Page, Arizona is home to two of the state's most photographed sites: Antelope Canyon (a stunning Navajo-guided slot canyon tour) and Horseshoe Bend (the Colorado River's dramatic 270-degree meander). A long but extraordinarily rewarding day trip.
Page, Arizona, lies 430 kilometers north of Phoenix on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, a four-hour drive via Interstate 17 north through Flagstaff and US-89 north past Cameron and the Navajo Nation. This remote destination packages two of the American Southwest's most photographed natural features — Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend — into a single extraordinarily rewarding, though genuinely long, day.
Upper Antelope Canyon is a Navajo-owned and operated slot canyon on Navajo Nation land east of Page off AZ-98. The canyon's narrow sandstone walls, carved by flash floods over millennia, funnel direct sunlight into the chamber between approximately 11am and 1pm during the warmer months, creating the iconic shafts of light that draw photographers from around the world. Entry is by guided tour only, costing $80–120 per person depending on season and operator, and must be booked online well in advance — weeks or months ahead during peak season from March through October. Lower Antelope Canyon, a separate site slightly further east, is longer and deeper, reached by fixed ladders, and requires booking through different Navajo-licensed operators.
Horseshoe Bend lies 8 kilometers south of Page on US-89, where the Colorado River executes a near-complete 270-degree meander around a sandstone mesa. The 2.5-kilometer round-trip walk from the Highway 89 parking area ($10 per vehicle) leads to a cliff-edge overlook approximately 300 meters above the river. The drop is sheer with limited protective barriers along most of its length; visitors should exercise caution, particularly with children. Sunrise and sunset light transforms the composition dramatically.
The drive north follows US-89 past the turnoff for Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell — a 10-minute detour from Page provides viewpoints over the reservoir. The Navajo Bridge near Marble Canyon spans the Colorado and offers a footbridge walk above the river. Food options in Page include Fiesta Mexicana and several diners in the town center; Big Lake Trading Post serves basic provisions.
The full itinerary requires a 5am Phoenix departure and will not conclude until near midnight, making it the most physically demanding day trip in the Arizona portfolio. A prebooked 11am Antelope Canyon slot is the linchpin around which the rest of the day is structured.
Suggested itinerary
- Leave Phoenix 5am. Arrive Page 9am. Morning Antelope Canyon tour (book 11am slot for light beams). Lunch at Big Lake Trading Post. Afternoon Horseshoe Bend hike, sunset views, return to Phoenix by midnight.
Highlights
- Upper Antelope Canyon guided tour (light beams, 11am-1pm)
- Horseshoe Bend overlook at sunset
- Lake Powell views along US-89
- Navajo Bridge over the Colorado
- Glen Canyon Dam viewpoint
Tips for visiting
- Book Antelope Canyon tour tickets online at least 4–8 weeks in advance for peak season (March–October); same-week availability at Upper Canyon is rarely possible.
- The 11am–1pm window is essential for the famous light-beam photographs at Upper Antelope Canyon — morning or late-afternoon tours produce good images but the beams do not appear.
- Horseshoe Bend is entirely unshaded; carry at least 2 liters of water per person for the short walk, especially May through September when ground temperatures can exceed 50°C.
- The Navajo Bridge at Marble Canyon adds only 15 minutes to the drive and offers a free Colorado River gorge viewpoint — worth the brief detour northbound.
- An organized day tour from Phoenix ($150–200) is a practical alternative to driving 8–9 hours round trip; most include transportation, both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and a lunch stop.
When to visit
Late March through October is the primary visitor season, with the 11am–1pm window at Upper Antelope Canyon essential for the light-beam photographs. Avoiding July and August is advisable for visitors sensitive to extreme heat, particularly at exposed Horseshoe Bend where shade is entirely absent.
Accessibility
Antelope Canyon tours involve sandy, uneven terrain and narrow passages that are not suitable for wheelchair users; Navajo-licensed tour operators do not currently offer accessible alternatives. Horseshoe Bend involves a 1.25-kilometer walk over sandy and partially paved surfaces — manageable for many with limited mobility, though the overlook area is unpaved and uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Page, AZ from Phoenix?
The drive from Phoenix to Page takes approximately four hours via I-17 north and US-89 north. Departing by 5am allows arrival by 9am, providing enough time for a pre-booked 11am Antelope Canyon tour before afternoon Horseshoe Bend.
Can Antelope Canyon be visited without a guided tour?
No. Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are located on Navajo Nation land and require a licensed Navajo tour guide. Independent access is not permitted, and guided tours must be booked in advance through authorized Navajo-run operators.
What is the difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon?
Upper Antelope Canyon is wider, easier to walk, and produces the famous light beams between 11am and 1pm. Lower Antelope Canyon is longer, narrower, involves ladders, and is slightly less visited. Both are visually spectacular and require separate operator bookings.
Is Horseshoe Bend safe with young children?
The overlook has limited protective barriers along much of the cliff edge, which drops approximately 300 meters to the Colorado River. Visiting with young children requires very close supervision. The walk itself is on a wide sandy trail but is entirely exposed to the sun.
What is the best time of year to visit Page?
Late March through May and September through October offer manageable temperatures and good canyon light. Summer brings intense heat — 40°C+ at Horseshoe Bend — but the light beams in Antelope Canyon remain excellent. Winter offers off-peak access and fewer crowds but shorter days limit the experience.