Grand Canyon East

Colorado River Rafting, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, & More!

If you’re lookin’ for a Grand Canyon adventure with a side of variety, the East side might just be the perfect spot to hitch your wagon. Not only do you get to experience the majesty of the canyon at places like Desert View and Navajo Bridge, but you’ve also got a treasure trove of nearby marvels to explore. From the sparkling waters of Lake Powell and the dramatic curves of Horseshoe Bend to the world-famous Antelope Canyon, this region is packin’ more wonder than a miner’s sack full of gold.

What sets Grand Canyon East apart is the sheer amount of extras you can add to your itinerary. This is where adventure expands beyond the canyon itself. You can stand in awe of the towering Vermillion Cliffs, dip into history at Lee’s Ferry, or marvel at the engineering might of the Glen Canyon Dam. And for the truly adventurous, it’s a gateway to day trips out to Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and even Zion.

So, if you’re cravin’ an adventure with a bit of everything—canyon views, water activities, epic hikes, and cultural treasures—Grand Canyon East offers a smorgasbord of experiences. It’s not just a trip; it’s a full-blown expedition!

Glen Canyon Dam & Lake Powell

Gettin' There

Gettin’ to Grand Canyon East is as straightforward as a cattle trail. The most convenient airport is in Page, Arizona, which offers daily flights from Phoenix. Land there, and you’re right in the heart of the action, just minutes from Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon.

Page, Arizona

If Page doesn’t suit your fancy, Flagstaff is a great alternative. It’s about a two-hour drive to the heart of the region and offers plenty of rental car options to get you on your way. For those comin’ from farther afield, Las Vegas is another option. It’s a bit more of a haul, clockin’ in at about four-and-a-half hours of drivin’, but you can take more than a couple days making yer way over passin’ through spots like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Kanab & more.

No matter where you’re startin’ from, the drive into Grand Canyon East is as scenic as they come, with open skies, red rock formations, and the kind of landscapes that make you feel like you’ve ridden straight into a John Wayne movie. To get deep into the details and to plan every step along the way be sure to check out our Grand Canyon East Itineraries.

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Gettin' Shut-Eye

Staying in Page, AZ

When it’s time to hang your hat, Grand Canyon East has lodgin’ options as diverse as its landscapes. Page, AZ, is the most popular choice, offerin’ everything from luxury resorts to budget motels. Stay here, and you’ll be just off the shores of Lake Powell, and a stone's throw away from Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon.

View from Quality Inn in Page, AZ

Staying Outside of Page

For those venturin’ farther out, Cameron is a solid choice, especially if you’re explorin’ Grand Canyon's South Rim or the Navajo Nation. The Cameron Trading Post offers a mix of historic charm and modern comfort, perfect for a restful night after a day of adventures.

Meanwhile, Marble Canyon Lodge and Cliff Dwellers Lodge provide scenic rooms along the base of the Vermillion Cliffs. along the Colorado River as it flows through Marble Canyon just before it officially becomes Grand Canyon when the Colorado intersects with the Little Colorado River.

I've assemble all you need know about yer lodging options in my Grand Canyon East Lodging page. Just click the button below to start booking now.

GC East Lodging

Marble Canyon Lodge

If you’re up for a bit of drivin’, Flagstaff offers a wider range of accommodations and the perks of a bustling mountain town. And let’s not forget Tuba City, which provides a unique stay steeped in Navajo culture and hospitality. Wherever you choose, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs and gets you ready for the next day’s escapades.

Grub

Now, when it comes to vittles, you’re in for a treat! Page has plenty of options, from hearty American diners to spots servin’ up mouthwaterin’ Navajo tacos. Swing by Big John’s Texas BBQ for a plate of ribs that’ll make you holler, or stop at Into the Grand for live music and Native-inspired dishes.

State 48 Tavern in Page, AZ

In Cameron, the Trading Post serves up classic comfort food with a Southwestern twist. Their Navajo taco is as big as a wagon wheel, and their homemade pies are worth every calorie. Meanwhile, Marble Canyon offers smaller dining options, perfect for a post-adventure bite.

