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 my husband and I are flying in and out of Phoenix in July (I know it will be hot!) landing about noon sunday and heading home 10 pm. Is that enough time to hit Sedona, the grand canyon and Page/antelope canyon? Thanks!
Hi Lea,
So, let me get this straight: you have until noon to 10:00 PM on a Sunday and that’s it? If that’s the case, then no, you don’t have enough time to do much of anything! You could maybe make a quick jaunt up to Sedona and that’s it — it’s a 2 hour drive, each way, from Phoenix to Sedona. With 8 hours to work with, you’d be better off sticking closer to Phoenix.
If you want to visit Page and the Grand Canyon, you need to add at least another 3 days onto your trip time, and even then, you’re not giving enough time to Sedona. It’s one of those places where you could spend a week and still feel as though you’d only touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Please provide further clarification of your trip plans.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello!
Your post is very helpful! My family is flying to Phoenix on March 16th (arriving early morning at 8am), returning on March 20th (evening 8pm) with plans to stay in Flagstaff as home base to visit the South Rim and Sedona. However, I would like to fit in a day at Page to visit Antelope Canyon and Horsebend. Glad you mentioned it’s not recommended to drive at night. What do you recommend if we wanted to visit South Rim (no hiking), Sedona, Flagstaff (to see Wupatki/Sunset Crater National Monuments), and Page?
Thank you for your help!
NS
Dear NS,
Thank you so much for taking note of our advice to avoid nighttime driving. It really is for everyone’s own good!
For your family’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment, I’d recommend NOT using Flagstaff as a base from which to explore the various attractions, unless you have no other choice. It’s a 90 minute drive, each way, from Flag (that’s what we call it here) to GC South Rim, then 2.5 hours, each way from Flag to Page. For Sedona, it’s not so bad, only ~1 hour each way. You also have to remember that your days are going to be short at the time of year you’re visiting. Sunrise occurs at about 6:30 AM, and sunset takes place about 6:30 PM. You may thing 12 hours of daylight is enough time to get your sightseeing in, but trust me, it goes by fast!
Ideally, I’d recommend something like this:
March 16th – Drive from Phoenix to Page at a leisurely pace, visit Wupatki/Sunset Crater en route, overnight in Page
March 17th – Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page, AZ, again
March 18th – Drive from Page, AZ, to Grand Canyon South Rim, overnight at the Grand Canyon.
March 19th – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona, overnight in Sedona
March 20th – Sightseeing in Sedona, drive back to Phoenix that afternoon
Hope that helps and that you have a wonderful trip!
Alley 🙂
Thank you so much for the wonderful information you share – absolutely love this site. I’m getting anxious as we are within a month window and I would really appreciate your input on a trip I am making with my college-aged daughter over her spring break from 3/8 to 3/12.
Our rough plan at this point:
3/8 – late flight into Phoenix and staying near airport
3/9 – up early and driving to the South Rim. Staying at Yavapai Lodge. Planning on hiking/shuttle bus through the Park to Hermits Rest.
3/10 – up early and driving to Page. Stopping at the sites outlined in your comments to others. Antelope Canyon lower hike at 2:30. Sunset at Horseshoe Bend.
3/11 – up early and driving to Monument Valley – would especially love some suggestions for this day. Driving back to Sedona for overnight.
3/12 – Pink Jeep tour in the morning, spa/hanging out until we head to the airport for 10:30pm overnight flight.
Would appreciate any suggestions overall about the trip or specific suggestions for tours/must do’s. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience and recommendations.
Hello Donna and thank you for visiting our site!
Your trip looks very well-planned, there aren’t many changes I’d propose making, with a couple of exceptions:
On 03/10, sunset at Horseshoe Bend may not happen. That’s an extremely popular time for visiting the overlook, and you may find parking difficult to come by, if not impossible altogether. You might plan on visiting at sunrise the following morning. Hopefully, you’ll be staying overnight in Page, AZ, instead of planning to drive back to the South Rim. the exception of 03/11 where you’re proposing to visit Monument Valley as a “drive-by” between Page and Sedona. It takes 2 hours to drive from Page to Monument Valley, then another 3.5 hours to drive from Monument Valley to Sedona. You’ll “lose” an hour transitioning from Page, AZ, to the Navajo Indian Reservation because they observe Daylight Saving Time, whereas Page, AZ, does not, but you’ll “get it back” traveling from Monument Valley to Sedona. However, another thing to keep in mind is that your daylength at that time of year is short: sunrise occurs at ~6:30 AM and sunset at ~6:15 PM. Nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the country due to lack of ambient lighting, and the possible presence of deer, elk, free range cattle, and wild horses on the highways. The stretch of US98A from Flagstaff to Sedona is especially twisty and turn-y, and is definitely not recommended for driving after dusk.
