The American Southwest truly leaves travelers spoiled for choice in what they can experience when visiting here. But, when your choices include the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Monument Valley, (and that’s just to start!), it does beg the question…why visit Page?
But what should really be asked is why wouldn’t you visit Page???
Page, Arizona is truly one of the world’s most magnificent places; not just within the USA. The problem is, many people – American’s included, don’t have a clue why they should include this city in their itinerary. And that is why it is imperative that you read this and let people know exactly what they are missing out on should they bypass this amazing place. A regret like this, would be very hard to get over!
So what is it exactly that makes Page, Arizona so amazing? Check out these 3 amazing experiences and you’ll never stop recommending it either. If you’re planning a trip to the USA and want more travel inspiration – be sure to join my USA travel group where I share a lot of worthwhile tips and recommendations for those heading over.
Wahweap Overlook
Wahweap Overlook. I honestly had no idea what it even was before I arrived in Page. Thanks to the amazingly helpful couple Brady and Pamela, who run the Red Rock Motel in Page, (the place I was staying for the evening); I was told to make sure I took in the sunset that takes place out there. As it was April, sunset took place just after 7pm and boy was it worth it!
A sunset is always a good idea on any day. And Arizona certainly brings out the best ones. But the group of us that were gathered on the overlook with an already amazing view, did not expect what we ended up with on this evening.
You see, we had the sun setting on one side of us and on the other – and behind some amazing rock formations that the Arizona landscape is famous for; we had the very quickly rising full moon heading up into the night sky. This made it impossible to know where to look. It made it a completely memorable experience for every single person there.
I will never forget it.
Horseshoe Bend
There aren’t many places I have visited in this world because of Instagram. But Horseshoe Bend was definitely one of those places. And after I started sharing my visit to my own personal social media channels, I soon discovered that many American friends I had, did not know about this amazing, free natural wonder. What a shame right?
Horseshoe Bend is the exact spot where the Colorado River curves and it is an easy trek for all who want to take it, as the walking track is pretty much just sandy/sandstone flat surfaces. It is 2.4km (1.5 miles) in length roundtrip and takes about 45 minutes to complete (minus how much time you spend at the bend taking photos).
Horseshoe Bend however, is a dangerous place to take photos; so all visitors must take care in viewing, taking photos of it and walking along the edge. I don’t have a fear of heights, but peering down and even trying to take a photo can be a little scary at times because it is an effort to try and take a photo of the entire river circle, as my two photos show. So always be careful when you are there. People do a lot of stupid stuff up here; which is concerning since the gorge is a decent level below the cliffside.
I visited at around 3pm and found it to be rather busy, but quite manageable should this be the only time you can visit. Depending on the photo you want, look into the best time to go as the view changes throughout the day.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is the true heart to why all visitors should stop in Page. I know that a lot of foreigners especially have never heard of this place, simply because of how regarded all the national parks are that are around it; so it does get forgotten. But it doesn’t have to be.
Antelope Canyon has two canyons: the Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon; but even if all you can do is only one like me; the Lower Canyon is well worth prioritizing because it is a smaller canyon. This does mean that people of a certain build and weight may not be able to walk along the canyon floor comfortably (as some parts are quite narrow). But, ultimately, everyone can pretty much do it. If you need more help deciding, be sure to check out this post on Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon so you can make your decision!
If you have a concern on if this is something you can do, I would email or call the tour operator; as you do have to go on a tour to get into the canyon, and confirm before booking. People with health issues and with limited mobility in particular aren’t able to do the walk as they will not be able to get down into the canyon (as it is an EXTREMELY steep staircase/ladder down which freaked me out a little!), so always check.
I took a General tour with Ken’s Tours. They are the best and the one I was constantly referred to by those who have taken the tour. It only cost $25 USD in 2017 and the tour lasted 1.5 – 2 hours which was a lot longer than I expected. The tour time will vary because there are a number of groups going down at once, and some are Photography tours, so everyone pretty much snakes along the canyon taking pictures and stopping here and there for photo opps. There is also a $8 fee to enter the Canyon, because this Canyon is within the Navajo Tribal Park, which must be paid in cash before you enter the car park. As of 2018, it appears the price has doubled…this is disappointing, but it is still worth going and the price you’ll have to pay to experience this. But very much worth it.
The tour is guided, and the guide was really informative. He knew what settings to put your camera and phone on for the best photos and what angles to take some photos at. It made the experience even better, and got me shots like this one below which I would never have known to take.
