Paddleboarding Into Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell
I paddleboarded into Antelope Canyon.
I'd been inside the land portion of Antelope Canyon years ago. I had no idea you could paddle into it, and I only learned that section existed about two days before I went.
This turned out to be one of my favorite days on the road.
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How I ended up in Page, Arizona
There's a gap between this and my last few videos, so here's the route: I came down the eastern side of Utah, spent a stretch around Monument Valley, and then made my way to Page, Arizona.
Spring arrived early here and the weather has been beautiful.
The wind is the whole planning problem
I waited several days in Page before attempting this, because the wind had been absolutely insane.
That's the single most important thing to know if you want to do this. Lake Powell gets rough, and a paddleboard is the worst possible craft for wind. I went on the first day it looked calm, and even then I hit a section that turned unexpectedly choppy where I had to drop into a full squat to stay stable.
Check the wind forecast, then check it again the morning of. Be willing to wait.
Getting to the water
A few logistics that surprised me.
You're not towing a trailer down there. The ramp is brutally steep, practically vertical in places, and it's about a quarter mile walk down from where I parked.
I inflated my paddleboard at the top and carried it down. An inflatable is genuinely the right tool here. Some people drove all the way down, which is the smarter play if your vehicle can manage it.
It's busy. This is also where the Antelope Canyon boat tours launch from, so expect a crowd at the ramp even when the water itself is quiet.
What the paddle is actually like
Conditions the day I went were about 65 to 70 degrees, though it felt warmer, and honestly close to perfect.
The water is stunning. You can see roughly 20 feet down, and it's far deeper than that.
Watch for boat wake. When a boat passed I sat down on the board rather than risk going in, and I'd recommend the same. You'll hear them before you see them.
Navigating to the canyon takes a bit of guesswork. It's around a bend and off to one side, and it isn't obvious until you're close.
Inside the canyon
Then it opens up, and it's hard to believe.
The best part is where it narrows. As the canyon gets thinner it gets dramatically more interesting, and that stretch is what makes the trip.
There were a handful of other people out there, which given the season felt like almost nobody. In summer I can't imagine how packed this gets.
At the far end you can get out and continue on foot. I went barefoot, which is how I learned a lesson by stubbing my toe on rock. Wear something.
Deeper in on foot it starts to look like the Antelope Canyon people picture, with the classic sculpted walls. I'd been hoping for features like Upper Antelope Canyon, and the further section delivered more than I expected.
Then, because I'd timed it without meaning to, I caught sunset on Lake Powell on the paddle back.
Practical tips if you want to do this
Wait for a calm day. Wind is the deciding factor, not temperature
Use an inflatable board so you can carry it down the ramp
Expect a steep quarter-mile walk from parking to the water
Go outside peak season. Early spring meant near-solitude in a place that's normally crowded
Sit down for boat wake rather than trying to ride it out standing
Bring shoes for the walking section at the end of the canyon
Protect your camera. My entire goal that day was not dropping mine to the bottom of Lake Powell
Time your return for golden hour. The light coming out of the canyon was the best part of the day
FAQ
Can you paddleboard into Antelope Canyon?
Yes. There's a water-accessible section on Lake Powell out of Page, Arizona, separate from the land tours most people know.
Is it hard?
The paddling itself isn't difficult in calm conditions. Wind is what makes it hard, and the walk down to the launch is steeper than you'd expect.
When is the best time to go?
Early spring worked well for me. Warm enough to be comfortable, and almost nobody out there compared to summer.
How clear is the water?
I could see about 20 feet down.
Do you need a permit or a tour?
I went independently on my own board. Boat tours run from the same launch area if you'd rather be taken in.
Is this the same as the Antelope Canyon everyone photographs?
It's a different section, reached by water. Once you get out and walk at the far end, it starts to resemble the classic slot canyon imagery.
Final thoughts
I didn't know this place existed two days before I paddled into it, and it became one of my favorite days out here.
That's the argument for exploring without a plan. Also the argument for a paddleboard, which opens up a completely different kind of access than hiking does.
Any other activities or places I should check out while I'm on the road? Let me know in the comments. I'll see you out there.
Related:
Gear in this video
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