You have two days in Page, Arizona. Sweet! Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are definitely on your to-do list. We’re with you so far. Then what else are you going to do to occupy your time? Here’s a news flash for you: you’re going to find so much cool stuff to do here, you’ll wish you had three days to spend in the area! More on that later…
So, what’s the Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary in Page, Arizona? Well, like the Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary, it consists of touring Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, but with a few twists.
Since a good majority of Page/Lake Powell visitors come to us from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff and points South, we’re going to assume that you are, too. If not, just take our suggested itinerary and shuffle it around a bit.
Day 1
Sunrise: Pack up the night before so you can get an early start on the drive to Page, Arizona. Depending on how often you stop, the drive from Grand Canyon South Rim or Flagstaff can take anywhere from 2.5- 4 hours. Enjoy breakfast at the Historic Cameron Trading Post. The Navajo Taco with an egg on top is amazing, but fair warning: unless you’re starving, get the “mini.” The regular is huge!
Mid-morning: Stop at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook just 5 miles South of Page, AZ, at Mile Marker 545 on US89. The new parking lot is well-signed, easy to find, and open from sunrise to sunset. After paying your entrance fee of $5 per motorcycle, $10 for standard passenger vehicles, or $35 for light commercial vehicles, hit the trail to the rim! The walk to the overlook is .7 miles each way and is manageable for most people in relatively good health. Along with the parking lot construction, grading and partial paving of the trail was done, making it a slightly longer, but less hilly walk than in years past. There are benches placed every few hundred yards if you or anyone in your party needs a breather, plus wheelchair access is also manageable with assistance. Other recent improvements include a raised platform with safety railings. However, the railings do not extend all the way around the overlook. For the most part, this remains an exposed overlook in a desert environment. Water and sun protection are a must, as are appropriate, preferably close-toed walking shoes. What To Bring to Horseshoe Bend Keep children and pets under control at all times; it’s a 500’+ drop to the river. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Allow 60-90 minutes to enjoy the stunning view of this 270° turn (what geologists call an “entrenched meander”) of the Colorado River! Can’t make the walk? Here’s what to do.
Early afternoon: Tour Antelope Canyon. This world-famous slot canyon is on the photographic “bucket list” of every traveler to Northern Arizona, and deservedly so. Its surrealistic colors and shapes must be seen to be believed. You’ll need to decide ahead of time whether to tour Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. The walk through Upper Antelope Canyon itself is 100 yards and flat pretty much the whole way. A newly constructed exit ramp consisting of a short staircase and a network of metal walkways back to the tour vehicle parking area adds approximately a one-half mile onto your adventure. Three (3) Antelope Canyon tour companies depart directly from to the Tribal Park Entrance on Highway 98. Two (2) meet at their respective offices in downtown Page, AZ. Lower Antelope Canyon is a bit more physical, requiring some stair climbing and simple boulder scrambling. For Lower, you must drive to the Tribal Park Entrance Gate directly. Whichever branch of Antelope Canyon you choose to tour, you’ll need to book a tour well in advance of your arrival. This attraction is becoming more popular – and crowded – every year. If the prospect of sharing a confined space with all those people doesn’t thrill you, or Antelope Canyon tours are already sold out, consider doing an Antelope Canyon Alternative Tour which will take you to slot canyons that are every bit as beautiful as Antelope, but far less populated OR check Antelope Canyon Now for last minute availability.
Depending on the time of year, your preference and Antelope Canyon tour availability, these activities can easily be done in reverse order as well. During the summer months, visiting Horseshoe Bend right at sunrise offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
Did we forget that you had to eat at some point? Not at all! Page, AZ has a diverse array of restaurants to choose from, both familiar franchises and independently owned. For those who choose to tour Antelope Canyon directly from the Tribal Park Entrance Gate on US98, grab a hearty, hand-made sandwich to go from the Deli at Big Lake Trading Post, or sit down to a relaxing lunch or dinner with a view that’s off the hook at the Sandbar Restaurant at Antelope Point Marina.
In the town of Page itself, you can take your pick of burgers to sushi and everything in between! The Grand Circle Grille, located in the historic Sanderson Building, offers up delicious American food, large portions, and reasonable prices for lunch or dinner, with occasional live music. For a totally different dining experience with an extra helping of local history, dig into a plate of sushi, a piping hot bowl of miso ramen, or a light traditional Japanese bento box at New York Teriyaki. This unique eatery happens to be built inside the Canyon King, a retired paddleboat that logged many tours on Lake Powell in its heyday.
What a day it’s been, and you’re just getting started. Go to your Page, Arizona hotel or vacation rental and get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to set your alarm. In Page, AZ, the fun starts early in the morning!
Day 2
Sunrise (optional): Many of you like to start your day back home with a brisk walk or jog to get the blood pumping. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with your exercise routine, and do a little sightseeing to boot! The Page Rim View Trail is a 10-mile dirt track that encircles Manson Mesa (the site Page, AZ was originally built on). Popular with local walkers, runners and cyclists, it is manageable for adults and children who are at least moderately fit. It offers spectacular views of Lake Powell (though no lake access), and for those visiting in springtime, a radiant display of colorful wildflowers. Once on the trail, you are able to exit it at several points along the way. You are by no means obligated to do the full 10 miles! Also, it is completely exposed to the elements, so water and sun protection are a must, as is appropriate footwear.
