Last Updated: December 20, 2023
I’ll be honest, I had never heard of Page until we decided to visit a few attractions in Arizona. I was so excited to finally cover the locations that we missed during our first visit to the United States.
“Where is Page?” I remember asking Greg (who is the one putting into paper all of our plans when it comes to travelling). “It’s just a small town, but it’s a perfect base for exploring the surroundings,” he said…and perfect it was!
Canyons that were formed from flash floodings and one of the most popular lakes in the USA are only two of the things to do in Page, AZ. That is not all though, so keep reading to uncover what to see, where to eat, and things to do in and around Page.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN PAGE
This depends entirely on which places you are planning on seeing during your visit to Page. If you are looking into visiting all the locations mentioned in this guide, then you will need at least 3 days. With the exception of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, the rest of the attraction require an entire day so to fully enjoy the experience.
WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE
With the rise of social media and the overexposure from Instagrammers of attractions such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, Page has really flourished. So much so, that it can be challenging to find a place to stay if you visit during the peak months. Some of the hotels and inns are located in the town and others are adjacent to Page. Our Inn was at a great location, a 5-minute drive from the town’s center with views over the Glen Canyon Dam. We really loved the location.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN PAGE, AZ
ANTELOPE CANYON
Antelope Canyon is one of the top things to do in Page, AZ. A breathtaking slot canyon that was formed throughout the years due to flash floodings. The speed of water and sand running through its canals has smoothened the surface of the corridor walls, creating awe-inspiring geological formations.
Antelope Canyon tours are split into Lower and Upper Antelope. Both equally stunning with the Upper Antelope being a tad more popular (especially amongst families) due to its ease of access. Lower Antelope, on the other hand, may be to some a bit more of a challenge. Mainly due to the steep metal ladder upon entrance and exit, also the passageways can get quite narrow at parts.
Be sure to book a tour and choose your slot prior to your arrival. The tours tend to sell out very fast so the sooner you book the better. By booking in advance you will also guarantee that you pick the best time slot. The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is midday. That is when the light that passes through the canyon is at its best.
The canyon is located in Navajo land and they take care of the tour guides. The best and most popular Antelope Canyon Tours are Navajo Tours and Ken’s Tours.
HORSESHOE BEND
This is another spot that its popularity has skyrocketed due to social media. Horseshoe Bend is located a short 10-minute drive from Page. Park your car at the parking lot (parking fee is $10). From there, follow the 15-minute path that leads to the viewpoint. You’ll know you’ve reached the viewpoints when the ground gives way to sharp cliffs, some 300m high from the Colorado River. That is where you will see the impressive horseshoe-shaped incised meander. The view is raw and nothing short of spectacular. The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is during sunset or before midday. Visiting at that time you will benefit from the cooler temperatures making your experience even more pleasant. I would also recommend that you carry a bottle of water with you as there is no vendor around in case you get thirsty.
LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell is a man-made lake, part of the Colorado River. It was created when Glen Canyon Dam was built and nowadays it attracts flocks of visitors from around the world. Lake Powell offers some of the best things to do in Page, AZ. It is a fantastic place to spend a day full of activities while enjoying the spectacular scenery, such as kayaking; fishing, paddle-boarding, and swimming to name a few! Rent a houseboat or camp overnight at the organized campground, so as to take full advantage of the experience. It is so easy to lose track of time here, no wonder most of the visitors choose to stay longer than just a day.
MONUMENT VALLEY
The jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape of Monument Valley is something that you do not want to miss during your visit to Page. It will take you a little over 2 hours to reach Monument Valley from Page. You will know that you’re approaching your destination when you see massive red sandstone buttes dotted across the valley. The scenery is so magnificent that it has attracted the attention of many Hollywood directors throughout the years. That has resulted in Monument Valley being featured in numerous popular movies such as Forrest Gump and Once Upon a Time in the West, amongst many others.
WHERE TO EAT IN PAGE
When we travel to new places, we usually run a quick search on Tripadvisor before choosing a place to eat. This time was no different, so when we came across Big John’s Texas BBQ and the excellent reviews, we were excited to try it ourselves. The place is a typical American BBQ joint and the food is simply heavenly. We had a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich and it was the best dish we had tried during this entire trip. You simply MUST try the food here! On our second day, we decided to try a different cuisine so we ended up at Fiesta Mexicana. The food was excellent, the service great and the happy hour was the cherry on the cake!
