Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Page, Arizona, is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country. From the iconic curve of Horseshoe Bend to the mesmerizing beauty of the region’s famed slot canyons, this small town offers an adventure-filled day packed with stunning landscapes. Whether you’re marveling at the engineering feat of Glen Canyon Dam or crossing into Utah to explore the rugged terrain of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights. If you only have one day in Page, here’s how to make the most of every moment.
Page, Arizona: Slot Canyon Tours
Slot canyon tours in Page, Arizona, fill up quickly, and for good reason. Since these canyons sit on Navajo tribal lands, tour operators limit both the number of visitors per group and the number of tours per day. This controlled access helps preserve the delicate sandstone formations while providing a more organized experience. Additionally, timing plays a significant role in availability. The most sought-after time slots are midday tours, when the sun sits directly overhead, casting dramatic beams of light into the canyon. These beams illuminate the rich hues of the canyon walls, creating the most vivid and photogenic scenes. Morning and late afternoon tours, while still stunning, don’t showcase the same intensity of color, making them slightly less competitive to book.
Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
During our visits to Page, we explored two different slot canyons, each offering a unique experience. On our first trip, we joined one of the most popular options—Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. This well-known tour operates in larger groups of about 20 people, with a structured, fast-moving pace. Guides lead from both the front and rear of the group, pointing out interesting rock formations and the best spots for photography. One unique aspect of Dixie’s tours is that the guides will adjust the settings on your phone’s camera to enhance the canyon’s natural hues, ensuring you capture the best possible shots. However, due to the high demand, tours last approximately an hour, and another group closely follows behind, making it feel more structured and less personal.
Antelope Valley Canyon Tours
On our most recent visit, many slot canyon tours were fully booked, leading us to discover a family-run company, Antelope Valley Canyon Tours. This smaller operation provided a more relaxed and intimate experience. With group sizes capped at about 12 people, the guides encouraged us to take our time, ensuring we captured the best photos without feeling rushed. Unlike the fast-paced nature of Dixie’s tours, this experience allowed for a deeper appreciation of the canyon’s formations and shifting light patterns. Both tours were fantastic, offering different perspectives on the region’s natural beauty. Choosing the right one depends on what type of experience you prefer—whether it’s a fast-paced, well-known tour with vibrant photos or a slower, more personal encounter with fewer people.
Regardless of which tour you choose, preparing for the conditions is key. The canyons are made of fine red sand, and with the frequent desert winds, it’s easy to get covered in dust. Wearing a dri-fit shirt, hiking pants, sunglasses, and a hat will help protect you from the elements. A scarf or face covering can also be useful to keep sand out of your mouth and nose. While the tour operators do a great job of maintaining the paths, expect sand in your shoes—so opt for high-ankle hiking boots instead of sneakers. If you visit in the hotter months, bring plenty of water, as the heat and sun exposure can be intense. With the right planning, a slot canyon tour in Page will be an unforgettable adventure.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend, one of Page, Arizona’s top attractions, has grown significantly as more visitors come to experience it. During our first visit in 2019, the site felt much more rustic. The parking lot was a simple dirt patch, and no established trails led to the viewpoint. Visitors had to climb a steep sand hill to reach the canyon’s edge. The area felt like a hidden gem, without the large crowds that now flock there.
Since then, the City of Page has worked with the National Park Service to improve the site’s accessibility and infrastructure. They replaced the dirt parking lot with a spacious, paved area to accommodate cars and tour buses. They also built a paved walking path, making the area ADA accessible. Along the path, you’ll find covered benches to rest, and the viewing areas now feature fences for safety. The addition of restrooms near the parking lot makes the experience more convenient for visitors.
These upgrades have enhanced the experience, but they come with a fee. The entrance now costs $10 per vehicle, and the site does not accept National Park or America the Beautiful passes, since it is not part of the Navajo Tribal Park. Only cash is accepted, especially during busy weekends and holidays, so plan ahead. I recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You only need about an hour to take in the views before heading to your reserved slot canyon tour.
