michelle in the wild

Antelope Canyon is perhaps the most well-known and most photographed slot canyon in the United States. But many people probably don’t realize that you can also kayak a portion of the canyon. Just five miles north of Lower Antelope Canyon on BIA Highway N22B is access to Lake Powell. From here, you can kayak the 2.5 miles from Antelope Point through Antelope Canyon. The water in the canyon eventually dries up, but you will pass through many twists and turns of the sandstone walls before reaching the end and turning around.

I own a kyak, but if you don’t, there are plenty of options for renting one.

Hidden Canyon Kayak

Kayak Lake Powell

Lake Powell Kayak & Paddleboard

If you plan on renting, I would suggest calling ahead to make a reservation, especially during the busy summer season. Keep in mind that Lake Powell is in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so you will have to pay a fee to enter (or bring your America the Beautiful Park Pass).

If you launch at Antelope Point Marina you’ll paddle along for about a mile hugging the canyon walls while boats speed by cruising down the river. If the weather is nice and the water is flat, it should be almost effortless. There is one turn, and you will know your there when you see the wide mouth of the canyon to your left and a no-wake zone sign. You may even see a tour boat or smaller rental boat entering or leaving.

This is where you really enter the canyons Paddling the tranquil water below the red sandstone cliffs is jaw dropping. With each turn the red walls seem to swallow you with their magestic beauty.

Two miles in the cliffs will narrow and there will be a beach area where you can continue your slot adventure by hiking through the canyons. This is very muddy at first, but soon enough you will be winding through the small canyons.

Tips for a great paddle

• Pack plenty of water, food and sunscreen. You’ll also want a good pair of sandals. As we mentioned, hiking shoes will likely only get ruined if it is muddy.
• Bring a dry bag if you have anything that can’t get wet. We bought one from the rental company and it was definitely worth it to keep our camera safe. Everything you put on the board gets soaked when boats go by.
• If you don’t wear your life vest, strap it onto the board, so not to lose it. There may or may not have been a harrowing rescue of mine because I didn’t listen to Buddy when he suggested this. The fee for losing it isn’t cheap!
• Stay to the sides of the canyon while paddling. Boats are in there as well and you don’t want one to hit you. Although, they are supposed to go slow, not everyone in a rental/personal boat cares to do so.
• Leave as early as possible if you are planning to do the hike. There is a late return fee if you aren’t back before closing time and we cut it pretty close to this.
• Bring your National Park Pass. A fee wasn’t needed where we put in, but if you are exploring other areas of Lake Powell, you may have to pay the fee or use your parks pass. (Which we think everyone should have because our parks rock!)
• Heed weather warnings. High winds can make paddling an overly exhausting pursuit. And during heavy rains, there is a risk of flash flood. Just make sure to check the conditions before you go and be smart.

The whole adventure should take you 3-5 hours, depending on how fast you paddle and if you choose to hike the slots.