Monument Valley tours run the gamut from guided hikes to horseback rides and jeep tours. Which one you choose will depend on your tastes, budget, and timeframe. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find one that starts early enough so that you won’t risk arriving in Sedona too late. For a complete list of Monument Valley tour operators, visit Navajo Nation Parks: Monument Valley Tours
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello,
Ally this is a wonderful page filled with information.
I am a resident from the Caribbean Island of St Kitts and don’t have much knowledge about the places in Arizona but I have always wanted to visit Antelope Canyons it’s been on the top of my bucket list.
Me and my husband finally decided to go there this year in the month of September when we would be coming for some work in Miami. We’ll fly from Miami.
We have 3 days with us with an interest to see Antelope Canyons and horseshoe bend.
We plan to hire a car rental to get around.
Other then this we are lost as to what other places we should visit and add to the list and which airport would be the closest to the destination?
What place would you suggest we stay?
Also what would be your tips to do this trip on a budget?
Please help us island folks get and understanding of your beautiful state.
I would like to thank you in advance for your help.
Love from the Caribbean,
Lekha
Hello Lekha and thank you for visiting our site, and out state!
First off, since you didn’t specify where you were flying into from Miami, so let me recommend Las Vegas. It’s well situated to not only visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, but many other beautiful parks and attractions in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.
I don’t know if you have the option to add more time to this trip, but if possible, try to tack on another couple of days. 3 days will only allow you to visit the Grand Canyon and Page, and not much more. With 5 days to work with, you could also visit Zion and Bryce Canyon.
As for managing this trip on a budget, September, while a beautiful time of year weather-wise, is still considered peak tourist season. Hotels will be going for full rack rate with discounts being extremely hard to find, if not impossible. If you’re serious about saving money on travel to this area, the time to visit is winter, as in January or February. This is considered “off” or “shoulder” season and incentives abound for travelers prepared to deal with the colder weather.
But assuming that changing your travel dates and timeframe isn’t an option, here’s what I’d recommend:
Day 1 – drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. Realistic drive time: approximately 5.5 hours. Stops to make along the way, if desired:
– Hoover Dam
– Seligman, AZ (Route 66 stalwart)
– Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams
– Planes of Fame Museum in Valle
– IMAX Movie “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” in Tusayan
Overnight at the Grand Canyon , preferably somewhere in Grand Canyon Village (in-park), or Tusayan (7 miles South of park)
Day 2 – Morning: sightseeing in Grand Canyon Village area, then drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ. Realistic drive time: 3.5-4 hours. Stops to make:
– Grandview Point, Moran Point, Zuni Point, Papago Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point, Desert View Watchtower (on East Rim Drive)
– Little Colorado River Overlook
– Cameron Trading Post
– Chinle formation views
– The “Cut” Overlook
– Horseshoe Bend
Overnight in Page, AZ (for more competitively priced lodging, look to the “Street Of Little Motels”)
Day 3 – Tour Antelope Canyon – for best rates, tour at “off-peak hour” time slots, such as earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. If interested, you might also consider taking the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip and spending another night in Page, AZ, or driving over to Zion and spending the night in Springdale, UT.
The drive back to Las Vegas from Page, AZ, is approximately 4.5 hours. From Springdale, the return trip is approximately 3 hours.
As previously mentioned, if September is the only option you have for traveling to this area, you won’t be able to save much money on lodging, but one area you still have control over is food. You might consider picking up an inexpensive cooler in Las Vegas and hitting a supermarket on your way out of town to stock up on sandwich fixings and preferred beverages. That way you don’t have to spend a ton of money eating out 3 meals a day. In Page, AZ, many of the properties on the “Street of Little Motels” come equipped with full kitchens, so you can do your own cooking.
Good luck and safe travels from American Southwest!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley
I came across this website while searching itineraries for Antelope and surrounding parks and attractions.
Would you be able to suggest me an itinerary for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce and Zion National Park.
I am planning to travel in the first week of March this year with my husband and 6 year old daughter. We are trying to fly to Vegas from Toronto and looking for a self drive option instead of bus tours so trying hard to keep our drive time limited to 5-6 hours max a day. An overnight stay or if needed two nights stay at Lake Powell is what we are looking at. But, please guide if you think one if enough or if there’s any other place you recommend for an overnight stay.
