Page, Arizona is a small town on the Arizona/Utah border that serves as a tourist hub for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. It’s often not thought of as Arizona’s most exciting place to visit, but stay here a few days, and you’ll find there are quite a few things to do in Page, AZ. We find it one of the best places to visit in the American Southwest.
Lake Powell alone has fantastic scuba diving, fishing, and boating opportunities, and the Navajo Reservation can provide days of outdoor adventure. Page is the perfect stop on an Arizona road trip itinerary and paves the way to visit the Grand Canyon.
In this Page, Arizona travel guide will let you in on all the fun things to do in Page, AZ for your visit!
In this Page Travel Guide We’ll Cover
- Where is Page
- Typical Weather In Page
- Best Things To Do In Page
- What To Bring To Page
- Where To Eat In Page
- Where To Stay In Page
- How Many Days Should You Spend In Page?
Get a US Parks Pass to Visit Page
To enter the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area you are required to purchase a Parks Pass. Pass prices are as follows:
- 1-7 Day Vehicle Entrance: $30.00
- 1-7 Day Motorcycle Entrance: $25.00
- 1-7 Day Individual Entrance (foot or bicycle): $15.00
- 1-7 Day Boating Entrance (one private vessel): $30.00
If you are visiting multiple US National Parks it’s best to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 for the year and grants you access to all registered parks. At just $80 for a year it’s quite a steal and you won’t have to worry about stopping at park gates to pay!
Where is Page, Arizona?
Page, Arizona is a small city of just 8000 people in Coconino County near the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. It’s less than 10 miles away from the Utah/Arizona border. Page was founded in 1957 when the Glen Canyon Dam was constructed, and the workers needed nearby community housing.
Now Page serves as a tourist destination in Arizona as it’s one of the coolest places to visit in the US, and is most well known for its access to Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon in Navajo Nation, and Horseshoe Bend.
What is the Typical Weather in Page, Arizona?
Page has an arid desert climate with scorching summers and cold winters as it’s located at the southern edge of the Great Basin Desert. You can expect desert-dry air with peak temperatures ranging between 90-95°F between June and August.
The best time to visit is in April, early May, Late September, and October, when temperatures are bearable. We visited in early April and found the temperatures and weather perfect.
Best Things to do in Page, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Any visitor to Page, Arizona will have to cross over the Colorado River and right over the Glen Canyon Dam if coming from Utah. You cannot miss it as you enter Page! This 710-foot high dam was constructed between 1956-1966 and formed Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made dams in the United States.
It’s interesting to see the Colorado River, and it’s said the river is much calmer and colder than before the dam was built. Although the dam is a controversial one, it’s still pretty interesting to view and walk over. There is an excellent walking platform and Carl Hayden Visitor Center for anyone looking for a fun free activity in Page.
It is free to visit the visitor center and walk across the bridge.
Hanging Gardens Trail
If you are looking for a nice easy hike right outside Page, check out the Hanging Gardens Trail. We went around sunset when there was no one around, and the views were plentiful. The trail is just over 1-mile round trip, with minimal elevation gain.
At the trail’s end is a beautiful setting where lush plants meet the desert. You can also get great views over Lake Powell here too!
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Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a famed destination not only in Arizona but all of the United States. Heading here is one of the best things to do in Page!
I was under the impression that getting to Horseshoe Bend would be a bit of a mission. However, I was pleasantly surprised upon learning that Horseshoe Bend is just a five-minute drive away from town.
It used to be free to visit, but it now costs $10 per car for parking at Horseshoe Bend due to increasing numbers. Once you park, it’s about a 1-mile round trip walk to see the magnificent sight.
After more than a few fatal falls, there is now a viewing platform at Horseshoe Bend with a railing, although there are still some spots you can get closer to the edge if you dare.
While I thought the scenery of the “horseshoe” was mindblowing, I walked away feeling underwhelmed solely because of the crowds of this place. It’s still worth seeing; just be prepared to not have it to yourself.