My tour departed at 9:20am which was within the preferred time to actually visit Antelope Canyon, which is between 10-2pm. This was the ultimate highlight for me, and I have visited 45 states of the USA over 10 years now.
If you still aren’t convinced on the value that is Page, Arizona…I can’t help you then. This is an epic American adventure if there ever was one!
Head there immediately!
And if you haven’t already, be sure to join my USA travel group where I share a lot of worthwhile tips and recommendations for those heading over. Also – if you are looking for US National Park recommendations check out this post by Photo Jeepers on everything you can see within this area. So much nature travel inspo right here!
Pin This For Your Next Southwest Adventure!
Dying to get to Antelope cavern. Great shots!
I totally need to go back to see Antelope Canyon. I visited horseshoe bend very briefly, but obviously there is lots more to see!
We’re probably heading here this year so we’ll make sure all of these places are on our list!
I just love this place, your photos made me miss it so much! I bought Ganesh here on a road trip and he thought Page was the craziest little town that perfectly described the South West U.S. I hope we can make it back someday.
Page is a crazy town! It’s great you guys made it out there though! We don’t have anything that cool in Australia, so it’s always a treat!
Your photos are beautiful! My dad recently went to Horseshoe Bend and has not stopped talking about it that we are hopefully planning a family vacation there next year! I have only been to Phoenix, AZ so a new area is very exciting!
Thanks Tracy! Horseshoe Bend is so cool! How exciting for your dad to see it! I can only imagine that you now want to make it there! I was just in Phoenix and it was 120 degrees…I wanted to die!
Have you spent much time in Utah? There are some places around St. George that remind me a lot of the Wave~!
I have been to Utah a few times, but never long enough! I have time to return on another trip so I will definitely try and get back!
Oh mannnn! I did a tour across the USA a few years ago and we stopped at Horseshoe Bend on a whim. Needless to say, it was one of the ABSOLUTE highlights of the trip. I can’t believe so many people haven’t heard of it!! Back then though, I’d never heard of Antelope Canyon which is such a shame because that’s on my list now! I didn’t know it was in the same vicinity though. Great post!
Yep, Antelope Canyon is often missed which is a shame. Even Horseshoe Bend too. This whole area is just visually stunning!
I love Arizona! I haven’t been for a long time, but it is certainly a scenic staple in Western USA. I just love the Antelope Canyon and would love a few photos of it for a wall display 🙂
The entire Southwest is amazing! It really is worth making a wall display for. I need to get on that!
There are so many places to visit around Page. Next time, don’t miss the Wahweap Hoodoos, a collection of white rock spires, and the most visually interesting Tower of Silence. Another amazing place to hike is the Yellow Rock which is a massive flat, elongated dome consisting of swirling, multicoloured sandstone without vegetation… and also the 2 hidden-gems: White Pocket and Coyote Butte South.
Awesome tips! Thanks so much! I will definitely note these as I really want to return here. There is so much else to see around here which is awesome!
I can’t wait to take this trip. Thanks for all of the tips. I will check out Ken’s tour!
We wanted to visit Page on our road trip earlier this year but weren’t able. I’d heard of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, but was unfamiliar with Wahweap Overlook. These would have been great additions to my upcoming book. Next time… Thanks for introducing me to some new spots to visit when I travel to the Southwest again!
Thanks so much! I am glad to have helped you add new places to see. I wouldn’t have found Wahweap Overlook either without the help of Red Rock Motel. So glad I found it!
Wonderful post! The US Southwest is so incredible. I have wanted to see Horseshoe Bend and hike through slot canyons for a long time. Your photos of them are beautiful! I know what you mean about being really worried about people taking photos of canyons. I once visited Grand Canyon National Park in the middle of winter, and there were a bunch of people balancing on top of ice-covered stone walls on the edge of the canyon, leaning back trying to take selfies. Not a good idea!
Yep, in this day and age there are so many deaths happening simply because of stupidity. I prefer to remain safe even if it means a not as good photo!
Thank you, this is so interesting! Learned new places and added to my list.
I want to start planning my USA trip and your post will help!
Amazing! The Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon have been on my bucketlist for forever!! Your pictures are absolutely beatiful! I will need to check out Page at some point, for sure!
I’ve been to Arizona once in the past, but I clearly missed out in not visiting Page. Looks like a need to plan a return trip! Such incredible landscapes and unique formations.