If you’re explorin’ the farther reaches, Flagstaff and Tuba City have plenty of choices to satisfy your hunger. And if you’d rather pack your own grub, stock up at the grocery stores in Page or Flagstaff before hittin’ the trail.

Get your hand on one of my FREE Cheat Sheets to get my list of preferred eateries. But, my itineraries break it down to my top three choices for each meal, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in each city/town you'll be passing through on your journey whether in in the region for one night, or a full two weeks.

River Rafting

If you’ve got rafting on the brain, partner, Grand Canyon East is where the adventure begins. The Colorado River starts its legendary journey here at Lees Ferry, makin’ it the launch point for some of the most spectacular rafting trips in the world.

Rafting the Colorado River in Grand Canyon

For first-timers or folks with limited time, there are half-day smooth water float trips that let you drift downstream from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. These trips are perfect for takin’ in the canyon’s towering walls and serene beauty without breakin’ a sweat.

If you’re cravin’ more action, multi-day whitewater rafting adventures launch from Lees Ferry, takin’ you deep into the canyon’s heart. These trips are bucket-list worthy, with roaring rapids, secluded beaches, and side hikes to hidden waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs. Just be prepared to plan ahead—permits and spots on these trips fill up faster than a saloon on payday!

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, combine a rafting trip with stops at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. You’ll get a mix of water, rock, and adventure that’ll leave you grinnin’ like a kid in a candy store.

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Rafting the Colorado River in Grand Canyon

Hiking

The hiking in Grand Canyon East is as varied as the terrain itself. For an easy stroll with jaw-droppin’ views, head to Horseshoe Bend, where a short trail takes you to one of the most iconic sights in the Southwest.

The Wave

More adventurous hikers can explore Antelope Canyon, a surreal slot canyon known for its wavy walls and beams of light. Guided tours are a must here, but they’ll ensure you don’t miss a thing. The Wave, located in the Vermillion Cliffs, is another dreamlike destination, though you’ll need to win a permit lottery to step foot there.

And if you’re explorin’ Grand Canyon National Park's South or North Rims or Navajo Bridge, there are plenty of hikes from short walks to stretch your legs to epic multi-day journeys to check off your bucket. The details of these will be found in our in depth itineraries. Just remember, the desert sun can be unforgivin’, so pack plenty of water and slather on the sunscreen.

Sight Seein'

Grand Canyon East is a sightseeing paradise, with more stops than a stagecoach route. Start at Lake Powell, where you can boat, paddleboard, or simply marvel at the shimmering blue water set against the red rock cliffs. Then make your way to Glen Canyon Dam, an engineering marvel that holds back the Colorado River.

Antelope Canyon

Don’t miss Antelope Canyon, a photographer’s dream, and Horseshoe Bend, where the river carves a perfect horseshoe shape into the landscape. Over in Marble Canyon, you’ll find the historic Navajo Bridge, a perfect spot for takin’ in canyon views or watchin’ for California condors - the largest bird in North America with wingspans up to ten feet.

For a change of pace, venture out to Monument Valley or Canyon de Chelly, where the rich history and culture of the Navajo Nation come to life. And if you’re feelin’ extra ambitious, day trips to Bryce Canyon, Zion, or even Moab are within reach.

Tours

Tours are the best way to get the most outta Grand Canyon East. Guided trips to Antelope Canyon ensure you don’t miss its hidden beauty, while boat tours on Lake Powell let you explore its winding waterways.

For the adventurous, there are guided rafting trips that take you from Glen Canyon Dam down to Lees Ferry or multi-day journeys into the Grand Canyon itself. Jeep tours and ATV rides around Vermillion Cliffs or Monument Valley add a bit of thrill to your adventure.

Whether you’re lookin’ to explore the water, hike the rocks, or learn about the history, there’s a tour here to fit every traveler’s fancy.

GC East Tours

Kayak Tours of Lake Powell

Final Thoughts

Grand Canyon East is more than a destination—it’s a gateway to adventure. With its mix of canyon views, water activities, hiking trails, and cultural treasures, it’s a region that offers somethin’ for everyone. So, saddle up, partner, and make Grand Canyon East the centerpiece of your next Southwest escapade!