Are you headed to Page in Arizona and looking for a great way to spend one day? Then you are in the right spot!
We have just had the most amazing day on Page, and I need to share all my knowledge with you! It can be super hard to choose your activities – since there is so much to do!
This post will give you a great overview of a fun-filled and instagrammable day in Page, Arizona – including highlights such as Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell!
Let’s get to it!
One Day in Page Itinerary: at a Glance
If you are just here to quickly snatch the itinerary for Page without any further explanation, here you go! Further below in this post, I’ll share all of my insider tips and some helpful information on how to get around Page, so I’d love it if you stuck around!
Lastly, you won’t find the Wave on this itinerary because it is so hard to get a permit. If you do have a permit, make sure to leave enough time for that.
Here is my itinerary for Page, Arizona:
Breakfast at Canyon Crepes Cafe or Hot n Sweet Donut Shop
Iconic Shell Gas Station
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon
Lunch at El Tapatio
Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam (visit either for sunset)
Dinner at Gone West Family Restaurant
1. Iconic Shell Gas Station
Over the last couple of years, a small Shell gas station in Page, Arizona has become quite famous on Instagram.
But it is not the gas station itself that is so special; rather, it is a small canyon/cave right behind it.
If you park in the parking lot next to the gas station, you’ll find a trail that will lead you to a half-open cave of orange sandstone.
It might not be as cool as Antelope Canyon, but you can visit it without a guide and take pictures and videos.
2. Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is probably the highlight of your trip to Page. This is one of the most famous and most photographed slot canyons in the world.
First of all, you have to book a tour to visit Antelope Canyon, since it is on Native Land.
Secondly, you need to decide if you want to visit Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. Personally, we usually go with Lower Antelope Canyon because it is almost as beautiful but a lot cheaper.
Upper Antelope Canyon is the only one where you can see light beams, so definitely consider that when booking your tour.
Lower Antelope Canyon
The Lower Antelope Canyon is one of the most stunning places in Page. The narrow slot canyon is super beautiful – the orange sandstone formations are so Instagrammable!
As I mentioned before, you need to book a Navajo tour guide to visit the canyon. The passageways are narrower and involve more ladders compared to its neighbor, Upper Antelope Canyon.
While the tours are pricey, we really enjoyed the experience. The guide knows the best photo spots and has a lot of knowledge to share as well.
Plan about 1,5 hours for this tour!
Upper Antelope Canyon
The Upper Antelope Canyon is slightly more famous and popular than the Lower Antelope Canyon. It is more narrow, and because of its A-shape, it can let in some famous light beams from time to time.
Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon is more expensive, also because the tour operators have to bring you there in a Jeep.
If you visit Upper Antelope Canyon, make sure to book a tour in the morning before noon, since it is the only time where the light beams appear.
3. Glen Canyon Dam
The Glen Canyon Dam is an impressive engineering marvel on the Colorado River. It is one of the most underrated spots to visit on a day in Page.
It was built in the 1960s and stands 710 feet tall. Most importantly, it holds back Lake Powell and the Colorado River.
You can walk over the dam on both sides and enjoy some stunning views. The canyon is so deep, it is simply breathtaking.
Plan about half an hour for a visit to the Glen Canyon Dam. Of course, you can also visit with a tour.
4. Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a super stunning natural viewpoint near Page. You can see the Colorado River making a dramatic 270-degree turn which creates a horseshoe-shaped curve.
You can stand super close without fences at sheer red rock cliffs dropping 1,000 feet down to the river.
It is a short hike to the viewpoint, and it’s especially famous during sunset. Then the colors of the rocks and water come alive.
You have to pay a small entrance fee for your vehicle, but it is well worth it. This spot was one of my favorites during our day in Page.
5. Lake Powell Recreation Area
Either before or after Horseshoe Bend, head to one of the recreation spots near Lake Powell. Alternatively, you can also drive up to the Wahweap Viewpoint for sunset.
What makes Lake Powell so special is that it has super clear blue water, which is broken up by bright orange cliffs from time to time.
Lake Powell is huge, and there are lots of viewpoints, picnic places, and beaches around the lake.
6. Bonus: Hike the Wave
I did not put the famous Wave near Page on my itinerary on purpose. Only about 60 people get to hike the Wave every day, and it is nearly impossible to get a permit.
However, if you are really intent on hiking the Wave, make sure to apply for a permit early enough or show up there in the morning for the daily permit lottery.
The Wave is extremely beautiful, and it is worth the hassle if you have more time in Page, AZ.
Is One Day Enough in Page, AZ?
Yes, one day is enough to see the highlights of Page, Arizona.
Since all of the most famous landmarks are super close together, you can see one of the Antelope Canyons, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell in a day.
I would recommend staying at least one night in Page if you are planning on doing some hiking in the area or exploring the Vermillion Cliffs or the other side of Lake Powell.
If you want to see both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon or try to hike the Wave (very limited capacities) you’ll likely need two days in Page.
Conclusion: 1 Day in Page, AZ
What a day of adventure and Instagrammable places in Page, Arizona!
From starting your morning with a delicious breakfast to exploring the stunning formations of Antelope Canyon there’s no shortage of picture-perfect experiences.
The afternoon brings options to soak in the beauty of Lake Powell, capture iconic photos at Horseshoe Bend, and check out Glen Canyon Dam. Each would make a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the desert landscape.
Wrap up your day with a hearty dinner at Gone West Family Restaurant, where you can unwind and reflect on the unforgettable moments from your time in this beautiful part of the Southwest.
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