Be sure to fuel up for your busy day with a good breakfast. Some Page, AZ hotels may include continental or cooked-to-order breakfast in their room rates. Those staying at vacation rentals or accommodations with full kitchens have the freedom to do their own cooking. Favorite breakfast spots in Page, AZ include the Ranch House Grille, Canyon Crepes Cafe, and Hot & Sweet Donut & Coffee Shop.
Option 1 – 6:15 AM: Check in at Wilderness River Adventures for the Horseshoe Bend Half Day Float Trip. This leisurely raft trip, which takes place on a silky-smooth 15-mile stretch of the Colorado River through the only remaining intact section of Glen Canyon, is safe for children as young as 4. Putting in at the base of the massive Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll coast through Horseshoe Bend (be sure to wave to the people gazing down at you from the overlook!), stop at Petroglyph Beach where you can take a cool dip in the river, marvel at centuries-old etchings in the canyon walls left by Ancestral Puebloan people, or munch on a bag lunch purchased at one of the local grocery stores or restaurants. After pulling off the river at Historic Lees Ferry, you’ll board a motorcoach and be dropped off back in Page at approximately 11:30 AM.**
Grab lunch if you desire, then head over to the Glen Canyon Conservancy Information Center (formerly the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum) to learn more Glen Canyon, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and the ongoing controversies about land and water conservation that continue to this day. You can also examine relief maps of Lake Powell, and shop for mementos of your visit for the folks back home.
Option 2 – 6:30 AM: Meet at the Public Launch Ramp of Antelope Point Marina for Hidden Canyon Kayak’s Antelope Canyon Waterside tour. This 4-hour land and water combination tour will immerse you in the beauty of Lake Powell and the complexity of Antelope Canyon in a way that can only be experienced by small watercraft. Your certified tour guide will guide you through towering sandstone cliffs until you reach the northernmost portion of Antelope Canyon. From there, you’ll begin an incredible hike through the section of the slot canyon just before it joins Lower Antelope Canyon. This tour is suitable for those of all levels of physical fitness, including those who have never kayaked before! Tour price includes all kayak equipment and dry bags to store valuables. After your tour, enjoy lunch or an early dinner at Antelope Point Marina, or at your choice of chain or independent restaurants in Page, AZ.
Next, it’s time to hit the wave. Not The Wave, the one that everybody and their sibling wants a permit for – we’re talking about The “New” Wave! Located a short drive past the Western flank of the Glen Canyon Dam, this easy-to-follow cairned trail, which doesn’t require a permit to enjoy, will take you into a small but interesting cluster of rock formations, some bearing a resemblance to that Wave, others not so much. Radio Tower Rock is one of many unique sandstone features you’ll encounter. Just be sure you’re not accidentally parking in someone’s campsite. Beehive Campground is right next door to the trailhead.
In the mood for more fun and exploration? Go back across the Glen Canyon Dam and take another easy but fun hike to the Hanging Gardens. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a stalwart colony of ferns, mosses, and flowers, surviving on the precious drops of water that trickle through a crack in the sandstone walls in an isolated alcove. Time/desire permitting, you can also walk across the Glen Canyon Dam and Steel Arch Bridge for an unobstructed view of the 700′ chasm and the Colorado River below!
Head back to your hotel, kick back, and reflect on your day’s adventures, or discover a new place for dinner. If you’re still feeling perky towards the day’s end, take the short drive off the mesa to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, also known as the “White House” to enjoy sunset. Or, kick up your feet to some live music at State 48 Tavern, Gone West Family Restaurant (formerly Ken’s Old West), Big John’s Texas BBQ, or the Dam Bar.
Hit the sack, sleep in if you want. You deserve it!
A few last notes: this suggested trip plan is designed for Page, Arizona’s peak travel season of late spring through early fall. Due to extreme heat typical of this time period, you don’t want to be out on the water in the blazing afternoon sun if you can possibly avoid it. If you happen to be traveling in early spring or late fall, you can flip the order of these activities around and still be comfortable, for example, on Day 2, maybe hit Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon in the morning, then do the Horseshoe Bend Raft Trip or Kayak Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Keep in mind, also, that many of these activities are offered seasonally. If you’re visiting in the winter months, water-based activities most likely won’t be running at all, or would require a certain number of passengers to guarantee operation. Last but not least, any tour, food & beverage, lodging, or retail establishment in Page, AZ, may require masks or face coverings to enter, or operate at reduced capacity to facilitate social distancing should COVID-19 remain a concern.
