12 ABSOLUTE BEST Activities when Visiting Page, AZ (+ Where to Eat and Stay)

Heading to Page, AZ and not sure what there is to do? Actually a lot!

The city of Page and neighboring Lake Powell are an outdoor adventure hub, perfect for visitors of all ages and abilities, from watersports to hiking, biking, and history. Keep reading for all of our favorite activities to do in Page, AZ.

We’re Matt and Cheryl and have been writing travel guides to help people explore the West since 2020. We love Page, AZ and have visited several times. We co-wrote this post with Megan Judd who has a background in travel and has also spent a lot of time in Page. Read on to find out our favorite things to do, plus some great places to eat and some handy tips for visiting.

The Best of Page, Arizona [+ 3 Hidden Gems]

History

Page, Arizona is a town born from the Glen Canyon Dam itself. Less than 75 years ago in 1957, Page, Arizona was founded as a housing settlement for workers at the Glen Canyon Dam construction site in the canyon below. The city was carved from the Navajo Nation Lands in the area of northern Arizona, near the border with Utah, and is named after John C. Page, a commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation who played a key role in the development of the dam and the creation of Lake Powell. 

Construction of the Glen Canyon Dam began in 1956, and a year later, the Bureau of Reclamation created the town of Page to house the many workers who would be needed to build the dam and associated infrastructure. The dam was completed in 1963, and Lake Powell, the reservoir created by the dam, began to fill in 1964.

In the years following the construction of the dam and the founding of Page, the city grew rapidly, with a population that swelled from a few hundred in the early years to over 7,000 by the 1980s. Today, Page is a popular tourist destination, thanks in large part to the attractions of Lake Powell and the nearby Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Over the years, Page has faced a number of challenges, including periodic droughts that have impacted Lake Powell’s water levels, occasional environmental controversies surrounding the dam, and its impact on the local ecosystem. Regardless, Page remains an important center of activity and commerce in northern Arizona and a gateway to some of the region’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Activities in and Around Page, AZ

1. Powell Museum

The John Wesley Powell Museum is a small but carefully curated museum located in Page, Arizona, dedicated to the life and accomplishments of John Wesley Powell, an American explorer, geologist, and ethnologist who is perhaps best known for leading the first successful expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The museum features several exhibits that explore Powell’s life and work as a scientist and adventurer. 

In addition to exhibits related to Powell himself, the museum also provides information about the natural and cultural history of the region, including exhibits on the geology of the Colorado Plateau and the traditional cultures of the Native American tribes that have lived in the area for thousands of years.

One of the highlights of the museum is a 15-minute film that provides an overview of Powell’s expeditions and the history of the region. The museum also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours.

Overall, the John Wesley Powell Museum is a great place to visit for anyone interested in the history and natural beauty of the American Southwest, and especially for those who are fascinated by the life and legacy of one of America’s most remarkable explorers.

Visit Navajo Bridge & Lees Ferry near Page, AZ: Underrated Grand Canyon Sites.

2. Hanging Gardens Trail

Located on the east side of the Glen Canyon Dam, just before entering the city of Page, the hanging gardens are a rare green spot among a very dry sandstone desert.

The hanging gardens are a unique phenomenon that can occur where water collected on slickrock above seeps through the rock and provides a water source for plants to grow directly on and under the sandstone ledges. The plants here are green year-round, being consistently fed by the water seeping through the rock.

Page’s hanging gardens can be accessed via a 1.2-mile round-trip trail that takes off just northeast of the Glen Canyon Dam. Turn North off Highway 89 and watch for a sign. The trailhead is clearly labeled. 

Find some great information in Hiking in the Desert: 11 Things To Know Before You Go.

3. Mountain Biking – The Rim Trail 

Although there are a limited number of bike trails around Page and the terrain can be quite rough on even seasoned riders, the Rim Trail is a wonderful exception. 

Running 10.8 miles around the city of Page, the Rim Trail offers 75% singletrack with a max grade of 10% (for a short section) making the trail accessible for both experienced and novice riders.

If you have a non-rider who can act as a shuttle, you also can do just a portion of the ride if you prefer. There are several parking areas where a shuttle car could meet riders to shorten the total ride length.

We recommend the TrailForks app or the MTB Project website for full descriptions of the trail. Both are great resources for not only the rim trail but also other biking opportunities around Page. 

4. New Wave (Beehives Trail) Hike

Located just one-half mile up the road from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, the Beehive Trail is one of my favorite locations near Page.

