Page is a small town in far northern Arizona, situated directly on the Utah border and the shores of Lake Powell.
Page is a small town in far northern Arizona, situated directly on the Utah border and the shores of Lake Powell. Visitors flock here for three prime destinations, consistently ranking high on many Southwest road trip itineraries: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell, home to the Glen Canyon Dam.It's about a four-and-a-half to five-hour drive from both Las Vegas and Phoenix, and roughly three hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim. Plan at least one overnight stay: Horseshoe Bend is most stunning at sunset, Antelope Canyon tours run throughout the day, and a boat trip on the lake is highly recommended.The town itself is modest, offering motels, supermarkets, and a limited selection of restaurants. Yet, it serves as an ideal base, with all key attractions located less than a fifteen-minute drive away.
Page has around 7,400 residents (2020 Census) and sits at about 1,300 meters on Manson Mesa above Lake Powell's Wahweap Bay. You can reach the compact center with hotels, restaurants, and gas stations within minutes from anywhere, but you'll need a car for excursions. Horseshoe Bend lies about eight kilometers south on US 89, Lower Antelope Canyon east of town on Highway 98, Glen Canyon Dam and Wahweap Marina northwest. Mind the time zones: Arizona, and thus Page, does not observe Daylight Saving Time, but the surrounding Navajo Nation, including Antelope Canyon, does. So, from March to November, it's one hour later there than in Page.
Sights in Page
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
1Horseshoe Bend
The Colorado River here forms a 270-degree loop approximately 300 meters below the canyon rim. A paved path leads about 2.4 kilometers (round trip) to the viewpoint; parking costs 10 US dollars per car, NPS passes are not valid.
Narrow slot canyon on Navajo land, accessible only with a guided tour from a Navajo operator like Ken's Tours or Dixie's. Descend into the canyon via five steel staircases; the tour lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
The arch dam, built 1957-1964, rises 216 meters above the bedrock and dams the Colorado River into Lake Powell. The best views are from the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge and Visitor Center.
Visitor Center directly at the dam, about 210 meters above the river, with an exhibition on the dam's construction and history and Lake Powell. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM Mountain Standard Time.
Harbor at the south end of Lake Powell, about nine kilometers from the dam, with accommodations, restaurant, campsite, boat rental, and boat tours on the lake. Entry to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is required for access.
Page isn't a foodie city, but you'll certainly fill up on barbecue, Mexican, and Navajo dishes.
Navajo Taco
Deep-fried flatbread with beans, ground beef, lettuce, cheese. Frybread's origin, per Navajo lore, is 1864: government-issued flour, sugar, salt, and lard during 'Long Walk' forced relocation.
Frybread with Honey
The same flatbread, eaten sweet with honey or jam. It's available at food stalls and restaurants in Navajo Land around Page.
Old sheep meat
Sheep have been central to the Navajo for generations, providing both wool and sustenance. Mutton is therefore one of the most important meats in traditional Navajo cuisine.
Texas Barbecue
Smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are surprisingly popular in Page. The best-known spot is Big John's Texas BBQ in a converted gas station.
History and Culture
Page is one of Arizona's newest cities. It began in 1957 as a residential camp for Glen Canyon Dam workers, initially called "Government Camp". The government received the land by exchange from the Navajo Nation. The city is named after John C. Page, who headed the Bureau of Reclamation in the 1930s and early 1940s. Page officially became a city in March 1975.The dam was built from 1957 to 1964; Lake Powell began to fill in 1963. With the flooding, the original Glen Canyon, including its side canyons, disappeared underwater, remaining to this day a point of contention between environmentalists and dam supporters.Page is largely surrounded by the Navajo Nation. Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend area south of the parking lot are on Navajo land; many guides are Navajo. When taking tours, note the time, as the Navajo Nation switches to Daylight Saving Time in summer, but the rest of Arizona does not.
Getting There & Around
AirportMost travelers arrive by rental car via Las Vegas or Phoenix. The small Page Municipal Airport (PGA) has only a few commercial flights; check connections and rental car availability early.CarFrom Las Vegas, it's about 450 kilometers, and from Phoenix via Flagstaff, about 430 kilometers, each taking four and a half to five hours. From Grand Canyon South Rim, you drive via Cameron and US 89 for about three hours, and from Sedona, a good three hours.Parking and FeesThe Horseshoe Bend parking lot is owned by the City of Page and costs 10 USD per car, 5 USD per motorcycle; the America the Beautiful Pass is not valid here. For the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including Wahweap and the Lake Powell shoreline, you pay 30 USD per vehicle for seven days; the America the Beautiful Pass is valid here. Payments at entrance stations are by card only.Time ZonesLike the rest of Arizona, Page observes Mountain Standard Time year-round. The Navajo Nation, on whose land Antelope Canyon is located, switches to Daylight Saving Time in summer. When booking, check which time zone your tour is listed in and plan for a buffer.Local TravelWithin the city, distances are short, but for all excursions, you'll need a car or a booked tour. Lower Antelope Canyon and Upper Antelope Canyon can only be visited with an authorized Navajo guide.