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So here it is, Day 3, and time to head to your next destination, like Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, or maybe back to Phoenix, AZ, or Las Vegas, NV. We hope you’ve had fun! If you’ve followed these suggestions, and maybe done a little “mixing and matching,” the last 48 hours will have certainly been memorable ones. But, that doesn’t mean the fun is over until you hit your next park. Here are just a few ideas for some “bonus activities” to add on to your list as you leave Page, AZ for the next phase of your vacation:
On US89 as you head toward Bryce, Zion or St. George:
- The Big Water Visitor Center: located 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ over the Utah border on US89, this small but impressive facility features locally-excavated dinosaur bones, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and award-winning paleontology and geology displays.
- The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: at mile marker 19 between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 you’ll find a moderate 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to a Mars-like landscape of whimsical hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities. Don’t be fooled by what looks like the end of the trail; a short rock scramble leads to the main hoodoo garden.
- Kanab, Utah: once the on-location darling of Western movie producers, Kanab, Utah is a charming small town with plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. Locals and visitors alike are partial to the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant.
On US89 heading toward Flagstaff, Sedona or Phoenix:
- The Gap Trading Post: if you’re into Old West trading posts, but prefer those that are more “real” trading post than tourist trap, pop into The Gap Trading Post just 45 miles South of Page on US89. Still an active commerce center, albeit a low-key one, you can purchase Navajo textiles, jewelry and pottery, or a cool beverage to refresh you for the drive ahead.
- Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks: 20 miles South of the Gap Trading Post, take a slight Eastern detour off US89 to AZ160. A few miles before you get to Tuba City, you’ll find an unassuming sign advertising free parking. Here you can see fossilized dinosaur tracks, eggs and dung. The jury is still out on the latter two; the former, though, is obviously the real deal. This area is located on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, so you must have an authorized representative escort you to the track site. There is no charge, technically, but gratuities are appreciated.
- Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments: Double your pleasure, double your fun, two cool monuments are better than one! Just North of Flagstaff, Arizona, these are actually two separate monuments connected by a convenient loop drive. Wupatki showcases the remains of an ancient, and surprisingly expansive Ancestral Puebloan Village with some unusual features, including a multi-story complex and a ball court. Sunset Crater is a dormant cinder cone that last erupted approximately 800 years ago, which, according to geologists, seemed like yesterday.
Do you have anything to add to this list? We’d love to hear about it! Feel free to write us in the comments, or visit our companion sites:
‘Til next time, good luck and happy traveling!
227 Responses
Hi Alley
I do a ton of research for my roadtrips and your blog is amazing. Tell me what you think of this and please give some suggestions on tweaking or adding. We don’t want to shop, would like to avoid hikes over 1.5 hours and would take the road less travelled to see more scenary even if it took longer and wasn’t well known 🙂
We are coming Oct 10-17th
We have the NP annual pass, We are renting a vehicle(type tbd by roads we will travel)
Staying in Phoenix Night 1
Day 2 Drive to Sedona stopping at Montezuma castle on the way
Night 2 Stay in Sedona
Day 3 Drive to Grand canyon south Rim and then to page, with hopes to see horseshoe bend on the way up( what is the hike time to see the overlook?) ,maybe new wave??
Night 3 Staying in Page,
Day 4 Lower Antelope early morning, drive to zion, (SOO torn on what route to take!)?? Help
Night 4 Stay in St.George
Day 5 Drive to Vegas(I have no stopping points this day…. Help again!)
Night 5 Staying in Vegas
Day 6 TBD…..
Night 6 TBD……
Day 7 Drive back to Phoenix
Night 7 Staying by the airport
Thank you So much for any help!!
Hi Bobbi Sue and thank you for your compliments!
I’m going to “reverse-engineer” your itinerary, in other words, go “backwards” from the end of your trip.
Since you are flying into and out of Phoenix, and plan on swinging by Las Vegas before flying home, I would use your two “TBD” days for Sedona. The place needs at least 2 nights to do it justice, 3 is even better. Since it is only a 2-hour-and-change drive from Sedona to Phoenix, instead of staying by the airport on your last night, I would simply drive all the way from Sedona to Phoenix that day… unless you have a really early flight out, in which case, staying by the airport would be more convenient.
Day 5 – instead of staying in St. George, which IMO has become just another congested, crowded city, I would recommend staying in Springdale, UT, on the Western border of Zion National Park. Much prettier, more peaceful, and places you in a more conducive location to enjoy Zion. If you can free up another night, do so — Zion has a lot to see and do.
Day 4 – on what route to take to Zion from Page, going via Big Water and Kanab, UT is shorter, about 1 3/4 hours, but for scenery, I’d recommend taking the “long way” around, via Lees Ferry — you can actually drive up to the Colorado River and wade in it — Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake (stop at the Jacob Lake Inn for lunch and get some cookies to go!) and Mt. Carmel Junction. This will add another hour onto your drive time, but the scenery and photo ops IMO make it well worth the drive.
