The first 02 days in Las Vegas were about experiencing the City Life and exploring nearby attractions. By the time we wrapped up Day 2 at Fremont Street and caught a glimpse of The Sphere glowing like a futuristic moon, I thought I’d seen Vegas in every way possible: casinos, shows, cocktails, and iconic Strip landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, don’t just stop at the Strip; make time for Lower Antelope Canyon, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the Southwest.
On Day 3 of my Vegas itinerary, I left behind the casinos and bright lights for a desert road trip that took me to Horseshoe Bend and the winding sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon. It turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip.
Early Start: Road Tripping Out of Vegas
We picked up our rental car the night before at the airport, a convertible Mustang from Sixt. The rental cost me $190 for 1.5 days, and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better choice. Cruising through the open desert with the top down made the drive itself part of the adventure. The warm wind, endless highway, and those wide desert skies set the tone before we even got to Horseshoe Bend.
The trip from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend takes about 4.5 to 5 hours (around 275 miles). It’s a long haul, but in a convertible, the ride didn’t feel like a chore; it felt like an experience. The scenery slowly shifted from flat desert plains to dramatic mesas, and with the music up, it was one of those road trips that makes you wish the drive was just a little bit longer.
Pro Tip:
- If you can, splurge on a convertible. The open-air drive through the desert is unforgettable.
- Leave as early as possible to beat the midday heat and arrive at Horseshoe Bend with great lighting.
- Stock up on water and snacks before you leave Vegas; once you’re past the outskirts, options are limited until you get closer to Page, Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend: A Natural Wonder You Have to See
After the long drive, we finally reached Horseshoe Bend, just outside Page, Arizona. The parking lot was easy to find and cost about $10 per vehicle. From there, it’s a 0.7-mile hike (about 15–20 minutes) to the overlook. The walk is fairly easy, though there are some sandy inclines, so wear comfortable shoes.
And then, the view.
Standing at the edge, you’re met with a jaw-dropping sight: the Colorado River making a perfect U-turn around a massive rock formation, 1,000 feet below. Photos don’t do it justice, you need to be there in person to feel the scale.
Tips for Horseshoe Bend:
- Go early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting (midday sun can wash out photos).
- Bring water; there’s no shade on the trail.
- Stay cautious at the edge, it’s a sheer drop with no railings in most places.
Lower Antelope Canyon: A Slot Canyon Dream
From Horseshoe Bend, it’s a quick 15-minute drive to Lower Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. We had pre-booked a guided tour with Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, which cost $75 per person. (Worth every dollar, and you can’t enter the canyon without a guide anyway.)
The tour lasted about an hour and a half, and walking into the canyon felt like stepping into another planet. Narrow sandstone walls twisted in waves above us, their shapes carved over centuries by water and wind. Sunlight streamed through narrow cracks at the top, creating golden beams that lit up the canyon walls in fiery reds and oranges.
Our guide not only walked us safely through but also pointed out photo spots and helped adjust camera settings so the colors popped in every shot.
The Drive Back to Vegas
By evening, we wrapped up our canyon adventure and started the drive back to Las Vegas. It’s another 4.5–5 hours, so plan for fuel and maybe a dinner stop along the way. By the time the Vegas skyline reappeared on the horizon, glowing against the night sky, I felt like I had lived two different vacations in one weekend, one powered by neon, the other shaped by nature.
Day 3 was the perfect way to round out the Vegas trip. After two days of lights, clubs, and casinos, stepping into the raw beauty of Horseshoe Bend and Lower Antelope Canyon felt like a reset button. It reminded me that Las Vegas isn’t just about the Strip; it’s also a gateway to some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the U.S.
Three days, three very different adventures. From the neon chaos of Day 1, the classic icons of Day 2, to the natural wonders of Day 3, this trip showed me just how much variety Las Vegas and its surroundings have to offer.
