Page, Arizona is one of the best places to head to for a Southwest adventure of a lifetime. From narrow and winding slot canyons. Camping on a beach. Kayaking on a lake. Stargazing. Amazing sunsets. There are so many ways to spend your time in Page! 

But you have come here looking for the best things to do in Page, AZ. And I am going to list them for you!

I have been to Page many times over the years. I lived in nearby Prescott for a few months on a travel nurse assignment. Plus I cannot seem to stop coming back to the desert! 

But each time I come to Page, I can always find something new to do. So keep reading below for the best things to do in Page, AZ!

How to Get to Page, AZ

There are a few options of airports to fly into if you want to reach Page. It depends on what else you want to see and explore in Arizona or nearby Utah. No matter which option you choose, you will need a rental car to get to Page and all the surrounding areas. 

The closest airport to Page is going to be in Flagstaff, Arizona. However, this is a small airport with few flight options. The drive from Flagstaff to Page is about 2 hours one way. Las Vegas and Phoenix International Airport are both about a 4-hour drive away. 

If you plan to visit Page, Sedona, Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon in one trip, I recommend you fly into Phoenix.

Flying into Las Vegas makes the most sense if you want to see nearby spots in Utah, such as Zion and Bryce National Park.

16 of the Best Things to Do in Page, AZ

1. Hike to Horseshoe Bend

Even if you are not one for touristy spots, don’t skip visiting Horseshoe Bend. Although it is a popular viewpoint you have seen all over social media, it is worth seeing in person.

The overlook offers a stunning view of the Colorado River. There is a $10/day use fee per passenger vehicle here to park. The hike is 1.3 miles round trip with about 135 feet of elevation gain. 

Sunrise is a great time to hike since it is cooler and there are fewer people, making it a more peaceful and intimate experience.

2. Kayak Around Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

For a unique view of Horseshoe Bend, try kayaking along the Colorado River. You can take a backhaul ferry from Lees Ferry, located an hour’s drive from Page. The ferry will take you as far as 15 miles upstream so you can paddle back downstream.

The boat ride itself is worth it, and saying that you kayaked a portion of the Colorado River is pretty dang cool. You can also make a 2-day trip by camping. By camping you can make it a unique adventure – nothing quite like sleeping under the stars on the banks of the majestic Colorado River. 

There are 4 campgrounds available to use along this portion of the river. We opted for the Mile 9 campsite since that is at Horseshoe Bend. 

The kayaking is of moderate difficulty since it is 15 miles long. But if you camp and split it between 2 days it is very doable. Plus, there is a nice current that helps you along down the river. 

3. Visit Antelope Canyon

There are a lot of slot canyons throughout Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. But Antelope Canyon has to be among the most beautiful! Slot canyons are formed over millions of years as water rushes through the rock. Antelope Canyon looks so smooth that it almost looks hand-sculpted!

Unlike many other slot canyons, Antelope Canyon is on Native land, and you must have a Navajo guide to access most of it; keep reading below to learn about the section you don’t have to have a guide for!

Antelope Canyon is divided into sections that you can book a tour through Upper and Lower. Some argue Lower Antelope Canyon is better due to the tour experience. 

In Upper Antelope Canyon, they run tours each way, so you will have people walking both ways instead of single file one way. Lower Antelope Canyon is also bigger. I have personally only done the Lower section and found it to be beautiful and didn’t feel rushed. 

You can save money by choosing the Lower Antelope Canyon tour, which costs $55 per person, instead of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour, which costs $90 per person.

If you’re looking for a quieter experience, Antelope Canyon X is a great option. They run tours with smaller groups and are known for having a serene atmosphere in their slot canyon. Canyon X is also cheaper and offers tours starting at about $40 per person. 

But no matter which part of Antelope Canyon you choose- you’re sure to experience beauty! 

4. Go to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Head to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for splendid views of both the dam and the Colorado River. The trail is less than a half-mile round trip.

The overlook is 700 feet above the river, giving you a great vantage point- though a bit dizzying!