Day 2 – instead of driving to Sedona, because you’ve moved it to the end of your trip, drive all the way to Grand Canyon South Rim and overnight there. It’s about a 4.5 hour drive, but well worth being able to be on the rim for sunrise and/or sunset. The drive to Page, AZ would then be ~2.5-3.5 hours depending on the number of stops you make. Grand Canyon South Rim Lodging
So — here’s what your modified trip plan looks like:
Day 1 – fly into PHX, overnight
Day 2 – drive to GC South Rim, overnight
Day 3 – drive to Page, AZ, hit Horseshoe Bend on way into town (allow 60-90 minutes), visit The New Wave time permitting, overnight in Page
Day 4 – Tour Lower Antelope in the AM, head toward Zion National Park via Lees Ferry, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake, overnight in Springdale, UT
Day 5 – Drive to Vegas (possible stops: Virgin River Gorge, Mesquite, NV, Valley of Fire State Park), overnight in Vegas
Day 6 – Drive to Sedona (~4.5 hours), with stop at Hoover Dam if desired, overnight in Sedona
Day 7 – Tour Sedona (Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon, Tlaquepaque), overnight in Sedona again, or drive back to Phoenix that afternoon if next morning flight is early
Hope that helps! Oh, re: the vehicle you rent, you can’t take any of them off-road per your rental contract, but there is still some hilly terrain to navigate, so I’d recommend getting something with some “heft” to it, like a small SUV.
Wishing you safe travels,
Alley 🙂
We have reservations (driving from Vegas Red Rocks Resort) for three nights at Grand Canyon South Rim (first time in Southwest), three at Sedona, one at Bryce, and then back to Vegas for an 11:30 pm flight home. We are traveling this August and want to add on Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Horsehoe Bend, and maybe even a boat tour of Lake Powell/Glen Canyon. Is that possible? We are trying to do this in the way it will be least impactful on our other reservations. Would it be best to cut our Grand Canyon stay to two nights and then drive to Monument Valley, stay over night in the Page , do Antelope Canyon , Horseshoe Bend, maybe a boat tour the next day before driving to Sedona for our next leg? Is there a different order that would better fit in AC, HB, and the boat tour? Where would you suggest we stay in the Page area ( I like to run in the morning and just read about the trail around Lake Powell which I’d love to do part of in the am….not a deal breaker tho, just a pleasant bonus). We would really appreciate any advice. Thank you!
,
Dear Lucy,
The majority of Grand Canyon visitors find that one night is sufficient for a fulfilling visit, especially if they’re going on to Page, Monument Valley, or other Eastbound locations afterward. The reason for this is that you’ll do a large percentage of your Grand Canyon sightseeing on the drive out of the park. Your route will naturally take you along the East Rim/Desert View Drive of the Grand Canyon, where there are over half a dozen different viewpoints you can stop at if you wish. Upon exiting the park, you’ll be on Navajo Indian Land, which also has a lot to offer in terms of scenery and history. Popular stops in this area include, but aren’t limited to, the Little Colorado River Overlook, Chief Yellowhorse’s curio stand(s), the Cameron Trading Post (a good place to stop for brunch), and Painted Desert formations. If you do decide to go to Monument Valley, you might also stop at the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks.
What I suggest you do is leave Grand Canyon South Rim, drive to Monument Valley, spend the night there – IF you can find availability at either the View Lodge, Goulding’s Lodge, or in the town of Kayenta, AZ. The next morning, get up early, drive to Page, take a tour of Antelope Canyon on your way into town (be sure you have advance reservations), then check into your hotel. The next morning, hit Horseshoe Bend, then take either a Lake Powell Boat Tour, or the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, then head down to Sedona. The drive takes approximately 3 hours, be sure you time it so you arrive in Sedona before sunset.
Now, if you’re unable to get hotel reservations in Monument Valley – which is a very real possibility by this point – what you can do is spend 2 nights in Page, and on one of your mornings there, take a flight over Monument Valley. These are offered by Westwind Air Service from the Page Municipal Airport. Overflights generally last about 90 minutes.
As for where to stay in Page, AZ, it’s a fairly small town, so just about anything you get within the city limits will be within fairly easy access to the Rim Trail. Ideally, you should stay somewhere “on the mesa.” Hotels in this area include, but aren’t limited to, 2 Best Western properties, a Quality Inn, a Rodeway Inn property, an EconoLodge and a Holiday Inn Express.
Another way to go about this, which will involve taking Monument Valley off the table, but enable you to experience Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, is to retain your reservations at Grand Canyon South Rim and on one of your full days there, do the Scenic Canyon River Adventure Tour. This is a really awesome 12-hour package tour that starts with a sunrise flight over the Eastern portion of Grand Canyon, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend, segues into a 4×4 tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, then you do the 1/2-Day Float Trip, then you ride a motorcoach back to the South Rim.
A couple of things to remember: Utah and Monument Valley are on Daylight SAVING Time, whereas Grand Canyon South Rim are on Mountain STANDARD time. You will “lose” an hour going from Grand Canyon to Monument Valley, then “regain” it as you travel from Monument Valley to Page. Ditto as you travel from Arizona to Bryce Canyon.
