Staying in Page

Why Page?

Now, dear traveler, if you’re fixin’ to embark upon an expedition into the abyssal majesty of the Grand Canyon, you’d be wise to consider Page, Arizona, as your strategic encampment. This humble outpost, nestled betwixt sandstone monoliths and the resplendent waters of Lake Powell, is no mere roadside settlement—it is a veritable citadel of convenience and adventure. From its fortuitous location, one may access the eastern grandeur of Grand Canyon’s Desert View, the ethereal wonders of Marble Canyon, and even make a daring sortie into the formidable Vermilion Cliffs. But that, my friend, is merely the prologue to this saga of splendor.

For those wonderin’ if they can ride out to the Grand Canyon and back in a single sun-cycle, the answer is aye, though it requires the fortitude of a seasoned frontiersman. The South Rim’s Desert View entrance is a two-hour ride by horseless carriage, makin’ it feasible for a day’s adventure, though not without a good breakfast and a steady hand at the wheel. But should you be endowed with a fortnight to while away in these lands, then a grand itinerary unfurls before you—an odyssey of canyon expeditions, lake-bound revelries, and sacred desert sojourns. From Monument Valley’s monolithic sentinels to the labyrinthine slot canyons carved by the inexorable march of time, the possibilities stretch as vast as the horizon itself.

Aerial shot of Page, AZ & Lake Powell

In sum, Page is not merely a waypoint—it is a lodestar, a beacon of possibility in the high desert. A place where weary travelers may rest their bones, where adventurers may launch forth into the great unknown, and where every sunset paints the heavens in hues so divine they’d make the angels themselves weep with envy.

The Climate

The climate in these parts is as capricious as a coyote with a stolen ham bone, so a traveler best come prepared. Spring saunters in like a welcome guest, bestowing upon the land temperatures that prance between the 60s and 70s (°F), perfect for canyon gallivantin’ and boatin’ upon the sapphire expanse of Lake Powell. But be forewarned—though the sun may shine benevolent by day, the desert is a fickle mistress, and nightfall can plunge temperatures like a gambler losin’ his last dime, so a sturdy coat and long britches ought to find their way into your satchel.

Kayaking in Lake Powell

Summer, however, is another beast entirely—one with fangs of fire and a temper hotter than a blacksmith’s anvil. July and August regularly see temperatures surpassing 100°F, and the sun, ever merciless, beats upon the land like an outlaw hammerin’ at a saloon door. If you aim to survive such an infernal ordeal, ensure that your accommodations are equipped with the blessed invention known as air conditioning, and schedule your wanderings for the early morn or twilight hours, lest you find yourself cooked to a crisp like an overdone flapjack. Yet, the deep, cool waters of Lake Powell all but eliminates the discomfort of three-figure temperatures, so if you've got your sights set on summer plan on spending time at the lake.

Autumn, much like spring, graces the land with a cooler temperament, makin’ September and October prime months for those seekin’ solace from summer’s wrath. The air, crisp and perfumed with the scent of sagebrush, invites exploration, while the dwindlin’ tourist crowds make for a more peaceful communion with nature’s wonders. Winter, on the other hand, is a quieter, more contemplative season. While snow is a rare visitor in these parts, the chill can cut sharper than a bowie knife, so one ought to bundle up if they fancy wanderin’ about under the expansive winter sky.

Yes, it can snow in Page

Gettin' There

Page may be a remote desert gem, but gettin’ here don’t require a covered wagon and six months’ provisions. Most travelers set their sights on Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), a bustling air hub about four and a half hours south, or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which trims the drive down to just two hours. Either way, you’ll be needin’ a trusty rental steed to roam these wide-open spaces, as public transportation is about as scarce as rain in July.

Route 66 with Bill Williams Mountain in the background

But if you fancy skippin’ the long-haul drive and ridin’ straight into town, Contour Airlines provides daily commercial flights from Phoenix to Page Municipal Airport (PGA). In mere minutes, you can trade the big city for the red rock wonders of the Southwest, touchin’ down just a stone’s throw from Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and all the adventures that await. It’s the quickest way to get from sky to sandstone, perfect for them who’d rather spend their time explorin’ than drivin’.

