Page, Arizona hasn’t always been a destination. It has long been a place to gas up and stock up on food while heading to Lake Powell, or used as a pit stop between Utah and Arizona.
However, over the years more and more people are discovering the beauty surrounding Page. It has become a destination in and of itself as people set off to explore all that it has to offer. I’m excited to share our favorite things to do in Page Arizona!
12 Things to Do in Page, Arizona
Table of Contents
- Explore Antelope Canyon
- Discover Waterhole Canyon
- Take in the Views at Horseshoe Bend
- Book a Glen Canyon Float Trip
- Stop at the Dam Overlook Trail
- Take a Tour of the Glen Canyon Dam
- Go Boating at Lake Powell
- View Lake Powell from the Wahweap Overlook
- Visit the Powell Museum
- Hike the Lower Cathedral Wash Trail
- Bike the Rimview Trail
Explore Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is located a little southeast of Page. If you have a Pinterest account, I’m 99% sure you’ve seen photos of Antelope Canyon. The one with light filtering through pink-swirled sandstone canyon walls? Yep, that’s the one!
If you want to access the canyon, you must go on a guided tour. We booked a tour with Ken’s Tours to the Lower Antelope Canyon and it was incredible.
Be sure to check our guide, What You Should Know Before Visiting Antelope Canyon for all the details!
There are two canyon tours to choose from, Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon. The lower canyon lets more light in as the opening above is larger.
The upper one has a more narrow opening so it is a little darker. However, the narrow opening in the upper canyon allows for those stunning pillars of light that you often see in photos.
This is one of the most popular tours in all of the Southwest and spots fill up fast, so be sure to make your reservations early. (Tip: the last tour of the day is usually the least crowded).
Discover Waterhole Canyon
If you want to experience the beauty of the red sand slot canyon without the crowds, Waterhole Canyon may be just what you’re looking for.
This is a lesser-known tour, but a great alternative to Antelope Canyon. Although it is not part of Antelope Canyon, it still boasts many of the same formations in the slot canyon.
The tour groups are much smaller so you get a more intimate experience than the Antelope Canyon tour.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, with tickets priced at $55. At one point $12 permits were available for self-guided hiking, however, the only way to access the canyon now is through a guided tour.
Take in the Views at Horseshoe Bend
The popularity of Horseshoe Bend has skyrocketed over the past few years due to social media.
It used to be a hidden gem located 3/4 mile down a dusty trail at an unassuming parking lot on the side of the road.
It’s no wonder that its beauty has now been brought to the spotlight. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, it is still worth a stop.
As of April 2019, construction has been completed on the paved parking lot, restrooms, pay booths, trail maintenance, and a viewing deck. With the new improvements comes a $10 parking fee.
Horseshoe Bend lies within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, but the parking lot belongs to the city of Page. Unfortunately, that means that National Parks passes are not valid.
I know many people are grumbling about the new fee as it used to be a free attraction. However, I am more than happy to pay the fee just for the restrooms and viewing deck alone!
The thing about Horseshoe Bend is that it is crazy beautiful but also crazy scary. Those sheer drop-offs are no joke.
Mothers everywhere are breathing a collective sigh of relief for the viewing deck with railings! There are still plenty of exposed cliffs, so just be sure to use caution, especially with little ones.
The trail is also exposed with no shade, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially in the summer months. It is not a difficult hike, but the gradual incline back to the parking lot can be challenging during the peak of summer.
Book a Glen Canyon Float Trip
If you want to experience an alternative view of Horseshoe Bend from the water, consider taking a guided Float Trip with Wilderness River Adventures.
The tour departs from Page where you’ll drive through the 2-mile long Glen Canyon Dam Access Tunnel.
Once you reach Lee’s Ferry, you’ll board the pontoon and begin your scenic trip up the Colorado River. You’ll stop at Petroglyph Beach where you can view ancient petroglyphs.
The tour continues up the river until you find yourself deep in the shade of the surreally steep canyon walls at Horseshoe Bend. You’ll then continue to the base of the Glen Canyon Dam before returning back.
The journey is filled with insightful stories and historical facts from the knowledgeable guide.
Half and full-day excursions are available for anyone 4 years old and up. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during the summer months.
Stop at the Dam Overlook Trail
The Dam Overlook Trail offers another chance to view the dramatic cliffs cut by the Colorado River.