Another thing: your itinerary involves a bit of backtracking, but it probably can’t be helped. I don’t recall seeing when your trip was scheduled for, but as you’ve correctly deduced, making any drastic changes to your itinerary is going to be next to impossible at this point in time.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Thanks for the information! I have been trying to switch reservations around, but am not having good luck. The combo air, Jeep, and boat tour sounds intriguing but may be cost prohibitive. Is it doable if the only option ends up being leaving Grand Canyon early in the morning, driving to Monument Valley and seeing it , then heading to Antelope Canyon for a late afternoon tour, and finally staying the night…..The next day doing 9 to 11:30 Lake Powell Canyon Adventure Boat Tour and a visit to Horsehoe Bend before departing for Sedona to arrive before sunset. Is Monument Valley with the extra time/ change of reservations to see and would you suggest a self tour driving the loop road or a Navajo back country tour? Would you suggest skipping the boat tour? I would love to do the Rainbow Bridge tour instead of the Canyon tour but then we would be driving to Sedona in the dark which I’ve been reading is not advisable. Thank you so much for your help.
Hi again, Lucy.
Not surprised you’re having trouble changing reservations. It’s hard to do in peak tourist season once they’re in place.
Unfortunately, you’ve discovered one of the “pitfalls” – if you can call it that – of trip planning in this part of the US: there’s so much to see, and most of us only have a limited timeframe in which to see it. Still, I recommend trying to resist the temptation of cramming too much into your itinerary. You’ll go home feeling as though you spent most of your time driving by the scenery instead of enjoying it. You might indeed want to skip Monument Valley this time around and save it for another trip — IF there’s a chance that there’ll be another trip.
That said, if you’re bound and determined to go from GC to Monument Valley to Page in one day, it can be done. Taking a rental car on the unpaved scenic loop road in Monument Valley is not the greatest idea, so a Navajo-guided tour would be preferable. With the time difference between Monument Valley and Page, you’ll have to time things quite precisely. Remember: MV is on Daylight SAVING Time and Page (including Antelope Canyon Tour operators) is on STANDARD Time. You “lose” an hour going from GC to MV, then “gain” it back going from MV to Antelope Canyon.
You’ve correctly deduced that driving in the dark is not advisable around here due to the lack of artificial/supplemental lighting on local roadways and the possible presence of wildlife, such as deer, elk, etc. The road to Sedona is especially hairy, I know, I drove it in the dark once and will never do it again. If doing the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour would put you at risk of doing this, I’d skip it. However, there is another way you could still see Rainbow Bridge in far less time than a boat tour would take, and that would be to fly over it. Lake Powell/Rainbow Bridge tours by fixed-wing airplane take about 30 minutes and depart first thing in the morning from the Page Municipal Airport.
Good luck, I know it’s a hard choice.
Alley 🙂
Hello,
Thank you so much for all your suggestions; they have been so helpful! One more question…..I am struggling with the difference between the half day Canyon Adventures Tour on Lake Powell and the Wilderness River Adventures half day float trip. Which would you suggest and what are the differences? Thank you so much!
Hi again, Lucy!
The Canyon Adventures Boat Tour and the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip is kind of an “apples to oranges” comparison. They travel through separate areas: the boat tour takes place on Lake Powell, and the float trip through the last remaining intact section of Glen Canyon, from the base of the Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. The Glen Canyon Float Trip is ~5 hours long, the boat tour is ~ 3 hours.
If I were to recommend one over the other, it would be the Glen Canyon Float Trip. It’s one of the most popular family rafting trips in the area, and for good reason: the scenery is beautiful, it’s a very relaxing trip, and very educational, too. The river guides are some of the most well-informed and entertaining people you’re bound to come across in your travels.
Good luck, I know it’s a difficult choice!
Alley 🙂
Hello Alley, so glad that I come across your web page here. And hope you can give me some suggestions.
We are planning a few days trip (5-6 days) from Las Vegas in July. Target must go are the Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and the Horseshoe Band.
Since it is high season in July, we have to secure hotels and antelope tours first. We have already booked hotels at Bryce for July 6, two nights, and then at Page for July 8, two nights. Booked Lower Antelope Tour on July 9 morning, and Upper Antelope Tour in the afternoon.
We will arrive Las Vegas and stay nearby on July 5, and target to leave Page and stay near Las Vegas on July 10, going back to SF the following day.
Where should we chip in the Horseshoe Band visit?
Any other ‘must see’ that are on our way that we can include?
Is our route sensible and feasible?
What are the things that we should pay attention to?
Would very much appreciate your suggestions and comments. =)
Judy
Hi Judy and thank you for your compliments!
Your itinerary looks pretty solid. I’d make a few adjustments as follows:
1. Most visitors find 1 night sufficient for enjoying Bryce Canyon. In terms of square mileage, it is the smallest of Utah’s National Parks, which is why it can be experienced fully in relatively short order.
2. Touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is not necessary to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. If you’re physically up for doing Lower Antelope Canyon, I’d stick with it, then plan some other activities for the time you would have given to Upper Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend Overlook would be an obvious choice since it’s only about a 10 minute drive from Lower Antelope.
3. 2 places conspicuously absent from your itinerary: the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Grand Canyon — North or South Rim — is ~2.5-3 hours from Page, AZ, or 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Zion National Park is about a 90 minute drive from Page, or a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. If you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, you could take those last couple of days and give them to Zion. The most practical lodging at this point will probably be Springdale, UT, which would put you again about a 3 hour drive from Vegas toward the end of your trip.
