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If you’re planning a Southwest road trip, you might be wondering if Page, Arizona is worth a stop. Trust me—it absolutely is.
When my boyfriend, Tim, and I pulled into town, we thought it would just be a quick stop between Monument Valley and Valley of Fire. Instead, it became one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip!
From hiking out to Horseshoe Bend at golden hour to climbing down ladders into the surreal glow of Lower Antelope Canyon, Page is full of natural wonders you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
We even lucked into visiting during the Lake Powell Balloon Regatta! Waking up to more than 50 hot air balloons rising over the desert sky was an experience we never expected and something I’ll never forget.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Page, AZ (even on a budget), along with our personal tips on where to stay, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time here.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with friends, this itinerary will help you plan your perfect Page adventure.
Best Time to Visit Page, AZ
The best time to visit Page, AZ depends on what you want to see and do.
- Spring (March–May): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for hiking.
- Summer (June–August): Peak season, hot temperatures (often 100°F+), and the only time to see the famous sunbeams in Upper Antelope Canyon. Expect more crowds and higher hotel prices.
- Fall (September–November): Our favorite! The weather is cooler, crowds thin out, and if you visit in early November, you might catch the Lake Powell Balloon Regatta like we did—a magical surprise!
- Winter (December–February): Quiet and budget-friendly, though some restaurants and tours close seasonally (like Big John’s Barbecue).
A Broad Recommendation: If your goal is Antelope Canyon photography, aim for summer midday tours. If you’d rather enjoy Page without the heat or crowds, spring or fall is the sweet spot.
How to Get to Page, AZ
Page, Arizona sits right on the border of Arizona and Utah, making it an easy and convenient stop on a Southwest road trip.
Most travelers arrive by car since there’s no major airport nearby. The closest airports are:
- Las Vegas: 4.5 hours away
- Phoenix: 4.5 hours away
- Salt Lake City: 6.5 hours away
We visited Page after exploring the Utah Mighty Five, Lower Calf Creek Falls, and Monument Valley.
The drive from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park to Page took us about two hours, and we were glad we left late morning, so we still had plenty of daylight to enjoy the town when we arrived.
A Broad Recommendation: Keep an eye on the time! Our phones kept bouncing between Arizona and Utah cell towers and sometimes showed different times. If you’re planning to catch a sunrise, sunset, or guided tour, double-check the local time—don’t just trust your phone.
Where to Stay in Page, AZ
Page has plenty of hotels and motels, but the options can be hit-or-miss, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
We stayed two nights at the Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell, mainly because it was affordable (around $120 total for two nights) and in a convenient location.
To be completely honest, it wasn’t our favorite stay of the trip.
Service was inconsistent—no one was at the front desk when we tried to check in (or later when we had questions), our key cards kept deactivating, and the cleaning staff even tried to enter our room despite the “Do Not Disturb” sign.
The room itself was fine for sleeping, but the boxed “breakfast” definitely didn’t live up to expectations.
A Broad Recommendation: If you just need a budget-friendly place to crash, the Baymont works, but don’t expect stellar service. If you’d prefer a more reliable experience, look into Hyatt Place, Courtyard by Marriott, or a highly-rated local inn.
I booked everything for our trip through Hotels.com (I love their rewards program) and used Rakuten at the time of purchase for cashback.
Small hacks like this helped us keep our Southwest road trip budget-friendly without missing out on experiences!
👉 Check hotel prices in Page here!
Top Things to Do in Page, AZ
Whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through on a Southwest road trip, these are the must-do experiences in Page, Arizona—plus some personal tips we picked up along the way.
Horseshoe Bend
Just 5 miles south of town, Horseshoe Bend is the postcard-perfect view of Page—and yes, it’s worth the hype. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Page, AZ!
The short, 1.5-mile round-trip hike takes you to a cliffside overlook where the Colorado River curves in a dramatic horseshoe shape.
We visited mid-afternoon hoping to avoid shadows, but they were still there—which is why I recommend going at sunrise (when the sun rises behind the bend) or mid-to-late morning (when the canyon is fully lit).
