Is Page, Arizona Worth Visiting? Plus Top 8 Canyons Ranked

Is Page, Arizona worth visiting?

Are you looking for a trip and wondering if Page, Arizona worth visiting?

Page, Arizona is one of our favorite places to visit when we want to explore the outdoors and add some incredible photos to our collection.

Whether you’re adding Page to your Southwest road trip or going for a weekend getaway, we’ll provide you with all the recommendations on making your trip to Page, Arizona worthwhile. 

We have the Top 6 Things to Do that Page, Arizona is famous for and our 8 favorite canyons to visit.

Is Page Arizona Worth Visiting

A Little About Page, Arizona 

Page, Arizona is a small town nestled in the heart of the American Southwest. 

Located along the northern edge of Lake Powell and close to stunning natural attractions such as Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Page is an ideal destination for those looking to explore some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. 

Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation or cultural exploration, a visit to Page can be both rewarding and unforgettable. With its unique combination of breathtaking scenery and interesting history, Page has something to offer everyone who visits it. 

So if you’re looking for a getaway that combines adventure with relaxation, then consider making your way to Page, Arizona!

How Many Days Do You Need in Page, AZ?

Depending on what you’d like to see and do in Page AZ, you can easily plan a trip lasting anywhere from one day to several days. 

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you can explore the famous Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

If you’d like to take in some history, there are plenty of attractions including Horseshoe Bend and John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum to check out. Page, AZ is also home to various cultural sights such as Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park and Red Heritage Native American Dinner Show. 

We believe 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Page. That gives you enough time to see all the natural sights and hikes, try all of the amazing food, and learn about the incredible history of the area and Navajo people.

In short, a visit to Page, Arizona is sure to be unforgettable and will leave you with plenty of amazing memories.

What is famous about Page, Arizona?

Is Page Arizona worth visiting?

Page, Arizona is most famous for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Both of these natural phenomena are picturesque places for your Instagram photos. But there are other spots making Page, Arizona worth visiting.

Antelope Canyons

On Navajo Nation land, there are 6 different slot canyons that make up the Antelope Canyons: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, Canyon X, Rattle Snake Canyon, Owl Canyon, and Mountain Sheep Canyon. 

The canyons were formed over thousands of years by flash floods that carved out these unique slot canyons. The most famous slot canyons are the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, but all 6 are beautiful and have their own unique features which we will cover next. 

Please note: all 6 canyons require a guided tour. This land belongs to the Navajo people and going to a canyon without a certified guide is trespassing. We will provide links to certified guides for each canyon!

Upper Antelope Canyon – also known as “The Crack”

Upper Canyon has a few discovery legends, but the one we preferred is that it was found in the 1930s by a 12-year-old girl looking for her sheep.

She had fallen asleep, and her sheep wandered into the canyon to find some shade from the heat. When she followed in after them, she discovered this marvel! 

Upper Antelope Canyon is home to dazzlingly colored walls that are constantly changing throughout the day as the light filters in from above.

It also offers some breathtaking photographic opportunities with its many curves, alcoves, and archways. 

The Canyon is relatively wide and you have great views of the sky which earned the Canyon the nickname “The Crack“. It is one of the shorter Antelope canyons and the most mobility-friendly since it is relatively flat!

The light beams through the ceiling are dazzling if you can catch them – they are most prominent in the spring and fall. 

We recommend this tour to the Upper Antelope Canyon. You will have a Navajo tour guide who will take you through the canyon, sharing information about the canyon and pointing out the best photo spots. 

Lower Antelope Canyon – Also Known as “The Corkscrew”

Lower Antelope Canyon is nearly twice the length of its counterpart, Upper Antelope Canyon.

It has multiple sets of staircases for navigating the canyon, which may prove challenging for anyone with mobility concerns. 

Once you take the staircases down inside Lower Canyon, you are greeted with breathtaking views of a deep canyon lined with smooth walls and amazing rock formations.

The canyon is more narrow than the Upper Antelope Canyon, making the light reflection particularly beautiful.

For this reason, it is home to many of the most famous photos from the Antelope Canyons and also why it is nicknamed “The Corkscrew”.

This tour goes to the Lower Antelope Canyon and is led by a Navajo tour guide. There are no guide companies that go to both the Upper and Lower Canyons so be weary of buying a “bundle” that includes both of these canyons. 

Canyon X

Canyon X has been growing in popularity in recent years due to the smaller crowds and big views. The tour starts with the feature that earned the canyon its name – a big X in the ceiling.

The canyon has a bit of everything with more narrow sections as well as wide sections. Canyon X is one of the deepest canyons with the sides getting up to 125 feet deep at some points. This makes it much darker than the other canyons.

Additionally. the depth prevents the beautiful light beams that you can experience in the Upper and Lower canyons.

