18 Best Things to Do in Page, Arizona
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Discover the best things to do in Page, Arizona, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, scenic overlooks, boat tours, and more.
Estimated reading time: 23 minutes
Page, Arizona is kind of a weird little place.
And I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. It’s just that if you drive into Page expecting some big tourist town because of everything there is to do around it, that’s not really what you’re going to find.
Page itself is pretty small.
But holy cow, the stuff surrounding Page is incredible.
This is where you come for Antelope Canyon. And Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. And about a dozen other places that look like somebody took the normal rules for what rocks are supposed to look like and threw them out the window.
We spent a few days here as part of a bigger Arizona and Utah road trip, and Page ended up being one of my favorite stops.
We toured Upper Antelope Canyon. Walked out to Horseshoe Bend. Checked out Glen Canyon Dam and the visitor center. We walked out to the Glen Canyon Overlook. And we went to a really fun Navajo dinner and cultural show.
And there was still a bunch of stuff we didn’t get to.
So this isn’t just a list of what we personally did. I’m including those experiences, obviously, because I can actually tell you what they were like. But I’m also including some of the things I would seriously consider adding if we went back.
Because yeah. I would absolutely go back.
Here are the things I would put at the top of your list.
1. Tour Upper Antelope Canyon
Okay, this is the obvious one.
If you’ve never been to Page before and you only have time to splurge on one big experience, I would probably make it Antelope Canyon.
We toured Upper Antelope Canyon, and it was just gorgeous.
You know those pictures where the sandstone is glowing orange and red and the walls look like they’re moving?
It really does look like that.
I was actually a little worried that this would be one of those places that looks amazing in heavily edited photos and then you’re standing there thinking, Oh. That’s it?
Nope.
It’s beautiful.
And one of the things I loved about our tour was that our guide basically turned into everyone’s unofficial photography coach. He would stop us, tell us exactly where to stand, show us where to point the phone, and sometimes even adjust the camera settings for people.
I have so many photos from this tour that look like I had any idea what I was doing.
I did not. Ha.
Upper Antelope Canyon is also a pretty easy experience physically, which I think is worth pointing out because people hear “slot canyon” and might assume they’re signing up for some crazy adventure.
You’re not.
There aren’t ladders to climb down into the canyon like there are at Lower Antelope Canyon. You walk through mostly level terrain inside the canyon, and then at the end there are stairs and a walkway that take you back out.
It’s just that you do have to take an authorized tour. You can’t just drive over and wander into Antelope Canyon on your own.
And yes, it is expensive.
But this is one of those times when I thought the experience was absolutely worth paying for.
If Page is part of a once-in-a-lifetime Southwest road trip, I wouldn’t skip this one.
2. Visit Lower Antelope Canyon
Now this is one we did not do.
And if we went back to Page, I would seriously consider adding it.
Lower Antelope Canyon has the same kind of crazy beautiful sandstone formations, but the experience is different from Upper Antelope Canyon.
The big difference is the stairs and ladders.
You actually descend down into Lower Antelope Canyon, and there are narrow sections and staircases as you work your way through it.
So if you’ve ever seen pictures of people climbing metal stairs inside Antelope Canyon, you’re probably looking at Lower Antelope Canyon.
That is not what our Upper Antelope Canyon tour was like.
I think doing both would actually be pretty cool because you’re not just repeating the exact same experience twice.
But if I were choosing between them for somebody who doesn’t want to deal with a bunch of stairs, I’d probably stick with Upper.
If stairs and narrower spaces don’t bother you, though, Lower Antelope Canyon looks fantastic.
And honestly, if you’re coming all the way to Page specifically because you love slot canyons, why not do more than one?
3. Check Out Antelope Canyon X
This is the other slot canyon tour I would put on your radar.
Antelope Canyon X doesn’t get quite the same level of attention as Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, but it’s another guided slot canyon experience near Page.
And this one intrigues me.
Especially if you’ve already done one of the more famous Antelope Canyon tours and want to see something different.
The formations are still beautiful, and you’re still exploring that classic Arizona slot canyon landscape. But it’s another option to compare when you’re looking at tour availability, cost, timing, and what kind of experience you want.
