Page, Arizona is one of those towns whose location is more interesting than the town itself — which is the case for almost every great basecamp in the West. From a single hotel in Page you can hit Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam, and the Wave Trailhead permit lottery, all within a 30-mile radius.
This is a 2-day, 2-night itinerary that assumes you're driving in late Friday and leaving Sunday afternoon. Compress it to one day if you must, but you'll be choosing between things you came for.
Friday night: Horseshoe Bend at sunset
Arrive in Page by 5 PM if you can, check in, and head straight to Horseshoe Bend for sunset. The walk from the parking lot to the rim is 0.75 miles each way, easy. Sunset light hits the inside curve of the bend perfectly from late spring through fall. (Full Horseshoe Bend guide elsewhere on the site.)
Saturday morning: Antelope Canyon
Book an Antelope Canyon tour for 10:30 or 11:00 AM — the light shafts in Upper Antelope are best between roughly 10:30 and 12:30 from late spring through early fall. Reservations are required and they sell out 2–4 weeks in advance in peak season. (Full Upper vs. Lower comparison elsewhere on the site.)
Saturday afternoon: Lake Powell
After your slot canyon tour, you have two good options. (1) Drive to Wahweap Marina and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for 2–3 hours — Lone Rock Beach is the easy paddle, Antelope Point Marina is the more scenic launch. (2) Book a 2-hour boat tour into Antelope Canyon's water entrance or to Rainbow Bridge. Either way, get on the water — that's why you came to Page.
Saturday night: dinner + Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
Dinner at State 48 Tavern (best beer selection in town) or Big John's Texas BBQ. After dinner, drive 5 minutes to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for sunset light on the dam and the start of the Colorado River. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center adjacent has good interpretive exhibits if you arrive earlier.
Sunday morning: the under-the-radar option
Most Page weekenders leave Sunday morning. Don't — at least not before doing one of these three things: (1) Hike the Hanging Garden Trail (1 mile, easy, off Highway 89), a hidden seep garden you can't see from the road. (2) Drive 25 miles up to the Vermilion Cliffs and the new Wave Trailhead lottery (10 daily permits via lottery on-site at 9 AM). (3) Sunrise at Toadstool Hoodoos, a short hike into Grand Staircase-Escalante.
- Hanging Garden Trail (1 mile, easy, free)
- Toadstool Hoodoos (1.5 miles, sunrise = magic)
- Wave Trailhead lottery (long shot, but it's free to enter)
- Lone Rock Beach (drive-on beach access to Lake Powell)
Where to stay
Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell is the newest and most comfortable option. Lake Powell Resort at Wahweap is the only on-the-water hotel — pricier, dated rooms, unbeatable location. Under the Eaves Inn is a B&B in a 1940s craftsman that's the most characterful option in town. Avoid the budget motels on N Lake Powell Blvd unless you're tight on cash — Page hotels run hot in summer and the cheap ones are noticeably aging.
Frequently asked questions
Is Page, Arizona worth visiting?
Yes — it's the gateway to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell, and a perfect 2-night base in northern Arizona.
How many days do you need in Page, Arizona?
Two nights is ideal. One day works if you only want Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
What's the best time of year to visit Page?
April–May and September–October. Summer is hot (100°F+) and crowded; winter is cool and the canyon light shafts disappear.
