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Overview
Page is a small city of roughly 7,500 people in northern Arizona, sitting on a mesa above the Colorado River near the Utah border. It was founded in 1957 as a construction camp for Glen Canyon Dam, and the dam and its reservoir, Lake Powell, remain central to the town's identity and economy.
Despite its modest size, Page draws hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, primarily because it sits within easy driving distance of some of the American Southwest's most photographed landscapes: the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, the sweeping curve of Horseshoe Bend, and the sprawling blue-green waters of Lake Powell.
The town itself is functional rather than scenic — a strip of chain hotels, gas stations, and fast-food outlets. Most travelers treat Page as a base for day trips into the surrounding canyon country rather than a destination in its own right. That framing is the right one: come for the geology and the light, not the town center.
Much of the land immediately surrounding Page falls within the Navajo Nation. Antelope Canyon, for instance, is on Navajo land and is legally accessible only through licensed Navajo-owned tour operators. Visitors should approach this context with awareness and respect.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Page is in the United States. For entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Navajo Nation Considerations
A large portion of the land around Page is part of the Navajo Nation, a sovereign nation with its own laws and regulations. The Navajo Nation does observe Daylight Saving Time, unlike the rest of Arizona — this can cause confusion when scheduling tours. Confirm all tour times directly with your operator.
Booking Tours in Advance
Antelope Canyon tours, in particular, fill weeks or months ahead during peak season (spring and summer). Book guided tours well before arrival. Walk-in availability is rare during busy periods.
Weather Awareness
- Summer (June–August): Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). Flash flood risk in canyon areas rises significantly during monsoon season (roughly July–September).
- Winter (December–February): Cold nights, occasional snow; some boat tours on Lake Powell operate on reduced schedules.
- Spring and Fall: Most comfortable temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and significantly more water than you think you need. The desert air is extremely dry and UV exposure is intense at this elevation (roughly 4,300 feet / 1,310 m).
Getting There
By Air
Page Municipal Airport (PGA) serves the town but has very limited scheduled commercial service — verify current routes before relying on it. Most visitors fly into a larger hub: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 270 miles (435 km) to the south, a roughly 4-hour drive. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is roughly 280 miles (450 km) to the west, also about 4–4.5 hours by car.
By Car
Driving is by far the most practical way to reach Page. US Highway 89 is the main artery connecting Page to Flagstaff (about 2.5 hours south) and to Kanab, Utah (about 1.5 hours north). A personal vehicle or rental car is effectively essential once you arrive, as public transit in the region is minimal.
By Bus
Limited regional bus connections exist but are not practical for most travelers given Page's remote location. Verify current schedules locally or through Arizona transit resources.
Getting Around
A rental car is strongly recommended. Page's main attractions are spread across a wide area, and there is no meaningful local public transportation serving the canyon sites or lake access points.
Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour — you cannot drive or walk in independently. Tour operators typically provide transport from a meeting point in or near Page. Confirm pickup logistics when you book.
Horseshoe Bend is accessed via a short trail from a designated parking area off US-89, just south of town. The lot fills early on busy days; arriving before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. can reduce congestion.
Gas up whenever you have the chance. Distances between services can be long in this part of Arizona and the broader Colorado Plateau region.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Page is dominated by mid-range chain hotels clustered along Lake Powell Boulevard and near the highway approaches to town. Options tend to fill quickly and increase in price during peak season (spring break, summer, and major holidays). Booking several weeks ahead is advisable in those periods.
A small number of independently operated motels and vacation rentals are also available; search current platforms for up-to-date inventory and pricing, as the market changes frequently.
For a different experience, houseboat rentals on Lake Powell are popular, typically arranged through Wahweap Marina concession operators. These vary widely in size and cost; book far in advance for summer dates.
Camping is available within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area at Wahweap Campground and a few other sites. Verify reservation requirements and current availability through Recreation.gov.
Things to See & Do
Antelope Canyon
Page's most iconic attraction, Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon carved by water through Navajo sandstone. The play of light — beams slanting through the narrow opening — is what draws photographers from around the world. The canyon is divided into two separately managed sections: Upper Antelope Canyon (Tse' bighanilini) and Lower Antelope Canyon (Hazdistazi). Both require guided tours booked through licensed Navajo tour operators. Upper Antelope Canyon tends to be more crowded and more frequently photographed; Lower Antelope Canyon involves more ladder climbing but is often less congested. Verify current tour operators and pricing directly, as fees and operators change.
