10 Things to Do in Page

Page is a small desert town located in Arizona. Specifically, it is in Coconino County and is famous for its canyons, lakes, and landscapes. It is practically a hidden gem, so you will have the perfect holiday away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. There are many activities available in the region that you can plan on your own or take advantage of some of the best local tours.

Additionally, the history of the Navajo people is very interesting. A visit to Page is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life, learn about weaving, taste a local barbecue, and witness traditional dances. Among other options, you can cool off in Lake Powell or navigate the white waters of the Colorado River. You can also explore a museum with local anecdotes and exhibits, as well as learning and research centres.

Horseshoe Bend is one of Page's main attractions. In the middle of the Arizona desert, you will find this striking undulation that surrounds the Colorado River and offers unparalleled views. At this geological location, you can see petroglyph drawings, which are living proof of the legacy of the Anasazi tribe.

Some experts believe that this river beauty is drying up rapidly, so appreciating its majesty may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On the other hand, Tower Butte used to be a sea, but it dried up, leaving sediments that, with the erosion of wind, sun and cold, gave rise to this rock formation. It is considered the land of the Navajo Indians, who see it as a gift from the god of thunder. Keep in mind that it is a destination that can only be accessed by helicopter via a journey that takes approximately twenty minutes.

These types of experiences are ideal for marvelling at the colours of the desert. The pilot usually flies over Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and the geological formations of Antelope Canyon. Finally, you will land at Tower Butte, where you can explore 600 years of history and learn about the customs of this community. For example, you can learn about weaving, traditional dances and religious ceremonies.

Antelope Canyon is very famous in Page; in fact, this slot canyon is one of the most photographed canyons in the world. This special place was discovered in 1931 by the Navajo Indian tribe, and its undulations are the result of water and wind erosion. Please note that you cannot visit it on your own; you must book an excursion as it is a private reserve.

The perfect time to visit this area is between 11:00 and 14:00, to appreciate the colours of this geological wonder. It is also best to avoid the rainy season, as the water floods the canyon and it is very dangerous. In addition, please note that during your visit you should not touch the walls, take sand or touch the small animals that roam around peacefully.

Keep in mind that it is divided into two sections, the upper one being the most accessible and where you can appreciate the famous light beams. The lower section, on the other hand, is a secret hidden behind steep trails, which is worth visiting if you are adventurous and want a more private experience in the depths of the canyon. Of course, to enjoy this experience, you can take advantage of one of the best tours in Page.

Explore Antelope Canyon X in Page

Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections, and some people prefer to visit the upper and lower sections separately. However, there are those who prefer to spend two hours exploring it in its entirety. This way, you can learn about its history, as you are usually assigned a Navajo guide who will provide you with geological information about this location.

By visiting the entire canyon, you save a lot of money, as guided tours start at €57. They usually include admission, an exploration of both sections, and a guide. This natural monument stands out for its colours, shapes, and shadows, which combine to create a breathtaking landscape. Please note that certain items are prohibited, such as:

• Certain types of bags: backpacks, binocular cases, camera bags, transparent backpacks, tinted plastic bags, bum bags, handbags, large bags, printed plastic bags, mesh bags.
• Photography equipment: tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, or quadcopters.
• Vehicles: pushchairs and walkers.

Venture into Upper Antelope Canyon

As I mentioned, Antelope Canyon has two sections, the upper part being the most accessible. If you are short on time and interested in exploring the historical heritage, this visit is ideal for you. It is a marvel characterised by its famous light, straight paths and splendid colours. In fact, some of the best photos of the canyon have been taken in this section, as you don't need professional equipment to get good shots.

Here you can learn about the rock formation process. Of course, you will have a Navajo guide who can answer all your questions. Please note that this section is only open between March and October. The rest of the year it remains closed, as it is often flooded and poses a risk to human welfare. It is not a recommended activity for pregnant women or people with health problems, and you must wear closed-toe, comfortable trainers.

Discover Lower Antelope Canyon

A visit to Lower Antelope Canyon is more economical and offers uncrowded views. This is because its trails are steeper, so not everyone dares to venture into its depths. In this part, sandstone erosion is more noticeable, and sand waves predominate. A Navajo guide will accompany you to ensure you enjoy a completely safe experience. Don't worry about taking photographs; you can ask for the best angles to capture this memory.

This section is open all year round, except when rainfall exceeds safety limits. If you wish to visit, I recommend bearing in mind that it is a more physically demanding tour, so be prepared to walk and sweat.

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Powell are perfect for boating, kayaking or jet skiing. Interestingly, it is an artificial waterway created in 1963 from the Colorado River. At least 96 canyons lie buried beneath its depths. Take a dip in this area, where many people come to fish.

