Page To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

While the drive from Page to Grand Canyon National Park is under 3 hours, there’s a surprising number of 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.)

In this article:

  • The best things to do in Page Arizona
  • Stops between Page to Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon highlights
  • Tips for travel & where to stay

Map: Page To Grand Canyon

Distance From Page To Grand Canyon South Rim: About 2.5 hours to drive (130 miles)
Time Needed: 4 Days Total: 1 day in Page, 1 day for the drive + stops, 1-2 days in Grand Canyon
Page To Grand Canyon Route: Take US-89 South to Cameron, then turn west onto AZ-64 toward the South Rim. The drive is scenic, with a many points of interest along the way.

Use this map to plan your road trip from Page to Grand Canyon National Park! I’ve labeled items by activity type (noted by icon).

Tip: Open this map in your browser by clicking the icon in the top right corner. Then click the star icon on the left-side bar. This will save the map to the Google Maps app on your phone so you can easily reference it during your trip. Locate this map in your Google Maps app by selecting ‘you’ at the bottom of the phone app and then scroll down and click ‘maps’ to find saved trip maps like this one.

Things To Do In Page Arizona

For a relatively small town, there are so many great things to do in Page Arizona! Many things are centrally located and easy to get to, and there are a few additional things I’m including that are a short detour from the route between Page to Grand Canyon National Park.

1. 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.

Since it became instagram famous the crowds have exploded. For that reason, a $10 admission fee is now charged (per vehicle).

To avoid the crowds I recommend going for sunrise or during a week day, if you can.

The viewpoint from the overlook offers a stunning view of the Colorado River below, as it curves around sandstone cliffs.

During the summer, it can get quite hot here, so going earlier in the day is ideal. Sunset is also a really popular time to visit, but get there a little early so you can find parking and deal with the crowds.

Horseshoe Bend along the route from Page to Grand Canyon
Horseshoe Bend | Aris Harding

2. Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is an equally popular thing to do in Page Arizona. The deep red and orange slot canyons attract visitors from all over the world.

In order to visit Antelope Canyon you will need to book a tour. The only exception to the tour requirement is if you rent a kayak from Antelope Point Marina and paddle in approximately 2 miles to reach Antelope Canyon.

You can also book a guided kayaking tour on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon here.

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.

Slot Canyons Near Page Arizona, Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon | Getty

3. Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

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

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.

There’s a short (0.2 miles total) but steep trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. From the same parking area you can take another trail to 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 also impressive – it’s the second largest concrete arch dam in the United States. Hoover Dam is only larger by 16 feet.

Glen Canyon Dam Between Page To Grand Canyon
Glen Canyon Dam | Maria Kray

4. Hanging Gardens Trail

Hanging Gardens Trail is one of the best things to do in Page Arizona. It’s a 1.2 mile round trip trail that’s fairly easy. 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.

There isn’t much shade along Hidden Gardens Trail so I recommend hiking it early in the day, before the heat, and bringing plenty of water.

5. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a huge reason people visit Page, Arizona. It’s a massive reservoir with water activities like boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. I’ve even rented a houseboat on Lake Powell, which was incredibly fun!

You can spend an afternoon on Lake Powell, or several days. I recommend booking an evening dinner cruise on Canyon Princess to see Lake Powell at sunset.

Aeriel view of Lake Powell in Page Arizona
Lake Powell | Peter Schaefer

6. The New 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, which are 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 option for a trip to Page because it’s closer, and you don’t have to win a permit lottery. It’s just 5 minutes from Page, and is a smaller but intricate sandstone formation like the Wave. It’s also free to explore!

You’ll want to follow the Beehive Trail. It’s a 1.9 mile loop trail that takes less an an hour to hike. There isn’t any shade along this trail though, so bring lots of water.

7. Waterholes Canyon

Waterholes Canyon is a unique thing to do in Page Arizona, just a few miles from Horseshoe Bend. Like The New Wave, it’s a stunning slot canyon with bold red walls and intricate patterns. It tends to have much fewer crowds than Antelope Canyon though.

