Page Arizona To Grand Canyon Road Trip: Best Stops, Itinerary & Tips

While the drive from Page, Arizona to Grand Canyon National Park is only 2 hours, there’s a surprising number of fun things to do along the route.

This road trip is a perfect addition to your Grand Canyon itinerary, or if you’re looking to complete the Grand Circle Road Trip (a loop trip to 6 National Parks in Arizona and Utah.)

If you’re short on time, I recommend stopping at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon on your trip from Page to Grand Canyon. With more time, add Monument Valley and Toadstool Hoodoos or any of the other unique stops covered in this article!

In this article:

• Best stops from Page to Grand Canyon
• What to do in Page, Arizona and Grand Canyon
• Printable road trip itinerary
• Tips for travel & where to stay

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Day 1: Page, Arizona Itinerary

I don’t think Page, Arizona gets enough credit for the incredible number of things it has to do or see within a short drive.

There are some truly incredible landscape views (like Rainbow Bridge and Horseshoe Bend), as well as several interesting man-made features (like Glen Canyon.)

These are some of my favorite activities in Page, AZ. You could easily fill a multi-day itinerary without driving more than 20-minutes from downtown.

Sunrise At Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is located just 10 minutes south of town and is one of the most popular things to do in Page, Arizona.

I recommend getting an early start to your day and catching sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. It’ll get more crowded as the day goes on.

During the summer, it can get quite hot here, so going earlier in the day is ideal.

The viewpoint from the overlook offers a stunning view of the Colorado River below, as it curves around sandstone cliffs (resembling… you guessed it! a horseshoe)

From the parking area, it’s a 0.8 mile (one-way) hike down to the viewpoint. The trail is easy with mild elevation change, but you head downhill first so be prepared to hike back up after.

Sunset is also a really popular time to visit, but you’ll want to arrive a 45-minutes to an hour early so you can find parking and deal with the crowds.

Since it became instagram famous the crowds have exploded. For that reason, a $10 admission fee is now charged (per vehicle). This fee is specific to the parking area for Horseshoe Bend (owned by the City of Page), and not for the entire park (which is actually part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.)

Explore Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most popular things to do in Page Arizona, and for good reason! You definitely do not want to skip this!

The famous deep red and orange slot canyons attract visitors from all over the world. However, in order to visit Antelope Canyon you will need to book a tour. The land is owned by the Navajo Nation, and independent entry is forbidden.

There are three locations in Antelope Canyon that offer tours:
Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon and Antelope Canyon X.

While they’re all relatively similar, there are a few noteworthy differences in these canyon locations:

• Lower Antelope Canyon (Book Here) – narrower at the bottom and widens out towards the top.
• Upper Antelope Canyon (Book Here) – wider at the bottom and narrower at the top.
• Antelope Canyon X (Book here) – has the tallest slot canyons, and it tends to be the least crowded.

Antelope Canyon land belongs to the Navajo Nation, and the tours are run by Indigenous guides to help protect the land. Tours typically cost anywhere from $70 to $125 per person.

There is one exception to the tour requirement, though. Entry from the water is allowed, so you can rent a kayak from Antelope Point Marina.

It’s approximately 2 miles to reach Antelope Canyon from the boat launch.

Guided kayaking tours to Antelope Canyon are also available.

Waterholes Canyon (Alternative To Antelope Canyon)

Waterholes Canyon is a unique thing to do on a road trip from Grand Canyon to Page Arizona, just a few miles from Horseshoe Bend.

Like Antelope Canyon, it’s a stunning slot canyon with bold red walls and intricate patterns. However, it’s lesser known and tends to have fewer crowds.

While this trail, located within Navajo Nation, used to be open to the public, you now need a pre-booked tour to explore Waterholes Canyon.

Hikes are typically 2-miles and take about an hour and a half to complete.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is just 5 minutes from Page, AZ along US-89. It’s located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area along the Scenic View Drive.

There’s a short (0.2 miles total) but steep trail that leads to the viewpoint overlooking the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River.

From the same parking area you can take another trail to the Colorado River Viewpoint (0.8 miles total). The view from here is spectacular, especially when you consider how many millions of years it took for the river to carve through the rock layers.

Glen Canyon Dam is so impressive – it’s the second largest concrete arch dam in the United States. Hoover Dam is only larger by 16 feet.

Horseshoe Bend, Rainbow Bridge, Lake Powell and Lee’s Ferry are also located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, although it’s a huge area covering over 1.25 million acres.

Spend The Afternoon On Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a huge reason people visit Page, Arizona. It’s a massive reservoir with plenty of water activities like boating, kayaking and paddle boarding.

I’ve even rented a houseboat on Lake Powell for a week, which was incredibly fun!

You can spend an afternoon on Lake Powell, or several days. Kayak rentals are available at the Antelope Point Marina boat launch.

I recommend booking an evening dinner cruise on Canyon Princess to see Lake Powell at sunset.

Day 2: Page, Arizona Itinerary

With a second day in Page, Arizona there are several famous hikes to explore. Or, take a boat out to Rainbow Bridge for the day!

The New Wave (Alternative To The Wave)

You may have heard of The Wave – a popular hiking trail in Paria Canyon, along the Utah and Arizona state line. It’s so popular that you can only hike it with a permit, and they’re some of the hardest hiking permits to get in the US. (The Wave is covered later on in this article!)

The New Wave is a great alternative option for a trip from Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona because it’s closer, and you don’t have to win a permit lottery. It’s also shorter, just a 1.3 mile loop.

It’s just 5 minutes from downtown Page, and is a smaller but intricate sandstone formation like the Wave. It’s also free to explore!

The two hikes (Wave and New Wave) are actually only about 25 miles apart (as the bird flies), so geologically they’re relatively similar.

There isn’t much shade along the trail, so I recommend hiking it early in the day, before the heat, bringing plenty of water and packing a wide-brimmed sun hat.

Hanging Gardens Trail

Hanging Gardens Trail is a fairly easy 1.4 mile round trip hike, just across the river from The New Wave. The trail meanders through desert terrain and ends at a lush oasis of green plant life that’s sustained through the natural springs in the area.

Most of the trail is exposed, so this is another good hike for early morning or late evening when the sun isn’t so intense.

Visit Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world, located on Lake Powell. It rivals even the largest arches in Arches National Park.

But, there are only two ways to get there: by boat, or a 26+ mile hike.

The most popular way to get to Rainbow Bridge is by boat. Not a big surprise (lol), considering the alternative is a multi-day trek.

Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offer boat tours, which take around 7 hours, depending on water levels.

From the boat dock, there is a two-mile round trip hike to the base of Rainbow Bridge, but the exact distance also depends on the lakes water levels.

Private boats are also permitted to dock at Rainbow Bridge, including private boat rentals. The fee for docking is $30 per boat.

Alternatively, you can hike or backpack to Rainbow Bridge, but it requires strong navigation and backcountry skills.

There are two trail options:
North Trail is 30-miles round trip, and South Trail is 27-miles round trip.

You’ll also need a permit to hike, as both trails are located within Navajo Nation.

Rainbow Bridge is a sacred site and holds spiritual significance for local Native American tribes. To show respect to the significance of this land please do not climb or stand on the arch.

The Secret Cave Behind Shell Gas Station

This is a fun one! There’s a Shell gas station on Coppermine Road in Page that has a secret hidden cave.

Directly behind the gas station is a small opening that leads into a beautiful sandstone cave chamber.

Is it the most epic arch in the southwest? No. But as far as refueling stops go, it’s a fun, off-the-beaten-path thing to do in Page Arizona on your way out of (or in to) town!

Address: 1501 Coppermine Rd, Page, AZ

More Time: Short Detours From Page, AZ

These stops aren’t along the route from Page Arizona to Grand Canyon, but they’re so incredible and worth adding to your itinerary if you can squeeze them in!

Oljato Monument Valley

Straddling the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley is located on US-163, about 2 hours from Page, Arizona.

It’s famous for its massive red sandstone buttes and mesas that rise dramatically from the desert floor. The landscape has been featured in countless TV shows and films, but it’s most famously known from Forrest Gump.

Monument Valley Scenic Drive is a 17-mile loop that takes you through the valley. It offers stunning viewpoints where you can stop for photos and take in the vast, iconic landscape.

There’s an entrance fee of $8 per person, which helps support the Navajo Nation and the preserve of the land.

NOTE: The scenic drive through Monument Valley is on a dirt road. You’ll want a high clearance vehicle for this trip, and if it’s recently rained I highly recommend a 4×4 vehicle.

It’s also really important to make sure your rental car agreement allows you to drive on dirt roads (many exclude non-paved roads).

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour if you don’t have a suitable vehicle to drive yourself.

TIP: For overnight trips, the most convenient place to stay in Monument Valley is The View Hotel which is located inside of the park. Desert Rose Resort & Cabins is another good nearby option.

The Wave

The Wave is about 45 minutes west of Page, AZ, along House Rock Valley Road (off US-89).

It’s a world-famous sandstone formation with mesmerizing, wave-like patterns of red, orange, and yellow. In addition to the swirling sandstone stripes you’ll also see dinosaur tracks along this hike.

However, it’s very difficult to secure permits for hiking this trail.

Access to The Wave is limited to 64 permits per day (48 available through an online lottery, 16 through an in-person lottery). I know people who have tried for years and still not been successful in getting a permit for this hike.

The trail is about 6.8 miles long, and while not physically difficult, it can be exceptionally hard to navigate and the full sun exposure can dehydrate you quickly.

TIP: Download the AllTrails map ahead of time. You’ll need an AllTrails+ membership to access maps offline, which is $3/month or $36 annually (you can save 30% on annual memberships with code EVERYWHERE30)

Toadstool Hoodoos

Toadstool Hoodoos is only 30 minutes west of Page, AZ, near Big Water, Utah. The trail showcases unique mushroom-shaped rock formations created by centuries of erosion.

There’s a popular 1.7 mile hike through the hoodoos. The trail is rated as easy and has a very modest elevation gain. While the parking area is fairly small, it’s usually not busy.

If your trip includes Zion or Bryce Canyon, both The Wave and Toadstool Hoodoos are directly along the route!

Day 3: Drive From Page, AZ To Grand Canyon National Park

For a relatively short drive from Page to Grand Canyon (just under 2 hours to the East entrance), there’s a surprising number of things to do along the route.

This drive is pretty easy, and incredibly scenic. You can do it in an afternoon, or spend the whole day exploring (which is what I recommend!)

There are also several fantastic bucket list hikes along this road trip, but I’ll cover those in the next section.

Quick Stop At Antelope Pass Vista

Antelope Pass Vista is a quick stop just 20-minutes south of town as you head from Page to Grand Canyon National Park.

The road ascends towards the high desert plateau and from here you can see a sweeping view of the desert valley below, with dramatic red rocks, sagebrush, and colorful desert terrain.

It’s a quick pull-off, but one you won’t want to miss!

Detour To Lee’s Ferry

Lee’s Ferry is a fun stop on your drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon. It takes about 45 minutes to reach from Page, so it’s a good way to break up the drive.

You’ll need to detour slightly to reach Lee’s Ferry. The route takes you through Marble Canyon which is incredibly scenic. In total, the detour adds about 20-minutes in each direction.

Historically, Lee’s Ferry was important for pioneers heading West because it was the only place for nearly 700 miles where it was possible to both access and cross the raging Colorado River.

Today, it’s still difficult to access the Colorado River by car in most of this area due to the massive rock walls that flank the river and prevent road access. That means Lee’s Ferry is the only place where you can launch a boat into the Colorado River for hundreds of miles.

There’s also a very neat slot canyon hike in this area. Cathedral Wash Trail is only 3.3 miles out-and-back, but requires a bit of a scramble in some sections (especially at the start of the trail).

NOTE: Hiking in slot canyons can be dangerous, so make sure you’re aware of the weather forecast. Rain can lead to deadly flash flooding. If any rain is predicted in the area (or surrounding areas), skip this hike.

The trail to Cathedral Wash can be tricky to follow, and it’s not always well marked. I highly recommend downloading the offline AllTrails map ahead of time.

NOTE: You’ll need an AllTrails+ membership to use their offline maps (you can use code EVERYWHERE30 for 30% off your annual membership, regularly $36/year.)

There is a $30/vehicle entrance fee for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. However, if you have an annual America The Beautiful National Parks pass ($80/year) entry is free.

TIP: The annual National Parks pass is a great money-saving option for a road trip from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon. Between Grand Canyon ($35 entrance fee) and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area ($30 entrance fee) you’ll spend $65. The annual pass is just $80 and gets you access to these areas for free, plus any additional parks (over 2,000!) you visit for the rest of the year!

Stop By Navajo Bridge

Navajo Bridge is also located on the same short detour to Lee’s Ferry. You’ll cross the bridge on your way to Lee’s Ferry, which is located in the center of Marble Canyon.

The bridge was completed in 1929, and basically put Lee’s Ferry out of business. Instead of the dangerous river crossing, travelers could safely cross the Colorado River by bridge instead.

A more modern vehicle bridge was constructed in 1995. Now, the original bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge with great views of the river below.

This is a great place to take a short break to stretch your legs and check out the bridge. The coolest part of this stop are the endangered California Condors.

They’re extremely rare, extremely massive birds, and you have a good chance to spot them here as it’s one of the highest concentrations of California Condors in the US.

The only other place I’ve spotted California Condors was on a recent trip to Zion National Park, while hiking Angels Landing. They’re also supposed to be fairly prevalent in Pinnacles National Park, but I wasn’t lucky enough to see one during my visit.

Find Dinosaur Tracks At Navajo Moenave

Want to see 200 million year old dinosaur tracks? You’re in luck! Navajo Moenave is an hour south of Page and showcases some incredibly well preserved dinosaur tracks, tail drags, and other interesting prehistoric formations.

Navajo Native’s offer guided tours to show you the tracks, as well as share interesting history about the Jurassic period, how the tracks were discovered, and geological explanations about their formation.

While the site is free to visit, donations are appreciated for guided tours and the preservation of the site.

Grab Tacos At Cameron Trading Post

The Cameron Trading Post is a highlight for a road trip from Page to Grand Canyon. It’s located on US-89 just before the turn-off towards Grand Canyon.

Established in 1916, it was originally a market for Navajo and Hopi locals to trade their goods. Today, it’s a popular gift shop, restaurant, gallery, and hotel.

In the gift shop you can find jewelry, pottery, rugs, and art. The real appeal is the restaurant, though!

The reason this stop is famous is for their Navajo Tacos. Green Chili is also a popular menu item.

Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook

About two hours into your drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon you’ll come across Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook. It’s a smaller canyon that gives you a preview of what you’re about to see as you drive into Grand Canyon National Park.

This spot holds cultural significance to the Navajo people, and is still managed by the Navajo Nation.

Local native vendors sell their crafts and art here, so it’s a great spot to look for unique gifts and souvenirs from your trip.

The Navajo Nation charges a fee to enter this area, which helps them maintain their sacred lands. However, the fee seems to change a bit (sometimes $9, sometimes donation based) and often-times there is no one there to collect a fee.

Arrive At Grand Canyon National Park

When driving from Page Arizona to Grand Canyon, the fastest way into the park is through the Desert View Entrance on the east side.

This isn’t the primary entrance to the park, so it’s typically less busy with fewer lines to enter the park gates (which is good news for you, because the main entrance can get absolutely mobbed in the summer.)

Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle (good for 7 days). You can also enter for free with an America The Beautiful National Park Pass.

Desert View Scenic Drive & Best Viewpoints

By entering Grand Canyon from the east, you’ll drive along the scenic road (Desert View Drive), following the South rim, with many great viewpoints.

Desert View Drive is 23 miles long, and it will take you into the heart of Grand Canyon Village.

Plan to spend 1 – 2 hours driving the scenic road and exploring the stops.

If you time it right, I highly recommend catching sunset at Grandview Point before continuing into Grand Canyon Village for dinner.

There are also several unique and historic hotels in Grand Canyon Village (more on this below) – my favorite is El Tovar.

Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary

Once you arrive at Grand Canyon Village, you can park your vehicle and explore by foot or with the free shuttle for the rest of your trip.

Parking at the Grand Canyon South rim can be a challenge. Luckily, they have several massive overflow parking lots and there are 3 shuttle routes (red, orange and blue) that are quick and efficient at getting you around the park.

The free Grand Canyon shuttle runs year-round. Blue Route connects the Visitor Center to Mather Point; Orange Route runs Visitor Center to South Kaibab Trailhead; Red Route (Hermit Road) runs March 1 through November 30.

Ooh Aah Point & Rim Trail

There’s plenty to do on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. This is where most of the parks restaurants and hotels are located, as well as the famous Rim Trail.

For breakfast, I recommend Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe. They have coffee and grab-and-go options. While you’re there, put your name on the bike rental reservation list for the afternoon!

If you’re feeling adventurous, start your morning with a short hike into the canyon. South Kaibab Trail is 14.3 miles in total, but some of the best views are found just one mile below the rim, from Ooh Aah Point.

After, walk along Rim Trail back towards the Visitor Center. In total it’s a 12.8 mile path that’s paved, mostly flat and follows the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You can walk the entire trail, or shorter sections of it.

Two sections of the Rim Trail you don’t want to miss are the 1.7 mile section between the Visitor Center and Yavapai Geological Museum. This section is known as Trail of Time and it showcases the geological formation of the Grand Canyon.

The second section is a 2.5 mile stretch between South Kaibab Trailhead and Mather Point, which is also right next to the Visitor Center. This portion of Rim Trail has some stunning views into the canyon.

The free Grand Canyon shuttle (orange line) also follows the Rim Trail. I recommend walking one-direction and taking the shuttle back to save time.

Bike Along Hermit Road

In the afternoon, grab lunch in Grand Canyon Village and then pick up your rental bicycle from Grand Canyon Village to bike along Hermit Road. Hermit Road is also accessible with the free Grand Canyon shuttle (red line.)

Hermit Road is 7.8 miles long and follows the western section of the south rim. It’s home to some incredible viewpoints, including Hopi Point (which I think is best for sunset in Grand Canyon National Park.)

NOTE: Private vehicles are only permitted to drive on Hermit Road between December and February.

Day 5: Grand Canyon Itinerary

If you have a second day in Grand Canyon, I recommend hiking some (or all) of Bright Angel Trail below the rim, exploring Grand Canyon Village and participating in an adventure tour.

Bright Angel Trail: Hike Below The Rim

Bright Angel Trail is a 15.8 mile out-and-back trail into the canyon. Even just a short hike down the path will get you to some incredible views from below the rim.

An early start will help beat the heat (it’s generally warmer below the rim, sometimes as much as 10°F warmer!) Before the sun gets too high, there are many sections of this trail that are shaded.

If you don’t want to hike the entire trail, there are some notable points along the trail that are good turn-around points. 1.5 miles down the trail you’ll find restrooms and seasonally available water. For a longer hike, head to Havasupai Garden which is 4.5 miles one-way.

Adventure Tours In Grand Canyon

One of the best ways to see Grand Canyon National Park, especially if you’re short on time, is with an iconic scenic helicopter ride. For an extra special flight, book a tour for sunset.

Grand Canyon Jeep Tours are also a great way to see the highlights while avoiding the crowds. Hop in the famous pink jeep for a 2 hour tour (morning or afternoon options) with a small group and knowledgeable guide.

For a detailed overview of how to spend 1 to 3 days in Grand Canyon National Park check out my itinerary here.

Tips For Driving From Page To Grand Canyon

There’s a few important things to keep in mind before you begin your drive from Page to Grand Canyon.

Changing Timezones

Most importantly, Arizona has weird timezones. While Arizona does not observe daylight savings time, Navajo Nation does.

If your trip falls between March and November you will regain an hour when you leave Navajo Nation.

Navajo Nation occupies most of northeastern Arizona, but does not include Page. It’s western border is the Colorado River, so activities like Lee’s Ferry and Marble Canyon follow regular Arizona time.

Most of the activities south of Page, but east of the river are on Navajo Nation. It’s best to double check all of your reservations to make sure you’re arriving at the correct time!

Limited Services Between Page, AZ And Grand Canyon

Next, there are some remote stretches along the drive from Page to Grand Canyon. Make sure your gas tank does not get too empty, and always have a plan for when you’ll be able to refuel.

While cell service has improved significantly, there are still spots with limited cell coverage. Some remote areas only have LTE — which means you can place a phone call but you won’t have any data for things like maps and directions.

I always download an offline map in Google Maps for my road trips. The map data is stored locally on your phone so you can access driving directions, gas stations, store hours etc. It’s also a good way to use less data and avoid overages while traveling.

Great Route For Campervans

I’ve traveled all over the US, Canada and Mexico in my campervan. By far, the easiest place to travel this way is Arizona and Utah.

There are so many great (free!) places to camp and I love the flexibility of having my bed and kitchen with me everywhere I go!

If you’ve been interested van life, this would be a great road trip to give it a try!

Best Time For A Page To Grand Canyon Road Trip

Page, Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are both great destinations year-round, but there are better times to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds and hotter weather.

My favorite month to visit Grand Canyon is April. The summer crowds haven’t picked up, and while it’s cold at night (sometimes even snowy!), daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking.

• 🌱 Spring (March–May): comfortable temps, some snow possible at Grand Canyon in March, Hermit Road shuttle-only March 1–Nov 30
• 🌻 Summer (June–Aug): hottest, most crowded, start early and bring extra water
• 🍂 Fall (Sept–Nov): ideal temps, crowds thin after Labor Day, layers recommended
• ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): quietest, snow on the rim, Hermit Road open to private vehicles Dec 1–Feb 28

Page To Grand Canyon FAQs

Additional Resources For Planning Your Trip From Page To Grand Canyon National Park

• 1 – 3 Day Trip To Grand Canyon Itinerary
• Las Vegas to Page, Arizona (2 Route Options)
• Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Canyon To Zion National Park
• Moab To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
• Las Vegas To Grand Canyon By Car: Road Trip Itinerary
• Road Trips From Las Vegas – 14 Epic Destinations