Hope that helps. Best wishes for safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Thanks so much Alley for your advise.
For Zion, heard that you need to hike some difficult trails to get to the beauty of it, and I must tell you that we have some seniors, but still ‘strong’ in our group, so, we, kind of, cannot make it a prime site to visit. However, we have planned our drive from Las Vegas, to go through Zion in Hwy 9, will we be able to glimpse some of the beauty of Zion?
As for the Antelope, which one do you think we should go for, the Upper or Lower? then we can give the half day to the Horseshoe Bend.
As from the return drive from Page to Las Vegas, do you think it is possible for us to take the Hwy 98a, through Vermillion Cliff, Jacob Lake, then to St George and Vegas? is it a paved highway?
Once again, we are more into driving than hiking, =)
And thanks again for your advises.
Judy
Hi,
Currently planning a trip to Grand Canyon and area in August. You mentioned the 4.5 hr Float Tour which we’re planning to do. Is it really not advisable to do the one that starts at 1pm at this time of year (Aug 27 – 28). I did want to do the morning tour but to fit in other things to do, the afternoon one might fit better. How hot does it get? Heat stroke level? Hot enough it lessens the enjoyment?
We’ll be driving from Bryce Canyon National Park on the morning of the 27th and leaving the area afternoon of the 28th, hoping to reach Wupatki National Monument around 4pm.
So I thought to do the Float Tour when we get to Page and see Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon the next day.
A lot of the tours are fully booked at this time already. And the only time for Upper Antelope we can do is either 3 pm on the 27th or 8:45 am on the 28th. Neither of which are when you can see the popular beams of light. There are more options for the Lower Antelope Canyon but I gather from what I’ve read, are more chaotic and longer wait times.
So I thought we could do the Upper Antelope at 8:45 to 10:15 am and then the Lower at either 11:30 or 11:45. Check out Glen Canyon Dam Overlook either before 8 or after the Lower canyon tour.
I guess this long tale leads to these questions, is this plan realistic and doable?
And is it worth it to see both upper and lower canyons, esp if it’s not during the time when the beams are seen? And how much time between the two tours should I allow? With this plan it’s 45-60 mins although I gather they are abt 5 min drive apart from Upper canyon tour site to the Lower.
Thank you for any info, tips or guidance you can give.
Christine
Hi Christine, and apologies for the delay in response to your inquiry. As you can hopefully see, this is a popular site with lots of people asking questions!
If the PM departure of the Glen Canyon Float Trip is all that will work for you, then by all means, don’t hesitate to sign up for it. It will be hot on the river — 100+ degrees Fahrenheit typically — but one advantage to the time of year you’re visiting is that it’s monsoon season, and late afternoon cloud cover and/or thunderstorms can cool things down nicely. If you happen to hit a day that’s 100% sunny with no chance of moisture, there are steps you can take to increase your comfort level:
– Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
– Drink water at regular intervals (it is provided on the raft)
– Stay wet: bring a towel or a bandanna or scarf that you can dunk in the cold river water and lay across your legs or shoulder — it acts as an evaporative cooler of sorts
– Dip your feet in the river — the water’s cold, but it feels nice
As for touring both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, it it not necessary to have a fulfilling visit to Page. If you’re physically up for doing Lower, I’d recommend doing it, but if Upper is more conducive to your schedule, then, here again, grab those spots. As for wait times, both branches of the canyon have them nowadays, but plans are being made that I can’t go into detail on, but will hopefully alleviate some of the congestion.
Long story short, your plan is doable, but one highlight that is conspicuously absent is the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. It’s a definite “must” on any visit to Page, and is easily visited on your way out of town as you head toward Flagstaff. You might even visit it at sunrise before it gets totally cray-cray.
Hope that helps! Again, sorry for delay in response.
Best of luck for safe travels,
Alley 🙂
July 2018 Trip : 1st timer planning to visit with a 14 & 8 y/o . Arriving Vegas July 5 from Connecticut and driving to Gilbert, AZ to visit a relative. Planning a July 6-8 antelope & horse shoe tour (maybe Sedona ) using your recommendation then stay in Las Vegas 7/8 – 7/12..
Dear Zaldy,
Greetings and thank you for your inquiry.
To visit Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Sedona, you’ll ideally need more than 2 days. Many people correctly assert that 3 days is the minimum amount of time you should spend in Sedona in order to do the area justice, there is that much to see and do there. VisitSedona
You would then want to plan for at least 2 days in Page to take part in the 3 “must do” activities there, which are:
The Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip
Antelope Canyon Tour (or alternate slot canyon)
Horseshoe Bend Overlook
On the way from Page to Las Vegas, you should plan on visiting Zion National Park — it’s right on your way — and staying a day or two there.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
I am so glad I found this site. I am planning my Utah Arizona border trip this Sept.
