Explore Page, Arizona
Page is a small town in northern Arizona located on the southern shores of Lake Powell. The location is ideal for exploring many of nearby National Parks, as well as many other sights, and great to discover the culture of the Navajo Nation. The Navajo people represent the largest segment of the population in the Glen Canyon area. Page was first planned and developed for workers building the Glen Canyon Dam in 1957 but later become a major resort area.
Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Monument Valley are all around 2,5 hours driving from Page. Zion National Park is 2 hours away. Nearby Page you can explore places like Antelope Canyon, Marble Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.
I would recommend staying in Page at least two nights.
HORSESHOE BEND
Horseshoe Bend, probably the most famous spot near Page, is a horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. Located just 10 minutes driving from Page and a short downhill walk from the parking lot, this free site can get quite crowded. But despite too many people there trying to get the best photo possible, it is a truly amazing place with an outstanding view. Even if you have seen this place a thousand times on photos and you think it kind of overrated, you will be amazed when you see it with your own eyes. I sure was. It’s really beautiful and definitely worth visiting.
ANTELOPE CANYON
Antelope Canyon in another famous location in the area. You can visit Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. If you have time, I’ll suggest you visit both. At first, they might seem the same as they both have steep orange wavy walls. But the main difference is how they are shaped. Upper Antelope Canyon is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, which makes it darker, and easier to walk through on its flat terrain. Lower Antelope Canyon is open at the top, letting more light in, and narrower at the bottom.
You can only visit Antelope Canyon with a guided tour and there are many providers to choose from. It’s best to book early, especially for Upper Antelope, as it gets sold out very fast. I recommend visiting upper Antelope at 10:30 because this is the best time you might see sunbeams coming through the canyons. Supposedly the best time for Lower Antelope is at 1:30.
We booked an Upper Antelope Canyon tour at 10:30 with Antelope Slot Canyon Tours. 10:30 is probably the most crowded tour but you get the best light. Sunbeams come out from April 1 to Sept 30.
When you get to the entrance and see so many people there it’s kind of shocking. You can’t enjoy the beautiful nature in peace as you would want to. But our tour guide formerly guided the photography tour and told us many secrets how to take photos and where to look, she even arranged short stops between the groups, so we could take pictures without people on it. We were really satisfied.
About Permit Fee: If you are taking the Upper and Lower Tours on the same day, you only pay the Navajo Permit fee once. Just show your receipt at the Lower Antelope tour booth and the fee will be waived.
RULES: No backpacks, bags or fanny packs are allowed on the tour. Wear something with big pockets so you can carry your essentials. Do not bring tripods or selfie sticks. Just your phone or camera.
If you are booking a professional photography tour, which is more expensive, but offers a smaller group and great photo opportunities, you must have a tripod.
LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell is actually a reservoir on the Colorado River, located in northern Arizona and stretches up into southern Utah. It was created by the flooding of Glen Canyon by the Glen Canyon Dam, which also led to the creation of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a popular summer destination.
With its long shoreline, usually warm water, and nice weather it’s a really nice place to visit while you are staying in Page. There are many activities you can do on the lake and around, from camping and hiking to fishing and wakeboarding…
From Page to Glen Canyon is just around 10 minutes driving, To Arizona/Utah border, is just around 15-20 minutes. Depends on what time you are going, you might want to check about the time zone, so you don’t miss any booked tours if you are traveling around.
Page, Arizona is in the Mountain Time Zone. The Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona does observe Daylight Saving Time. Page, Arizona does not utilize Daylight Saving Time. The more I read the more I am confused about those time. All I know when we went to Lake Powell In Utah, the time has changed 😀
Also, one thing to consider. Lake Powell is a recreation site which also requires to pay an entrance fee. If you have America The Beautiful Pass, this is also included in it, and you don’t have to pay more.
So, if your ‘to see list’ is pretty full as ours was, this is what you can see if you have one full day available. If you are staying longer, you might want to check out some other places.
ANTELOPE CANYON X & CARDIAC CANYON – both canyons are located within the same Antelope Canyon as the iconic Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Taadidiin Tours is the only tour operator to offer guided tours in those two canyons.
WATER HOLES CANYON – similar and near to Antelope Canyon, but usually less crowded.
There are many more slot canyon you can find out about on American southwest page.
THE HORSESHOE BEND SLOT CANYON – this is slot canyon that is the closest to Horseshoe Bend. You can book online at Horseshoe Bend Tours, they provide a private tour in which you avoid the crowds as you’ll be the only group there, and get the most of the trip.
Where to stay
KNIGHTS INN LAKE POWELL – This is where we stayed. Simple standard motel room, but it was nice and clean, and the location is great. Shops and restaurants are reachable by foot.
BEST WESTERN VIEW OF LAKE POWELL – As the names say, this one has a view to Lake Powell.
RODEWAY INN AT LAKE POWELL – Also a typical motel, but looks comfy and have a great location.