For those headin’ into the wilds beyond, a rental car is still the way to go, especially if you’re plannin’ to visit Marble Canyon, Monument Valley, or any of them rough-and-tumble backroads. And if your ambitions involve unpaved terrain, a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable—lest you find yourself stuck in the sand, cursin’ the day you underestimated the desert.

Where to Stay

Despite its frontier ambiance, Page boasts a respectable array of lodgin’ fit for both the rugged explorer and the refined gentleman. For them seekin’ lakeside luxury, the Lake Powell Resort offers accommodations that put you right on the water’s edge, providin’ easy access to maritime adventures and the kind of sunset views that poets dream about. If modern comfort is what you’re after, Hyatt Place and Courtyard by Marriott stand as reliable bastions of civilization amid the wilderness.

Amangiri Luxury Resort

If luxury were a frontier town, Amangiri would be its high-falutin’ saloon, servin’ up opulence so grand it’d make a railroad tycoon blush. Technically roostin’ in Canyon Point, Utah, but just a quick 25-minute ride from Page, this here oasis of indulgence is for them whose wallets are as deep as the Grand Canyon itself—’cause partner, if droppin’ $3,000 a night don’t make ya bat an eye, then you’ve clearly struck gold.

Wahweap Campground on Lake Powell

For those with a taste for independence, vacation rentals abound, offerin’ spacious lodgings, full kitchens, and a homey respite from the rigors of the trail. And for the true frontier spirit, campgrounds like Wahweap and Lone Rock Beach offer the rare privilege of sleepin’ beneath the vast desert sky, where the stars shine so bright you’d swear you could pluck ‘em straight from the heavens.

For our brethren in the RV community, ample facilities await to hook up and hunker down, though reservations are recommended lest ye find yourself campin’ in the back of your wagon. Whatever your preference, Page ensures a night’s rest befittin’ any weary traveler, from the dust-covered wanderer to the discerning connoisseur of comfort.

Page Hotels & Vacation Rentals

Grub

Now, friend, if there's one immutable truth in this world, it's that adventure breeds a powerful hunger, and there ain't no finer way to quell the beast in your belly than with a hearty meal in Page. Despite its diminutive size, this outpost of civilization boasts an array of victuals fit for both the hard-ridin’ frontiersman and the refined gourmand. Whether you’re hankerin’ for a sunrise repast, a midday feast, or an evening banquet fit for a cattle baron, you’ll find yourself well-provisioned in these parts.

Sunset 89 serves up Asian fusion fare

For breakfast, there ain’t no better place to start your day than Ranch House Grille, where the flapjacks are fluffier than a desert cottontail and the huevos rancheros could make a grown man weep tears of joy. If you’ve got a hankerin’ for a more contemporary morning indulgence, LP Espresso will fix you up with a fine cup of coffee and a pastry so delicate you’d swear it was crafted by angelic hands. But let’s be honest—any day that starts without a robust breakfast is a day lost, and there ain't no excuse for such an egregious misstep.

Sunset 89 serves up Asian fusion fare

Come midday, your options expand to include the smoky delights of Big John’s Texas BBQ, where the brisket is so tender it practically recites poetry before meltin’ in your mouth. Or if your taste leans toward the exotic, El Tapatio dishes up authentic Mexican fare with flavors as vibrant as a Painted Desert sunset. When suppertime rolls around, you’d be wise to mosey over to Sunset 89, a fine establishment servin’ up plates as artful as they are delicious, with a view so divine it could turn even the most hardened outlaw into a sentimental fool.

Lake Powell

For those yearnin’ for a journey steeped in nostalgia, replete with the romance of the rails and the wild ruckus of frontier theatrics, the Grand Canyon Railway is an iron-bound ticket to the past. Departin’ from the heart of Williams, this historic marvel of steam and steel ferries travelers on a scenic two-hour passage through high desert splendor, rollin’ past towering ponderosa pines and undulatin’ hills before unfurlin’ the majesty of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim like a grand stage curtain. It ain’t merely a means of conveyance—it’s a full-fledged spectacle, a rollickin’ immersion into the golden age of train travel.