And if I have to choose between Lower and Upper Antelope which one is feasible with a child on board. Or can we do both given we have two days to cover these places. We are not planning to go hiking or trekking at any of the parks.
Your feedback will be a great help!!
Thanks 🙂
Hello Dipti,
It’s good that you’re already planning to self-drive on your vacation as that is always the best way to go in this part of the country!
Using Las Vegas as your “staging city,” you could do something like this:
Day 1 – drive to Grand Canyon, stay overnight at GC (LAS-GC drive time ~4.5 hours)
Day 2 – drive to Page, AZ, tour Antelope Canyon (GC-Page drive time ~3.5 hours), stay overnight in Page
Day 3 – visit Horseshoe Bend at sunrise, drive to Bryce Canyon, overnight in Bryce (PGA-Bryce drive time ~3 hours)
Day 4 – drive to Zion National Park, stay overnight in Springdale, UT (Bryce-Zion drive time ~2 hours)
Day 5 – spend 2nd night in Zion
Day 6 – drive back to Las Vegas (Zion/Springdale – LAS drive time: ~3 hours)
The first week of March, weather will be cold, so be prepared by packing a few pieces of warmer clothing, jacket, gloves, scarves, etc.
As to whether you should tour Upper or Lower Antelope, a 6-year-old is usually on that “dividing line” between Upper and Lower. If you think your child would be able to handle a few stairs and ladders, and scramble over a few small boulders, they should be able to handle Lower. If not, choose Upper. It is not necessary to tour both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon in order to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. Many Antelope Canyon Tours are already sold out, so you’ll need to act quickly. To gauge whether your 6YO would be OK in Lower Antelope, watch this Full Video Walk-Through of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Really appreciate your feedback Alley.
Thank you so much.
I do have a few questions about the itinerary. Since we’ve already been to the Grand Canyon back in 2010 our goal is to cover the Antelope, horseshoe bend, Bryce & Zion in roughly 3 days. Let me know if this plan looks doable :
Day 1 – Leave LV early and cover the Antelope Canyon and horshoe bend and overnight in Page.
Day 2 – Leave Page and cover Bryce and Zion and overnight at one of the closest motel/hotel.
Day 3 – Drive back to Vegas.
Also if the weather conditions are not favourable in Bryce or Zion we might skip that and would rather go to Monument Valley.
Can you plz recommend us any specific scenic routes. And any tips or must see places enroute.
TIA!
Dipti
Hey Dipti,
Sorry, friend, you’re trying to do too much in too short a timeframe.
Your plan on day 1 is doable – the drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ, takes ~4.5 hours, so with an early start, you can tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend that afternoon. Be sure you make your Antelope Canyon tour reservations well in advance.
On day 2 is where you are IMO getting overly ambitious. It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon. It takes a minimum of 3 hours to hit the viewpoints along the park’s scenic drive. You’re then looking at another 2 hours to drive from Bryce to Springdale, UT. If you’re not staying at Zion Lodge, you’ll have to ride the shuttle from Springdale on the main scenic drive. Factor in at least another hour to sort out parking, etc. Depending on when your visit is, you could be working against a short daylength, also. In March, sunrise in Springdale, UT, occurs at approximately 7:00 AM, and sunset takes place at about 6:30 PM. You want to make sure you are done with all driving by nightfall. Springdale, UT, would be the most logical place to stay as that will put you ~2.5 hours from Las Vegas.
Another thing to keep in mind if your trip is coming up within the near future is that some rockslides have occurred recently which have resulted in the closure of the Zion-Mt. Carmel drive. That is the main traffic artery into the park via Bryce, and it is expected to remain closed long-term. If this is the case when you visit, you’ll have to enter Zion National Park from the West, which will add more driving onto an already long day on the road.
I’m not saying that your plan can’t be done, I’m saying that it won’t be as pleasant as it would be if you could somehow add another day or two onto your trip. BTW, using Monument Valley as a “plan B” isn’t optimal either as that will put you ~7 hours from Las Vegas.
Sorry to be the bearer of semi-bad news, but I’d rather see you enjoy your vacation here rather than rush through it.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thank you so much for posting a lot of helpful information.
I am planning to visit Page , AZ on 3rd week of April. We have 4 adults and two kids (9 1/2 and 6 1/2 years old). I already have some ideas where to go, but I am not sure if it will work well. Can you please give me some advice?
