Another way to see Antelope Canyon

In addition to walking through Upperand Lower Antelope Canyon, which must be done on separate tours, visitors to Page, Arizona can take a pontoon boat ride on Lake Powell that goes through above-ground portions of the canyon.

Canyon walls on boat tour of Lake Powell

 Panoramic scenes of red rocks and white limestone fill the senses as the boat navigates deeper into the canyon, gliding between jagged sandstone and limestone precipices, outcroppings, and domes. It’s another way to appreciate the area’s fascinating geology.

Antelope Canyon widens as it approaches Lake Powell, the largest man-made lake in the United States, which was created when Glen Canyon Dam was built in 1966.

Rock formations are a study in geology on the water.

As the boat follows the lake, it eventually turns into numerous side canyons. Actually there are 94 canyons along the lake, which can be further explored by boat (your own or rental), kayak, or a tour such as we took. 

Most boat tours start at Antelope Point Marina, a destination filled with rental houseboats and surrounded by stunning scenery. You can ride a golf cart from the Visitor Center to the dock or walk a long ramp if you want more exercise. Most tours last about an hour and go to a turn-around point, which varies depending on water level.

Sheer cliffs reveal clear strata of rock from the ages.

In addition to a pleasant boat ride, you’ll experience Antelope Canyon from a different perspective—the water side. From the Marina, the boat goes down lake along the Colorado River’s original channel to the canyon opening surrounded by sheer red rock cliffs. In contrast to light streaming through narrow slots of Upper and Lower Canyons, you’ll enjoy the soaring Navajo sandstone rock walls on either side of Lake Powell.

A beautiful starting point for additional discovery of Antelope Canyon

While this can be a stand-alone tour, it’s possible to purchase a triple ticket that bundles both slot canyons and the boat ride—and, if you plan well, you can do it all in one day. This will certainly be a memorable visit to one of the most photographed places in the Southwest.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier