Driving time - Desert View to Page?
 

Mapquest pegs it at 2:20, but I understand (through you guys) that there is fantastic scenery to be seen upon exiting the eastern entrance of the GC.

We're trying to hit the (final) 5:00 Antelope Canyon tour in Page on our way to Kanab. Wondering how much actual driving time to budget, taking scenery stops, photo ops, no passing zones, etc on the way to Page into account.

Will we be able to hit Page by 5:00 if we leave GC by 1:00? How about 2:00? Don't want to squander too much GC time, but Antelope Canyon almost appears to be a "must-see" and we've heard that the later tours are possibly the quietest/least busy.

Any input or feedback would be helpful...

Can't help you with the drive time but if you are talking about taking the walking tour of upper Antelope Canyon and hope to have good photos of the color you will too late at 5pm. The best color due to sun position is 11am-2pm. The reflecting and bouncing of the sun off the rocks is what causes the wonderful colors. Sun will be too low on horizon to due it much justice.

topping for (hopefully) any more info...

It has been several years, but we stayed at the Cameron Trading Post and I remember it being about two hours to Page. We also had time to see the dinosaur tracks on the way to Page. The post by PhotoDog is correct - around noon is the best time to be amazed by Antelope Canyon. As old timers on this site will atest, I raved for weeks about Antelope Canyon after my last visit and would happily drive out of my way to visit the area again.

Mike Honeycutt

I agree, antelope canyon is absolutely stunning and a must see but I would at least try for when the sun is higher up not almost at the horizon. The changing brilliant colors from sun's reflection is what makes it so stunning. At 5pm, you'll get maybe 15% of that. It's quieter and least busy for that reason.

There's also horseshoe bend near the entrance of page. Why not leave GC a tad earlier and make it in time for at least an earlier tour then sit and watch the sunset at horseshoe bend? It'll be lovely.