Day 1 – Drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas – stay 1 night
Day 2 – LV AM drives to Page 1 night
Day 3 -Sunrise Horseshoe Bend back to hotel for breakfast, 10:30 tour Antelope Canyon , please advise lower or upper
Day 4 – Bryce Canyon hiking a little bit , in the afternoon will drive back to LV stay overnight
Day 5 LV drives back to San Francisco
Thank you, Bo Bo
Hi Bo Bo and thank you for visiting our site!
My first impression is that you’ve got way too much driving required to pull this off, especially with young children in tow.
On Day 1, for example, you’re proposing to do at least 9 hours driving from SF to Las Vegas. Are your kids going to be OK with sitting in a car for that long? If so, this itinerary might work. If not, you might want to consider breaking up your first day’s drive somewhere like Sequoia National Park, maybe overnighting in Three Rivers, CA.
It will then take another 5 hours or so to drive from Las Vegas to Page, AZ, on Day 3. Take an Antelope Canyon tour in the afternoon, then visit Horseshoe Bend the following morning. RE: which branch of Antelope Canyon you should tour, it depends on how much hiking your party is willing to do – or not do. Upper Antelope is an easy, flat 100-yard walk to the end of the canyon and back. There is a 2-mile buckboard truck ride required to get to the mouth of the canyon. Lower Antelope is longer (~600m), and more physical: you must be able to navigate several ladders and do some simple bouldering to enjoy it fully. It’s a good idea to watch this Full Walk-Through Video of Lower Antelope Canyon before committing. Whichever you decide, advance reservations should be made ASAP.
Now if you absolutely have to get back to San Francisco by Day 5, you’d probably have to drop Bryce Canyon from your “wish list.” It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon. It would then take another 4-4.5 hours to drive to Las Vegas from Bryce Canyon. As it is, you’re still looking at a 12-hour drive to get from Page, AZ, back to San Francisco, with a possible stopover in Barstow, CA.
Long story short, it would be best if you could add at least a couple more days to your itinerary in order to make it feel like a vacation instead of a long drive for essentially one day of touring. I know, I’m originally from California myself and took my share of road trips and remember that 4-5 hours in the car was pushing it, and I liked traveling.
Now onto my second impression: the Grand Canyon is conspicuously absent from this itinerary. Have you already been there? If not, I recommend prioritizing it first. After all, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In terms of drive time, it will be about the same as driving to Page, AZ. Obtaining advance reservations in either place will be a must, and one word of warning: you’ll probably have to get two hotel rooms. Arizona State fire codes prohibit more than 5 people staying in one room. Page, AZ, has vacation rental homes, but Grand Canyon hotels do not. Just something to be prepared for.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thanks for sharing lot of details and information on your website which is really helpful.
I am planning to visit Page, AZ during Spring break (April) or June and will be flying in & out from Las Vegas.
I’ll be travelling with my wife and two kids (5yr & 1yr) and do you think any other time will be good to travel with kids. I have already
visited Grand Canyon twice (West & South Rim).
From your website the 2 Day Itinerary looks perfect for me but I am planning to add if possible Grand Canyon North Rim. I am looking
forward to visit the following attractions:-
1.Grand Canyon North Rim
2.Horseshoe Bend
3.Antelope Canyon (Upper but if possible try to look lower too)
4.Rainbow Bridge National Monument
5.Glen Canyon Dam & lake Powell
Any other near by attractions either in AZ or in UT which can be covered with kids and in that case we can leave grand canyon north rim.
I’ll be starting in morning from LV so do you think if anything can get covered on the same day or not. If not, what all are the options
to add for that day.
From the details mentioned on the website, I am having few questions regarding the Antelope Canyon, Option 1 Glen Canyon Half Day Float
Trip & Option 2 the Lake Powell & Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour. Whether on all these tours I’ll be allowed with my 1yr old kid or not. I know
for Option 1 Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, it starts from ages 4 and up but for rest I am not able to find this information.
Also for visiting these places do i need to book a tour or it can be drive through Car. If tours needs to be booked for all of them then
please suggest which tours allows 1yr old for visiting these attractions. Can we travel with a diaper bag in the tours or not.
We are pure vegetarians and need to know whether fooding is available near by for veg (No meat, chicken etc.) We are planning to spend
couple of nights in Page, AZ to avoid long drives and enjoy most of the attractions. So which can be the good lodging option either with
Kitchennete or BnB.
Thanks,
Vikrant
Hi Vikrant,
See my reply to your earlier inquiry 🙂
Alley
Hi Alley,
First of all, I find your website really good and informative which is really useful.