This lesser-known viewpoint is easy to access and less crowded. It is located in town right off of Scenic View Road just north of Denny’s.
You’ll find a small parking lot (you may have to wait for a spot during peak season) and a short 80-yard trail to the viewpoint.
From here you’ll see a striking view of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River bend. There are safety rails at the view point and also a shaded picnic area.
Take a Tour of the Glen Canyon Dam
The Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glen Canyon Dam tour were both more fascinating than we had anticipated.
The visitor center is filled with interesting facts and interactive exhibits of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
You’ll also find a large relief map that really puts into perspective just how large Lake Powell is. The floor-to-ceiling windows also offer an impressive view of the dam, bridge, and Lake Powell.
My favorite part was the film depicting the construction of the dam. It was intriguing to see exactly what a large scale construction project of this magnitude entailed. It truly was a remarkable architectural feat.
We learned some interesting facts, such as the fact that the amount of concrete used in the construction of the dam is enough to build a 4-lane freeway from Phoenix to Chicago. Before and during the bridge construction, they had to drive 200 miles to reach the other side.
Admission is free and I would highly recommend a stop! While you’re there, I would also recommend taking a tour of the dam.
Tickets are only $5 per person and the tour lasts about 45 minutes. You’ll take an elevator to the base of the dam where you’ll see how the dam works, ask questions, and learn all about the history from an informative guide.
Go Boating at Lake Powell
It’s no secret that Lake Powell is the main draw to the area. With its deep blue waters and towering red rock canyon walls, it’s no wonder that Lake Powell is one of the world’s premier boating destinations.
Even if you don’t own a boat and are just traveling through, there are many ways to experience Lake Powell. Boat rentals are available, as well as guided tours.
You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the narrow passageways Lake Powell is known for. Labyrinth Canyon and Antelope Canyon are two of our favorites. You’ll follow the water until it leads to dry ground where you can explore the slot canyons.
I have put together a complete First Time Guide to Lake Powell with some helpful information so you can make the most of your time there!
View Lake Powell from the Wahweap Overlook
You’ll find the turn-off for the Wahweap Overlook along Hwy 89 just north of the Glen Canyon Dam.
The road will take you up a hill to a plateau overlooking Wahweap Marina and the placid waters of Lake Powell.
There is a dirt parking lot at the top of the hill and a 360-degree vantage point.
Alternatively, for one of the most photogenic views of Lake Powell head to Alstrom Point.
It is located about an hour past the Big Water Visitor Center. The road is very rough so a high clearance vehicle with 4WD is strongly recommended.
Visit the Powell Museum
This free museum in Page may be small, but it is packed with plenty of information!
You’ll learn about John Wesley Powell and his early explorations. His expeditions along the Colorado River uncovered priceless discoveries and left a lasting legacy.
The museum houses some of Powell’s personal memorabilia as well as historical artifacts and fossils found in the area.
The exhibits are well-curated and highly informative. You’ll also find a gift shop and information center on-site.
This is a great place to stop when you first arrive at Page as the staff at the information desk are very helpful and can offer some great tips and recommendations for your stay.
Hike the Lower Cathedral Wash Trail
The Lower Cathedral Wash trailhead is located near Lee’s Ferry, about 45 minutes south of Page.
The 3.3-mile out-and-back trail follows along a dry wash and weaves through spectacular geological formations.
There are some areas where you’ll need to scramble up rocks, resulting in a “difficult” rating. It is manageable and makes the trail more fun and interesting, just use caution while climbing over the rocks.
The trail can be hard to follow at times, but just keep an eye out for the rock cairns marking the trail.
The area is also prone to flash flooding, so do not attempt if there is rain in the forecast.
The trail ends on the bank of the Colorado River where you can take a dip to cool off, or just soak in the views.
Bike the Rimview Trail
The world-class Rimview Trail is a 10-mile urban loop trail boasting spectacular views.
The best viewpoints are at the eastern and southern portions of the trail as it looks out across the Navajo Reservation and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. You can even spot Horseshoe Bend and the dam from the trail.
The trail is open to hikers, joggers, bikers, and even the local high school cross-country team.
The trail has little elevation change and primarily consists of slick rock and red sand. There are various points to enter or exit the trail in town so you can cater the length to your needs.
The best way to enjoy the trail is by bike so that you can cover the most distance in a short amount of time. Rim Trail Bike is the only provider of mountain bike rentals in the area.
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