This trail has been nicknamed “the New Wave” and we think it fits perfectly! Unlike the more popular Wave at Coyote Buttes, no permit is required to visit this sandstone formation, and it is a short, light hike, especially compared to the other Wave. The sandstone formations of Utah and Arizona are world-famous, and this is one of the easiest to access. If you have a short time in the area, this is a great value for your time! 

Discover: Kanab, Utah where you will find The Wave and many other great things to do.

To access this unique sandstone formation, you’ll turn southwest off Highway 89 on the east side of the Glen Canyon Dam. Look for signs for the Beehives Campground. You can park in the gravel area designated for the campground or across the road. The trail begins just southwest of the gravel campground area and is well-marked with small rocks outlining a path. If you choose to walk the full path the full loop is 1.9 miles. 

The sandstone rock formations on this trail are some of the most unique I’ve ever seen, and my sister did her bridal photos here. It’s literally one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! From smooth waves to rock ledges to tall stone hills, this trail has it all! This is absolutely a must-do hike if you plan only to visit Page once or twice. 

5. Horseshoe Bend Viewpoint

Below the Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River is released to continue its journey to the Grand Canyon and beyond. Although there are several viewpoints where you can see the river from above, my personal favorite is Horseshoe Bend.

The city of Page owns the parking area outside of Horseshoe Bend, so there is a small parking fee separate from any National Park Entrance Fees you have paid to visit the viewpoint.

The trail to Horseshoe Bend is 1.5 miles out and back and is listed as accessible to wheelchairs on the National Park website. However, in our personal experience, about 3 times in the past 3 years, the trail is wide and graded but tends to be somewhat rocky, and almost always has an elevation gain or loss throughout the trail which may make it less accessible to wheelchairs. We’ve seen parents pushing strollers who looked less than thrilled by the quality of the path. 

6. Raft of Kayak Horseshoe Bend

After years of looking down into Horseshoe Bend, we finally decided to book a raft tour! We went with Wilderness Adventure Company, but there are others to choose from. We paid for our experience, and are not affiliated.

We loved seeing the towering red rock walls. We even got to see petroglyphs at the turnaround point.

We saw several other visitors kayaking Horseshoe Bend. For the same price as a raft tour, businesses will rent you a kayak and drive you up the river via boat, and then pick you up in a van and take you back to the parking area. Next time we visit, we are going to try it out!

Activities Around Lake Powell

7. Carl Hayden Visitor Center

The Glen Canyon Dam was built to address several needs related to water management and power generation in the American Southwest. The main purposes of the dam were: flood control, water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Lake Powell officially began to be formed on March 13, 1963, when the diversion tunnels on the Colorado River were closed, letting water reach the base of the dam for the first time since construction began.

To get as close to the impressive dam as possible, you can visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center where you will find a variety of interactive displays, including several that focus on water conservation and are quite eye-opening.

The Colorado River is in crisis after a prolonged drought in the Western United States over the past 25 years and the Glen Canyon Dam offers accessible learning opportunities for all ages. The views of the lake and the river are stunning and a short 20-yard walk will take you out onto the bridge over the dam where you can get great views of the lake and the dam. 

My son’s favorite activity is an interactive display where a model shows how water moving through the dam pushes the turbines and generates electricity. He could spin the wheel on the display for hours and knew what a turbine was when he was just 4 years old because of this display! 

8. Water Sports on Lake Powell

Lake Powell has all of the traditional lake activities you would expect, from speedboat and power sport rentals to paddleboard and kayak rentals, available through many rental shops in town. Rentals are also available directly at Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina for easy access.

We have rented a speed boat from Antelope Point and found them easy to work with. The boat was in good repair and we had great access from the rental docks right out into the main channel of the lake.

We love to head down to the Dam to see the imposing structure that holds back the mighty Colorado River and then head into Navajo Canyon for a taste of some of Lake Powell’s best canyon views. 

9. Boat Tour to Rainbow Bridge National Monument (open seasonally)

Also available on the lake are guided tours to Rainbow Bridge National Monument. This is one of the largest natural bridges in the world, and truly you cannot comprehend the size until you are up close to it. The photos do not do it justice at all. If you aren’t likely to visit Lake Powell again, this is a MUST-DO in my opinion.

This tour takes around 7 hours and is done in an enclosed boat with air conditioning. They also serve a yummy boxed lunch. Our captain was very entertaining telling us jokes and teaching us about the canyon during our ride.

There is a bit of walking to get to the Rainbow Bridge. How far you have to walk depends on the water level when you visit but it’s usually around 1 mile round trip. Just be aware that you can be dealing with some extreme heat when you are off the water.

Rainbow Bridge is spectacular and HUGE! Just context, Delicate Arch of Arches National Park (one of the most famous arches in the world!) is 52 feet tall. Rainbow Bridge is 290 feet tall.