You’ll need a pre-booked tour to explore Waterholes Canyon. This is a hidden gem in Page, Arizona, and a great alternative to Antelope Canyon.

Waterholes Slot Canyon along the route from Page to Grand Canyon National Park
Waterholes Slot Canyon | Getty

8. The Secret Cave at the 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. Behind the station is a small opening that leads into a beautiful sandstone cave chamber.

This is a fun, off-the-beaten-path thing to do in Page Arizona on your way out of town!

9. Shop Local At Outdoor Market

Outdoor Market takes place on the second Saturday of every month and is held on Elm Street in downtown Page.

Local artists display their work for sale, several food vendors are available and you can also shop for Native American jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, artisanal furniture, and more.

Outdoor Market In Page Arizona Held The Second Sunday Of Every Month
Outdoor Market, Second Saturday | ArtTower

Short Detour Day Trips From Page Arizona

These things to do in Page Arizona are a bit of a detour, and aren’t immediately close but are still worth the trip.

10. Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world, located on Lake Powell. There are only two ways to get here: by boat, or a 26+ mile hike.

The 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.

Boat is the most popular way to get to Rainbow Bridge. You can charter a tour Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, which is the only approved concessionaire for the park.

The boat tour costs approximately $170 and takes around 7 hours, depending on water levels. There’s a two-mile round trip hike once you get 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. 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 and South Trail), between 26 and 29 miles round trip. You’ll also need a permit to hike, as both trails are on Navajo Nation territory.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument On Lake Powell Near Page Arizona
Rainbow Bridge | Solange Z

11. 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, including 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 preserve the area.

The most convenient place to stay in Monument Valley is The View Hotel which is located inside of the park. Goulding’s Lodge is another good nearby option.

Monument Valley
Monument Valley | Simon Clayton

12. 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. 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).

The hike is about 6.5 miles long, and while not physically difficult, it can be hard to navigate. In addition to the swirling sandstone stripes you’ll also see dinosaur tracks along this hike.

The Wave In Arizona
The Wave | Mike Kolesnikov

13. Toadstool Hoodoos

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

There’s a popular 1.7 mile hike through the hoodoos. Parking is generally easy, and the trail is easy with very modest elevation gain.

Toadstool Hoodoos In Utah
Toadstool Hoodoos | Dmitry Pichugin

Where To Stay In Page Arizona

Page Arizona is a relatively smaller town. You’ll likely have your own vehicle or a rental car because most of the things to do from Page to Grand Canyon National Park aren’t easily accessible by public transportation.

For that reason, you don’t necessarily need to stay in downtown Page. It may be more convenient to be able to walk to dinner, but if you’re looking for a deal you’ll find better prices a few miles outside of downtown.

Where To Stay In Page Arizona:

Itinerary For Page Arizona

Depending on whether you have one or two days in Page Arizona these are the itineraries I would recommend:

One Day In Page Arizona

  • Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend
  • Antelope Canyon Tour
  • Lunch at Birdhouse
  • Hike The New Wave
  • Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
  • Dinner Cruise on Lake Powell

Two Days In Page Arizona

  • Boat Tour to Rainbow Bridge
  • Hike Toadstool Hoodoos
  • Hike Hanging Gardens Trail
  • Dinner at State 48 Tavern

Stops Along The Route From Page To Grand Canyon

While the route from Page to Grand Canyon National Park is only one hour and 45 minutes to drive, I recommend spending the better part of the day exploring these stops along the way.

1. Antelope Pass Vista

Antelope Pass Vista is a quick stop just 20 minutes south of Page towards Grand Canyon.

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.

Antelope Pass Vista On Route From Page To Grand Canyon National Park
Antelope Pass Vista | Giorgio Morara

2. Lee’s Ferry

Lee’s Ferry is 45 minutes south on your drive from Page to Grand Canyon, but the route takes you on a bit of a detour through the beautiful Marble Canyon.

It was originally popular for ferry crossings across the Colorado River by early pioneers.

This is a great place to walk along the river and see evidence of early pioneer life. It’s also a great place for fishing, if that’s your vibe.

One of the things that is most fascinating to me about Lee’s Ferry is that it’s the only place you can launch a boat into the Colorado River for seven hundred miles. But let me explain why that blows my mind.