I am planning a trip to Page, AZ either in spring break (April) or June with my wife and 2 kids (5yr and 1yr old). I’ll be flying in and out from Las Vegas. I have been to LV thrice and even Grand Canyon West & South rim but now planning to explore other attractions near by LV and for which I felt Page, AZ would be the best option.
I’ll be driving from LV to Page, AZ and will be staying out there. Although bookings are not yet done so looking forward for your advice to plan my itinerary.
I’ll be driving from LV in the morning and is planning to cover these attractions:-
1.Grand Canyon, North rim
2.Horseshoe Bend
3.Antelope Canyon (Upper), since it will be easy with kids or can lower & upper both be done.
4.Rainbow Bridge National Monument
5.Glen Canyon Dam & Lake Powell
6.Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (if possible)
Any other interesting near by attractions (either in UT) which can be covered with kids. and then driving back to LV
From the details mentioned in your website, I feel the 2 day itinerary mentioned will perfectly fit in my plan and Day 1 looks promising to cover. Regarding the day 2, it looks like Option 1 Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip, will not be possible for us since my kid will be 1yr old and can we make Option 2 Lake Powell & Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour with 1yr as age limit is not mentioned in it.
Also we are vegetarians (no meat, chicken, beef etc) so are there veg options around for fooding and which can be the best lodging option near by all these attractions so that less driving can be done to enjoy the places.
Also whether all these attractions can be covered by car or do I have to purchase any tickets or tours.
Thanks,
Vikrant Jain
Hello Vikrant and thank you for your visit!
With a 1-year-old in tow, you will be somewhat limited on your options, which is entirely for their safety. Still, you should be able to have a fun and memorable trip to this area.
First off, if you have your heart set on seeing Grand Canyon North Rim, you will have to schedule your trip for June. The visitor facilities at the North Rim do not open until May 15th, and they typically book out 1 year in advance. You might be able to find availability at the Kaibab Lodge (20 minutes North of the park) or Jacob Lake Inn (1 hour North), but if those properties are also full, you may want to save the North Rim for another time when you are able to make plans further ahead of time. Grand Canyon North Rim Hotels
The Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour is another item on your “wish list” I would recommend saving for another trip, specifically, when your youngest is a bit older. Though younger children are allowed on the tour, it’s not recommended for children under the age of 4, mainly because it’s a very long tour (6-7 hours depending on lake level), and the hike from the boat dock to the bridge itself can be anywhere from 1-1.5 miles EACH WAY, again depending on the level of Lake Powell. Somebody would probably end up carrying the 1-year-old, which would be quite taxing, especially in June, when it’s extremely hot. If a boat tour is what you were specifically wanting to experience, you might consider one of several shorter tours, such as the Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise or the Antelope Canyon Waterside tour. If it was Rainbow Bridge that you were specifically wanting to see, a more efficient way to do so would be to fly over it. Fixed-wing airplanes depart from the Page Municipal Airport daily, usually first thing in the morning, and can take you over Rainbow Bridge, and a significant area of Lake Powell, in just 30 minutes. Children under 2 travel free as long as they’re seated on the lap of an adult. Rainbow Bridge Air Tour
As to the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, this area is easily incorporated as a “drive-by” en route from Grand Canyon North Rim to Page, AZ. Even if you don’t stop at the North Rim, you can route your drive from Las Vegas to Page so that your itinerary takes you past the Vermillion Cliffs between Jacob Lake and Marble Canyon, AZ. Time permitting, you might even drive up to the Colorado River’s edge and wade a short way into the water, just to say you’ve done so 😉 Don’t go too far in, though, the water in the river is very cold!
Of the branches of Antelope Canyon, Upper is the one that is safest for young children, as you’ve deduced. It is not necessary to tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon to have a fulfilling visit to Page, AZ. With any extra time you find, you could visit the Glen Canyon Dam Visitors Center, the John Wesley Powell Museum, the Wahweap Overlook, or the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook (aka the “White House” overlook locally). All the afore-mentioned areas may be visited by car. Antelope Canyon, however, does require a guided tour, which should be booked well in advance of your arrival. Upper Antelope Canyon tour outfitters do allow diaper bags to be brought, but they must be left in the vehicle while you are touring the canyon.
Horseshoe Bend is best visited first thing in the morning due to the fact it gets very crowded at mid-day and parking might be difficult or impossible to find.
Regarding your diet, as long as you’re OK with dairy products like yogurt, cheese, etc., you should have no problem being accommodated at local restaurants. If you are vegans, and eat no animal products whatsoever, you might want to call ahead to restaurants where you’re interested in dining to determine if they would be compatible.