5. Camp at Lone Rock Beach

Along the shores of Lake Powell, 25 minutes from downtown Page, is Lone Rock Beach Campground. Lone Rock is what it sounds like- a massive rock in the middle of Lake Powell. You can also go swimming in the lake while camping on this beach. 

The camping here is primitive, with no established sites on a first come, first served basis. There is a $14 fee to camp here overnight. 

There are some pit toilets available here as well. If you’re looking for a more secluded camping spot, this is not the place for you as it gets very crowded! 

We had a pleasant camping experience here despite the crowds. It was beautiful to witness the lake and Lone Rock change colors during sunset. And the stargazing here is simply amazing.

6. Go to Wahweap Overlook

Wahweap Overlook is a spot you can hit on the way to Lone Rock Beach. It is a beautiful vantage point overlooking Lake Powell. Driving up to this overlook is simple, so no hiking is necessary.

Please note that to access this location in Glen Canyon National Conservation Area, a vehicle fee of $30 is required and is valid for 7 days. But, if you already have an Annual National Park Pass you can use this here to get in.

7. Rent a Boat on Lake Powell for a Day or a Houseboat for Multiple Days

One of my favorite memories in all of Arizona and Utah is when I rented a boat for the day on Lake Powell. Although pricey, the experience of going out on the lake and traveling miles to find a secluded spot was unforgettable.

There are also houseboats available to rent. This would be such a fun option for a family vacation! You can add wakeboards to the back of the boat for even more fun.

Lake Powell spans over 250 square miles and offers a multitude of hidden slot canyons, arches, buttes, and cliff-jumping spots waiting to be discovered. Even if you spent a few days on the lake, you would likely barely scratch the surface of the shoreline!

Jet skis are also available to rent for the day if you’d rather not rent a whole boat. 

8. Go to the Rainbow Bridge via Lake Powell

The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is 50 miles from the Wahweap Marina on Lake Powell. The Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world at 290 feet tall and 275 feet wide!

You can get here by either renting a boat or taking a tour to see it. 

Unfortunately, in 2023 the lake water levels are too low for tours to run. You can still beach your own boat and walk through mud to reach the bridge. Hopefully, in the months or years to come, the water level will be higher to make it easier to access this beautiful place!

9. Kayak to Lower Antelope Canyon

As I noted earlier, there is a portion of Lower Antelope Canyon that you do not need a Navajo guide to enter. To reach this part of the slot canyon, you will kayak approximately 2 miles from the Antelope Public Launch Ramp.

You can take your own kayak out here, rent a kayak, or take a guided tour. In September 2020, we went on a tour, but if given another chance, I would rent a kayak for the day to leisurely explore the canyon.

When you kayak into the mouth of Antelope Canyon, you will beach your kayak and can walk about a mile into the slot canyon. This is such a fun and unique activity in Page since it combines both kayaking on Lake Powell and seeing a slot canyon. 

10. Hike to the New Wave

If you’ve ever wanted to visit The Wave in Northern Arizona but couldn’t win the coveted permits, going to the New Wave in Page may satisfy you!

The New Wave resembles that wave-like texture to the orange sandstone that you get at The Wave. You do not have to have a permit to visit the New Wave. 

To access the trail, you park at a clearing at the Beehive Campground just past the Glen Canyon Dam. 

The loop trail is 1.4 miles with about 140 feet of elevation gain. It’s a short, fun hike while in Page that is still relatively off the radar.

11. Hike the Hanging Gardens Trail

The Hanging Gardens trail in Page is a short and fun hike. It is about 1.5 miles round trip with under 100 feet of elevation gain, making it a great trail for the whole family. 

You will need your Glen Canyon Recreation Pass to visit here, but as noted before,  you can use your Annual National Park Pass.

The viewpoint at the end is of lush vegetation hanging off of the canyon walls- hence the name! According to the National Park System, this area is known as a spot of biodiversity and small wildlife such as amphibians, invertebrates, and many plant species. 

