Lake Powell is actually created by the run-off from the Glen Canyon Dam. It is the second-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S. and feature an incredible 1,900 miles of shoreline. Vacationers from down the street and across the world make their way to Arizona to enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal waters of Lake Powell - and not just sunbathing and swimming. In fact, Lake Powell welcomes boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, waterskiing and jetskiing, and even surfing! Dozens of local outfitters offer equipment rentals as well as speed boat and fishing tours. Browse rates and rental options here.
Perhaps the most exciting camping option in the Page area is on the shores of Lake Powell itself. Lone Rock Beach is located in Wahweap Bay (12 miles north of Page) and offers a magnificent sight of Lone Rock - a solitary rock formation rising from the water. Entry into Lone Rock Beach is $10 per car, and reservations are not required. Though the area is considered primitive camping, there are also toilets, outhouses, cold showers, and RV dumps available for campers to use. Cars may be parked on the beach, but be cautious about getting stuck in the sand. Campers can stay at Lone Rock Beach for up to 2 weeks total.
Navajo Canyon - Chaol Falls
Chaol Falls is a fascinating natural hideaway within Navajo Canyon where hikers can find a waterfall over 40 feet tall as well as ancient cave drawings and even dinosaur footprints! Navajo Canyon can be reached by boat from Antelope Point Marina. Upon disembarking, hikers will make their way through Navajo Canyon and find Chaol Canyon forking off to the right. The walk to the waterfall is approximately 8 miles roundtrip and is considered an advanced hike. There are also many points where hikers will need to wade through water and are advised to wear waterproof shoes or prepare to be barefoot for some of the hike. A permit is not required to hike Chaol Falls.
Labyrinth Canyon
Labyrinth Canyon is a hidden jewel for hikers and adventurers visiting Page, Arizona. This incredibly narrow slot canyon plunges thirty feet deep in some regions, with knee-deep water covering most of the floor. Because of this, the majority of Labyrinth Canyon must be traversed via kayak or paddle board. Upon reaching the canyon’s entrance (near mile 16 of Padre Bay in Lake Powell) via boat, visitors can kayak or paddle board through the canyon’s depths. The walls become so narrow in places that you can stow your kayak or board in a stone nook and hike the sandy floor on foot. You’ll be walking on soft sand, slippery rock, and wading through several pools of water, so sturdy shoes or walking barefoot is recommended. Life jackets are also required when boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding in Lake Powell and Labyrinth Canyon. Rental options for kayaks, paddle boards, and life jackets can be found here: here
To the end of the canyon and back is about 2 miles and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Hanging Garden
The Hanging Garden is a magnificent and secret natural treasure amidst the Arizona landscape within the Glen Canyon Recreation Area. Like something from a fairy tale, this short hike leads to a secluded spring nestled into the sandstone and surrounded by lush hanging greenery. You’ll find an amazing variety of plant life including ferns, flowers, grasses, and even orchids. This 1-mile roundtrip hike truly feels like a massive step back in time to the age of the dinosaurs!
Find parking for the Hanging Gardens trail off of Highway 89, .25 miles east of Glen Canyon Bridge. This hike is ranked Easy/Moderate.
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a massive, naturally-eroded half-circle of stone rising out of the desert landscape. In fact, it is the tallest natural bridge in the world. Rainbow Bridge can be seen quickly and easily from the sky on an airplane tour out of Page; reaching Rainbow Bridge on foot, however, is a different story. There are two hiking trails that lead to Rainbow Bridge, both of which located almost entirely on Navajo territory. One must obtain a permit from the Navajo Parks before hiking to Rainbow Bridge.
Though the hike is only 4 miles round trip, these trails are not designed for novice hikers. Between the rugged maintenance, the sky high summer temperatures, and the sparse trail markers, it is advised that only experienced hikers take on the challenge of reaching Rainbow Bridge. Maps for both trails can be found at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center or online here. This region is also prone to seasonal flash flooding, so check weather conditions before hiking. Do NOT attempt to hike to Rainbow Bridge during a rainstorm. Wary hikers can arrange to have boat transport awaiting at the end of Rainbow Bridge by contacting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Concessioner at (928) 645-2433.