A Broad Recommendation: Pack plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. You may even want to bring a comfy blanket and your RTIC cooler and set up a picnic! Our afternoon here was one of my favorite slow moments of our trip.
Antelope Canyon
No trip to Page is complete without visiting Antelope Canyon, the most famous slot canyon in the entire American Southwest.
The canyon is split into two sections—Upper and Lower—and which you choose depends on your budget, fitness level, and the time of year.
- Upper Antelope Canyon is the classic one you’ve seen in photos, with those dramatic sunbeams streaming into the canyon floor. It’s a short and easy walk, but more expensive and crowded.
- Lower Antelope Canyon requires climbing stairs and ladders, but it’s more affordable, less crowded, and just as stunning.
We visited Lower Antelope Canyon with Ken’s Tours in November and absolutely loved our experience.
The sandstone walls glowed in rich reds and oranges, and because of capacity limits (we visited during Covid), our group was tiny, and it almost felt like a private tour!
The ladders may sound intimidating, but they were surprisingly easy and actually added to the adventure.
A Broad Recommendation: Tours sell out months in advance, so book as early as you can. If you’re visiting in the off-season, Lower Antelope is budget-friendly and less crowded. For Upper Antelope, go in the summer between 11 am and 1:30 pm for the best chance at seeing the famous sunbeams.
Lower Antelope Canyon was definitely one of the highlights of our Southwest road trip! If you can afford it and have the time, you may even consider visiting both.
👉 Check out more Antelope Canyon tours here!
Glen Canyon Dam & Bridge
Right in town, the Glen Canyon Dam is one of the largest dams in the United States, and it’s an impressive sight whether you’re standing on the bridge or admiring it from the overlook.
You can walk across the Glen Canyon Dam Steel Arch Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the country, for sweeping views of the Colorado River and dam below. Just be warned—the drop is massive, so this one isn’t for the faint of heart.
For a different perspective, head to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, just minutes from town. To be honest, we didn’t know much about Glen Canyon prior to our visit and stumbled upon the overlook, since it was right near our hotel. But, it ended up being one of our favorite surprises in Page!
A short walk down a stone-carved trail leads to unparalleled views of the Colorado River, the dam, and the canyon walls glowing at sunset.
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re short on time, the overlook is a quick win. We only spent about 30 minutes here, but it was absolutely worth it. We were blow away by the view!
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of the most iconic spots near Page, and even if you don’t get out on the water, it’s worth a visit.
You can book a boat tour, rent kayaks, or simply take a scenic drive through the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
We drove Lakeshore Drive late in the day and lucked out—the ranger station was closed, so we didn’t have to pay the entrance fee!
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re on a budget, skip the pricey boat tours and enjoy the free viewpoints along the drive. If you want to splurge, sunset cruises on Lake Powell get rave reviews. Check out more Lake Powell experiences here!
Lake Powell Balloon Regatta
By pure luck, our visit to Page coincided with the annual Lake Powell Balloon Regatta, held the first weekend of November.
Each morning, more than 50 colorful hot air balloons took flight against a stunning backdrop over Lake Powell—it felt like something out of a dream!
We parked at Page Lumber and walked over to the Lake Powell National Golf Course for front-row views.
A Broad Recommendation: If you can time your trip around this event, do it! Just know hotels fill up fast, so book early. There’s also a vendor fair and “Balloon Glow” event on Saturday night; unfortunately, we didn’t stay for this, but I bet it was fun!
Other Things to Do in Page, AZ
We squeezed in Grandview Overlook Park for a picnic one afternoon, and while it’s not nearly as dramatic as Horseshoe Bend, it made for a peaceful break and a nice spot to slow down between adventures.
Page makes a great home base for exploring some lesser-known corners of the Southwest. If you have extra time in Page, here are a few more experiences to consider:
Quick Hikes Around Page
- Page Rim View Trail (10.3-mile loop): Easy hike with panoramic views of the city and Lake Powell.
