20 Fun & Best Things to do in Page, Arizona

If you are looking for adventure within some of the most beautiful natural wonders and landscapes in the United States, look no further than Page, Arizona. Page is a unique place where you can find activities for anyone of any age and activity level.

Located in northern Arizona and along the Colorado River, Page is home to countless hiking trails, canyons, and lakes. Famous spots include the Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers.

There are so many amazing things to discover when visiting Arizona. The national parks lure most visitors to this part of the state, but there are many other places to visit just off the beaten path!

Here, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite places in the Page area that are sure to create priceless memories.

Page has a tiny airport with few flights, so if you are planning to fly, consider looking into the airports in Las Vegas, Flagstaff, and Phoenix. You can use Kayak to search for flights to all of these cities at once to see which one comes out the most affordable for you.

If you are visiting for the first time, a sightseeing tour is a great way to go. There are many Page, Arizona tours that you can find on Viator at varying price points, so it is easy to find one that meets your needs. You’ll find some of our favorites on the list below.

TLDR

Best & Fun Things to do in Page, Arizona

Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hall

One of the first things I recommend is to head over to Red Heritage, formerly known as the Navajo Village Heritage Center. It is a great place to learn about the natural history of Page and about the Navajo nation and its people.

The Navajo people have a rich history tied to this area, so this center is a terrific opportunity to learn more about their culture. The Entertainment Hall is owned and operated by Indigenous Navajo people and delights visitors with local music, singing, and powwow dancing.

For the foodies- authentic Navajo dishes are also available to try!

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is full of landmarks sure to be enjoyed by all visitors. The main things to do in this area include Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and Rainbow Bridge.

I highly recommend the Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell as your base while you are here for its close proximity to all attractions and clean comfort. Or check out this cute studio for a unique desert experience.

See Related: The Ultimate Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary

Hanging Garden Trail

This trail is perfect for an easy-going day outdoors. It is a short, easy hike of fewer than 1.5 miles. When you visit Page, Arizona, hiking is practically a must!

This trail is considered one of Page’s hidden gems since it is less popular than many of the other canyon trails nearby. Despite this, it is just as beautiful. At the end of the trail, you are greeted with a lush garden, almost like a desert oasis.

The location of this trail allows it to easily be combined with other activities nearby or done on its own.

Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam is an arch-gravity dam built into the Colorado River in 1956 and took ten years to complete. The dam formed Lake Powell, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation offers guided tours of the dam to learn about its history and importance in the region.

This part of the Colorado River is known for its phenomenal rainbow trout fishery. You can also find three varieties of bass: smallmouth, largemouth, and striped. Other non-native fish are also abundant here.

You could also check out this relaxing raft float tour that goes along the base of Glen Canyon Dam.

See Related: Best White Water Rafting in USA

Carl Hayden Visitor Center

The Carl Hayden Visitor Center is the main visitor center in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It’s a great place to take a break and cool off in the middle of your day.

Here, you will find a lot of information regarding recreational activities in the area and the dam’s historical water use through different exhibitions.

The visitor center hours vary depending on the season but is usually open from 9 am to 4 pm Thursday-Monday and closed on major holidays.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

If you take a short walk from the visitor center, you will find yourself at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. You will be greeted by stunning views of the dam itself and an expansive view of the Colorado River.

It’s a perfect spot for a photo op. The views of Glen Canyon from here are guaranteed to take your breath away.

See Related: Enter the Realm of the Eagle on Grand Canyon Skywalk

Glen Canyon Bridge

This marvelous steel arch bridge crosses over the Colorado River within Glen Canyon.

Hovering at almost 700 feet in the air, it is the 10th highest bridge in the world and the 3rd highest in North America! This bridge is a sight to see and not for the faint of heart.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is known as one of the world’s largest natural bridges. The stunning natural landmark is a hugely sacred place for several of the indigenous tribes of this area.

These tribes collaborate with the National Park Services on how to best preserve and manage the arch today.

The best way to see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument is to take a boat from Lake Powell and dock on NPS land where you will have to walk about one mile to see the bridge.

You can also hike to the bridge. To hike to Rainbow Bridge, you will have to apply for a permit through the Navajo tribe to cross their land.

See Related: Most Amazing Natural Arches in the World

Lake Powell

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, the famous Lake Powell is one of the most visited lakes in the country, welcoming over 2 million visitors annually. With over 254 square miles, Lake Powell is also the largest in the Southwestern United States.

There is no shortage of outdoor activities that you can find on Lake Powell including boat tours, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It is a great place to visit for the whole family to enjoy.

After a long day of hanging out on the lake, check out the famous Big John’s Texas BBQ for some delicious eats. It is one of the best places to eat on Lake Powell. The portions are giant, and the flavors are out of this world. A local Big John’s Texas BBQ favorite is “The Sampler” with cowboy beans and coleslaw.

The best place to stay on Lake Powell is the Lake Powell Resort, located in the Wahweap Marina. It is only a six-minute walk to the beach of Lake Powell. The resort itself offers boat tours of the lake.

