Page, Arizona 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
Page, Arizona is one of the most popular stops on a Southwest road trip, known for iconic sights like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. While a lot of people pass through quickly, it’s worth slowing down and spending a couple of days here — there’s more to do than it might seem at first glance.
I spent a few days in Page and loved my visit, I can’t wait to return. A long weekend is enough time to see the major highlights, get out on the water, and add in a hike or two without feeling rushed.
Below is a 3-day Page, Arizona itinerary, along with tips to help you plan your trip.
Page, Arizona Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Upper Antelope Canyon
We started our time in Page with a visit to Upper Antelope Canyon, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. If it’s your first time here, this is the more “iconic” section of Antelope Canyon — wide, smooth walls, easy walking paths, and those famous light beams you’ve probably seen in photos.
We went around noon and loved it. If you want to see the canyon’s famous light beams, you need to visit around noon during summer — the beams are strongest near the summer solstice and disappear altogether in winter.
Tours are required to visit, and you’ll need to book in advance (book the day tickets become available for the best time slot — especially during peak season).
We booked Upper Antelope Canyon through Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours.
Lower Antelope Canyon
After Upper Antelope Canyon, we headed over to Lower Antelope Canyon (located just minutes apart!) and while it is a bit repetitive, I’m really glad we did both.
Lower Antelope feels a little more adventurous. You’ll climb down a series of ladders to enter the canyon, and the pathways are narrower and more winding compared to Upper. It’s still very manageable, but it feels a bit more interactive and less “walk-through.”
We booked our Lower Antelope Canyon day-of through Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tour. (Note: our visit landed in the off season, peak season visitors will need to book both canyons well in advance).
Doing both can get expensive, and I don’t think it’s necessary for everyone — but for me, it was 100% worth it. The canyons look similar at first glance, but they have some surprising differences.
If you’re trying to choose just one, Upper is more accessible and famous for its light beams, while Lower feels a bit more active and doesn’t book out as quickly. I have a full guide comparing the two: Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which Should You Choose?
Horseshoe Bend
End the day at Horseshoe Bend for sunset, which is a really easy addition to your itinerary.
It’s about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot to the overlook, and once you get there, you’re looking out over a very dramatic curve in the Colorado River — it’s one of those views that really does live up to expectations.
That said, it’s not a hidden gem. Expect crowds, especially around sunset. If you want a slightly quieter experience, you could come earlier in the day, but the lighting at sunset is hard to beat.
Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here, and bring water — there’s not much shade along the trail.
Parking requires a fee, but otherwise there’s no cost to visit the overlook. For more tips, check out Everything To Know About Visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Day 2: Lake Powell
Lake Powell
Day 2 is a nice shift from sightseeing to something a little more active. Spend the day exploring the massive (and stunning!) Lake Powell — the reservoir stretches for miles and has tons of little coves, beaches, and hidden corners to explore.
There are a few different ways to experience it, but I highly recommend getting out on the water if you can.
Kayaking or paddle boarding through the slot canyons is a favorite among visitors. You paddle through calm water and then end up in these narrow canyon sections similar to Antelope Canyon but quieter, less crowded, and very much off-the-beaten-path.
Another great option is renting a boat for the day. This gives you a lot more flexibility to explore different parts of the lake, stop and swim, or just relax out on the water.
Our outing was unfortunately cancelled due to bad weather, but we had planned to rent kayaks from Lake Powell Paddleboards & Kayaks. They offer both rentals and tours.
Downtown Page
After a full day at the lake, keep the evening relaxed and spend some time in downtown Page.
It’s a small town, so you’re not going to find a huge restaurant scene, but there are enough casual spots for dinner, coffee, or grabbing something quick. It’s also a good time to restock on anything you might need for the next day — snacks, water, or gas if you’re driving.
In the downtown area you’ll also find a few boutique and souvenir shops if you’re up for browsing.
Day 3: Hiking & Sightseeing Around Town
Go For A Hike
For your third day in Page, I’d plan to get outside and do a hike — there are a handful of easy-to-moderate options close to town, plus even more if you’re willing to drive a bit.
This is a flexible day — choose a trail based on your energy level and how much time you want to spend hiking.
Toadstool Hoodoos – One of the easiest and most unique hikes in the area. It’s a short, relatively flat trail that leads you out to these mushroom-shaped rock formations (the “toadstools”), and the landscape feels completely different from everything else around Page. It’s about 30 minutes from Page.
Hanging Garden Trail – This is a very short and easy walk that leads to a small, shaded alcove with greenery growing out of the rock wall — something you don’t see very often in this desert landscape. This is located very close to town, but check current conditions on AllTrails, there’s not always greenery.
Spencer Trail – Spencer Trail is a bit more of a workout. It’s a steady uphill climb with some of the best elevated views over Lake Powell and the surrounding canyon. If you’re up for something a little more active, this is a good option — just plan to go early in the day, especially in warmer months, since there’s very little shade.
Cathedral Wash Trail – This is a favorite hike in the area. It’s a short canyon hike that involves some light scrambling, navigating through narrow sections, and eventually opens up to views of the Colorado River near Lees Ferry.
There are also a lot of hiking options within about 1 – 1.5 hours of Page if you’re up for a drive. Areas like Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and even parts of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area all offer incredible trails and viewpoints.