Horseshoe Bay and Antelope Canyon are two of my top US bucketlist sites! Saving this for later. Now I live in North America I can do some weekend trips! 🙂
We couldn’t make it to Arizona during our road trip in the US, but it’s been with regrets… I would have loved to see these amazing places and I hope I’ll make it soon enough! These pictures of Antelope Canyon are just putting it higher and higher on my list!!
You must go Alice! It is an amazing place in the Southwest. Very underrated.
What an amazing spot! I have seen an increasing amount of posts and photos of Arizona and it looks breathtaking. I had no idea that they were all at the same spot. So much inspo right here!
Thanks Alexxa! It is such a highlight! I only thought of Arizona for the Grand Canyon. Clearly there is far more. I hope you make it there!
Amazing pictures. Grand Canyon is so inviting and I am waiting to visit it one day. Your pictures act as a catalyst, I think I need to move it up in my list
Thanks for stopping by Monica! It’s not the Grand Canyon, but near enough to that area to be in that class. Antelope Canyon is well worth visiting, I found it even more spectacular than Grand Canyon. Thanks again!
I’ve seen pictures of Horseshoe Bend, but never really knew where in US they were taken. And that Antelope Canyon is just breathtaking, such beautiful colors! I’ll definitely consider this gem of yours, thanks! 😉
Hi Danijela, it is hard to believe this is the USA. It looks like another world. But definitely a must see if you’re doing the Grand Canyon or Arches and will be in that area. I loved it here!
I had seen the latter two while scrolling through IG, but had no idea that they were in the same geographic area! I love that the guide at the canyon knew exactly what settings were best for photos – I would definitely benefit from that (just bough my 1st dslr!). Arizona has been on my list for a while now, but I wasn’t sure where to set my trajectory – now I know!
Katie, you must head here now you have a new camera! The guides will help you which is awesome, but there is so much to see here…put it at the top of your list!
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are both places I first heard about thanks to Instagram – and I want to visit so badly! My husband and I want to do a trip around the U.S., but I want to show him so much and there’s still so much I want to see (I’m originally from there), that I think we are going to need to do 3 or 4 trips haha
Thanks Kelly! Instagram is amazing right? It also made me visit New Zealand, so i love the power social media has. You need to get over here and enjoy it!
Antelope Canyon is something that really mankes me want to visit Arizona. It looks like such a cool place. I’ve been reading about tit a lot. This post was like a good reminder to visit it soon. Thanks for that 🙂
Thanks Anete! I love this area, the locals are lovely and the scenery is amazing. You must go!
Such beauty! We were actually planning to go this direction this summer when we completely changed our minds and went to the East Coast instead. We will get here eventually! Your pictures are stunning!
I hope you make it here Stacey! It is very much worthwhile. The East coast is awesome though, and one of my favourite parts so I can see why you’d make it there too!
When I first visited the US from Sydney in 2006, I went straight to Arizona and of course, missed all of these awesome places. Because I was young and not so great at travel planning. I’m so disappointed that I did now. I did get to enjoy the beautiful sunsets though, so that’s a plus. Pinning this for when I finally get back to Arizona!
Oh that’s a shame! I am so happy I didn’t do the same! I’ve had to come back to the usa many times to see things I’ve missed. But I’m so glad I didn’t miss this! Hopefully you make it back there rather quickly!
I’m dying to visit Antelope Canyon! I will be adding Horseshoe Bend and Wahweap Overlook to that trip. Thanks for the suggestions! Did you like Red Rock Motel? Are there many hotel options in the area?
I’m so glad this helped you pick some places to go and see! I loved Red Rock! It was $55 a night and in the centre of town. The accommodation is budget but why pay double to stay at a holiday inn when you can support mom and pop businesses that offer exactly what the others do? It has awesome reviews for a reason. And you just don’t get that in big chains. Completely recommend it!
I hadn’t heard of Page BUT I’d absolutely love to see horseshoe bend and antelope canyon – it’s right at the top of my itinerary when I eventually get to US!
Happy to hear it Victoria! It was a definite highlight to see all this. I hope you manage to make it there soon!
These places look amazing, I have heard about Horseshoe Bend before, but had no idea of where it was! Antelope Canyon looks like something from another placet, I rememberI once had a wallpaper on my pc that lookedlike this and perhaps the pic was taken there! I love your photography btw!
Thanks so much! I was lucky I had a beautiful canvas!
These are definite hidden gems! But so worth seeing. Hopefully you make it there!