I recently backpacked through the Grand Canyon. One of the things that stuck out the most to me is how harsh the canyon walls are. The Colorado River cuts through them, sure, but it’s actually quite hard to get to the water because of all the sheer cliff walls that flank it.

During one day, I hiked 10 miles along the river, but the trail was so high above it with no path down to the river. Even being so close to the water, there was still no way to get to it to filter and refill our water.

While backpacking, we saw several rafting groups. At first, I had assumed these were day trips. However, they are not, for the simple fact that there’s no where to drop a boat in, or take it out of the Colorado River for miles and miles. These rafting trips are actually many days or weeks long.

Lucky for us, one of these raft groups helped us out of a sticky situation and allowed us to hitch hike a quarter of a mile down the river around a rock slide on the trail we couldn’t get around. That’s a story for another day though.

The takeaway for me is this: the Colorado River is a dangerously powerful and fascinating source of water.

The landscape throughout Arizona is dramatic and almost impossible for most forms of life to navigate.

Lee’s Ferry is one of the only spots where it was possible to cross to the West, and even that must have been dangerous and terrifying for early settlers.

Lee's Ferry River Crossing In Arizona
Lee’s Ferry | Getty

3. Navajo Bridge

Also along the same short detour from the primary route from Page to Grand Canyon is Navajo Bridge. You’ll cross this in order to get to Lee’s Ferry, and it’s located in the center of Marble Canyon.

When the bridge was completed in 1929 it was the only bridge to cross the Colorado River for hundreds of miles. Now, the original bridge is a pedestrian only bridge so you can get even better views of the river below. A more modern vehicle bridge was constructed in 1995.

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 an extremely rare bird, but are found in some of the highest concentrations in this area so you have a good chance to spot one.

The only other place I’ve spotted California condors was while hiking Angels Landing on a recent visit to Zion National Park.

Navajo Bridge Near Lee's Ferry In Arizona Between Page To Grand Canyon National Park
Navajo Bridge | José Oliveira

4. Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks

Want to see 200 million year old dinosaur tracks? Navajo Moenave is an hour south of Page towards Grand Canyon and has incredibly well preserved dinosaur tracks, tail drags, and other interesting formations.

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

There are usually several Navajo native’s who are happy to give you a guided tour through the Jurassic period history, how the tracks were discovered and other interesting geological facts.

Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks Between Page Arizona To Grand Canyon National Park
Dinosaur Tracks

5. Cameron Trading Post

The Cameron Trading Post is a highlight of the 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.

6. Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook

About two hours into your drive from Page 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.

Typically, local native vendors will sell their crafts and art so it’s a great spot to look for unique gifts and souvenirs, and to be able to buy them directly from the artist.

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.

Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook Along The Route From Page Az To Grand Canyon National Park
Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook | Eloi Omella

Grand Canyon National Park

When driving from Page 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.

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

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.

I’ve had an annual park pass for the last few years. They’re $80 and good for a rolling 12-months. Because I visit more than 2 National Parks each year the pass saves me quite a bit of money!

Highlights Along Desert View Drive

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

There are no shuttles that run along this road, so it tends to be far less chaotic. While parking is limited at some of the viewpoints, most people are only staying for a few minutes so the parking spots tend to turn over really quickly.

These are the viewpoints, in order, along Desert View Drive:

  1. Desert View Watchtower – Designed by architect Mary Colter, this stone tower offers sweeping views of the canyon and Colorado River.
  2. Navajo Point – the highest overlook on the South Rim (7,461 feet).
  3. Lipan Point – Known for its panoramic views of the Colorado River and the canyon’s colorful rock layers. This is also the trailhead for Tanner Trail (which was also the starting point for my Grand Canyon backpacking trip)
  4. Tusayan Museum & Ruin – partially excavated remains of a small village.
  5. Moran Point – Named after Thomas Moran, the famous artist whose paintings helped promote the establishment of the Grand Canyon as a national park.
  6. Buggeln (picnic area) – picnic tables and grills with quite a bit of shade.
  7. Grandview Point – the largest and busiest viewpoint, but it also offers incredible views. This is also the trailhead for Grandview Trail which will take you down into the canyon.
Woman standing along a muddy Colorado River at the base of the Grand Canyon in spring

How Many Days To Spend In Grand Canyon National Park

I recommend at least one full day in Grand Canyon National Park. With one day, you can see all the highlights along the South Rim, and enjoy sunset or sunrise over the canyon.