Lake Powell

If you’re keen on takin’ the reins yourself, outfitters in Page offer rental vessels of every stripe, from pontoon cruisers to nimble kayaks. But if navigatin’ ain’t your strong suit, fear not—plenty of guided excursions will ferry you through this liquid labyrinth, regalin’ you with tales of geological wonder and historical intrigue. One mustn’t miss Rainbow Bridge National Monument, a natural arch of such staggering proportions that even the most loquacious cowboy might find himself at a loss for words.

And let us not forget the simple joy of a swim. There ain’t no finer way to beat the Arizona heat than divin’ into the cool embrace of Lake Powell’s waters. Just be mindful of the depth, lest you discover firsthand the perils of underestimatin’ the abyss.

Now, partner, if you’ve ever dreamed of snoozin’ beneath a canopy of stars while gently bobbin’ on the sapphire waters of Lake Powell, then rentin’ yourself a houseboat might just be the grandest notion you’ve ever had. This ain’t your average backwoods campin’—nay, this is frontier livin’ with a touch of highfalutin comfort, where you can drop anchor in a secluded cove, wake to the golden glow of sandstone cliffs, and spend your days explorin’ hidden slot canyons right from your own private floatin’ fortress. Just be sure to stock up on supplies before you shove off—because out on them waters, the only general store is whatever you packed in your cooler!

Rainbow Bridge

Antelope Canyon

If ever there were a place where the earth itself whispered secrets, Antelope Canyon would be it. This sinuous slot canyon, carved by millennia of water and wind, is a masterpiece of natural sculpture, a place where light and shadow waltz in ethereal harmony. There are two halves to this enchanted chasm—Upper Antelope Canyon, where beams of sunlight descend like celestial stairways, and Lower Antelope Canyon, a twisting, undulating wonderland of sandstone curves.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two, and for good reason. It’s what you’ve likely seen plastered across postcards, calendars, and desktop wallpapers—the kind of beauty that makes a person question whether they’re lookin’ at a real place or a dream conjured up by the universe itself. This section of the canyon is wider and easier to traverse, with sunlight piercin’ through the narrow crevices above, creatin’ heavenly beams that illuminate the swirling sandstone walls in a fiery glow. The spectacle is most pronounced in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, sendin’ shafts of light down like nature’s own cathedral windows. It’s a place of pure reverence, and even the chattiest of travelers tend to fall silent in awe.

Meanwhile, Lower Antelope Canyon offers an experience more akin to a labyrinthine adventure, where visitors must navigate a series of narrow corridors, steep staircases, and undulatin’ passageways carved smooth by centuries of flash floods. It’s longer, steeper, and a mite trickier to maneuver, but what it lacks in dramatic light beams, it more than makes up for with its fluid, ribbon-like walls that seem to twist and dance with the grace of a desert spirit. The walls here feel alive, shapeshiftin’ with every step you take, and if you’re lookin’ for a canyon experience that feels more like a hands-on expedition, this one’s the way to go.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Now, if you’re thinkin’ of just waltzin’ in and explorin’ at your leisure, think again—the only way to experience Antelope Canyon is through a guided tour. The Navajo Nation rightfully protects this sacred land, and you’ll need to book a tour well in advance, especially if you’re gunnin’ for them famous sunbeams in Upper Antelope. Local Navajo guides not only lead you safely through the winding passages but also share stories of the canyon’s formation, history, and cultural significance. Tours run year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your aim—midday for sunbeams in Upper Antelope, early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic shadows in Lower Antelope. Whatever you choose, partner, bring a camera, an adventurous spirit, and maybe a dash of humility—because no matter how many photos you take, none will ever do this place justice.

Horseshoe Bend

Ah, Horseshoe Bend, the place where the mighty Colorado River, in a moment of capricious whimsy, decided to carve a perfect, looping arc through the desert. If ever there were a vista capable of leavin’ a grown person slack-jawed with wonder, this would be it. But be forewarned—such splendor is not bestowed upon the lazy. Nay, one must undertake a short but sun-scorched pilgrimage to reach the overlook, a journey of three-quarters of a mile across sand and stone.