Since the parking lot opens at 7 am, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to arrive before sunrise for photography unless you bike or run in from town.
The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is in the early morning or late afternoon when crowds are lower. Cash or card payment accepted. The walking path to Horseshoe Bend is well maintained and well paved. There are a few points for shade and to rest along the way.
Lees Ferry and Spencer Trail Lookout
Since the crowds at Horseshoe Bend were more than we were hoping for, we decided to escape and work for our views by hiking up the Lees Ferry and Spencer Trail Lookout, and it ended up being one of our favorite things to do in Page!
This is a steep hike up a series of switchbacks on a well-trodden trail; you get fantastic views over the Colorado River at the top. Similar to Horseshoe Bend but without any of the crowds. We made the hike up on a Saturday afternoon and had the plateau to ourselves.
It’s not a super easy hike with an elevation gain of over 1600 feet in under 2 miles up. It will likely get your blood pumping, but there is nothing complicated or scary about this Arizona hike, and the reward is well worth the effort!
Come prepared to hike in the desert with lots of water and sunscreen, as there is no shade the entire way!
The Lees Ferry and Spencer Lookout Trail are best done outside of summer when temperatures are bearable. There is no shade on the trail, and you'll gain elevation quickly. Make sure to bring lots of water to avoid dehydration.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Perhaps Page’s most famous site is the Upper Antelope Canyon. This is considered one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world and is likely where you have seen plenty of Instagram images come from.
Visitors flock from all over the country and the world to walk through this canyon. Head here at the right time of day, and you’ll get picture-perfect photos of the light hitting the slot canyon ever so perfectly, lighting up the scene fiery red.
However like many beautiful places in the world, the experience has been slightly ruined by over-tourism. At certain times the canyon sees over 5000 people per day! That’s a lot of people in a tiny canyon.
You also can’t just visit. You must join an expensive organized tour, especially for a family. The tour guide will keep things moving, and the whole experience feels somewhat rushed. But it’s still one of those must-visit places to visit in Page! You can see what we shoot all our photos on here.
Tours start at $92 (plus an $8 Navajo Permit fee) and are about 90 minutes long. All tours are run by a Navajo Guide and should be booked well in advance during peak season. 10:30 am and 1 pm are peak "sunbeam" hours and are the best time at Antelope Canyon for photographers - no tripods or selfie sticks allowed.
Lower Antelope Canyon
The Lower Antelope Canyon is a slightly less crowded experience than the Upper Antelope Canyon. It’s not as dramatic, but it still is an incredible thing to do in Page. You’ll still need a tour to visit, which is expensive – just not as bad as the Upper Antelope Canyon. You could easily combine both in one afternoon if you don’t mind the price.
Lower Antelope tours start at $60; if you have already paid the $8 Navajo Nation fee, you do not need to pay again.
Wire pass Trail
If you cannot score a tour at the Antelope Canyon and want a great free alternative check out the Wire Pass Trail.
This easy hike outside Page takes you through a beautiful slot canyon with epic views. As we couldn’t get permits to hike The Wave, or get a guide to do Antelope Canyon, we opted for this far less crowded (and free option) and loved it. Wire Pass Trail is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike with minimal elevation gain.
While the first part starts out relatively uneventful, the excitement begins as you enter the Wire Pass slot canyon. The hike ends at the Buckskin Gulch, although you can continue hiking in either direction in the gulch. Some even walk through the gulch on a multi-day trip or via horseback!
Note that if there is any rain in the forecast, this trail should be avoided. Flash floods are common in wet conditions and can be fatal if caught in the canyon at the time.
Waterholes Canyon
Another fantastic alternative to Antelope Canyon is Waterholes Canyon. This is a tremendous slot canyon that no one ventures to as not many visitors to Page have even really heard of it!