For lodging with kitchenettes, you might visit VRBO, Flipkey, or Homeaway to browse availability of vacation rental homes. Many Page, AZ, rental homes require a 2-night minimum stay. If this does not appeal/is not possible, you might consider staying at one of several motels in what’s known as the “Old Quarter” of Page, AZ. These motels are actually apartments that have been re-purposed for tourists, but for the price of a traditional hotel, you get a unit with separate sleeping areas, and a full kitchen, stocked with pots, pans, dishes, etc. The only property not listed on that link, since it was in a change of ownership at the time, is the Desert Canyon Inn, formerly known as Debbie’s Hideaway.
So, all that said, with 1 day at Grand Canyon North Rim and 1 day at Page, AZ, you can have a wonderful visit to Northern Arizona. If you decide to leave the North Rim off the table, just plan on staying in Page, AZ for 2 nights. Even with the limitations on what you can/should do, you’d still have a great time.
I hope I covered all your inquiries!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
What a wonderful forum, thank you.
I’m planning a trip last week of June with husband, two son’s (20,22) and a girlfriend. Flying into LV spending few days there, no hotel booked yet.
Plan: hotel already booked in Zion, so order is in somewhat reversed. Any suggestions welcomed.
leave early from LV drive to LP region hitting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend. Thinking of staying at LP Motel in town vs on the Lake.
Day 2 in LP- renting boat ourselves and spending day on water, exploring caves was our original plan or should we do Glen Canyon 1/2 float. Thinking we should stay overnight LP and leave early to drive to Zion, Desert Pearl in already booked for two nights. Then drive back to Vegas.
Hi Catherine, and thank you for visiting!
Before I say anything, I have to point out that the Grand Canyon is conspicuously absent from your itinerary. Therefore, I’m assuming you’ve already been there and do not feel the need to revisit it. If you haven’t, I recommend prioritizing it and dropping one park from your itinerary.
With the limited amount of time you have to give to Page/Lake Powell, you will have to make a choice between the Glen Canyon Float Trip or a boat rental. In terms of scenery, it’s an “apples to oranges” comparison: the GC Float Trip will take you down a 15-mile rapids-free stretch of the Colorado River, and your raft will be piloted by a trained captain, so you can kick back and relax. If you were to opt for the boat rental, you’d have to do the work of navigating, piloting, etc. As for “exploring caves,” depending on the water level, there may not be many (or any) caves to see, but I wouldn’t let that deter you from this activity. The scenery would consist of more wide-open spaces, highlighted by red rock formations of varying heights and shapes, and beaches to relax on should you desire. Since either activity will have you in the hot summer sun for the better part of a day, you will be tired, no matter what you do. I would strongly recommend overnighting in Page, AZ, then heading to the Desert Pearl. The Lake Powell Motel is a cute property, it used to be called “Bashful Bob’s” and had something of a cult following back in the day. What I like about it is that for the price of a traditional hotel/motel, you get an apartment with a full kitchen and separate living and sleeping areas. Plus, it’s “off the main drag,” but close enough to restaurants, museums, stores, etc. in Page.
Good luck and safe travels – have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Alley 🙂
Hi. this is such a useful site that we would like to mirror for our upcoming trip to Page!! May i check if you think Xmas is a good time to visit? the native american fun dining was also closed from nov 1 – march, so just curious if its a bad season to go? thank you!
Hi Ellen, and thank you for your visit today!
Christmas is a wonderful time to travel in Northern Arizona and visitor numbers definitely seem to support that sentiment. However, as you’ve discovered, some activities are on seasonal hiatus. “Into The Grand” appears to be one; others worth noting are water-based activities such as Lake Powell Boat Tours and the Glen Canyon Float Trip . Daytime temperatures are a usually too cold to enjoy these anyway.
The good news is, though, the majority of Page, AZ’s other signature activities are in full operational mode, including the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, Antelope Canyon and other slot canyon tours, the John Wesley Powell Museum, and the Glen Canyon Dam… just to name a few.
Even though some local activities are scaled back for the season, Christmas remains a busy time of year, so all lodging and guided tours should be reserved ASAP. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of wonderful ways to occupy your time! Start monitoring the weather about 2 weeks before you get ready to travel, and be prepared to pack clothing suitable for cooler weather, including jackets, scarves, and gloves.
Best wishes for safe travels, and a Happy Holiday Season 🙂
Alley