The plan is to fly to Vegas on a Thursday and head east and make a round trip. I am hoping to hit Zion, Horseshoe Bend, Lower (or Upper?) Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley and one day passing through the Grand Canyon. Is it possible to cover all of these sites (and perhaps Lake Powell) in about 6 (or 7) days?
Also, would driving to Grand Canyon first be better or Zion? Would love to “hike” a little.
If you also have lodging recommendations for one that are reasonable (or if either Airbnb or camper car be an option?) – that would be helpful.
I am hoping it won’t be over ambitious for a road trip.
Finally – for car rentals, would a regular sedan be doable or would you recommend a van or SUV?
I appreciate your suggestions in advance. 🙂
Dear Alijay,
If it’s OK, I’m going to address your specific inquiries in reverse order.
RE: rental cars – pick whatever suits your family, needs and budgets best. If you have a large traveling party, a van or SUV might be more comfortable for you, but if you do get an SUV, that doesn’t give you carte blanche to take it off-road. Doing so would void your insurance policy and leave you liable for any damage you might sustain.
For lodging, honestly, it matters not what I “recommend” at this point. All that matters is what’s available. That will also be the determining factor as to whether you visit Grand Canyon or Zion first. Check Grand Canyon, and let the rest of your trip revolve and evolve around when you can find availability there. Grand Canyon hotels Air B & B type properties will be few and far between in and near the National Parks, but you can find a good selection of VRBO properties in Page, AZ. Most of them will require a 2-night stay minimum.
As for the Lower vs. Upper Antelope Canyon question, if you’re physically OK with doing Lower, that’s the one I’d go with. It is not necessary to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon to have a fulfilling visit to Page. With your extra time, I’d recommend the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip. This is a family-friendly raft trip that does not feature any rapids, but offers plenty of beautiful scenery.
Flying into and out of Vegas, you can easily do:
1 night at Grand Canyon South Rim
1 night at Monument Valley
2 nights in Page
1 night in Bryce Canyon
2 nights in Zion
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
P.S. Be aware that the Navajo Reservation and Monument Valley DO observe Daylight Savings Time while the rest of Arizona DOES NOT. You will “lose” an hour driving to Monument Valley from Grand Canyon South Rim or Page, but “regain” it passing from Navajo Land to non-Navajo land.
Hey Alley, I am so glad that I found your website and suggestions!
We live in Phoenix, AZ and my niece will be visiting us from NC in July.
We are looking to plan a 3/4 day trip to Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend(and any other suggestions you can give).
We will be traveling by RV.
Question, from Phoenix should we start our trip with the Grand Canyon or Page?
Also, I am open to visiting Slot Canyon vs Antelope Canyon since it will be during July and I know that Antelope can get very crowded. I was looking at using Horseshoe Bend/Slot Canyon Tours??
I would appreciate any suggestions!
Thank you so much for your help!!
Catina
Hi Catina,
The drive from Phoenix to Page takes approximately 4.5 hours; the same for the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Which one you should hit first will probably depend on where you can find availability for an RV park site. July is HOT, so you’ll most likely want one with hook-ups so you can run an air conditioner.
At Grand Canyon, your choices are Mather Campground, which doesn’t have hook-ups, or Trailer Village, which does have hook-ups. In Page, the Page/Lake Powell Campground is conveniently located to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend and does have hook-ups. Wahweap Campground also has hook-ups, but is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which puts you a bit further away from the main attractions of Page, but situates you well to go for a swim at Lake Powell or take a boat rental or tour. Lone Rock Beach is also a fun place to camp, but no hook-ups. Camping and RV options near Page, AZ
If you are considering other slot canyons besides Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon is certainly a viable choice and isn’t too hard physically. Other ‘contenders’ are Antelope Canyon X, Cathedral Canyon, Owl Canyon, and Wind Pebble Canyon, just to name a few. Antelope Canyon Alternative Tours
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley! Your website is extremely helpful! We live just west of Phoenix, and we have seen the south rim a bit. We have a couple visiting from NYC at the beginning of May and will be taking my 9 year old daughter. Unfprtunately, we only have 2 full weekdays, but I was hoping to take them to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, maybe the New Wave. I am thinking about camping overnight, but might be easier to stay at a hotel. Anyway, my thoughts were: Thursday am: drive to south rim, then drive to Page, stay overnight, and Friday, do Antelope Canyon tour and Horseshoe Canyon, drive back. We have to be back by Saturday 9 am. Do you think this is feasible with our 9 year old? As i believe you mentioned, we have to hike 12 miles at Horseshoe Canyon. We could alternatively do some of the activities backwards. We will have a regular sedan.
Thank you for all your thoughtful responses on this page. It has been useful! Any tweaking or recs or thoughts on New Wave would be great!
Hi Lorraine and thank you for your compliments!
Unfortunately, your timeframe is too limited IMO to accommodate both destinations. You’re talking about way long drives by trying to cram both Page and the Grand Canyon into your trip.