There’s also Secret Antelope Canyon, which is another tour you may run across when you’re researching.
Basically, don’t assume Upper and Lower are your only two choices.
They aren’t.
Now, would I do four different slot canyon tours in one Page trip?
Probably not. At some point I think my brain would turn everything into orange sandstone mush. Ha.
But one?
Absolutely.
Two?
I could definitely see it.
4. Go See Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is one of those places where you’ve probably seen the picture about a thousand times.
And then you get there and it’s still really freaking cool.
It’s also ridiculously easy to fit into a Page itinerary.
You don’t need to book some complicated tour or get on a shuttle. And you don’t need half a day.
You park, pay the parking fee, and walk out to the overlook.
That’s pretty much it.
The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip, and I would call it more of a walk than a hike. There is some elevation change and there isn’t much shade, so obviously Arizona heat can make this a totally different experience depending on when you visit.
But the trail itself isn’t complicated.
And I feel like I have a pretty solid benchmark for this because I was passing a kidney stone when we went.
Yes.
A kidney stone.
And I still made it out to Horseshoe Bend and back.
So there you go. Take that information however you want. Ha.
Once you get to the overlook, though, it really is spectacular.
The Colorado River makes this huge curve around the rock below you, and the whole thing is so much bigger than it looks in pictures.
Some parts of the overlook have railings. Other parts absolutely do not.
So if you’re visiting with kids, this is definitely one of those places where I would want them close to me.
You don’t need a huge amount of time here either. I would probably give yourself around an hour, maybe a little more if you want to hang out and take a ton of pictures.
This one is an easy yes.
5. Take a Boat Tour on Lake Powell
This is probably my biggest “I wish we had done that” experience from our Page trip.
We saw Lake Powell, admired it and took loads of photos.
But we did not actually get out on Lake Powell.
And next time? I would fix that.
There are scenic boat tours that take you out into the lake and through some of the surrounding canyon scenery, and I think that would be such a fun way to see this area from a completely different angle.
Because that’s one of the things I really liked about Page.
You can see the same landscape in totally different ways.
Stand above the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend.
And walk inside a slot canyon at Antelope Canyon.
And then you can get out on the water and look up at those huge sandstone cliffs from Lake Powell.
That’s pretty fantastic.
There are different boat trips depending on the season, water levels, and what’s operating when you visit, so this is definitely something I would check before the trip rather than assuming a particular tour will be available.
But if I were planning three days in Page instead of the trip we actually did?
A Lake Powell boat tour would be very high on my list.
6. Visit the Glen Canyon Dam and Carl Hayden Visitor Center
This was one of those stops that ended up being way more interesting than I expected.
And honestly, I think this is an easy yes for pretty much everybody.
If you have kids, great.
If you like engineering, even better.
Or if you just enjoy seeing really massive things that make you stop and go, Okay, that is actually pretty impressive, this works too.
The Glen Canyon Dam is huge.
You can see it from inside the Carl Hayden Visitor Center through the enormous windows, you can walk outside onto the deck, and you can get different views from around the parking area and bridge.
And I really liked that you didn’t have to commit a huge amount of time to this stop.
We were able to walk through the visitor center, look at the exhibits, check out the dam, and just take everything in without it turning into some half-day production.
The visitor center also gives you some context for what you’re looking at, which I appreciated.
Because otherwise it’s easy to just stand there and think, Wow. Big dam.
Which, to be fair, is also a valid reaction. Ha.
If you’re already in Page, I would definitely stop here.
7. Walk Out to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
And don’t just go to the visitor center.
There is also a separate overlook nearby, and I really liked this one.
The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook has a short walk from the parking area out across the sandstone to several different viewpoints.
I guess technically you could call it a hike.
But it’s not some big strenuous hike.
It’s more like you’re walking out over the rock and stopping every few minutes because the views keep changing.
You can look down into Glen Canyon, see the Colorado River below, and then look back toward the dam.
And the sandstone itself makes the walk interesting.
This is another one of those places where the Page landscape just feels really different if you’re used to trees and green scenery.
It’s all rock and canyon and desert.
And somehow it works.
We spent enough time here to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the views, but you definitely don’t need hours.