Its less-crowded atmosphere makes Page, Arizona worth visiting as it is a great choice for travelers looking for an economical option since it is typically 30-50% less expensive for a tour.

Rattlesnake Canyon 🐍

Rattlesnake Canyon is an incredible wonder of nature that offers visitors a unique and peaceful experience.

Access to the canyon is restricted to one tour company only so it is highly likely that your tour will be the only one in the canyon while you are there.

The canyon is narrow and winding, which is why it is called Rattlesnake Canyon. The walls may not be very high but the narrow passes and arches make it stunning.

You cannot tour Rattlesnake Canyon on your own, so we recommend booking a tour with this company to have an incredible experience in Rattlesnake Canyon. They offer bundles with Owl Canyon and Upper Canyon so you can experience more!

Owl Canyon 🦉

Owl Canyon is known for its great horned owls that take residence there, and we were very lucky to see one while navigating through the canyon!

They are beautiful birds and the way they blend into the canyon walls is magnificent!

The canyon is not as deep or narrow as the others but it is a good introduction to the canyons. Additionally, there will be no crowds since it is only operated by 1 tour company.

We would not recommend only going to Owl Canyon but it is a good add-on to exploring Rattlesnake Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon! You can book a tour here.

Mountain Sheep Canyon

Mountain Sheep Canyon is one of the longest and most impressive canyons that makes Page, Arizona worth visiting. What makes it impressive? The small groups you explore it with and the narrow passages.

This canyon provides a wonderful all-around experience if you have no mobility concerns. So why isn’t everyone doing it? It is frequently closed to the public due to damage created by flash floods.

Check with this tour company to see if there are tours running when you are visiting Page, AZ.

Is it worth going to Antelope Canyon?

Visiting at least one of the Antelope Canyons should be your number one priority to make Page, Arizona worth visiting. It will be one of the most expensive parts of the trip because you are required to be accompanied by a guide, but the breathtaking views are well worth it.

The guides are really good about pointing out shots and angles you may have missed in order to get the ideal picture. Plus, you are directly supporting the Navajo Nation!

Be sure to pay attention to the weather while you are there. Monsoon season in Page is from July-September, and the flash foods that come with the monsoons could affect your trip.

Check out our article on “When to Visit the Antelope Canyons” for more tips!

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning natural wonder located near the town of Page in Northern Arizona.

The bend is created by the Colorado River, which flows through a dramatic 270-degree meander in the sandstone cliff walls, creating a U-shaped curve.

From this vantage point, visitors can witness stunning views of the river winding its way through the red rocks of the canyon.

The views at Horseshoe Bend are world-famous and definitely make Page, Arizona worth visiting.

Can you see Horseshoe Bend without a tour?

Yes! You can see Horseshoe Bend without a tour. There is a fee of $10 for access to the area per car, and it cannot be used with other passes such as the National Parks pass or Red Rock Pass.

The total roundtrip walk from the parking area to the viewpoint and back is 1.5 miles, which is a gradual up-and-down path that is wide and accessible for most ages. You could easily push a stroller or wheelchair on the path.

You can expect it to be quite busy at all times of the day, so we recommend arriving early in the morning or being prepared to wait for your turn to take pictures.

If you do arrive early, keep in mind that there may be shadows in the canyon that can affect the quality of your photos.

There is no shade at the viewpoint, so bring water with you. The entire experience should take less than an hour, and Horseshoe Bend is located conveniently on the way to other popular destinations such as Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, or Sedona. 

Lake Powell 

Lake Powell, Arizona is a popular destination for water activities. Visitors to the lake can engage in any number of water sports, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing.

Fishing is especially popular on Lake Powell – anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish in the lake’s clear waters. 

Boaters will find plenty to explore, from long secluded canyons to hidden coves, with flat water for perfect conditions.

Kayaking is great for visitors who want a peaceful journey on the lake, while canoeing offers an excellent way to get up close and personal with the surrounding nature and wildlife. 

Waterskiing is a popular activity as well, with long flat stretches of water providing plenty of space for skiers to show off their skills. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, jet skiing and wakeboarding are also popular activities on Lake Powell Arizona! 

Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam is an impressive structure that stands at a height of 710 feet above the bedrock. It is located within the stunning rust-colored sandstone walls of Glen Canyon.

The dam was built to harness the power of the Colorado River so that it could provide water and power for millions of people in the Western region.

In addition to being a major power course, the Glen Canyon Dam is a major tourist attraction and draws thousands of visitors each year. You can explore the visitor center to learn more and get an up-close view.

Secret Canyon

Secret Canyon is our 3rd favorite canyon in Page. The canyon is much less crowded than the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.

That means great photographs and plenty of time to enjoy this slot canyon.