Page, Arizona: Lunch
During our most recent visit to Page, Arizona, we found ourselves exploring the area on Easter Sunday, a day when many businesses close for the holiday. Finding open restaurants can be a challenge on such days, but to our pleasant surprise, we discovered one of the most highly rated spots, BirdHouse, was open and ready to serve. With an impressive rating of 4.7 stars and over 2,900 reviews on Google Maps, it definitely lived up to the reputation.
BirdHouse is renowned for its fried chicken, which comes in three delicious batters: Original, Spicy, and the standout Honey Butter. Whether you prefer a classic flavor or something with a bit of heat, or even a sweet twist, there’s a batter for every taste bud. The sides are equally impressive, with options like crispy fries, creamy mac and cheese, and tangy house-made pickled veggies that complement the chicken perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something extra, you can mix and match the sides to suit your cravings.
Save room for dessert because Milk-Glazed Donut Holes are a must-try! These warm, fluffy bites come with options for dipping, including sweet strawberry jam or indulgent Nutella. To wash it all down, grab a refreshing Stubborn Pineapple Cream soda from their fountain machine. After enjoying this delicious spread, you’ll have a lunch experience you won’t soon forget.
Page, Arizona: Glen Canyon Dam
A short 2.5-mile drive from downtown Page, Arizona, will bring you to Glen Canyon Dam and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. The dam, completed in 1966, stands as a marvel of engineering and is one of the largest concrete structures in the United States. It impounds the Colorado River, creating Lake Powell, which spans across over 1,900 miles of shoreline and provides water and hydroelectric power to much of the Southwest.
The Carl Hayden Visitor Center, managed by the National Park Service, offers a variety of ways to learn about the dam and its history. Interactive displays and models showcase the construction process, which involved thousands of workers and took nearly a decade to complete. These exhibits are designed for both kids and adults, making it an educational experience for the whole family. One of the highlights of the center is an Historical Interpretive Film, which delves into the challenges and significance of the dam project. The film explores how the dam transformed the landscape, economy, and infrastructure of the region.
For anyone visiting the area, the Glen Canyon Dam and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center are well worth a stop. The short, informative visit offers a deeper appreciation of the dam’s role in shaping the environment and communities around it. The visitor center provides not only a chance to learn but also a scenic view of the surrounding canyon and river, making it a great addition to your itinerary while in Page.
Bonus Hike: Toadstool Trail
If you still have time and are looking for a short, otherworldly hike, I highly recommend checking out The Toadstools. Located just a 30-minute drive from Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll cross the border into Utah and find yourself within the boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This remote, striking area offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and geologic formations that make the Southwest so remarkable.
The hike itself is short but incredibly rewarding. The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a desert landscape, eventually leading you to the Toadstool Hoodoos. These tall, thin spires of rock are formed by erosion, and their unique shapes make them look like something straight out of a fantasy world. As you walk through the trail, you’ll be surrounded by these natural sculptures that seem almost otherworldly. The colors and textures of the rock formations vary with the shifting light, providing plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
Although the hike is relatively easy and doesn’t take long to complete, it offers a completely different experience from other nearby attractions. The Toadstools Trail is perfect for those looking to capture even more Instagram-worthy shots. With its striking geological features and unique scenery, this hike provides a perfect way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert landscape. If you have a couple of hours to spare, don’t miss out on this gem!
Overall Impressions
As you can see, Page, Arizona, offers a mix of natural wonders, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re marveling at the majestic Horseshoe Bend, exploring the depths of slot canyons, or taking in the impressive Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll find plenty of adventures that make this area a must-visit.
If you’re ready to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience, let us take care of the details. Follow this link to our Trip Planning Page and fill out the form. We’ll handle the logistics and craft the perfect trip tailored just for you. All you need to do is pack your bags and enjoy the adventure!
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