination of guided tours and free time strikes a good balance for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the Southwest’s natural wonders.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This 3-day adventure is well-suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy outdoor scenery and cultural sites. It offers a well-organized experience that covers multiple highlights with included transportation, lodging, and entrance fees. Travelers comfortable with walking over uneven terrain will appreciate the stops, but those with mobility challenges should consider the walking distances involved.

The tour’s full itinerary and expert guides make it ideal for first-timers wanting a convenient, rundown of the region, though it may not suit those seeking more time at each individual location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?
No, the tour departs from a meeting point near Luxor Hotel and Casino; guests must arrange their own transportation to the meeting location.

What vehicle types are used during the tour?
Depending on group size, travelers are transported in either air-conditioned vans or full-sized buses.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on full-size coaches, but it may not support streaming services.

Can children under 7 participate in the Antelope Canyon visit?
No, guests must be at least 7 years old to visit Antelope Canyon.

Are there options for vegetarians or special diets?
Yes, vegetarian options and dietary accommodations can be arranged, with meals purchased separately during the tour.

How strenuous is the tour?
The tour involves walking up to 1.5 miles over uneven terrain at some stops, so moderate fitness levels are recommended.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance; cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, tours can be offered in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, and Chinese; specify at booking.

What should I wear for the outdoor stops?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are advised, especially for uneven terrain.

Will I get to see the famous light beams at Antelope Canyon?
Visibility of light beams depends on the time of day and weather conditions; they are more likely to be seen in Upper Antelope Canyon.