You’ll still need a tour guide to take you through Waterholes Canyon, but the benefit is you will see far fewer people than in Antelope Canyon. You’ll be able to take as many photos as you want and walk at your own pace through the canyon.
It’s not as beautiful or dramatic as Antelope Canyon, but if you had never visited a slot canyon before, there’s no way you won’t be impressed anyway!
Tours start at $81 per person and must be accompanied by a Navajo guide.
See The Grand Canyon (North Rim)
Page is a jumping-off point for many visitors to access the Grand Canyon. From Page, you are still about 2.5 hours from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, the drive there is stunning, and it’s still one of the closest towns in Arizona to stay to access the Grand Canyon.
The North Rim is considered the “Other Side” of the Grand Canyon and is only visited by 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors. The North Rim is over 8000 feet in elevation and provides breathtaking views.
Nearby is just one lodge, the Grand Canyon Lodge, and one campground. So if you want to visit the “Other Side” of the canyon, the best place to stay is Page, Arizona.
The Toadstool Hoodoos Hike
We stopped at The Toadstools while driving from Cedar City to Page. We saw many cars parked and figured we might as well check it out as it might be unique. We are so glad we stopped at this hike as it was short and sweet and brought us to some remarkable hoodoos.
To get back to the formations, you’ll only have to hike 1.8 miles and gain just 141 feet. It’s a quick 30-40 minute stop not far from Page. I recommend checking it out on your way in or out of Page, as it’s about 30 miles away.
Enjoy Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of the most prominent man-made lakes in the world! It’s an epic spot for paddlers, boaters, and campers who want to come and enjoy hanging out on the shoreline.
From the shores of Lake Powell, you get epic views. I particularly loved taking in the views of Lone Rock from Lone Rock Campground.
While hanging out on the shores with a book in hand is a fantastic free thing to do in Page, I recommend taking to the water by kayak or by boat. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks for $60 (stand-up paddleboard) or $55 (kayak) per day. Rentals Include free delivery to the Antelope Point public boat ramp!
It’s also possible to book a boat tour around Lake Powell, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lake Powell Boat Trips operate right from the Wahweap Marina and book up well in advance during the high season. Rates for a boat tour start at $120, and there are a variety of tours on offer; one of the most exciting tours is the one to Rainbow Bridge!
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a natural sandstone arch in southern Utah and considered one of the world’s largest natural bridges. This is saying something, considering there are plenty of arches in the American Southwest alone. Spanning 275 feet with a height of 290 feet, seeing Rainbow Bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Unfortunately, reaching Rainbow Bridge is not so simple. It is considered a sacred site by several Native American tribes, and visitors who wish to hike to the monument must acquire a permit from Navajo Nation. This is a multi day trek typically done in 2-3 days as it takes 31 miles (return).
If you aren’t up for all those complications, taking a boat tour from Wahweap Marina and Bullfrog Marina is possible. The full-day boat tour takes visitors on a 50-mile journey across Lake Powell. Once at land, it is still a .75 mile trail to get to the lookout point over the bridge. From there, a simple 0.75-mile trail leads up the winding canyon to a breathtaking lookout point near the bridge.
While certainly not one of the easiest things to do in Page, it is worthwhile to see this place that is so sacred to the Indigenous Navajo people.
rattlesnake canyon
While Rattlesnake Canyon may not be as large in size as Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, nor does it have the iconic “light beam” phenomenon that those canyons are famous for, it has its own unique appeal and is one of the best things to do in Page. Some people have even noted they enjoy Rattlesnake Canyon more than Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, as it is far less crowded.
The rock formations here boast beautiful color quality, the lighting is superb, and the winding passages create a one-of-a-kind experience. You can book a Rattlesnake Canyon Tour (or book it as an add on) with Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours.
Lone Rock Beach
If you want to hang out on Lake Powell, one of the best places to do so is at Long Rock Beach. We consider it one of the best beaches in the US, especially considering the views! Bring some chairs and a cooler and enjoy the shores of Lake Powell with great views of Lone Rock.