If you’re planning ahead, you could also try for a permit to hike The Wave, which is one of the most famous hikes in the USA. Permits are very limited and competitive, but if you’re lucky enough to get one, it’s absolutely worth building your day around. Apply for a permit at The Wave Permit (you need to apply a few months in advance).
Quick Stops Around Page
After your hike, you can spend the rest of the day checking out a few quick stops around Page. None of these take a ton of time individually, so they’re easy to pair together.
Shell Gas Station Arch (Biidi The Arch)
This is exactly what it sounds like — a small arch located right directly behind a gas station. It’s quick, but a surprisingly stunning spot.
Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam
Inside, you’ll find a few exhibits on the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River, and the surrounding area, plus large windows overlooking the dam itself.
If you have extra time, you can also walk across the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge nearby for a slightly different perspective over the river.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
Located about 2.5 miles from the dam, this is one of the easiest viewpoints in Page and gives you a look out over Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River below.
It’s a short walk from the parking area and doesn’t take long, but the perspective is really impressive and worth the quick stop.
Additional Things To Do In Page, Arizona
If you have extra time — or want to swap something out from the itinerary — here are a few additional ideas to round out your trip:
- Antelope Canyon X (a less crowded alternative to Upper and Lower).
- Wahweap Overlook for sunset views.
- Lees Ferry (great for kayaking or a scenic stop along the Colorado River).
- Rainbow Bridge National Monument (accessible by boat or tour).
- Horeshoe Bend kayaking or boat tour.
Where To Stay In Page
Page is a small town, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be within a short drive of everything on this itinerary.
Most people base themselves right in town, which is what I’d recommend for a first visit.
You’ll primarily find budget-friendly hotels here, there are plenty of them but the reviews can be mixed. Below are some of the top rated options:
For more, check out the Top Rated Hotels In Page, Arizona.
If you want something a little more scenic, you could look into staying a bit out of town at luxury resorts like Amangiri or Under Canvas Lake Powell — just keep in mind you’ll be farther from restaurants and town services.
When To Visit & What To Expect With Weather
Page is a desert destination, so timing your trip is important.
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are generally the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm but manageable, which makes hiking and sightseeing much more enjoyable.
Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat, with daytime temperatures often well over 100°F. If you’re visiting during this time, plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening, and build in time for breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Winter (December–February) is quieter and cooler — this is when I visited! You won’t get the same swimming or boating conditions at Lake Powell, but otherwise it’s a great time for hiking and exploring without crowds.
What To Wear
You’ll want to dress for hot, dry conditions — and a lot of sun.
Think lightweight, breathable clothing during the day:
- Athletic shorts or loose-fitting pants
- Tank tops or t-shirts
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Sun protection is really important here. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, especially if you’re spending time hiking or out on the water.
I’d also recommend bringing a light layer. Even in warmer months, early mornings and evenings can cool off a bit, especially near the water.
You don’t need anything dressy for dinner or exploring around town, casual is king.
Getting Here
The easiest way to get to Page is by car. Despite its very remote location it’s a popular stop on Southwest road trips. For reference, the nearest cities are:
- About 2 hours from Flagstaff, AZ
- About 2.5 hours from St. George, Utah
- About 4 – 4.5 hours from Phoenix, AZ
- About 4.5 – 5 hours from Las Vegas, NV
There is a small airport in Page, but most travelers fly into a larger airport (listed above) and drive from there.
If you’re planning a broader Southwest itinerary, Page pairs really well with stops like the Grand Canyon National Park – North Rim, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Monument Valley.
Getting Around
You’ll need a car to get around Page — there’s really no way around it.
Everything on this itinerary requires driving, from Antelope Canyon tours to Lake Powell access points and nearby hiking trails.
Distances are relatively short, but things are spread out enough that walking isn’t practical. Parking is generally easy and widely available at major stops.
Additional Tips Before You Go
A few final tips that will make your trip smoother:
Cell Service – Cell service is generally reliable in Page itself, but it can get spotty once you head out toward hiking trails, Lake Powell, or more remote areas. Download trail maps, reservations, etc. in advance.
Download Maps Ahead Of Time – Additionally, I highly recommend downloading offline maps in Google Maps before your trip. It makes a big difference when you’re navigating areas with limited service.
Book Antelope Canyon Tours Early – These tours sell out — especially in peak season. If this is a priority for your trip, book as far in advance as you can (most companies will list when tickets become available on their website, if not, call to ask).
Start Early When Possible – Summer visitors, between crowds and heat, mornings are your best friend here. You’ll have a much better experience, especially on hiking trails, if you go earlier in the day.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need – This is a dry desert environment (and high elevation at 4,000 feet!), and it’s easy to underestimate how much water you’ll go through — especially if you’re hiking.
Be Prepared For Wind – This isn’t something people always expect, but Page can get pretty windy, especially near open viewpoints and the lake. It’s not a huge issue, just something to be aware of.
A 3-day Page itinerary gives you a really nice mix of iconic sights, time on the water, and a bit of adventure.
You can follow this exactly or adjust it based on your travel style, but overall, it’s a really fun destination to plan — and one that’s definitely worth adding to a Southwest road trip.
I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!
More Information For Your Trip To Page, Arizona:
- Antelope Canyon Tips: What To Know Before You Go
- Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which Should You Choose?
- Horseshoe Bend: Everything To Know
- Best Hotels In Page, Arizona
More Information For Your Northern Arizona Vacation:
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