Horseshoe Bend

The wise traveler embarks upon this quest either at sunrise or sunset, when the light paints the canyon walls in hues so rich and varied they defy mere description. And, for the love of all that is sacred, bring water—this is no place to test the limits of human hydration. Many a fool has underestimated the desert’s thirst for moisture, only to find themselves parched and regretful before even reachin’ the edge.

Once you arrive, however, all discomfort is forgotten. The view before you is a testament to the grandeur of erosion, a portrait of time’s patient hand sculptin’ the very earth itself. It is a place for contemplation, for reverence, and for takin’ a mighty fine picture—just be sure to keep a firm grip on your camera, lest it become a permanent part of the scenery below.

Other Sights

Now, friend, if you reckon Page is just about the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and a couple of slot canyons, let me enlighten you faster than a prairie fire in a high wind. This region is a veritable treasure trove of natural and historical wonders, where the hands of time have sculpted landscapes so breathtaking they’d make a poet forget his own name. From mighty feats of modern engineering to sacred lands where history whispers through the wind, there’s far more to explore than meets the eye. So dust off your boots and set your sights on adventure—because this here land has stories to tell.

First up, we’ve got Glen Canyon Dam, a man-made marvel that stands as a testament to human ingenuity, taming the wild Colorado River and givin’ rise to the shimmering expanse of Lake Powell. This colossal structure, 710 feet of sheer concrete might, holds back enough water to quench the thirst of millions while offerin’ some of the most jaw-droppin’ views this side of the Mississippi. Whether you fancy takin’ a guided tour deep into its belly or prefer to stand atop the bridge, peerin’ down into the dizzyin’ abyss below, one thing’s for sure—you’ll walk away with a newfound respect for both nature’s power and mankind’s determination to wrangle it.

Glen Canyon Dam

A little farther afield lies Marble Canyon, the very threshold where the Colorado River begins its epic journey into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Here, the cliffs rise like sentinels, their hues shiftin’ from ivory to crimson in the ever-changin’ desert light. Navajo Bridge, a striking steel archway that spans the canyon, offers a perfect vantage point for takin’ in the spectacle—and if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a California condor, wings wide as a barn door, ridin’ the thermals above. Down below, at Lee's Ferry, the land briefly yields, givin’ travelers their only easy access to the Colorado River for miles in either direction. Once a frontier crossroads for pioneers, it’s now the launchpad for rafters chasin’ adventure through the Grand Canyon’s untamed waters and a paradise for anglers dreamin’ of reel-bustin’ trout.

Colorado River at Lee's Ferry

But if it’s cinematic grandeur you seek, Monument Valley awaits—where monolithic buttes rise from the desert floor like the weathered ruins of some forgotten kingdom. This sacred Navajo land ain’t just another pretty view; it’s a place steeped in legend, where every rock and shadow tells a story older than time itself. As you drive through its vast expanse, the towering formations seem to shift with the light, paintin’ a picture so awe-inspirin’ it could make a grown cowboy misty-eyed. Whether you’ve seen it in John Ford’s Westerns, classic road trip commercials, or the dreams of every wide-eyed wanderer, there’s no denyin’ that Monument Valley is one of the Southwest’s most iconic and unforgettable landscapes.

Monument Valley

Hiking

If you’ve got a mind to stretch your legs before takin’ on the Grand Canyon, Page offers a fair share of trails to prepare both your muscles and your soul. First up, The Hanging Garden Trail, a modest mile-long saunter that leads to an unexpected oasis. In the midst of this arid land, tucked beneath a protective overhang, grows a lush patch of greenery nourished by a hidden spring. It’s a mighty fine place for contemplation and a reminder that life finds a way even in the harshest of lands.

