Zion to Antelope Canyon: Drive Time and Route

Zion National Park to Antelope Canyon is about 110 miles and takes roughly two hours, running east through the park on UT-9 and then south on US-89 into Page, Arizona.

It is the shortest hop between any major national park and Antelope Canyon, which is why so many Zion visitors add a canyon tour to the end of their trip. Here is how to plan it.

Zion to Antelope Canyon at a glance

The route

From Springdale, head east on UT-9 through the heart of Zion. This is the scenic route by default, climbing the famous switchbacks and passing through the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel before emerging into the slickrock country on the park’s east side.

At Mount Carmel Junction, pick up US-89 south. The road runs down through Kanab and crosses into Arizona, delivering you into Page from the northwest. You will see Lake Powell open up as you approach.

The tunnel restriction to know about

The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel was built in 1930 and is narrow by modern standards. Oversized vehicles require a traffic escort, which costs an additional permit fee and only runs during limited hours.

If you are driving an RV, a large truck camper, or towing anything substantial, check the current size limits and escort hours with the National Park Service before you set out. Vehicles above the height and width limits are not permitted at all and must route around the park, which adds significant time.

Standard cars, SUVs, and vans pass through without any of this.

Timing your day

Two hours each way makes this an easy day trip, and plenty of visitors do it. A few things help:

• Check the time. Page observes Navajo Nation daylight saving while Utah is on Mountain time, so depending on the season the clock may or may not match. Your tour time is local to Page.

• Leave earlier than you think. UT-9 through Zion is slow by design, with wildlife, shuttles, and people stopping for photos.

• Book a midday or afternoon tour so a slow start in Zion does not cost you the canyon.

Worth stopping for

• Kanab, Utah — roughly the midpoint, a good place for fuel and food.

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park — a short detour off US-89, and completely different from anything else on the drive.

• Horseshoe Bend — just south of Page and about twelve minutes from the canyon, so most visitors pair the two.

Staying the night instead

If your schedule allows, a night in Page turns a rushed day into a relaxed one and opens up Lake Powell. See where to stay near Antelope Canyon and things to do in Page.

Continuing on to Bryce afterwards is also common, since Bryce Canyon is under three hours from Page.

Booking your tour

Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and requires an authorized Navajo guide. There is no self-guided option, and tours fill weeks ahead in summer, so book before you leave Zion.

Not sure which canyon to visit? Our Upper vs Lower comparison lays out the differences. When you are ready, reserve your Lower Antelope Canyon tour.