Slot Canyons, Sandstone Sculptures and the Colorado River

Few places in the American Southwest offer the diversity of landscapes found around Page, Arizona. Perched above the Colorado River near the Arizona-Utah border, Page serves as a gateway to some of North America’s most remarkable natural wonders, including Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, Marble Canyon, and the Vermilion Cliffs. Within a short drive, visitors can experience winding slot canyons, dramatic river overlooks, vast reservoirs, towering sandstone cliffs, colorful badlands, and charming western towns.

Originally established during the construction of Glen Canyon Dam, Page has evolved into one of the premier base camps for exploring Canyon Country. Whether you’re interested in geology, photography, history, hiking, or simply enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in the Southwest, Page offers an ideal blend of accessibility and adventure.

Route Information

This journey is organized into two distinct loops that begin and end in Page. In the morning, we explore three of the area’s most iconic natural wonders, beginning with a guided tour of Antelope Canyon before continuing to Biidi The Arch and the spectacular overlook at Horseshoe Bend. These stops showcase the remarkable power of water and erosion, from the sculpted sandstone walls of a slot canyon to one of the most famous bends in the Colorado River. After returning to Page for lunch, we begin a second loop focused on Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. Starting at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, we’ll learn how engineering transformed the region before exploring the shoreline at The Chains, the unexpected desert oasis of Hanging Garden Trail, the panoramic vistas along the Rim View Trail and Potato Hill Overlook, and finally Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for a dramatic view of the dam, bridge, and Colorado River canyon below. Together, these two loops provide a comprehensive introduction to the geology, history, and landscapes that make Page one of the premier destinations in Canyon Country.

Antelope Canyon

We will begin our day at Antelope Canyon, one of the most celebrated natural wonders in the American Southwest. Carved over thousands of years by flash floods rushing through Navajo Sandstone, these narrow slot canyons feature flowing walls, vibrant colors, and ever-changing light that create an experience unlike any other. Located approximately 6 to 8 miles from downtown Page, the canyon entrances are a 10 to 15 minute drive away. Tour guides are mandatory in Antelope Canyon. Please make arrangements for a tour to visit Upper/Lower Antelope Canyon with Navajo Nation Tribal Parks. Their local operators have the history and knowledge of the canyon. Follow all Navajo Nation laws and regulations while visiting.  Plan to allow 1½ to 2 hours, including check-in and the guided tour. This is one attraction that consistently exceeds expectations, even for visitors who have seen countless photographs beforehand. 

Biidi The Arch

After exploring Antelope Canyon, we will continue to Biidi The Arch, one of the area’s lesser-known treasures. Part of its appeal is that the sand cave is located behind the Big Lake Trading Post at the Shell station on AZ 98, making it easy to overlook despite being only a short drive from town. Once you pull into the lot, you’ll see a dirt road beyond the gas pumps. Follow this road to the left and park along the barbed wire fence. Do not take up spots for the trading post and gas station. Its a relatively easy hike across open desert terrain leads to a graceful sandstone arch overlooking the canyon country surrounding Page. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of mesas, cliffs, and colorful rock formations while experiencing a welcome sense of solitude away from some of the region’s busier attractions. Located approximately 5 minutes from downtown Page. Allow 30-45 min for the hike, photography, and time to appreciate this rewarding hidden gem. 

Horseshoe Bend

Next, we will make the short drive to Horseshoe Bend, one of the most recognizable landscapes in North America. A well-maintained trail leads to a dramatic overlook where the Colorado River completes a spectacular 270-degree turn around a sandstone butte nearly 1,000 feet below. The scale of the scene is breathtaking, with layers of red rock, open desert, and the emerald-green river creating one of the Southwest’s signature views. Located about 5 miles south of downtown Page, Horseshoe Bend is only a 10-minute drive from town. The walk to and from the overlook is about 1½ miles roundtrip, and most visitors will want to allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the experience. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the view never fails to impress.

Carl Hayden Visitor Center & Glen Canyon Dam

After a lunch break in Page, we will shift from natural wonders to one of the most significant engineering projects in the American West. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center tells the story of Glen Canyon Dam, whose construction led to the creation of Lake Powell and the founding of modern Page. Exhibits, photographs, and viewing areas help explain the scale of the project and its impact on the region. Visitors can enjoy close-up views of the dam, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River far below. Located approximately 3 miles from downtown Page, the visitor center can be reached in about 10 minutes. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to explore the exhibits and enjoy the viewpoints. This stop provides valuable context for many of the landscapes you’ll encounter in the area.

The Chains

After exploring the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glen Canyon Dam, we will return toward Page before heading to The Chains, a scenic shoreline area on the edge of Lake Powell. The drive is about 2 miles away (approximately 10 minutes) and offers additional views of Glen Canyon and the surrounding desert landscape. Unlike overlooks that place you high above the scenery, The Chains allows you to experience Lake Powell up close. Visitors can wander along smooth sandstone ledges, watch reflections dance across the water, and enjoy one of the most peaceful settings near Page. Popular with locals, photographers, and those simply seeking a quiet moment by the water, this stop provides an intimate connection to the lake and surrounding sandstone landscape. Allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore the shoreline and take in the views.  Trailhead: Just east of Glen Canyon Dam, take a gravel road heading north off of Highway 89. Turn left pass the Hanging Gardens parking area, and continue down the rough dirt road to reach the first of two parking areas.

Hanging Garden Trail

After enjoying the lakeshore, we will retrace our route approximately 1 mile to Hanging Garden Trail, a short walk that reveals one of the desert’s most surprising environments. Groundwater seeping through layers of sandstone supports a small hanging garden filled with ferns, wildflowers, and other moisture-loving plants rarely seen in the surrounding landscape. The contrast between the lush vegetation and the surrounding desert makes this a unique stop and a reminder of the powerful role water plays in shaping life throughout Canyon Country. The trail is 1 mile round trip and easy to follow, and most visitors can comfortably enjoy the walk in 30 to 45 minutes.  Trailhead: The turn-off is 1/4 mile (0.4 km) east of Glen Canyon Bridge (the opposite side of the bridge from Carl Hayden Visitor Center) on Highway 89. Trailhead parking is 500 yards (455 m) off of Highway 89.

Rim View Trail & Lake View Trailhead

From Hanging Garden Trail, we will continue approximately 5 minutes to the Rim View Trail and Lake View Trailhead on Ridgeway Drive at the north end of Page. The parking area is easy to identify, located at a sharp 90-degree bend in the road just before it descends steeply toward Highway 89. This scenic trail system offers some of the finest panoramic views in the Page area, including Potato Hill Overlook and multiple viewpoints across Lake Powell, Wahweap Bay, Navajo Mountain, Glen Canyon, and the surrounding desert landscape. Unlike many of the area’s destination hikes, the Rim View Trail rewards visitors almost immediately with broad vistas and the flexibility to walk as much or as little as they wish. It is an excellent place to stretch your legs, enjoy the open scenery, and gain a deeper appreciation for the immense scale of Canyon Country. Allow 30 to 60 minutes to explore the trail and overlooks at a comfortable pace. 

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

To conclude our day, we will drive approximately 2.5 miles and 10 minutes back toward US 89 to Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. A short trail crosses slickrock and sandstone ledges before reaching one of the area’s most dramatic viewpoints. From here, visitors can see Glen Canyon Dam, the Glen Canyon Bridge spanning the Colorado River, and the winding river far below framed by towering canyon walls. Having already experienced the shoreline, the dam, and the broad panoramas of Lake Powell, this final stop brings the entire landscape into perspective. While the visitor center explains the history, this overlook reveals the scale and beauty of the canyon itself. Plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes here, including the short walk to the viewpoint. It is a fitting finale to a day spent exploring the remarkable relationship between water, geology, and human ingenuity in the Page area.

Thanks for exploring with me!

I hope you enjoyed discovering the wonders of Page and found inspiration for your own adventures in Canyon Country.

If you enjoyed the route, found a hidden gem, or have ideas for improving the experience, I’d love to hear from you! Your insights help me improve future experiences and inspire fellow travelers. Please rate this walk using the stars below — and feel free to leave a comment. Thank you! — and happy exploring!