Long Rock Beach is a popular place, especially for those with children. The sand is soft, and the water is often warm, making it ideal for swimming.
Enjoy the Sunshine at Wahweap Overlook
The desert is full of great sunset spots, but our absolute favorite was at the Wahweap Overlook. Just 6 miles from town off Highway 89 is the turnoff for Wahweap Overlook. Head here just before the sunsets to catch the awesome glow over the Wahweap Marina, Glen Canyon Dam, and of course, Lake Powell.
There are several large rocks to sit on and enjoy the views and also a picnic table. I love this spot as it’s easy to drive right up. If you are looking for a low-effort thing to do in Page, this is for you!
Historic Navajo Bridge
Those traveling towards Marble Canyon and along the Honeymoon Trail can’t help but stop at The Historic Navajo Bridge.
These two bridges that span the Colorado River are a great stop-off and give drivers the chance to stop, stretch their legs, and take in a different view of the river.
Construction of the bridge began in June 1927 and served well for 66 years until another bridge was built to support larger and heavier vehicles. The original bridge is not a pedestrian bridge to provide visitors with a view of the Colorado River from 467 feet up. Make sure to check out the Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center!
Cathedral Wash Trail
After passing the Navajo Bridge and continuing along the Honeymoon Trail road, a great easy hike near Page to complete is the Cathedral Wash Trail. Thie 3.3-mile quiet trail is great to do on a hot day as you’ll descend into a shady slot canyon and end at the Colorado River.
There are some notable (small) downclimbs, so good shoes are recommended. It’s a great starter hike to work up to the Lees Ferry Hike mentioned earlier. Pack water since you’ll be descending almost 400 feet – meaning you’ll have to ascend it later!
Balanced Rock
Continuing on the Honeymoon Trail Road towards Lees Ferry, you won’t be able to miss the two balanced rocks on your left-hand side. They are definitely worth stopping for a few and taking some unique photos while looking up in awe about how they were formed.
Kayak on the Colorado River
If you are an experienced kayaker, one of the best things to do in Page is kayak on the Colorado River. However, I would only suggest this to the experienced as you can quickly get yourself into a bad situation on a serious river. Kayak the River runs kayaking tours for beginners to get out on the water!
Reflection Canyon Viewpoint
Only those who are up for a long hike will enjoy the ultimate reward. Hiking to Reflection Canyon will involve a 15-mile journey after a 50-mile drive on an unpaved road to access the trailhead.
If you want to catch it at sunrise, you’ll need to be hiking the day before and camp overnight. The long hike means that this hike is best reserved for those with experience hiking and camping in the desert.
The Wave
The Wave is one of the most exciting and unique places in all of the US. Due to its limited availability of permits, very few visitors actually get to experience it.
Less than 70 people are permitted to visit the area and the only way to obtain a permit is through a lottery system. The advanced lottery allows visitors to apply four months in advance of your planned hike date, while the daily lottery allows applications two days before.
The lottery is online. You may apply for your permits on Recreation.gov.
The New Wave
Chances are, unless you have planned well in advance and are blessed with lots of luck you won’t get a chance to see The Wave. So may I suggest, The New Wave.
The New Wave is not well known, does not need a permit, and is much closer to Page than The Wave. While not as impressive as The Wave, the New Wave has similar formations and is considered one of the best things to do in Page. It’s just a short, but rewarding hike, and can easily be combined with The Hanging Gardens Trail for two stellar hikes for the day.
Chow Down on BBQ
Big John’s Texas BBQ hand makes smoked meats that are tender and packed with Texas flavor. It’s a casual ambiance with a down home, no frills feel and eating here is one of the best things to do in Page when you get hungry. Get the sampler so that you can try a little bit of everything. It includes all the best barbecues; chopped beef brisket, pulled pork, spicy sausage, and baby back ribs plus classic sides like cole slaw, cowboy beans, or potato salad.
It’s located inside of a renovated gas station which gives the place a charming, retro feel. The variety of sauces to mix and match is half the fun here. We love the spicy and the sweet together.
Owl Canyon
Owl Canyon stands out among the slot canyons in Page, Arizona, as it is home to a population of Great Horned Owls, making it a unique destination for nature enthusiasts. However, if you are seeking a typical slot canyon experience, Owl Canyon may not be the ideal choice, as it does not offer the same level of narrow passages as other canyons in the area, and the hike is much shorter.
Nevertheless, navigating the wider walls of Owl Canyon is an enjoyable experience, offering a different perspective on the canyon landscape, and an opportunity to greet the resident owls who make this place their home.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Just outside of Kanab, about 1.5 hours from Page are the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. It’s here you can walk on giant dunes and feel as though you on another planet.
While the name is “Coral Pink,” the dunes are more orangish. If you want to see them at their pinkest, it’s best to get there in the early hours of the day.
Catch Sunset at Alstrom Point
located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and is an iconic landmark and viewing point over Lake Powell. As you stand over 1000 feet above Lake Powell, getting a better sunset view is hard. The road to access this viewpoint is a rugged 23 miles with plenty of potholes to dodge.
You can drive there yourself, though we recommend booking a sunset tour with a guide that is knowledgeable about the area and can share fun stories!
What to Bring to Page
- Waterbottle: No matter where you are going in the desert it’s important to have a waterbottle on you, especially in the summer when it’s easy to get hot and dehydrated. My favorite waterbottles are made by Stanley. Specifically, their new hydration line that comes in fun colors, have straws, and keeps drinks cool for hours. Seriously our ice water stayed icy for three full days – the insulation is that good! Buy here.
- Hiking Shoes: You’ll definitely need a pair of good hiking shoes for going hiking in the desert. My favorites are trail runners made by Salomon as they are super grippy on the desert rock. See the best trail runners for women and the best trail runners for men.
- Packable Down Jacket: Just because you are in the desert doesn’t mean it stays hot all day. It actually gets quite cold at night and you’ll want a good jacket. We love the Arc’teryx Atom, but you can see our other favorite packable down jackets here.
- Sunscreen: Don’t go out in the desert sun without sunscreen no matter the temperatures. The sun is intense here and without any protection you’ll likely walk away with burns that could ruin your trip.
Where to Eat in Page, Arizona
We were pretty disappointed with Page’s lack of good food options for a small tourist town. If you come to Page expecting it to be like Sedona, you will certainly be disappointed too. There’s a Safeway if you prefer to do your own cooking; however, dining options could be improved. We enjoyed our meal at Birdhouse – their chicken tenders and mac and cheese are outstanding! Other options include:
- Birdhouse: Fried Chicken
- Big John’s Texas BBQ: Southern BBQ
15 BEST Restaurants in Page, AZ
Where to Stay in Page
We found good accommodation value in Page compared to nearby places like Kanab, Springdale, and Flagstaff. We stayed at the brand-new Country Inn and Suites and had an enjoyable stay. Other options include:
How Many Days Should You Spend in Page?
To achieve all these things to do in Page, we recommend spending 4-5 days in the area, and even with that time you’ll stay very busy. At the very least spend three days exploring Page.
We personally spent three nights in Page and left wanting so much more. Next time we visit, we will definitely carve out five days for our trip to Page. It’s a stunning area of the world that deserves all the time you can give it.
Things to do in Page, AZ Map
READ MORE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the things to do in Page, AZ. Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around the American Southwest.
- 12 Fun Things to do in Tucson, AZ
- 26 Best Things to do in Sedona, Arizona
- Delicate Arch Hiking Trail • 12 Helpful Things to Know
- 13 Epic Stops in Arches National Park
- 11 Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park
- 22 Helpful Desert Hiking Tips to Know
- The Ultimate Guide to the Havasupai Falls Hike
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
