Page, Arizona: Top 4 Places to See

Located on the outskirts of Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon has exploded in popularity in the last twenty years. Because it is located on lands of the Navajo Nation, advanced planning is highly recommended before seeing these fascinating slot canyons divided into the Upper and Lower sections. Carved out of the sandstone bedrock through water and wind erosion, the slot canyons are easily accessible which accounts for the explosion of popularity. Before embarking park in the designated lots off Hwy 89: more than likely you will have to pay to park. From there you must arrange to take a tour of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Go to the on-site kiosk and ask about availability. It's highly recommended you have advanced reservations if you are visiting during the summer or any holiday. There are quite a few tour operators to choose from and some can arrange to pick you up in Page as well. Upper Antelope Canyon is a walk through while Lower Antelope Canyon one must down-climb a set of ladders before reaching the canyon floor. All tours require a guide - no exceptions!

Horseshoe Bend is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area located only 5.5 miles from Page along Hwy 89 southbound. A well signed parking area on the right side of the road (southbound) accesses a well beaten trailhead which reaches the overlook after about .75 miles. If you are going in the summer, there is virtually no shade or water - bring your own of both. Toilets are plentiful at the parking area but lines can form quickly depending on the crowds. Also, bear in mind this site, along with Antelope Canyon, has grown in popularity within the last twenty years and parking, at any time of the year, can be problematic. You are not allowed to park along Hwy 89. Advanced planning is highly recommended. If the parking lot is full - you will be turned away and told to come back at a later time. Should you be able to squeeze into the lot and find a parking space, it is a virtual zoo or pedestrians, POVs and tour buses offloading mostly foreign tourists.

Hard to miss on any trip to Page is a view of the Glen Canyon Dam - the big block of 710 foot high concrete that makes the immense Lake Powell possible. Construction of the dam was completed in 1966. US 89 goes right over it, but be sure to pull into the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and get out so you can approach it on foot. It doesn't cost any money. There are pedestrian overlooks behind the Visitor Center and a pedestrian walkway along US 89 which will give you the best views of the dam. Behind the dam is, of course, Lake Powell, which showcases a stark, but brilliant contrast of sandstone formations against cobalt blue waters. Below the dam the Colorado River resumes its southward course from its sunken channel submerged by Lake Powell. The sheer sandstone walls are impressive averaging about a thousand feet straight above the river bed.

If you want approach Lake Powell the best place to do so is from the Wahweap Marina. Located 5.5 miles from the Glen Canyon Dam, Wahweap Marina is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon and it has a full range of facilities ranging from gift shops, restaurant, campsites, service station, showers, laundry, lodging, and full marina services. There is an entrance fee along Lakeshore Drive which is accessible from US 89. Moreover, it provides a very scenic view of Lake Powell and a jumping off point if you are taking a private or chartered boat tour some of which go to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, which is administered by the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The arch is 290 high and 234 feet across. It is accessible by a one mile hike from Bridge Canyon wharf.