Or, you can pitch a pop-up tent over at Lone Rock Beach for a more outdoorsy experience. The Lone Rock Beach area of Lake Powell is known for its calm waters, which makes it more popular for families with young children.

John Wesley Powell Museum

Major John Wesley Powell was a U.S. soldier and explorer born in March 1834. He is best known for exploring the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. He was fascinated with the region and all of its geological wonders.

Located in Green River, just over the Utah border from Page, is the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. It is home to several exhibits surrounding the boating history of the Colorado Plateau. The museum also has several prehistoric items found in the region.

Currently, you can see the exhibition “Our River is Our Community” at the Powell Museum. The exhibition highlights the importance of the river in the daily lives of the local and indigenous people.

Tickets for the Powell Museum can be bought directly at the museum and are $7 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under, with special discounts for families, military, and educational groups.

See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit

Tower Butte

Looking for something more exhilarating on your outdoor adventures? Tower Butte is hard to beat. At over 5,000 feet above sea level and reeking of old cowboy movies, this sandstone rock formation boasts expansive views of the Colorado Plateau. With several different colored layers of rock, it is thought to be one of the most interesting rock formations in the region.

There is absolutely no better way to experience this striking rock formation than by helicopter. Hop on to this helicopter tour, where you will actually get to land on the infamous rock formation.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the world and definitely the most gorgeous slot canyon I’ve ever seen. It is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Page. Strolling through the narrow passageways of this canyon will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.

It’s really not hard to get amazing photos here as the canyon is just beyond photogenic. The sandstone slot canyon was formed by erosion due to flash floods, especially during monsoon seasons. This created dramatic towering cliffs and beautiful slot canyons.

When visiting Antelope Canyon, you will notice that it is divided into two parts: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. There are a few differences between the two that we will detail below. You can choose to visit both or just one as the tickets can be purchased separately.

Visits can only be made with a tour guide so make sure to book your tickets well in advance to join a slot canyon tour as they can sell out quite quickly.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two canyons. In 2014, photographer Peter Lik sold his photo taken of Upper Antelope Canyon for $6.5 million, making it the most expensive photograph ever sold in history.

Honestly, if you pay this place a visit, you can see why this is true. The soaring walls of the canyon are absolutely striking.

The infamous light beams that stream into the canyon are usually visible between the end of March and the beginning of October, so I would highly suggest visiting during this time.

Hiking the upper canyon is relatively easy because the path throughout the canyon is almost completely flat. There is no rock climbing or ladders necessary to go through the entire canyon, which is one of the reasons why it is the more popular choice between the two.

Tickets are required for Upper Antelope Canyon, and you can easily book them in advance here.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is less visited than its counterpart, but, in my opinion, it is just as beautiful and worth it to see if you have the time. The walls of this part of the canyon are slightly shorter, which allows for more sunlight to come through.

You do need to have a moderate fitness level to visit this part of the canyon as there are a few ladders and a bit of rock climbing to do, but nothing super challenging. I found the reward of seeing the beautiful landscape of the canyon very much worth the effort.

You can get your Lower Antelope Canyon tickets here. If you want to visit both parts, click here for Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tour combination tickets.

See Related: Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon

Waterhole Canyon

Waterhole Canyon is definitely Page’s hidden gem. It is another beautiful slot canyon and looks almost identical to the world-famous Antelope Canyon – but without all of the tourists! The canyon is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Page, it is super convenient to visit if you’re short on time.

Just like Antelope Canyon, it is required to be on a tour to visit this canyon. However, since fewer people tend to visit, tours are usually close to private and you can linger in the canyon much longer than you would be able to at the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. This means that you are not so rushed and can really take your time and take in the unique terracotta-colored landscape.

Check out this special 90-minute guided tour hosted by a Navajo guide where you will gain knowledge about the area and have a truly unique experience of this wondrous landscape.

Waterhole Canyon is also not as tall as Antelope Canyon, so there is more light which can create an environment for better photos.

Make sure to bring lots of water and stay hydrated, as the trail is mostly unshaded until you get to the actual slot canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park

Any trip to northern Arizona would be incomplete without a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park! One of our favorite National Parks in the US, Grand Canyon National Park is just under 2 hours away from Page, making it an ideal destination for day trips.

The park reaches 278 miles along the Colorado River and is recognized as one of the most spectacular canyons in the world. The canyon itself plunges down over one mile.

There are so many things to do and see around the Grand Canyon which makes it one of the best day trips from Page. Before starting your trip, check out the gift shop to find guides on the various trails and even get a passport stamp.

For a unique perspective, check out this 45-minute helicopter flight tour over the Grand Canyon or this 3-hour off-road sunset safari tour.

If you’re looking for things to do in Page with kids, check out Bright Angel Trail. It’s well-maintained and there are many shady patches, which makes it very suitable for the little ones. 

My favorite part of Grand Canyon National Park is exploring the South Rim area. Check out the absolutely stunning Havasu Falls with its tranquil turquoise waters that contrast with the surrounding rust orange landscape.

