Page, Arizona is a small city located in the northeastern corner of the state, near the border of Utah. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Powell, a large man-made lake that was created by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. Page is best known for its proximity to several major natural attractions, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Glen Canyon Dam.
The city of Page is also a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, boating, fishing and kayaking on Lake Powell, and ATV rides in the surrounding desert. The city is located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, which is home to some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. Visitors can take the 20-mile drive to the Glen Canyon Dam, or the 17-mile drive to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, both of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
There are the top 11 things to do in and near Page, Arizona :
1-Visit Antelope Canyon :
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Page, Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon that is known for its beautiful light beams that shine through the narrow cracks in the rock. Visitors can take guided tours of the canyon, which take you through the narrow, winding corridors that have been carved out by water and wind over thousands of years.
There are two sections of Antelope Canyon: Upper and Lower. The Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two, and is known for its spiral rock formations and the way the sunlight filters through the narrow openings in the rock. It’s a perfect place for photographers as the beams are only visible for a short time during the day. The Lower Antelope Canyon, on the other hand, is known for its smooth, flowing curves and is less crowded than the Upper canyon.
Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon can be visited all year round, but the best time to see the light beams is in the summer, when the sun is high in the sky. Guided tours are offered daily, and visitors can choose between a regular tour or a photography tour, which allows more time to take pictures.
2- See Horseshoe Bend :
Another must-see destination in Page, Horseshoe Bend is a dramatic bend in the Colorado River that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is located just a short hike from the parking lot, and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and photographers.
The viewpoint is accessed via a short hike from the parking lot, and it’s a 1.5-mile round trip. The trail is well-maintained and not too strenuous, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The hike to Horseshoe Bend can be a bit hot and sunny, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a hat, and protect themselves from the sun.
When you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Colorado River as it makes a 270-degree bend in the shape of a horseshoe. The viewpoint offers a great view of the surrounding landscape, including the red rock formations of the Glen Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
3- Take a Boat Tour of Lake Powell :
Lake Powell is a large man-made lake that offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake to explore its many canyons, inlets, and bays, and see some of the beautiful rock formations that line the shores.
One of the best ways to explore Lake Powell is by taking a boat tour. Visitors can choose from a variety of boat tours, including guided boat tours that take you to some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the lake, including hidden canyons, inlets, and bays. These tours can range from a few hours to a full-day, and they offer a great way to see the lake and its many natural wonders, such as the Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural bridge.
Lake Powell also offers a variety of beaches, coves, and inlets that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and it’s a great way to cool off on a hot day.
4- Go on a Scenic Drive :
Page is located in the heart of the Navajo Nation, which is home to some of the most scenic drives in the Southwest. Visitors can take the 20-mile drive to the Glen Canyon Dam, or the 17-mile drive to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, both of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most popular scenic drives is the 20-mile drive to the Glen Canyon Dam, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the red rock formations of the Glen Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Along the way, visitors can stop at the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center to learn more about the history and construction of the dam.
Another popular scenic drive is the 17-mile drive to the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which offers panoramic views of Lake Powell and the surrounding landscape, including ancient Indian ruins and petroglyphs.
5- Visit the Glen Canyon Dam :
The Glen Canyon Dam is one of the most impressive engineering feats in the United States, and it’s definitely worth a visit when you’re in Page. The dam is located just a short drive from the city and offers a visitor center, exhibits and guided tours.
The dam was built in the 1960s to control the flow of the Colorado River and to create Lake Powell, which is now a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam, which offers a great opportunity to learn more about the history and construction of the dam and its impact on the area. The tour takes visitors to the power plant and the observation deck, which offers great views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
The Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center is also located nearby and it is a great place to learn more about the dam, the history of the area, and the ecology of the Colorado River. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, films, and a gift shop.
6- Explore the Lower Antelope Canyon :
Lower Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon located just a short drive from Page. It is less known that the upper one and also less crowded. Visitors can take guided tours of the canyon, which take you through the narrow, winding corridors that have been carved out by water and wind over thousands of years.
The Lower Antelope Canyon is accessed by descending a series of metal staircases and narrow passageways that lead into the canyon. The canyon walls are made of sandstone and have been sculpted by water and wind over thousands of years. Visitors can see the unique shapes, curves, and colors created by the erosion of the rock.
Like the Upper Antelope Canyon, the Lower Canyon can only be visited by guided tours. Visitors can take a tour of the canyon, which takes them through the narrow, winding corridors and teaches them about the geology and the history of the area. The tour guides provide information on the formation of the canyon and the significance of the canyon to the Navajo people.