This is a really good add-on to the visitor center because the two experiences are completely different.
One gives you the big engineering perspective.
The other gives you the landscape.
Do both.
8. Find the Shell Station Cave
Okay, this one is just fun.
There is a sandstone cave near a Shell station in Page that people sometimes call the Shell Station Cave or Biidi the Arch.
And yes, this sounds slightly ridiculous.
Which is part of why I like it.
You are basically driving through town and then, surprise, there is this cool sandstone formation tucked behind a gas station.
This is not some major attraction that you need to build your entire day around.
Please don’t do that. Ha.
But if you have a little extra time and you’re already nearby, this is exactly the kind of random roadside stop I love adding to a trip.
It’s a short walk out across sandy terrain to the rock formation.
And because it’s not some massive production, it gives you another chance to enjoy the landscape without needing tickets, reservations, or a tour guide.
I would treat this as a bonus stop.
Not a must-do.
But definitely a fun one.
9. Hike to the Hanging Garden
The Hanging Garden Trail is another good option if you want an easy outdoor stop that doesn’t require a tour.
And I especially like this one because it’s a little unexpected.
You’re surrounded by all this dry desert scenery, and then you walk out to this little area where vegetation grows along the sandstone.
Hence the name.
The trail is relatively short, and this is not one of those hikes where you need to mentally prepare yourself for some giant adventure.
It’s much more approachable.
I think this would be a good choice if you’re looking for something active but don’t want to commit to a long or difficult hike.
Especially if you’re visiting in cooler weather.
Because like everything else around Page, I would be very careful about underestimating the heat.
A “short easy hike” can feel a whole lot less easy when it’s 100 degrees outside.
But during the right season?
This looks like a really nice little outing.
10. Stop at Wahweap Overlook
If you want a great view of Lake Powell without getting on a boat, Wahweap Overlook is another easy stop.
And this is exactly the kind of place I would add when I’m already driving around and want one more good scenic view.
You can look out over Lake Powell, the surrounding cliffs, and that huge expanse of desert around it.
It’s not complicated.
You don’t need a tour or to hike miles.
You just stop, look around, take some pictures, and enjoy the view.
And honestly, sometimes those are some of my favorite stops.
Not everything needs to be an Event.
Sometimes you just want to pull over somewhere beautiful.
11. Kayak on Lake Powell
If a boat tour feels too passive for you, kayaking would be another really fun way to get out on Lake Powell.
And this is where you can really start tailoring a Page trip based on what kind of traveler you are.
Some people are going to look at a scenic boat cruise and think, Perfect. Sit me down and show me pretty things.
That would absolutely be me some days. Ha.
Other people are going to want to actually paddle through the canyon scenery.
Kayak tours can take you into some really beautiful areas, and some routes explore sections of Antelope Canyon that are accessible from the water.
That sounds amazing.
This is definitely something I would do with a guide if I were unfamiliar with the lake, especially because water levels and access can change.
But if you’re looking for one active adventure while you’re in Page, this would be a really good contender.
12. Spend Some Time at Lone Rock Beach
Lone Rock Beach is another option if you want more Lake Powell time without necessarily booking a tour.
This is more of a hang-out-and-enjoy-the-scenery kind of stop.
You can spend time near the water, enjoy the views, picnic, or just slow down for a little while.
And I think that matters on a trip like this.
Because Page can get very tour-heavy very quickly.
Slot canyon tour.
Drive here.
Walk there.
Reservation.
Next stop.
Sometimes you need something that isn’t scheduled down to the minute.
Lone Rock Beach can fill that role.
Just keep in mind that shoreline conditions and vehicle access can vary depending on water levels and the condition of the sand.
So this is another place where I would check current conditions before heading out.
But if everything lines up, it looks like a really nice place to decompress for a bit.
13. Take a Colorado River Float Trip
Now this one looks really cool.
If seeing Horseshoe Bend from above isn’t enough for you, you can actually get down onto the Colorado River and see the canyon from water level.
And I love the idea of that.
Because when you’re standing at the Horseshoe Bend overlook, you’re looking way down at the river.
A float trip completely flips the perspective.
