5 Best Places to Paddle Board in Antelope Canyon, AZ

Discover the best places to paddle board in Antelope Canyon, Arizona.

Imagine gliding through narrow, vibrant canyons and on tranquil waters.

The breathtaking beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits your paddle boarding adventure.

Join us as we unveil the most stunning spots to explore. Are you eager to embark?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Antelope Canyon

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 98 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 3 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes: WazSUP Kayak Rental, Paddle Lake Powell and Kayak the Colorado. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Antelope Canyon

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Lake Powell

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍️ Access Point: Antelope Point Marina (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds, mild currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, ducks, geese
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Antelope Canyon, Navajo Canyon, Tower Butte
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid paddling close to the canyon walls, watch for boat traffic

Lake Powell, bordering Arizona and Utah, offers a unique paddleboarding experience within the winding, sandstone formations of Antelope Canyon. The calm waters and stunning landscape make for a serene adventure.

Make sure to explore Navajo Canyon, another nearby gem, as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Powell.

#2 Colorado River

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Lees Ferry (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, mild winds, depend on weather conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, endangered humpback chub, blue heron, osprey, otters
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Vermilion Cliffs, Marble Canyon, Glen Canyon
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of changing water levels, check weather conditions, adhere to local rules

While not directly situated in Antelope Canyon, the Colorado River is nearby and provides a beautiful paddleboarding experience. Starting at Lees Ferry, you can navigate through Marble Canyon and Glen Canyon, offering stunning views of the Vermilion Cliffs.

The river’s moderate currents make it suitable for more experienced paddlers seeking an adventurous journey through Northern Arizona’s stunning landscapes.

#3 Lone Rock Beach

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍️ Access Point: Lone Rock Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds, occasional currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, ducks, geese
🏞️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Lone Rock, surrounding sandstone cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic and changing water levels, respect private campgrounds

Lone Rock Beach, located on Lake Powell, offers another fantastic spot for paddleboarding near Antelope Canyon. You’ll enjoy calm waters with views of the impressive Lone Rock and the surrounding sandstone cliffs.

This location is perfect for a day trip, combining paddleboarding with beach time and camping opportunities for an overnight stay.

#4 Gunlock Reservoir

🏖️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
📍️ Access Point: Gunlock State Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, waterfowl
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Red rock cliffs, waterfalls (seasonal)
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, check water levels and weather conditions

Though a bit further from Antelope Canyon, Gunlock Reservoir offers stunning red rock cliff surroundings and relatively calm waters, ideal for paddleboarding adventures. In the springtime, seasonal waterfalls create a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

Located within Gunlock State Park, the reservoir offers ample facilities and opportunities for a full day of outdoor fun.

#5 Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

🏖️ ️Location Type: River/Lake
📍️ Access Point: Glen Canyon Dam Overlook (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, mild winds, depend on weather conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, endangered humpback chub, blue heron, ospreys
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Glen Canyon Dam, steep canyon walls
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of changing water levels, check weather conditions, adhere to local rules

Experience paddleboarding in the shadow of the Glen Canyon Dam, which boasts high canyon walls and scenic views. Though the water level can have moderate currents, this location offers a breathtaking paddleboarding opportunity for intermediate and advanced paddlers.

Don’t forget to take in the views of the Glen Canyon Dam and the surrounding area while navigating the waters in this unique setting.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case