The ride goes through private land on a shaded, open-air, 4×4 truck. There is a private Horseshoe Bend overlook on this land as well that gets you away from the masses at the main overlook.

A Navajo tour guide will show you how to take the best photos. They will change the settings on your phone so that the colors really pop.

Make sure to buy your tickets well in advance as this tour sells out quickly because of the small group sizes.

Waterholes Canyon

Waterholes Canyon is a spectacular canyon located on the Navajo Reservation, south of Page. This hike is becoming increasingly popular due to its stunning views of vibrant red rock walls and its tranquil atmosphere.

Like Antelope Canyon, you are required to do this hike with a guide. However, this hike is longer and less crowded than any of the Antelope Canyon tours.

The hike has a good amount of physical activity (climbing ladders and sliding) so it is not recommended for those with mobility concerns.

It will take around 90 minutes to go through the guided hike. Along the way, you will see stunning views of lush red rock walls and occasional pools of water.

You can book your Waterholes Canyon guided tour with Waterhole Canyon Experience, a Navajo family-owned and operated business! 

Red Heritage Native American Dinner Theater

Red Heritage is much more than just a regular entertainment hall – It’s a truly unique cultural experience! The theater is owned and operated by the Navajo people and operates from March through November.

Visitors are invited to witness traditional powwow dancing and live music performed with flutes and drums.

The atmosphere created by this vibrant performance is then complemented by the delicious traditional foods on offer, such as Navajo tacos served on Navajo frybread, rice bowls, and salads. 

This truly unforgettable performance allows you to immerse yourself in the Navajo culture. It is a must-visit in Page, so book your tickets well in advance of your trip.

When is the best time to visit Page, Arizona?

In our opinion, the best time to visit Page, Arizona is between March and May. During this time, you can take advantage of smaller crowds as well as good temperatures.

In addition, this period is ideal for seeing light beams in the Upper Antelope Canyon.

It is important to note that July through September should be cautioned because it brings with it the monsoon season making outdoor activities difficult during those months, especially when there are flash floods. These summer months are also extremely hot, and hiking is recommended in the morning hours.

We also love the fall and spring for being able to explore with fewer people around than the peak season!

How do you get to Page, Arizona?

To get to Page, Arizona from the United States, you can drive, fly, take a bus, or take a day tour.

If you choose to drive, the most direct route would be to take Interstate 17 North from Phoenix until you reach Flagstaff and then turn onto US Highway 89 North.

This will take you through Flagstaff and through Tuba City until you reach Page. The total drive time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from Phoenix.

If you choose to fly, the closest airport is located in Flagstaff, Arizona (FLG). From there you can rent a car or take advantage of local shuttle services to get to Page.

For bus service, Greyhound operates regular service from Phoenix to Flagstaff and then to Page. The total travel time is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Lastly, a day tour is a good option if you are only able to visit for 1 day while staying in Flagstaff, Sedona, or Las Vegas. Check out these great options:

How much does Page, AZ cost?

Page, Arizona is relatively affordable to visit, with a wide variety of accommodations ranging from hotels and resorts to camping grounds to suit any budget.

The major cost of visiting Page, Arizona will be the wide selection of outdoor activities you have to choose from.

From water sports on Lake Powell to exploring the Antelope Canyons, to horseback riding, some activities can take a chunk out of your wallet. But they are well worth it! You are visiting Page to enjoy the incredible scenery that it has to offer!

The town is also home to some of the most vibrant nightlife in all of Arizona, with a variety of different bars and restaurants that cater to everyone’s tastes. You can eat on the cheap or have an extravagant night out.

Where is the best place to stay in Page, Arizona? 

No matter if you prefer a rental property or hotel, there are plenty of options of places to stay in Page!

Most of the major hotel brands have hotels in Page. Check out their locations and prices to pick the right one for you! We liked the Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell.

Or if you prefer a rental, here are some great options:

• The Lake and Trails are Calling | 2 Bed, 2 Bath – a cute house with an open floor plan in a good area
• Santa Fe Style Custom Home | 3 Bed, 3 Bath – a modern house with a fantastic desert view, garage, and a hot tub
• South Shores Lake Powell Gecko | 3 Bed, 3 Bath – big house, right off the main area of Page

What to eat in Page, Arizona 

All the outdoor activities in Page, AZ are sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are a number of good options.

Our favorite was the Honey Butter Chicken at BirdHouse.

Check out all of our recommendations for eating in Page.

So, is Page, Arizona Worth Visiting?

1,000,000% YES, Page, Arizona is worth visiting!

There are so many things to do and see! Whether you’re looking to add Page to your Southwest road trip or just to have a relaxing weekend getaway, Page has something for everyone. It’s not surprising that so many people visit every year!

So what are you waiting for? Make your way to Page, Arizona – you won’t regret it!

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”