To get there, you must pass through Antelope Canyon until you reach the marina or yacht harbour, where you can rent boats, sun loungers and food stalls. The climate in Page is hot, so you'll probably want to enjoy a dip. The rocky beaches are ideal for this, the most recommended being Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping. There are also hidden gems where privacy reigns and you can camp for free or take advantage of the best tours of Page.

Be sure to follow local camping rules, some of which are essential, such as not camping for more than 14 days in a row in the same place. Also, pick up your rubbish, especially if you make campfires. It is actually preferable to stay at the campsites in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, with prices starting at €10.

The waters of the Colorado River are a popular destination, especially for those who enjoy rafting. Its rough currents offer an unparalleled adventure, attracting tourists from across the United States and around the world. However, if you prefer to explore this natural wonder by land, you can enjoy a quad bike, 4x4 or jeep ride.

Without a doubt, these white waters are the perfect opportunity to feel the thrill of adrenaline. The water is usually cold, ideal for cooling off on hot days. You can complement your visit with a trip to Antelope Canyon in Page. In addition, if you are looking for a complete experience, there are boats that sail for between 3 and 7 days, exploring its secrets.

Page is an intriguing location with striking natural monuments. You'll probably want to learn its secrets, so I invite you to visit the John Wesley Powell Museum. It's a place of learning located in the city centre. It was founded in 1969 to honour the first man to cross the Grand Canyon. You'll find some very interesting collections and exhibitions.

There is an outdoor pavilion where visitors often enjoy picnics. There is also a theatre where audiovisual productions about the history of the museum are shown. Admission is around £4.50, but there are special discounts for children and free admission for children under five. Keep in mind that there is another museum in Utah that can complement this visit, known as the John Wesley Powell River History Museum.

Indigenous history is very important in Page. In fact, the Navajo people occupied the ancestral lands now known as Arizona, Sonora, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Chihuahua. They play a major role in tourism in this area, as they were the ones who discovered many canyons and geological heritage sites. You can find tours led by Navajo families, who will teach you about their history, culture, and local secrets.

There are villages where demonstrations of weaving, singing, and native dances are held. The best tours of Page can take you to see this important piece of the local puzzle. Keep in mind that the original peoples disappeared years ago, but they were recreated by descendants who revived their customs and ways of life.

Page is known for its delicious Texan cuisine. Specifically, there is a restaurant where most locals and tourists stop by a couple of times. It is Big John BBQ, a place famous for its barbecues. It was established in the desert region in 2006 and has been one of the most visited restaurants ever since. The city's cuisine is also known as Tex-Mex, as it combines Mexican and North American dishes.

In addition to barbecues with different cuts of meat, they also offer beans, tortillas and dishes with a variety of spices. It is usually busiest around 6 p.m., but the wait is worth it. You can easily spot it, as it is located opposite a red brick petrol station and everyone knows this gastronomic hotspot. I recommend trying the smoked ribs, potato salad and tortillas.

If you prefer a quiet visit, head to the Carl Hayden Visitor Centre. It's ideal for all ages and offers a VIP view of the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. I recommend spending at least an hour here, as it houses exhibitions, maps and a collection of informative videos. Here you can learn local stories about the region's natural monuments.

Guided tours of Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon depart from the centre. This place is huge and is usually open in summer from 8:00 to 18:00. In winter, however, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This visitor centre is also a power plant, so it is important to follow the instructions and avoid prohibited items. Bags, knives and food are not allowed, but you can bring water, cameras and your wallet without any problems.

Page is a marvel from every angle, but from above you can appreciate certain monuments more calmly. For example, the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is a good option, and it's completely free. You can appreciate the red desert in detail, with the contrasting colours that characterise Arizona. In addition, you are allowed to walk across the bridge adjacent to the overlook.

Another popular option is Wahweap Overlook, with views of the town, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. You may even catch a glimpse of a stretch of the Colorado River. If you want to watch the sunset, this is the perfect place to do so. In the off-season, there are few people and you can take clear photographs without crowds in the background. Therefore, the best months to visit are February, April, October, and November.

This geological wonder is located two hours from Page, but it is well worth the trip. The only way to get there is by car or by booking an excursion. In the park, you can enjoy breathtaking views, and exotic species such as the California condor often roam the area. Night walks are a highlight here, where you can enjoy clear, starry skies.

Certain permits are required for the visit, and camping is allowed in some areas. This nature reserve offers endless kilometres, ideal for hiking. Here you can take amazing photographs and enjoy the colours, undulations and rock formations that complement the landscapes of Page. Keep in mind that the hikes are high intensity, and most tourists seek out the red sandstone of The Wave located at the Kanab Visitor Centre.