While not as stunning as some other areas around Page, The New Wave trail is a quick and unique way to spend an hour or two.

12. Fuel Up on Caffeine and Sweets at Hot N Sweet Coffee and Donut Shop

Although a smaller tourist town, Page has quite a few good foodie spots to hit in between your exploring and hikes. 

This highly-rated coffee shop is known for its amazing donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The menu also includes breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy, as well as their famous cinnamon roll donuts. 

13. Eat Your Weight in BBQ at Big John’s Texas Bbq

If you’re craving barbecue after a hike, then Big John’s has got you covered. This place has been named one of the best spots for BBQ in Arizona!

The restaurant is in a converted gas station and offers outdoor seating. A live band plays outside often, making it an even better place to enjoy BBQ and brews for a few hours. 

14. Hike the Cathedral Wash Slot Canyon Trail in Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry is less than an hour’s drive from Page. An underrated location, since most pass by and go right to Page, this small adventure haven is worth heading to. 

Lees Ferry is where the first rapid of the Grand Canyon starts. This is also where you go to kayak Horseshoe Bend, as mentioned above.

The spectacular Cathedral Wash trail in Lees Ferry will bring you through a slot canyon to the Colorado River. 

A hidden gem in this area, this hike has a bit of everything between the orange canyon walls and getting to see the Colorado at the end. Bring a bathing suit so you can dip into the water!

The hike is 3 miles round trip with about 275 feet of elevation gain. When on this hike, it is important to exercise caution due to the scrambling required and the need for route finding to ensure safety over ledges and drop-offs. 

Additionally, the heat can be intense, so it is essential to bring plenty of salty snacks and water to stay hydrated. Remember never to hike in a slot canyon if there are storms in the area, as this can make the hike extremely dangerous with flash floods.

15. Head Out on a 4×4 Adventure to Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point is one of the best views of Lake Powell, but it is not easy to reach. You must have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle to go here, and preferably some prior experience driving on rough roads. 

Alstrom Point is located on the Utah side of Lake Powell, a 2 hour drive from Page due to the rough road. 

From Highway 89 near Big Water, it is 13 miles to get out to Alstrom Point, with the last few miles being the worst with large rocks and holes in the road.

If you can, try to camp out here. There are no amenities out here, but the sunsets and sunrises can’t be beat. Plus the stargazing is incredible since there are no towns or lights close by. 

16. Hike Wire Pass To Buckskin Gulch in Nearby Kanab, Utah

The Wire Pass trail is a great day hike in the Page area. The trailhead is an hour’s drive Northwest of the town center, and the road is accessible by most cars as long as the road is dry.

The trail is about 5.5 miles round trip with 615 feet of elevation gain. At the beginning of the hike, you can enjoy a lovely view of rock formations that resemble The Wave. The Wave actually starts from the same trailhead. As stated before, you must have permits for that hike. 

When you reach 1.7 miles into the Wire Pass trail, you will see fascinating ancient petroglyphs. Ensure you respect this land, leave no trace behind, and refrain from drawing on the canyon walls. 

Once you view the petroglyphs, you can turn left or right to access Buckskin Gulch- the longest slot canyon in the world. The trail is entirely up to you, and you may choose to turn back at any point. This slot canyon boasts exceptional beauty, making it an ideal spot to spend a few hours exploring.

Always check the weather forecasts before embarking on a slot canyon hike, and never hike in one if there are storms in the area! Slot canyons can be extremely dangerous in the event of a flash flood.

Wrap Up: Best Things to Do in Page, AZ

I really love Page, Arizona – this place is one of my favorite spots in the Southwest. There is so much to do here, from cruising on Lake Powell and exploring slot canyons to kayaking down the Colorado River. The possibilities are endless in this town.

You can spend a day or a week here and still find things to do if you are up for an adventure. Hopefully, you have added a few things to your Page itinerary to make your trip unforgettable!

This article was written by Kate Roams the World and published by Our Woven Journey.