Intro

Page, Arizona may be small in size, but it's surrounded by some of the most dramatic and iconic landscapes of the American Southwest. From the surreal beauty of Antelope Canyon to the sweeping curve of Horseshoe Bend, this desert town is a launching pad for adventure, photography and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you are traveling through Arizona or planning a dedicated stop, Page is a destination that surprises visitors with otherworldly rock formations, deep canyons, and brilliant blue waters – all within a short drive.

In this blog, we'll share some of the top things to do in Page, as well as some personal tips to help you make the most of your stay in this sunny corner of the Colorado Plateau.

 

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

If there's one place in Page you simply can't miss, it's Lower Antelope Canyon. With its narrow, undulating sandstone walls, fiery hues, and soft rays of light filtering through the cracks above, this slot canyon is truly one of the most photogenic places in the Southwest. It's a place where nature feels like art, sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years.

We took our tour with Ken's Tours, the main (and most well-known) company offering guided access to Lower Antelope Canyon. Tours are currently priced at $55 per person, which includes a guide, Navajo Nation permit, and entrance fee. (We had booked through GetYourGuide, which ended up being considerably more expensive - so we definitely don't recommend going that route. Booking directly is not only cheaper, but also easier.)

The best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Not only do you avoid the desert heat, but the angle of the sunlight at these times enhances the colors inside the canyon, casting deep oranges, pinks, and purples on the walls.

 

Pro Tip

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your scheduled tour. Check-in lines can be long, and if you're not on time, your seat may not be guaranteed – they'll leave without you. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, as the heat builds up quickly, especially during the warmer months. While the tour isn't strenuous, you'll be walking through narrow trails and climbing a few ladders. And most importantly, the tours are canceled in rainy weather due to the serious risk of flash floods, so always check the forecast before you go.

This site is on Navajo land, so please treat it with respect for both its cultural significance and natural beauty.

 

Horseshoe Bend

Just minutes outside of Page is Horseshoe Bend, one of the most recognizable and photographed natural landmarks in the entire American Southwest. Here, the Colorado River bends 270 degrees around a towering sandstone rock formation, carving a perfect horseshoe shape into the canyon floor. Standing at the edge of this massive drop, with the deep blue-green river glistening far below, is both humbling and unforgettable.

While the hike to the viewpoint is short – about 1 mile round-trip – the exposed desert heat can be intense. The trail is mostly flat but completely unshaded, so it's best to go during the early morning or late afternoon. Not only is the lighting more dramatic at sunrise or sunset, but the temperatures are more manageable.

There is now a small fee to enter Horseshoe Bend. General admission is $15 per person, but free with an America the Beautiful Pass. Note that parking is not included and is $10 per vehicle at the official parking lot. Do not park outside of the designated area.

 

Pro Tip

There is no shade along the trail or at the viewpoint, so be sure to wear sunscreen, bring a hat, and carry plenty of water – especially during the warmer months. While the main viewpoint is safe, there are spots along the cliffs that don't have guardrails, so watch your step and don't take unnecessary risks for a photo. Most importantly, respect the land and leave no trace; this natural wonder deserves to be preserved for future generations.

 

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Often overshadowed by nearby Horseshoe Bend, the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is a lesser known but absolutely stunning spot that offers a panoramic view of the Colorado River as it winds through Glen Canyon, with the massive dam structure towering above the water. It's quieter, less crowded, and offers an entirely different perspective on the power and scale of the landscape around Page.

The best part? It's completely free to visit, as is the parking – no passes or permits required. A short trail with steps leads you down to the overlook, where large boulders frame the canyon rim, making it a fantastic spot for photos or just a peaceful pause.

The overlook is beautiful any time of day, but for the most dramatic light and fewer people, it's best to visit early in the morning or around sunset. The golden glow on the red canyon walls during golden hour is breathtaking.