Due to extended droughts in the Western US, the water level at Lake Powell can make it difficult to reach Rainbow Bridge, and tours may pause temporarily while dock access is unavailable. Check www.nps.gov/rabr for up-to-date conditions, and book a tour on lakepowell.com if available. 

10. Explore Indigenous Land

Hundreds of years before European settlers ever set foot in the Americas, many indigenous tribes roamed the United States. Several prehistoric cultures and current Native American groups should be recognized in the cultural history of Page and Lake Powell.

Diné Bikéyah, Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) are some of the tribes that are known to have been in the area, and many of the lands around Page and to the south of Lake Powell are part of the current Navajo Nation. 

The Navajo Nation owns and operates Antelope Point Marina, and governs the land around the famous Antelope and more. 

You don’t need to go out looking for a specific place to see Native American culture, but it is all around you in Page. Take the opportunity to patronize their businesses and learn a little more about their culture.

Don’t miss: Cliff Dwellings in Navajo National Monument in Arizona.

11. Antelope Canyon

As guardians and custodians of the land, the Navajo Nation carefully protects the most beautiful areas that visitors would be likely to overrun if not carefully supported. Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world and is a must-see for many visitors to Page.

There are a few canyons in this area that go by the name of Antelope Canyon and all require you to book a tour. Tours are all run by Indigenous guides with careful permitting and requirements by the Navajo Nation. Walking tours cost a wide range ($50 to over $100) to visit these areas and reservations are highly recommended. The Navajo Nation maintains a list of permitted operators at navajonationparks.org. 

We have visited 3 of them. Read our full review of Antelope Canyon in our article How to Visit Antelope Canyon: Complete Guide. Or watch our review in our video below.

Antelope Canyon: Our Full Review of Upper and Lower Canyons

After doing this activity, we prefer another option to visit Antelope Canyon with some more freedom to explore and a little adventure on the way.

12. Kayak to Antelope Canyon

Because Antelope Canyon is so long, it is possible to access the canyon both from the water on Lake Powell and on land. We highly recommend taking a kayak into Antelope Canyon and accessing it from the water.

Unlike tours of Antelope Canyon on land that require a tour, anyone is welcome to access Antelope Canyon by water. Several local companies offer guided kayak tours including Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks and Lake Powell Adventure Co. or you can simply rent a kayak and paddle yourself in and explore.

If you are choosing to go it alone, make sure you rent from someone who drops off at Antelope Point Marina or rent directly from the marina. This is the closest access point to Antelope Canyon and is still a 2-mile paddle into the canyon before you can park your kayak and walk deeper into the canyon.

Where to Eat

Ja’di’ Tooh or the “The Point” 

My favorite restaurant in Page is Ja’di’ Tooh or “The Point” which is a floating restaurant located at Antelope Point. You can literally eat dinner ON the water, with epic sunset views of the lake. The menu has a little bit of everything and is moderately priced. It’s sure to please the whole family. The truffle fries alone are worth a stop! We also like their tater tots and corn chowder. Plan on around $18 a plate.

FUN FACT: This is the largest floating restaurant, but you can’t actually feel it move. Also, depending on the water level, you may have to be picked up on a golf cart to get down to it because the regular steps on the dock don’t work if the lake is too shallow.

El Tapito

Our host at our Airbnb recommended this place, and I’m sure glad he did! I loved the colorful decor and the food was nothing short of amazing. Most meals cost between $20-$30 but they serve huge portions. One meal fed both of us.

Even though there were crowds were seated and got our food quickly. This is the first place in Page I’ll eat at again!

The Bird House

This is the perfect place to take your kids or if you just like fried chicken. The meals are super affordable, around $10 to $15 each or you can really save by ordering a family meal (which we did!)

The chicken comes in spicy, original, or honey-butter flavors. They have a variety of sauces and it’s fun to try out the different combinations.

Although they have a few side options, our family enjoyed the seasoned fries the most.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of chain hotels in Page as well as Airbnbs. Most recently, we chose to stay at the DreamKatchers B&B (book here) in Big Water, UT, just 10 minutes outside of Page. It was the best place we’ve ever stayed and definitely worth the drive.

Our room and the home were wonderful and peaceful but our favorite part was waking up to our amazing breakfast. Eric is a wonderful host and cook. We especially loved the smoothie bowls he made for us before serving our main course.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

A lot of people visit Page during their trip to the Grand Canyon. We have included Page and what to do there in our Grand Canyon North Guide which also includes an audio guide with great stories and information about the area. Let us help you plan your vacation to Page and the Grand Canyon!