While the name may not sound familiar, Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous natural locations in the world. While it appears as just a thin crevice in the stark stone landscape, this winding natural corridor used to provide shelter to ancient Navajo warriors looking for the perfect hideout. Today, the depths of these undulating sandstone walls have provided photographers both amateur and professional with endless inspiration. In fact, the most expensive photograph ever sold was taken within Antelope Canyon. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the famous light shafts peeking through the winding canyon surface.
Because this area is still located within the Navajo Nation's territory, visitors to Page are not permitted to enter Navajo territory, let alone the canyon itself, without a permit. Antelope Canyon is only accessible to non-natives through tours approved by the Navajo themselves. Scenic offers the Antelope Canyon Expedition, which includes air travel to Page from Las Vegas as well as a tour into Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide. Additionally, there are many Navajo tour companies A complete list of both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tour operators, as well as booking times and availabilities, can be found at Antelopecanyon.az. Be advised that, whether you're travelling with Scenic Airlines or visiting Antelope on your own, reservations are required between the months of March and October.
Horseshoe Bend is a section of Glen Canyon where the Colorado River winds in nearly a full circle. For decades, this gorgeous landform has been a favorite destination for photographers and sightseers alike. Its barrier-free border allows viewers to stand right at the cliff's edge and gaze down at the curious twist in the Colorado River below. After being seen around the world, first in nature publications and now through the internet, Horseshoe Bend has become a wildly popular tourist spot.
There is no entry fee to visit this incredible natural location; however, the nearby parking lots are typically at full capacity, so visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or to plan for a potentially long search for parking. To reach the most central viewing area requires a .75-mile hike from the main parking area to the canyon's edge. This is important to note when travelling with the elderly or the accessibility-restricted. Sturdy shoes are recommended when visiting Horseshoe Bend.
Alternatively, visitors pressed for time or simply looking for convenience can skip the hassle of parking and hiking and experience Horseshoe Bend on an airplane tour, offering aerial sights and photography opportunities from the sky.
Learn more about visiting Horseshoe Bend here.
Tower Butte is a massive flat-topped hill rising out of the desert earth in Page, Arizona. Its 1000-foot high vertical sides makes it utterly impossible to climb. The only way to reach the top is by helicopter landing. At the top, you'll find incredible panoramic views of the Lake Powell's vast waters, its rippling shoreline, and the remarkable rock formations scattered across the desert landscape. Learn more about visiting Tower Butte here.
Glen Canyon Dam is the 4th largest dam in the United States, rising over 700 feet above the Colorado River. This massive construction is capable of obstructing over 9 trillion gallons of water when Lake Powell is at capacity. In fact, Lake Powell was created by the water reallocation of Glen Canyon Dam. The dam is open for visitors year round with tour times varying seasonally. The Glen Canyon Dam's website lists current tour times as well as pricing for children, adults, and seniors. Reservations are only accepted in person at the Carl Hayden Visitor center up to 24 hours before tour time. For more information, call (928) 608-6072 or email info@glencanyonnha.org.
Major John Wesley Powell was a Civil War soldier, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, and geologist who was responsible for the first major exploration of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, and Glen Canyon - which he named. The nearby reservoir created by Glen Canyon Dam - Lake Powell - as well as many other natural landforms are named for this legendary explorer. The John Wesley Powell museum contains exhibits about Powell's life and adventures, the history of Page, Arizona, history of the neighboring Native American tribes, and a new geological exhibit. The John Wesley Powell museum also features an artist of the month.
The museum is open to all seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Best of all, admission to the museum is free to visit, operating entirely on the donations of its patrons. To learn more about the John Wesley Powell museum, visit the official website here or call 928-645-9496.