 

Pro Tip

The stone steps on the way down can be a little slippery, especially if you're wearing flat shoes. Be sure to watch your footing, especially on the way back up. Also, unlike Horseshoe Bend, this spot is much less visited, which means you'll probably have it (almost) to yourself, a rare luxury in this part of Arizona. Take your time, enjoy the tranquility, and don't rush this hidden gem.

 

Wahweap Scenic Overlook

Located just off Highway 89, the Wahweap Scenic Overlook offers some of the most expansive and peaceful views of Lake Powell and the surrounding desert landscape. To get there, you'll need to turn right on a short dirt road that climbs up a hill. Don't worry, it's easily navigable by car. At the top, you'll be rewarded with an incredible view of the deep blue waters of Lake Powell, framed by red cliffs and distant mesas.

The overlook is completely free to visit and there's no parking fee, so you can just pull off the highway, park your car, and take it all in. What makes it even better is the shaded picnic table, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee break, even during the hotter parts of the day.

 

Pro Tip

The overlook is on a hill, so it can get very hot and exposed when the sun is high. Make sure to wear sunscreen, and if you're visiting in the summer, bring plenty of water. This place deserves more than just a quick photo, so take your time and enjoy the serenity and scale of the landscape.

 

Lone Rock Beach

Lone Rock Beach is one of the most unique spots near Page – a stretch of soft sand on the edge of Lake Powell, backed by red rock cliffs and fronted by the iconic Lone Rock, a massive sandstone monolith rising from the water. It feels like a desert mirage, but it's very real – and on a hot day it's exactly where you want to be.

Located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, entry requires either a weekly pass ($15 to $30 depending on your mode of transportation) or the America the Beautiful Pass, which includes access to all U.S. national parks and federal recreation sites.

The best time to visit is when the weather is hot and sunny - think upper 90s Fahrenheit (around 35°C). The water is refreshingly cool, and the contrast between the blue lake and the surrounding red rock creates some truly surreal views. You can even swim right under Lone Rock, which gives the whole experience a cinematic feel.

While we didn't camp here ourselves, beach camping is allowed, and we can only imagine how peaceful it must be at night, with the stars overhead and the lake quietly lapping the shore. This is definitely on our list for next time.

 

Pro Tip

You can drive your car right down to the beach, which means you can bring shade, drinks, and snacks without worrying about lugging everything by hand. Just set up by the water, dip your feet in the lake, and enjoy one of the most unexpected beach experiences in the desert Southwest.

 

What We Will See Next Time

There's so much to do in and around Page that one visit just isn't enough. We've already fallen in love with this place, and we're already planning to come back in May 2026. With its mix of dramatic landscapes, peaceful overlooks, and refreshing lake spots, Page is the kind of destination that keeps calling you back.

Next time, we're excited to visit The New Wave, a lesser known but beautiful rock formation just off Highway 89 that offers swirling sandstone shapes without the crowds of its more famous namesake. Of course, we'll also revisit some of our favorites: Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam Overlook and Lone Rock Beach - each offering a completely different feel depending on the time of day and season.

We'll also explore Grandview Overlook, a small, often overlooked park that sits on a hill in the middle of Page. It promises amazing views of the town and the surrounding desert, and we're looking forward to seeing it during the golden hour.

We'll keep you posted, so stay tuned for our next adventure in Page, Arizona.

 

Wrapping Up

Page might look like a quick stop on the map, but the reality is quite different. With its mix of breathtaking views, peaceful desert landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it easily earns its place as a destination worth staying for. From walking through the surreal walls of Lower Antelope Canyon, to watching the sun rise over Horseshoe Bend, to cooling off with your feet in the water at Lone Rock Beach, Page is full of surprises.

Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, there's something grounding about the silence of the desert, the endless skies, and the warm colors that change throughout the day. And even after all we've seen, there's still more to come - new overlooks to discover, places to revisit, and quiet corners to just sit and take it all in.

We're already planning to return, and Page has definitely earned a permanent spot on our travel list. If you love wide-open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable sunsets, this little town on the edge of the Colorado Plateau should be on yours, too.