Instead of staring down into the canyon, you’re floating through it and looking up at the cliffs.
That would be such a different experience.
These are generally calm-water trips rather than some wild whitewater situation, which makes them appealing to a much wider range of people.
And if you’re traveling with kids or grandparents or anyone who doesn’t want a hardcore adventure, this could be a really fun splurge.
Honestly, if I were choosing between a Lake Powell boat tour and a Colorado River float trip, I would have a hard time.
They both sound fantastic.
14. See Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge is one of those places that looks absolutely incredible.
It is also not one of those places I would casually tack onto a packed Page itinerary.
This is a bigger commitment.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is home to a massive natural bridge, and traditionally one of the most popular ways to get there has been by boat across Lake Powell.
But access can change depending on lake levels, and getting from the water to the monument can involve additional walking.
So this is definitely one to research carefully before you go.
I would probably put this in the “if you have extra time and really want to make a day of it” category.
Not the “we have two free hours, what should we do?” category.
But if you’re spending several days in Page and want a bigger Lake Powell adventure?
This one absolutely deserves a look.
15. Go to a Navajo Dinner and Cultural Show
This was one of the most memorable things we did in Page, and honestly, it was a nice break from the nonstop canyon-and-overlook sightseeing.
We went to a Navajo dinner and cultural presentation, and it was really fun.
The evening included a meal, traditional dances, and explanations about what the dances meant, what the clothing represented, and some of the cultural significance behind everything we were seeing.
And I really appreciated that part.
Because it wasn’t just, Here is a performance. Enjoy.
There was context, storytelling, and an effort to explain what we were watching.
That made the whole thing a lot more interesting.
It was also just nice to sit down for a while.
This sounds silly, but after a day of walking around sandstone and climbing in and out of vans and stopping at viewpoints, sometimes sitting down for dinner and a show feels pretty fantastic. Ha.
I would absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for something different to do in the evening.
And especially if you’ve spent most of your Page trip focused on scenery, this gives you another side of the area that I think is worth experiencing.
16. Hike to the Toadstool Hoodoos
The Toadstool Hoodoos are technically in Utah, not Page.
But they are close enough that I would absolutely include them in a Page trip.
This is one of those places where the landscape starts looking ridiculous again.
In a good way.
You get these weird mushroom-shaped rock formations that look like somebody stacked giant pieces of sandstone on top of each other.
And yes, they’re called hoodoos.
Because apparently the Southwest has decided normal rock names are boring.
The hike is fairly short and not especially difficult, which makes this a really nice add-on if you’re driving between Page and Kanab.
I would not drive hours out of my way just to do this one thing.
But if you’re already in the area?
Absolutely.
This is exactly the kind of stop I love on a Southwest road trip.
Not a huge production.
Not an all-day commitment.
Just really cool scenery and a fun place to walk around for a while.
17. Stop at Navajo Bridge
Navajo Bridge is another place I would absolutely stop if you’re driving south of Page.
There are actually two bridges here crossing the Colorado River, and one of them is open to pedestrians.
So you can walk out over the river and look down into Marble Canyon.
And it is a long way down.
The views are fantastic.
This is also one of the places where you may get lucky and see California condors.
I would not promise yourself that you’re going to see one because wildlife has a way of ignoring our vacation plans.
But they are sometimes spotted in this area.
Even without the condors, though, the bridge itself is worth the stop.
It’s easy.
It’s scenic.
It doesn’t take forever.
And it fits really well if you’re heading toward Lees Ferry or driving between Page and the Grand Canyon.
18. Explore Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry is another really good add-on south of Page.
And this one gives you a totally different perspective on the Colorado River.
At Horseshoe Bend, you’re looking down at it from way above.
At Lees Ferry, you’re right there next to it.
You can actually walk along the river, see the cliffs rising around you, and explore some of the historic area.
This is also where many Colorado River trips through the Grand Canyon begin.
So if you’re standing there watching people load boats and thinking, Wow, that looks like an adventure, you’re probably right.
For most visitors, though, Lees Ferry is much more of a scenic and historic stop.
I would combine it with Navajo Bridge.
They’re close enough together that it makes sense to do both, and together they make a really nice half-day trip from Page.
