I moved to Arizona about 15 years ago, and the second I landed, I made it my goal to see and do as much as possible in the Grand Canyon State. Initially, every weekend was dedicated to exploring a new locale, and over the years I’ve come to love some destinations so much they’ve become worthy of multiple re-visits. One of those spots, which is now easily among my favorite places in the entire world, is Page, Arizona.
Page is a small town that sits on the Utah-Arizona border, and is home to profoundly gorgeous landscapes that make it feel like you’re visiting another planet. In my opinion, it’s also vastly underrated, passed over by travelers who flock to only The Grand Canyon or Utah’s big-name parks. While it's become a sacred spot for me, I’m ready to share its beauty with others. Here’s why I think it’s worth a spot on everyone’s travel bucket list.
In this article
You’ll Discover Some of the Most Iconic Landscapes
You may not be familiar with the phrase “Horseshoe Bend,” but I’d bet you’d recognize this iconic landscape if I showed you a photo. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area minutes from Page, this US landmark gets its name because of the dramatic, near-perfect horseshoe-shaped curve the bright blue Colorado river creates as it weaves through rust-colored Glen Canyon. This is one of Page’s premiere “must-see” stops, and the aerial vista platform is accessible via a very short hike from a parking lot.
The Antelope Slot Canyons are another iconic landscape to see while in Page. These narrow passages are made of sandstone and were formed over thousands of years via wind and water. The way they twist and turn takes you on a real journey, and they let in the most gorgeous, transporting light beams. The Slot Canyons are located on Navajo Nation land and not to be missed, just know that they require advanced reservations.
Page is an Anchor to Stunning, Lesser-Known Southwest Hikes
A stop in Page means you get to see the famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Slot Canyons, but this Southwest stunner is also an anchor point to access some of the most stunning, and lesser known, hikes located near the Utah-Arizona border. My favorites include Marble Canyon. Located about 45 minutes northeast of Page, it stretches along the Colorado River between Lees Ferry and the Grand Canyon. The canyon is huge, and there are many hikes of varying difficulty to choose from.
Another favorite is Buckskin Gulch, which is a less touristy slot canyon alternative to Antelope, and doesn’t require a reservation. It’s located about 90 minutes north of Page in Kanab, Utah. Also nearby is Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, which is a vast protected expanse prized for its back country hiking. It’s especially famous for The Wave, which is a twisty rock formation with ribbons of color throughout. Just know that you need to apply for (and win) a lottery to visit. Winning is rare since only 64 people are allowed in per day, but it’s worth trying your luck. There are backcountry hiking alternatives that look similar to The Wave, though, like White Pocket and Coyote Buttes South.
Page is a Gateway to High-Profile Destinations
Another reason why Page is a place I return to over and over again is because it’s a gateway to high-profile destinations in the Southwest. This is especially true if you’re driving north from Phoenix to visit some of Utah’s most popular parks, including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, or alternatively, if you’re heading to Phoenix after visiting any of these popular destinations.
Page also makes sense as a side detour when visiting the Grand Canyon, as it’s located 100 miles away. It’s a particularly good choice for travelers who are already road-tripping through northern Arizona and want to see everything they can in the area. All the high-profile destinations listed in this section are within two to three hours of Page proper.
There’s Plenty of Opportunity for Water Sports
Water may not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to the desert, but Page is just full of surprises. Along with Antelope Slot Canyons and Horseshoe Bend, the desert city is home to Lake Powell, which is a man-made reservoir on the Colorado River that dates back to the 1960s.
The water does rise and fall throughout the year depending on how much rain there’s been, but when it’s full (in mid spring to late summer), you can rent a boat for a relaxing day on the water, or get active by kayaking or paddleboard through nooks and coves among the rocky cliffs. Both are available for rent in town.
If you’d rather stick to Horseshoe Bend, the park also provides direct access to the Colorado River itself, though this requires an adventurous and steep trek that is best suited for those with serious outdoor hiking experience and equipped with the right gear.
The Shortcut
This scenic desert city boasts some of the Southwest’s most recognizable natural landmarks, including bucket-list landscapes many travelers know by sight before name.
The area balances marquee attractions accessible to many alongside lesser-known hikes and geological wonders off the standard tourist circuit.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound here, including adventurous hiking for skilled outdoorsy folks, low-key vista views, and a variety of water sports.
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