I could write about the beautiful vistas of the Grand Canyon all day, but you can check out this article for more specific tips on this amazing park. Don’t forget our Ultimate Grand Canyon Itinerary either.

If you are wondering where to stay in Page as your base nearby, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a great option that you can book here.

See Related: How to Take an Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend has quickly become one of the most visited places near Page in Arizona. It gets its name from the unique shape created by the Colorado River looping around the sandstone cliffs, resembling a horseshoe.

The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is early morning before the tour buses arrive. Plan to get there before sunrise so that you can enjoy it while overlooking the area. The trail is very well maintained and even wheelchair accessible.

Sunset is the most popular time to visit, which also means it is the most crowded time. If you’re wanting to watch the sunset from Horseshoe Bend, be prepared to get there extra early to snag a parking spot and a great viewpoint.

Some also like to visit in the middle of the day, when the crowds have dissipated. Keep in mind, though, that if you are wanting to visit at this time you should bring lots of water to stay hydrated. The trail is only 1.5 miles round-trip, but temperatures can get extremely high depending on the time of year.

You are not required to have a guide to visit Horseshoe Bend, but if you would like one, this tour includes transportation and a tour of the nearby Lower Antelope Canyon.

See Related: Interesting Horseshoe Bend Facts

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is an incredible area spanning over 280,000 acres. Filled with sherbert-colored Slickrock formations, Vermilion Cliffs makes a fantastic day trip from Page.

There are several areas of the monument to visit, including The Wave and Paria Canyon. To prevent overcrowding, some places only offer a limited amount of permits every day.

In addition to this, some parking areas are only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles so make sure to plan ahead if you are wanting to visit.

The Wave

The Wave is probably one of the most stunning places in the Southwestern United States. Very few lucky people can take in its immense beauty in real life due to the very limited availability of permits.

It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience, so try to snag a permit if possible. Only 64 people a day are allowed to visit this area of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

There are two lottery options to possibly obtain a permit. The advanced lottery allows you to apply 4 months in advance of your anticipated hike date, and the daily lottery allows you to apply 2 days before your anticipated hike date. To apply for the daily lottery, you must physically be in the immediate area despite the lottery being online.

See Related: How to Book the Cheapest One-Way International Flights

Paria Canyon

If you’re looking for something more rigorous, backpacking through Paria Canyon is something that can’t be beat! Hiking trails can range from 15 miles to over 40 miles, so you can spend anywhere from one day to three or four hiking through this beautiful canyon filled with beaches and natural springs.

The best time to hike through the canyon is in spring and early fall when temperatures are moderate and there is a low chance of rain. Avoid hiking during the monsoon season as flash floods can happen without warning.

Permits are required if you plan to stay overnight and cost $5 per person per day and are non-refundable and non-transferable. You can apply for a permit here.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the easiest sites to visit in Page as you can pretty much see the entire thing from the comfort of your vehicle. The cost to enter the area is $20 per vehicle and I would recommend renting a car with 4-wheel drive.

Stop by the visitors center first to get an informative map laying out the location of the ten major monuments as well as several others.

If you want a closer view of these breathtaking red rock formations, check out this 3-hour sunset tour hosted by indigenous guides. You can even stop to visit a traditional Navajo home and view a traditional weaving demonstration.

If you’re wanting to stay in Monument Valley, check out Goulding’s Lodge for great amenities and even better views of the valley!

See Related: Best Road Trips in the World: Scenic Road Trips

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument starts in stunning Bryce Canyon and extends to the Grand Canyon. It is a series of towering plateaus with so many different landscapes to explore.

One of my favorite areas of this national monument is Peek-a-Boo Canyon, a slot canyon that is fun for the whole family. No permit or reservation is required, but if you are wanting to do a guided tour I recommend this hiking trip.

A few minutes away from Peek-a-Boo Canyon, you will find Spooky Gulch Canyon. Spooky Gulch Canyon is also a slot canyon with narrow walls and twisty paths. You can combine your visit to the two for a 3.5-mile, moderate hike.

While in the area, stop by the Big Water Visitor Center to learn more about the area and to see some amazing dinosaur exhibits.

To learn more about the Bryce Canyon area, check out our article on the 10 Best Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. If you are looking for somewhere to stay nearby, we’ve also written about the best places to stay in Bryce Canyon.

Sedona Wine Country

If you’re getting a bit exhausted from all the fun and exhilarating outdoor activities Page has to offer, don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Take some time out at the end of your trip to explore the nearby Sedona wine country. Sedona is filled with charming wineries where you can relax while enjoying some local wine and food.

Now, you may be thinking… a winery in the desert? Well, the Verde Valley has an abundance of sunshine, cool nights, and rich, volcanic soil. All of these things in combination can create some delicious wine grapes.

I would highly recommend doing a wine tour as you can sample many different wines without trying to figure out who the designated driver should be. Bliss Wine Tours Sedona is rated as Arizona’s #1 wine tour experience, your guide will explain the wine-making process along with facts about all the local wines you’ll be trying.

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