The drive from Phoenix to the South Rim takes approximately 4.5 hours; you’re then facing about a 3-4 hour drive to Page. I know Google maps gives the figure as 2.5 hours, but that’s driving direct, which rarely happens on that route. There are a lot of scenic overlooks, points of interest, etc. that will no doubt pique your curiosity. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up driving in the dark through some of the most remote country in the U.S., which is rarely conducive to an enjoyable vacation. The drive back from Page to Phoenix is another 4.5 hours.
Honestly, if your guests from NYC have never been to the Grand Canyon, I’d suggest dropping Page and concentrating on the Grand Canyon. After all, it is a “must-see destination” and if they aren’t able to return to the area in the foreseeable future, they’d most likely regret not spending enough time there to do it justice. If they have been there, and are satisfied with what they’ve seen/done, then drop GC and concentrate on Page. Whether you do Grand Canyon or Page, you’d still be looking at ~4.5 hours driving time each way, but that would at least give you some quality time at your destination.
One thing: the hike to Horseshoe Bend is NOT 12 miles! It’s ~1.2 miles round-trip. I think a period must have been accidentally omitted 😉 You can hit Horseshoe Bend on the drive to Page just South of town, as it’s right on your way. The “New” Wave is a short distance outside of town. To get to it, you would cross the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, then the road veers sharply to the right. Almost immediately, you’ll see an unmarked road that crosses US89. Turn left, then almost immediately, turn right, park your vehicle wherever you feel safest doing so, then you could spend 1 hour or so exploring around.
One “caveat:” if you encounter any signage stating “no admittance” or forbidding you from going any further, please obey it. The road is unmaintained and can wash out if rain or snow has recently occurred. Also, the “New” Wave should be a “time permitting” thing and not a “must-do.” Prioritize Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then if you have time, pop over to the New Wave. If you’re running late, skip it.
Better yet – modify your schedule so you can free up an extra night so you can visit both the Grand Canyon and Page without trying your road tolerance and/or that of your daughter.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
I would like more information on the two day trip.
Thanks!
Hi Maria,
Tell us specifically what information you need and we would be happy to advise you!
Alley 🙂
Hello Ally!
I’m doing some research on this area and wondering if you can answer a few questions.
I see the North Rim of the Grand Canyon closes mid October. At the end of November, would we be able to do any touring in the area of Antelope Canyon? If not is there anything else of interest in the area that time of year?
Thank you!
Hello Debra and thank you for visiting.
Antelope Canyon is located near the town of Page, Arizona, which is a totally separate area from Grand Canyon North Rim and open year-round. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is also open all year, and for a first-time visitor, that’s the side of the Grand Canyon we recommend seeing.
As for other sites you might consider including in your vacation, depending on how much time you have, you could also tour Monument Valley, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park.
Hope that helps. Best regards and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hello, I have found your site very helpful so I thought maybe you would have some suggestions for my trip. My friend and myself will be drive up to Lake Powell on 4/27 from Southern California and will stay there until 4/29. I have already booked a room at the Lake Powell Resorts, we wanted to check out the Lower Antelope Canyon and the Horseshoe Bend, yet I’m not sure how much time we will actually have.
Thank you
Hi Jillian and thank you for visiting our site!
With 2 days to work with, you should have no problem visiting both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Assuming that “Southern California” means LA, the most direct route would have you go North of the Grand Canyon to get to Page, but you also have the option of going the Southern route on I-40, through Joshua Tree, via Kingman and Williams AZ (old Route 66), then North from Flagstaff. This will allow you to hit Horseshoe Bend on your way into Page, AZ. However, this has you bypassing the Grand Canyon, which you may not want to do.
Lower Antelope Canyon can be visited whenever there is availability for tours and/or when it best fits your schedule. Keep in mind that mid-day is generally regarded as the best time to visit, but those time slots are probably booked up already. Simply take the time slot that has availability and appeals to you most — there is no such thing as a “bad” time to visit. Another consideration is that Lake Powell Resort is located about 30 minutes away from the Antelope Canyon Tribal Park Entrance, and the tour outfitter will probably require that you check in about 30 minute prior to your actual tour departure, so be sure you factor the drive time into your scheduling.
Hope that answers your questions sufficiently! If not, don’t hesitate to contact us again 🙂
Alley
P.S. For more valuable tips and information, visit our sister site, HorseshoeBend.com
Thank you so much Alley,
We have actually decided to drive to Las Vegas on Thursday night, so we don’t have to make the whole drive in one day. With that said we will get to Page early on Friday, I already have the hotel and tour for the Lower Canyon booked, what else would you recommend to do? We have already been to the Grand Canyon so we do not need to go there.
Jillian
Hi Jillian,
Assuming that you have at least two days to spend in Page, recommended activities include, but aren’t limited to:
– visiting Horseshoe Bend Overlook
– the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip
– Lake Powell Boat Tours
– Tour Glen Canyon Dam
– hike the Page Rim Trail
– visit the “New” Wave
– tour the John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum
And that’s just in Page, AZ alone!
For other parks you might visit whilst you’re here, there are many options, including, but not limited to: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Monument Valley, Vermillion Cliffs/Paria Canyon (non-permit areas), Coral Pink Sand Dunes… and here again, that’s just to name a few!
Hope that helps 🙂
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