How Many Days Do You Need in Page?
I think two to three days is ideal.
Could you see the biggest highlights in one day?
Sure.
You could do an Antelope Canyon tour, visit Horseshoe Bend, and probably squeeze in Glen Canyon Dam.
But I think you would feel rushed.
Two days gives you room to do the major attractions without spending the entire trip staring at the clock.
Three days is even better because then you can add something like a Lake Powell boat tour, a Colorado River float trip, another slot canyon, or one of the nearby scenic stops.
And that is exactly why our next Page post is going to be a full two-to-three-day itinerary.
Because there are enough options here that I think it helps to actually see how they fit together.
Best Things to Do in Page With Kids
Page is actually a really good family destination because you can do a lot without needing to sign up for hardcore hiking.
Upper Antelope Canyon would be high on my list.
Horseshoe Bend is manageable for most families.
The Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center is easy.
The overlook is short.
A boat tour is great.
And the Navajo dinner show is a really nice evening activity.
Obviously, age restrictions can apply to some tours, and you’ll want to check those before booking.
But in general, there is a ton here that works well for families.
Best Free or Cheap Things to Do in Page
Page can get expensive fast.
Especially once you start adding slot canyon tours, boat tours, and other guided experiences.
So I would definitely mix those with some cheaper or free stops.
The Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center is a good one.
The overlook is another.
Wahweap Overlook.
The Shell Station Cave.
Hanging Garden Trail.
Navajo Bridge.
Lees Ferry does have recreation area fees depending on how you enter, so I would check current costs.
Horseshoe Bend also has a parking fee.
But compared to guided tours, these stops are still much easier on the budget.
And I actually like having that mix.
Splurge on the one or two experiences that really matter to you.
Then fill in the rest of the trip with scenic stops that don’t cost a fortune.
Where to Stay in Page
We stayed at the Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell, and I would absolutely stay there again.
The room was comfortable, the hotel felt modern, and I loved looking out at the desert landscape from the windows.
And yes, I realize “looking at dirt and rocks” does not sound like a selling point if you live somewhere green.
But when you’re from a place with trees everywhere, the desert is kind of fascinating.
It just looks so completely different.
The hotel was also in a really convenient location for everything we wanted to do.
Page is not a huge town, so you’re generally not dealing with some massive commute to attractions anyway.
But having a comfortable place to come back to after a day of tours and sightseeing was very nice.
A Few Tips Before You Visit Page
The biggest thing I would say is this:
Book the tours you really care about first.
Especially Antelope Canyon.
Those time slots can absolutely shape the rest of your itinerary.
I would also pay attention to the weather.
Page can be brutally hot in summer, and a short walk that feels easy in March is a completely different story in July.
Bring more water than you think you need.
Use sunscreen.
Wear shoes you can actually walk in.
And don’t underestimate how much time you’ll spend outside.
Also, don’t pack every single hour.
This area is beautiful enough that you’re going to want time to stop.
Pull over.
Take pictures.
Stand somewhere and stare at rocks for a while.
That’s kind of the whole point.
Is Page, Arizona Worth Visiting?
Yes.
Absolutely.
I think Page is one of the best stops you can add to an Arizona and Utah road trip.
You have Antelope Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend.
Lake Powell.
Glen Canyon.
The Colorado River.
And a bunch of smaller places that make the trip feel more interesting than just checking off the two famous attractions.
I also really like that Page works for people who don’t want to spend their entire vacation hiking.
There are plenty of ways to see incredible scenery without doing some giant backcountry adventure.
And if you do want more adventure?
You have plenty of options for that too.
We only scratched the surface.
And after putting this list together, I am even more convinced that we need to go back.
More Southwest Trip Planning
If you’re planning a bigger Southwest road trip, Page fits really well with the Grand Canyon, Kanab, and Zion.
Here are a few more guides that can help you keep planning:
More Things to Do in Page
- Upper Antelope Canyon Tour
- Horseshoe Bend
- Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center
- Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
- Navajo Dinner and Cultural Show
- Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell Review
Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon South Rim Guide
- One Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim
- How Many Days Do You Need at the Grand Canyon?