Horseshoe Bend
A 270-degree meander of the Colorado River visible from a sandstone overlook, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most replicated landscape photographs in the United States. The hike from the parking area is short (roughly 1.5 miles round trip on sandy trail) but exposed to full sun. A fee is charged to park; verify the current amount on-site or through the official land management authority.
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Lake Powell is one of the largest reservoirs in the US by surface area, stretching across the Arizona-Utah border. Activities include boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and houseboating. Access is managed by the National Park Service under Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Note that water levels in Lake Powell have fluctuated significantly in recent years due to drought; check current conditions before planning water-based activities.
Glen Canyon Dam
The concrete arch dam that created Lake Powell is open for tours. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center, located at the dam, provides context on the dam's construction, history, and the ongoing debates about its environmental impact. Verify current tour availability on the National Park Service website.
Wahweap Marina
The main marina on the Arizona side of Lake Powell, Wahweap offers boat rentals, guided tours, and access to various lake activities. It is a practical starting point for exploring Lake Powell by water.
Navajo Village Heritage Center
A locally operated site offering cultural demonstrations and insight into Navajo traditions. Verify current operating status and hours before visiting.
Food & Drink
Page's dining scene is modest, reflecting the town's small size and its role as a traveler's waypoint rather than a culinary destination. You will find a mix of national fast-food chains and a small number of independently owned restaurants along Lake Powell Boulevard, the main commercial strip.
A handful of local diners and casual restaurants serve standard American fare, with some Southwestern and Navajo-influenced dishes occasionally on the menu. Fry bread — a staple associated with Navajo and broader Native American cuisine — may be available at local spots and at some vendor setups near the canyon tour staging areas.
Alcohol sales are regulated differently across jurisdiction lines in this area. Page itself permits alcohol sales, but the surrounding Navajo Nation is officially dry. Be aware of this if you are moving between areas.
Self-catering is a practical option. There is a grocery store in town (verify current options locally); stocking a cooler with water, snacks, and easy meals is sensible for anyone planning full days outdoors.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Mobile Coverage
Cell service in Page is generally reliable, but it drops off significantly once you move into canyon areas, onto the lake, or into remote Navajo Nation lands. Download offline maps before heading out.
Money
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Page. However, some Navajo-operated tour vendors and small local businesses are cash-preferred or cash-only. Carry cash as backup; there are ATMs in town.
Time Zone Complexity
Arizona (including Page) stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round. However, the Navajo Nation — which surrounds Page on three sides — observes Daylight Saving Time. During DST months, tour operators on Navajo land may be running on a different clock than your phone. Always confirm tour times directly with your operator.
Altitude and Sun
Page sits at approximately 4,300 feet (1,310 m) elevation. Combined with the desert sun and dry air, visitors can dehydrate and sunburn faster than they expect. Drink water consistently, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Safety
Page is generally a safe small town for travelers. Standard urban precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in parking areas near popular trailheads.
Flash Flood Risk
This is the most significant safety concern in the region. Slot canyons, including Antelope Canyon, can flood with no warning when rain falls miles away. A fatal flash flood in Lower Antelope Canyon in 1997 killed 11 people. Reputable tour operators monitor conditions and will cancel or evacuate tours when risk is elevated. Do not enter canyon areas independently, and always follow your guide's instructions.
Heat and Dehydration
Heat-related illness is a real risk in summer. Carry at least 1 liter of water per hour of outdoor activity. Recognize early symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea) and retreat to shade and hydration immediately.
Driving
Highway 89 in this stretch of northern Arizona has a history of serious accidents. Drive at posted speeds, avoid distracted driving, and be cautious of wildlife on the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The land around Page has been home to Indigenous peoples for centuries. The Navajo Nation is a sovereign nation with its own government, laws, and cultural identity. Visitors entering Navajo land — including when touring Antelope Canyon — are guests in that sovereign territory.
When visiting Antelope Canyon or interacting with Navajo-owned businesses, be respectful: follow your guide's instructions about photography, ask before photographing individuals, and purchase crafts and art directly from Navajo vendors rather than third-party resellers when possible.
The history of Glen Canyon Dam is contested. Before the reservoir filled in the 1960s, Glen Canyon was considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places in the American West; its flooding displaced Navajo and other Indigenous communities and submerged significant archaeological and natural sites. Engaging with this history — including through the visitor center exhibits — gives depth to what might otherwise be a purely scenic visit.