7- See the Rainbow Bridge National Monument :
The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is located on the Colorado River in southern Utah, near the Arizona border. It’s a natural bridge that spans 275 feet and is considered one of the largest natural bridges in the world. The bridge is sacred to many Native American tribes and has significant cultural and spiritual significance.
Visiting the Rainbow Bridge National Monument requires a bit of effort as it is quite remote and not easily accessible by car. The best way to visit the bridge is by taking a guided boat tour from nearby Lake Powell, which provides the chance to see the bridge from the water, as well as other remote parts of the lake. The boat tour usually takes about 4 hours and departs from either Wahweap Marina or Bullfrog Marina. Visitors should be prepared for a bit of a rough ride on the lake as the winds can be quite strong.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, it is also possible to hike to the bridge, which typically takes about 4-5 hours round trip and requires a permit which can be obtained through the National Park Service. Hiking to the bridge is strenuous, visitors should be prepared with appropriate footwear, water, and snacks, and should be aware of the weather conditions.
8- Explore the Navajo National Monument :
The Navajo National Monument is located on the Navajo Nation Reservation, near Page, Arizona. It preserves three ancient cliff dwelling ruins, Betatakin, Keet Seel and Inscription House, that were constructed by the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area between 600 and 1300 AD. The park provides a great opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the ancient Puebloan people, and to see some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings ruins in the Southwest.
The best way to explore the Navajo National Monument is by taking a guided tour of one of the three cliff dwellings ruins. The tour is led by a park ranger, who provides information on the history, architecture, and daily life of the ancient Puebloan people who lived in the area. Visitors can also hike the trails that lead to the ruins, and see the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
9- Take a scenic flight :
Taking a scenic flight is a great way to see the natural beauty of the Page, Arizona area from a different perspective. Visitors can book a flight with one of the local air tour companies and fly over some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest.
One of the most popular scenic flight options is a flight over Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam. Visitors can fly over the lake and see its many inlets, bays, and canyons, as well as the Glen Canyon Dam and the surrounding landscape. This is a great way to get an aerial view of the area and to see the remote wilderness of southern Utah and northern Arizona.
Another popular flight option is a flight over the Grand Canyon. Visitors can fly over the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon and see the spectacular views of the canyon, the Colorado River, and the surrounding landscape. This is a great way to see one of the natural wonders of the world and to get a bird’s-eye view of one of the most beautiful places on earth.
10- Visit the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum :
The John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum is located in Page, Arizona, and it is dedicated to the life and work of explorer John Wesley Powell. Powell is best known for his exploration of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon in the late 1800s, and his pioneering work in the fields of geology and anthropology.
The museum features exhibits that showcase Powell’s life and work, including artifacts, photographs, and maps from his expeditions. Visitors can learn about Powell’s journey down the Colorado River and his many scientific discoveries, including his pioneering work in the field of river management and conservation. The museum also has exhibits that explain the geology and natural history of the area, and the role of the Glen Canyon Dam in the region.
The museum also features a collection of Native American artifacts and art, which provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region’s indigenous peoples. The artifacts are from different tribes in the Southwest, including the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni.
The John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum is located next to the Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center and is open year-round. Visitors can also take a tour of the dam and combine it with a visit to the museum for a more comprehensive experience of the area’s history and geology.
11- Go Hiking in Waterholes Canyon :
Waterholes Canyon is a beautiful and less visited canyon located in the Navajo Nation, near Page, Arizona. It offers a great hiking experience for visitors who are looking for a more challenging and remote experience. The canyon is known for its narrow and winding corridors, unique rock formations, and beautiful waterholes that are fed by a small stream.
The hike to Waterholes Canyon is considered moderate to strenuous, and it requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department. Visitors should be aware that the canyon can be dangerous when flash floods occur and that there are no facilities or services in the canyon. Visitors should also be prepared for a long hike, and should wear appropriate footwear and bring enough water, food, and other supplies.
The hike typically starts at the trailhead located on the west side of U.S. 98. The trail follows the streambed through the narrow and winding corridors of the canyon, which are flanked by towering sandstone walls. Along the way, visitors will see unique rock formations, including the famous “deer tracks”, as well as beautiful waterholes that are fed by the stream. The trail is considered strenuous due to the rocky terrain, but the canyon’s beauty is worth it.
These are some of the 11 top things to do in and near Page, Arizona. The city is a gateway to some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Southwest and it offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs and more.
