I don’t think there are enough people who have heard of Page, Arizona. You’re probably wondering why I am even writing about it. But Page is the perfect jumping off point for an epic Arizona (and Utah) dessert road trip, including the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, the Wave (Utah) and Horseshoe Bend. It’s also the location of an annual vacation race, the Antelope Canyon Ultras.
About Page
Page is a small town in northern Arizona that is known as the perfect base camp for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
With a population of just over 7,000 (as of 2021), this town wasn’t created until the 50s when it was no more than a housing community for workers and their families during the building of the Glen Canyon Dam.
It might be small, but Page and the area around it attracts over 3 million visitors every year.
How to Get There
There are multiple places to fly into if you are planning your visit, but most require a bit of a drive. Below is a short list of some of those places and how long it will take to drive there after the fact.
Yes, you will likely need to rent a car.
- Las Vegas, Nevada – approximately 4 ½ hours (though there are now flights from Las Vegas directly to Page, which is a great option)
- Salt Lake City, Utah – 6-hour drive to Page
- Prescott, Arizona – 3 ½ hour drive to Page (this is how I got there and the driving was easy going)
- Flagstaff, Arizona – 2 hours (by far the closest, but prices can be steep)
Where to Stay
There are a ton of hotel options for all price ranges in Page and the surrounding area. I stayed at the Holiday Inn and Suites, which is a perfect, central location for a good price.
The staff was also amazing and there is a free breakfast included (always important in my mind).
If you are planning to run the Antelope Canyon Ultra, the Holiday Inn and Suites are a 5-minute drive from the start of the race.
Top Things to Do Around Page
There are a lot of amazing tours you can go on and sights to check out, below is not an exhaustive list but some of the big highlights.
Antelope Canyon
This is what many come to see.
You will need to make a reservation and go with a tour to see this canyon as it is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation. This is for safety reasons and to prevent vandalism.
If you run the Antelope Canyon Ultra, however, and do either the 50 or 100-mile race, you have the opportunity to run through Antelope Canyon and see it in a way that many others do not.
Horseshoe Bend
Another one of the most popular things to do in Page is to see Horseshoe Bend. From above and below.
Walking along the slickrock you get incredible views of Horseshoe Bend from above. The overlook is 0.6-miles one way. Visiting Horseshoe Bend is free but parking will cost you $10.
The other view is by boat. With the Colorado River cutting through the canyon, creating this incredible 270-degree turn that made it famous, getting it from both perspectives is a must.
However, due to years of draught the water level is nowhere near what it once was.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir that is visited by around 2 million people every year. It is popular with people who like to get out on the water and is arguably one of the most scenic lakes in the country.
Similar to Horseshoe Bend, draught has caused the water levels to drop significantly, and though it is still safe to swim and boat, climate change is directly evident in this area.
Antelope Canyon Ultras
One of the most unique ways to visit this area is by running. And not just any running, ultra-running (though there is also a half marathon, so don’t let the word “ultra” deter you).
As part of Vacation Races, the Antelope Canyon Ultra is one of the most scenic runs I have ever done. All distances take you past Horseshoe Bend, across slickrock, and through a slot canyon that is typically closed to others.
It also has some of the best aid station food I have had to date (bacon and peanut butter sandwiches anyone?).
The longer distances, as I mentioned above, also have the added bonus of running through Antelope Canyon. It is one of the most unique ways I can think of to combine one’s love of running and experiencing nature at its most awe-inspiring.
Concluding Thoughts
There are lots of things within a short drive of Page that will give you even more reason to visit, including the Wave in Utah and Grand Canyon National Park.
It is one of those underrated destinations I don’t think we hear enough about.
Looking for more red rock inspiration? Check out my guide to Bryce Canyon National Park.
