Arizona Travel: How To Hit 3 Spectacular Sights in 6 Hours

3 beautiful outdoor locations – all within 15 minutes of each other. Knowing that, how could you possibly pass up the opportunity to see each and every one? It would have broken my heart to miss anything, so my friends and I fit everything into one fantastic day:

Beehive Trail: Free

Although the next two spots on this list are world-famous, I honestly believe that Beehive Trail deserves this number-one spot. Not only is it just as beautiful, but it also makes you feel like you’ve been transported from Arizona into another world.

Arriving in the morning, we parked at the empty (except for one camper) lot for Beehive Trail. I looked up at the slickrock sand formations and was shocked at the lack of turnout on a Saturday morning. We saw just two other people over the span of an hour and a half of exploring the area. This is a popular trail, but if you get up early you can easily have it all to yourself.

This beautiful and expansive area is the perfect spot to let your inner child free. The trail is clearly lined with rocks, but there are many opportunities to leave the main trail and even climb into the beehive formations. Sorry, my fellow rock climbers – this rock is extremely fragile. You may be tempted to summit the muffin-shaped tower (see below), but please know that even the slightest pressure will cause the layers of silt to fall apart. Would NOT recommend. Do your best to contribute to the preservation of amazing spots like this. However, if you want to guarantee no slippage on the steep and sandy waves of rock, I absolutely must share my favorite non-slip hiking boots of all time.

Antelope Canyon (Upper): $55-$130

Just a 14 minute drive away from Beehive Campground (Lechee, Arizona), the Antelope Canyon tours are a must-see. As someone who tends to avoid tourist spots, even I cannot deny the appeal of Antelope Canyon. Hundreds of years of flash flooding and rain flow formed this amazing slot canyon. Over time, the canyon became deeper and deeper. Now, the canyon walls are around 120 feet tall, but this continues to change as flash floods are consistent in the area.

My friends and I attempted to spend the least amount of money possible while also adhering to our schedule. In the end, there wasn’t much of a difference in price between the two canyons. Because we visited in November, prices were on the upper end of the spectrum (we each paid $110). After the tour, we each agreed that it was worth the expense to add this to our Arizona travel plan. Not only is it interesting to learn about the canyon’s history and what is happening to it now, but the views are unparalleled.

Not only does the tour guide give you information on the canyon, but you will also get a handful of photography tips from them. Our tour guide stopped every few dozen feet to point out the best places to aim our cameras. After taking some beautiful shots, I chose to put away my tech and focus on enjoying my surroundings. Something about the way that the sandstone walls flow and create shapes makes for a peaceful environment, apart from time.

Horseshoe Bend: $10 per vehicle

With this amazing view, you might expect to have to go out of your way to see Horseshoe Bend. Surprisingly, access to this breathtaking viewpoint is uncomplicated. My travel buddies and I simply drove up to the entrance (only 11 minutes away from Antelope Canyon), paid the entrance fee, and walked down the trail to the river. Of course, this world-renowned nature stop is going to be a busy stop for tourists. Don’t expect to have the area to yourself unless you’re willing to come at sunrise, when the lot opens.

As we walked casually down the trail to the horseshoe-shaped wonder, we enjoyed the crisp November air and sunshine. As we got closer, I saw many visitors ignoring the safety railing and cautiously edging toward the 1,000-foot drop. When you approach the cliffside, please exercise caution and only go as far as you feel confident. The fenced overlook is not the only location that provides a great view of the canyon. You are free to continue on to the sides of the fenced area and climb on the sandstone that lines the canyon walls. Don’t forget to capture the awe-inspiring image so you can return home from Arizona with something to remember it by.

After visiting these 3 spectacular landmarks in 6 hours, we had barely broken a sweat. There are few destinations as ethereal and relatively close to each other as Beehive Trail, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Now, I will say that there are many other places to explore in this part of Arizona. From other hiking trails to Glen Canyon Dam, you have your work cut out for you if you want to live out this area’s full potential. I do believe that I chose 3 of the best possible locations to visit with such limited time. If you end up testing this theory, please leave a comment and let me know! Or go tag me on Instagram (@stephaniehalgren).