Top 9 Things to Do in Page, Arizona

Most people haven’t heard of Page, Arizona, but if you talk to the locals they’ll tell you that tourism has been exploding in recent years. Page is home to some really famous attractions, like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but believe me when I say there’s a lot more to see than you would think! My family and I took a 9 day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, and we were busier during our two days in Page than we were at the North and South Rim! Of course, busier does equal more expensive, so make sure and save up so you don’t miss out on anything Page has to offer! Here’s a list of the top things to do in Page, in no particular order!!

1. Upper Antelope Canyon

Chances are, you’ve seen pictures of this famous slot canyon. The Upper Canyon is known for its light beams – if you go at the right time of year and the right time of day! You must schedule a tour to see this wonder – and it’s definitely worth seeing! This is the most inclusive site I’ve found with tour information, so click away to begin planning your trip! I wrote an in depth guide for visiting Upper Antelope Canyon, but for now, let me leave you with a few tips:

• Call your tour company to find out what time it is!!!! Time zones are pretty funky in Page – you can drive five miles and end up being in a different time zone!! You don’t want to miss your tour due to something silly like that, so just call and sync yourself to their time.
• If you have a nice camera, protect your lens!!! I duck taped a plastic bag over my Nikon lens.  There’s so much sand in the canyon, it can easily mess your lens up as you zoom in and out.  Also, DON’T plan on changing your lens inside the canyon.  It would be no bueno.
• If you’re thinking you’re going to get those awesome shots like in professional photography, then you better sign up for a photography tour.  Tripods are not allowed on the regular tours, and lighting is pretty dim in the Upper Canyon. The photography tours are much more expensive, but it might be worth it to you depending on your priorities. l was happy with many of the shots I got on the regular tour, but it sure would’ve been cool to have my tripod!
• If you visit in the summer or early fall, this tour is going to be very crowded.

2. Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is located just on the other side of the highway from Upper Antelope Canyon.  We booked with Ken’s Tours, and I definitely recommend them!! (Here’s the link again for those wanting all the options!) Lower Canyon is cheaper per person but the tour was just as long, the canyon had better lighting for pictures, and without the two way traffic of the Upper Canyon I was able to get a lot more shots of the canyon without people in it.  However, Lower Canyon is not known for having the stunning light beams like the Upper Canyon.  I was glad we did both, but if that’s not in your budget I probably would suggest the Lower Canyon! Click here to read all my tips for visiting the Lower Canyon!

3. Wahweap Overlook

Wahweap Overlook is a beautiful and free overlook to Lake Powell that is not far from Page! It offered really spectacular scenes and would definitely make a great place to watch the sunset! You could see Wahweap Marina, Glen Canyon Dam, and lots of cool rock formations around Lake Powell. Wahweap is located a few miles north of Page of Highway 89.  There is a sign clearly marked from the road that you will turn right on. Have fun and enjoy the scenic views!!

4. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a famous portion of the Colorado River that is located 4-5 miles south of Page on Highway 89.  This is a very popular tourist attraction, so much so that police sometimes have to turn cars away during the busy summer months! We went at sunrise and had very little in the way of crowds, but we also didn’t have the best lighting! Whatever your preference, this is definitely a must-see if you are in the area! Check out my post on Horseshoe Bend to help plan your visit!

5. Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Glen Canyon Dam is one of the largest in the country, and is responsible for creating Lake Powell!  The Dam, the bridge, and the Colorado River are quite an impressive sight – and it’s located just outside of Page North on Highway 89.  When you reach the bridge, there are open spaces on the side of the road for parking. Please keep an eye on your children, as there is no protection between parking and traffic! We only hung around on the bridge, but if you cross to the south side of the highway/downstream from the Dam there is a path that takes you to an Overlook.  The trail only takes about 20-30 minutes to complete – but make sure you take plenty of water! Please keep your dogs on a leash, as animals have perished from inadequate railing at the overlook. Children should also be watched extra careful on this hike.

6. Glen Canyon Dam Visitor Center & Tours

Want to learn about the Dam up close and personal?? Make a stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center directly beside the Dam.  The Visitor Center includes restrooms, a gift shop/bookstore, great photo ops as well as tours of the dam.  Hours of operation vary depending on the time of the year, so make sure you research the above links before you go! Tours are cheap, but they appear to be largely unprotected from the sun, so be prepared for the heat!

7. Lake Powell Boat Tours

Lake Powell is a pretty fascinating stop! Never have I seen a place that better embodies the term “Martian landscape” than here! Not only do you have unique rock formations surrounding the edges of the water, but the water itself is clean and beautiful!! (That’s what we call a double rainbow y’all!) When Lake Powell is full it has more miles of coastline than even California! If you visit Page and don’t make time for an activity on Lake Powell..well you just didn’t do Page justice. I’m sure there are multiple companies that give boat tours of Lake Powell (in fact, I’m sure of it), but if you’re in Page my suggestion is to use the tours offered from Wahweap Marina.  Not only do they offer boat tours featuring various aspects of the Lake, but they also rent boats, houseboats, and offer RV parking and camping in the same area. Please be aware that there is a fee to enter the Glen Canyon Recreation area, where the Marina is located.  The pass was good for 7 days, but if you have a National Parks Pass you will be waived the entrance fee.

8. Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world!! It’s also an attraction that has pretty limited access! This attraction can only be accessed via boat or by a rough-14+ mile-one way-permit only hike through Navajo Nation land. I really wouldn’t suggest the hike – and I’m an avid hiker so that’s telling you something!! It’d for sure be a 2-3 day hike, with trails that aren’t maintained and heat that’s just not desirable.  The boat tour was pricey but I thought it was worth the money to spend a day seeing Lake Powell and Rainbow Bridge! My family and I had a great time and it’s definitely something I would suggest seeing if you are in the area! Check out my post for everything you need to know to plan a visit!

(Yes, technically Rainbow Bridge is in Utah, but since I departed from the Marina in Page, I am including it on this list!)

9. Stand-up Paddle Board/Kayak through Antelope Canyon

Did you know that Lake Powell is often listed as one of the best places to stand-up paddleboard in the world?? Even though we had a truly packed schedule during our stay in Page, my husband and I made time to explore a little of Antelope Canyon via paddle board!! Lake Powell Paddleboards has got your back when it comes to rentals! Located near the center of Page, they also rent kayaks and offer waterproof options for your belongings! They helped us secure the boards and gave us great directions, tips, and instructions for it being our first time! Please know that in order to access the lake, you will have to pay a fee to enter Glen Canyon Recreation Area that’s good for 7 days…but again, if you have a National Parks Pass you will be waived the fee! I highly, highly recommend setting aside a whole morning/early afternoon to make this a part of your Page itinerary!

Page was a stop we added to make sure we saw Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but we ended up getting a lot more than we bargained for out of our stay! I hope this post has helped you decide to visit Page too!

Don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!! Have you been here? Did you do any of these things?? Did I leave anything out??? I wanna know!

Until next time!