- Hanging Gardens Trail & The Chains (1.2 miles round-trip): A short trail leading to lush greenery—a rare sight in the desert!
- The New Wave Trail & Radio Tower Rock (0.8 miles round-trip): A fun and quirky hike featuring unique rock formations.
Day Trips from Page
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Accessible by boat tour on Lake Powell, it’s one of the largest natural bridges in the world.
- Navajo Village Heritage Center: Learn about Navajo history and traditions through cultural demonstrations and exhibits.
- Paria Canyon / Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness: Home to “The Wave” (permit required) and other striking desert landscapes.
Though we didn’t get to do these during our short trip, they’re high on our list for next time!
Best Restaurants in Page, Arizona
After a full day of exploring Page, you’ll definitely want a good meal—and luckily, we found a couple of gems worth trying!
There are plenty of other spots in town, but these were our favorites during a short visit.
Big John’s Texas Barbeque
If you’re craving something casual and filling, head to Big John’s Texas Barbecue.
This spot consistently ranks as one of the best restaurants in Page (it was ranked #1 by TripAdvisor at the time of our visit!), and for good reason.
We loved the quick service (we were in and out in about 20 minutes, even with time to eat), the indoor and outdoor seating options, and the classic smoked meats.
It’s perfect if you want to grab a hearty lunch before hitting the road again.
Just note: it’s seasonal, so check ahead if you’re visiting between mid-November and January, when they close (we just barely made the cut off, visiting in early November!).
A Broad Recommendation: Go for lunch if you’re short on time—service is fast, and it won’t cut into your sightseeing.
Sunset 89
For a more relaxed dinner with a view, try Sunset 89. This spot serves a mix of Island Pacific Rim flavors, American classics, and signature craft cocktails.
The highlight? Their patio looks right over Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam, making it one of the best places in Page to watch the sunset.
We went for dinner, sat outside, and lingered over drinks while the sky lit up behind the canyon—it was one of our favorite meals of our visit!
A Broad Recommendation: Plan your dinner here on the same night you visit Glen Canyon Dam Overlook—it’s just a few minutes away, so you can make it a sunset double-feature.
FAQs About Visiting Page, Arizona
How many days should you spend in Page?
Most travelers spend 1–2 full days in Page. One day is enough to see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, while two days lets you add Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, and nearby hikes without feeling rushed.
Is Page, Arizona worth visiting?
Yes! Page may be a small town, but it’s surrounded by some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest, making it a perfect stop between Utah’s national parks and Las Vegas.
What is Page, Arizona best known for?
Page is best known for its slot canyons and river views—especially Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. It’s also home to Lake Powell, a favorite spot for boating, kayaking, and scenic drives.
Can you visit Antelope Canyon without a tour?
No. Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo land, so you must book a tour with a licensed operator. Tours sell out months in advance, so it’s best to reserve early.
What’s the best time of year to visit Page, AZ?
The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Summer is the only time you’ll see sunbeams in Upper Antelope Canyon, but it’s also the hottest and busiest season.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Page, AZ
Page may be a small town, but it packs in some of the most unforgettable sights in the Southwest, making it the perfect midway stop between Utah’s national parks and the bright lights of Vegas.
From the sweeping curve of Horseshoe Bend to the glowing sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon, and even the unexpected magic of the Lake Powell Balloon Regatta, our short stay here quickly became one of the highlights of our entire road trip.
Even smaller stops, like our picnic at Grandview Overlook Park and watching the sunset at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, reminded us to slow down and savor the beauty of the desert.
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or splurging on bucket-list experiences, Page offers plenty of ways to make your trip memorable. Just plan ahead for tours, pack plenty of water and snacks for hikes, and don’t forget to double-check the time (trust me on that one!).
From here, we continued on to Valley of Fire State Park and then to Boulder City and Las Vegas, which made for the perfect finale to our Southwest adventure.
Have you been to Page? Or are you planning your first trip soon? Drop your tips or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
👉 Planning your own trip? Check hotel prices in Page or book your Antelope Canyon tour early—remember, they sell out fast.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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