The Hanging Gardens near Page, AZ

For them who fancy a loftier view, The Rim View Trail offers a panoramic stroll around the town of Page, providin’ a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape. It’s about 10 miles in its entirety, but you don’t have to tackle the whole thing—just enough to take in the sweeping vistas of Lake Powell and the Vermilion Cliffs in the distance.

Now, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ a mite more adventurous, make your way to Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch, an entryway into the longest slot canyon in North America. This trail ain’t for the faint of heart—it’s narrow, twisty, and prone to flash floods when the weather gets ornery—but for them with an adventurous spirit, it offers a journey through sculpted sandstone corridors that seem more dream than reality.

Buckskin Gulch

Rafting the Colorado River

Now, for them thrill-seekin’ souls who reckon that mere sightseeing ain’t enough, let me introduce you to the raging, untamed majesty of the Colorado River. If you’re stayin’ in Page and yearn to embark on a whitewater escapade, you’ll likely be startin’ at Lees Ferry, where many an expedition into the heart of the Grand Canyon begins.

Colorado River Rafting

Rafting here is no mere amusement—it is an odyssey, a communion with the very forces that carved this land over eons. Outfitters in Marble Canyon stand ready to equip and guide would-be adventurers, takin’ them downriver through a maelstrom of rapids, cathedral-like canyon walls, and sandbars that feel like they belong to another age. Be forewarned, river-trips through Grand Canyon start at a minimum of 3 Days, and can go longer than a fortnight (two-weeks).

For them unwillin’ to commit to a multi-day sojourn through the depths of the canyon, smooth water float trips starting at the Glend Canyon Dam and ending at Lee's Ferry are an excellent alternative. These gentler excursions take travelers on a scenic drift downriver, through Horseshoe Bend, offering a chance to marvel at the sheer canyon walls without the heart-pounding chaos of the rapids. Either way, to raft the Colorado is to touch the soul of the West itself.

Buckskin Gulch

Tours

Now, partner, if you ain’t one for wranglin’ every last detail yourself, fear not—Page is bristlin’ with tours fit for every kind of adventurer, whether you fancy ridin’ the waves, hoofin’ it through the red rock wilds, or explorin’ the land in a high-powered contraption built for the rugged frontier. If you prefer seein’ the Southwest from the skies, helicopter tours offer a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and even the Grand Canyon itself—a perspective so grand, it’d make an eagle jealous.

UTV Rentals in Page, AZ

If solid ground is more your style, there’s off-road Jeep and ATV tours ready to whisk you through the untamed desert backcountry, where petrified dunes and hidden slot canyons lie waitin’ like secrets yet to be told. For them who prefer to explore at a slower pace, guided hiking tours will lead you through some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, from towering rock formations to narrow sandstone corridors where the very walls seem to whisper with history.

Now, let’s talk water—Page ain’t just a landlubber’s paradise. Boat tours of Lake Powell will ferry you through flooded canyons and beneath towering red cliffs, while kayaking excursions let you paddle your way through the surreal waterscapes at your own pace. And if you got a hankerin’ for river adventure, guided kayaking trips down the Colorado River offer a chance to float through Glen Canyon’s towering walls with nary a rapid in sight—just pure, scenic serenity.

Lake Powell Boat Tours

View from Grand Canyon Village

Of course, we can’t forget the Grand Canyon itself. Many an outfitter will shuttle you straight to the South Rim, providin’ expert narration and showin’ off the finest vistas without you havin’ to worry ‘bout drivin’ or findin’ a parkin’ spot. And if you’re yearnin’ for a tour steeped in culture and history, a Navajo-led journey through Monument Valley will take you through the towering buttes and sacred lands, where legends and landscapes intertwine in a way that no camera could ever fully capture. No matter your taste for adventure, there’s a tour in Page with your name on it—you just gotta pick your ride.

Page, AZ Tours

Let's Wrap This Up!

Page ain’t just a waypoint on the road to the Grand Canyon—it’s a destination in its own right, a place where rock and water, history and adventure, all converge in a spectacle fit for the ages. Whether you come for a day or linger for weeks, you’ll leave with dust on your boots, wonder in your heart, and a profound appreciation for this wild and glorious land.