If you’re interested in hiking down into the canyon then I recommend two or three days in Grand Canyon National Park.

One Day Itinerary For Grand Canyon

If you’re only planning to spend one day in Grand Canyon then this is the itinerary I recommend.

Arrive early. The drive from Page to Grand Canyon is 1 hour 45 minutes without stops. If you leave Page first thing in the morning you can be in Grand Canyon by 8am.

Drive from Desert View Entrance, along Desert View Drive towards Grand Canyon Village. This drive is about 40-minutes. I would plan an hour, and make a few stops at key overlooks along the scenic drive.

Prioritize Desert View Watchtower, Lipan Point, Moran Point and Grandview Point. You’ll arrive at Grand Canyon Village around 9am.

You should still be able to find parking at the visitors center if you’re arriving before 10am. However, there’s also overflow parking available in lots A-D along the south rim.

Unless you’re visiting during the winter, plan to park your car and take the shuttle. The shuttle is the easiest way to get around during the busy season.

Grand Canyon Shuttle Map
Grand Canyon Shuttle Map | NPS

My first stop at every National Park is always the visitor center. Usually, you’ll find a ranger on duty who you can ask about recent trail postings or closures, weather forecasts, and they’ll make itinerary recommendations for you based on your interests.

After, it’s a short walk to Rim Trail, a paved and (mostly) flat 12.8 mile trail that runs along the canyon rim with stunning views. The best part about this trail is you can do as much or as little as you’d like, and you can complete it in sections.

There is a free shuttle that runs along Rim Trail so I recommend picking a direction to start walking, and planning to take the shuttle back.

There are several options for lunch in Grand Canyon Village, like Harvey House Cafe (American cuisine) and The Fountain (takeout).

In the afternoon, explore Hermit Road. It’s a 7.8 mile road, following the canyon rim, that you can see by taking the shuttle or renting a bicycle.

You can rent traditional or e-bikes from bikegrandcanyon.com. Prices for traditional bicycles start at $30 for 2 hours and increase to $55 for 24 hours. E-bikes are $75 for a half day and $95 for the full day. I recommend making advanced reservations.

I highly recommend catching sunset at Hopi Point. It’s the best view along the south rim because of how far into the canyon it protrudes, giving you a great (almost 360°) view.

Hermits Road Grand Canyon Map

For dinner, check out Arizona Steakhouse (traditional steakhouse) or El Tovar (fine dining).

Grand Canyon Two Day Itinerary

If you have a second day in Grand Canyon I recommend taking a longer hike down into the canyon so you can truly experience it.

There are two hikes into the canyon along the south rim I recommend:

While South Kaibab is a slightly shorter trail, it’s steeper and has less access to water. It also offers less shade. If it’s your first time hiking down into the canyon I recommend taking Bright Angel trail.

There are several stops along the Bright Angel route: a resthouse at 1.5 miles and 3 miles, and Havasupai Gardens around 4.5 miles down. You can usually find water at these locations – but always check with a ranger prior to hiking!

I recommend starting your hike as early in the morning as possible. The closer to dawn the better. This trail can get quite hot as the day goes on. The rim is usually 10-20° colder than inside the canyon, so you’ll be hiking down into hotter temperatures.

Where To Stay At Grand Canyon National Park

Personally, I think staying inside the park is the most convenient option for a trip to Grand Canyon. You’ll be within walking or shuttle distance to everything on the south rim, so you won’t have to deal with parking or long lines at the entrance gate.

The best places to stay in Grand Canyon National Park:

Finding last minute reservations inside the park can be tricky. There are also several options for places to stay near the Grand Canyon and are just a few miles past the entrance gates.

The best places to stay near Grand Canyon:

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

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *