From twisty slot canyons and massive sandstone caves to crystal-clear water filled with hidden coves, Page is home to some of the most unique and recognizable landscapes in the entire country.
Whether you’re interested in exploring a slot canyon, jetting across the waters of Lake Powell, or stopping at a hidden sand cave right off the road, you’ll find no shortage of incredible experiences in this desert town.
As someone who’s been here many times, I’m going to share the very best things to do in Page, Arizona – from classic, bucketlist-worthy adventures to lesser-known gems that many visitors miss!
Let’s go exploring!
8 Wild Things to Do in Page, Arizona
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1. Kayak to Antelope Canyon
I’m guessing you’re familiar with the classic walking tours through Antelope Canyon, but did you know that you can paddle through the canyon and even hike a section without a tour guide?!
That’s right, kayaking to Antelope Canyon is one of the best and most underrated adventures in Page, yet most people don’t even know you can do it!
When it comes to kayaking to Antelope Canyon, you have a couple of options.
One, you can take a guided tour. This is the easiest option; you won’t have to worry about logistics, gear, or rentals. Just meet your guide at the docks and start paddling! Simple as that.
Two, you can kayak to Antelope Canyon without a tour guide. Once you rent a kayak at the nearby Antelope Point Marina, you can paddle and explore the canyon at your own pace, on your own timeline.
Depending on whether you take a guided tour and start at the boat launch or rent kayaks and begin at the marina, you’ll be paddling one to two miles to get to the mouth of Antelope Canyon and an additional two miles to get to the walking portion.
The paddle from the launch sites to the mouth of Antelope Canyon is incredibly scenic as you navigate through the deep, open water of Lake Powell.
But once you’re inside the canyon, the experience and the scenery somehow get even better. The canyon walls push closer and grow taller as you twist through the windy channels.
About two miles of narrow, twisty curves later, you’ll reach the end of the kayaking leg of the adventure. At this point, you can get out and explore the canyon on foot – no tour guide needed!
Of course, you don’t have to paddle all the way in, and you don’t have to get out and hike. Go as far as you want, or as far as your schedule allows. But if you have the time, go to the end! It’s really neat to explore this side of the canyon, and in such a unique way!
2. Explore the “Shell Cave”
Tucked inconspicuously behind a row of fuel pumps at a Shell gas station in Page is a hidden natural sand cave that most people drive right by.
I’m talking about Biidi the Arch AKA the “Shell Cave!”
If you’re simply driving by, or even pumping fuel into your vehicle, Biidi the Arch just looks like a giant hole carved into the red rock. Nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary.
You can see it in the photo below – the cave is between the white van and the cement truck!
But upon venturing closer, you’ll see that the “hole” is actually a massive sand cave with an arched alcove and a swirly, curved interior.
To get to the sand cave, drive behind the Shell gas station on Coppermine Road (exact location here). Park in the large dirt lot.
Thanks to social media, the secret is pretty much out on this cave, so you’ll now see things you used to never see here: posted signage and crowds.
The path to the sand cave from the parking area is sandy and only requires about a quarter-mile easy walk.
For the best view, venture all the way to the back end of the cave. The road and fuel pumps will melt away, and all you’ll see is bright blue sky and clouds.
To get the iconic photo, venture to the very back end of the cave, crouch down, and using a wide-angle lens, point the camera toward the large mound of sand. Have your subjects jump in the air with their hands up and legs tucked under their butt. It’s an epic shot!
3. Tour Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X is part of the Antelope Canyon network and often gets overshadowed by the more popular Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.
But with its twisty corridors, wavy orange sandstone walls, and peaceful, untouched scenery, this section of the canyon is equally impressive!
I’ve toured both Upper and Canyon X, and I found Canyon X to be better overall!
On an Antelope Canyon X tour, you’ll explore two slot canyons: north and south.
The north slot canyon is A-shaped (wider at the bottom and narrower at the top) and has a darker interior with a more haunting vibe.
The south slot canyon is V-shaped (narrower at the bottom and wider at the top) and has a brighter, cheerier atmosphere.
Even the path between the two canyons is wildly scenic. And you’ll get to learn so much about the geology of the area as you walk!
Antelope Canyon X tours are slower-paced, more intimate, and have smaller groups than the other two main canyon tours. The guides are also more laid-back about wandering and stopping for photos.
Not to mention, these tours are cheaper than the other two, more popular tours!
So if you only have time for one canyon tour while you’re in Page, I’d personally choose Antelope Canyon X.
4. Jet Ski Through the Hidden Coves of Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a boater’s paradise. Filled with endless hidden coves, remote beaches, and boat-in hiking trails, the best way to explore this giant lake is by boat!
Better yet, by jet ski!
With all the narrow coves and hidden canyons to venture into, jet skiing across the lake would be so much fun. It’s definitely on our list to do next time we visit Page!
Conveniently, rent jet skis at Wahwheap Marina and explore all of the nooks and crannies and hidden coves of Lake Powell, all on your own schedule and at your own pace. See what you can discover!
5. Hike to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend might be one of the most iconic landmarks in the southwest, or dare I say, the country?!
A unique U-shaped curve in the Colorado River surrounded by thousand-foot cliffs, Horseshoe Bend is a sight everyone should see at least once in his/her life.
To get to the epic viewpoint of the river gooseneck, drive to the trailhead, pay the $10 fee to park in the large lot, and hike the 0.8-mile (one-way) trail.
Even though this is a short trail, you should still pack a day pack with the 10 essentials. Most people think this is just a roadside overlook, but you will have to hike a total of at least 1.6 miles roundtrip.
When you reach the viewpoint, first and foremost, use extreme caution. Give yourself plenty of distance between the edge because the drop is one thousand feet down to the Colorado River!
Once you’re safely away from the edge, enjoy the classic birds’ eye view of the river! It’s even better in person.
6. Explore the Adventurous Cardiac Canyon
Introducing a side of Antelope Canyon that I bet you’ve never heard of. Until recently, we hadn’t either!
I’m talking about Cardiac Canyon!
Cardiac Canyon is a relatively new, virtually untouched canyon that we heard about on our most recent visit to Antelope Canyon X.
A tour through Cardiac Canyon is more adventurous than the other three (Upper, Lower, and X), involving climbing, squeezing through tight spaces, and hiking about 3 miles.
We’re definitely going to add this one to our list for next time! And if you’re adventurous like us, you should, too!
7. Tour Upper Antelope Canyon
Now, for the canyon I bet you all imagine when you think of Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon!
Upper Antelope Canyon is the most photographed and “iconic” of the Antelope Canyon slot canyon network, featuring those famous photogenic light beams.
This slot canyon is A-shaped, with walls narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, so it’s dark and almost mysterious inside.
Of all of the Antelope Canyon tours, these Upper tours are the fastest-paced and have the largest groups. But I’d still recommend taking a tour through this canyon; it is definitely bucket-list-worthy, especially if you can catch the light beams in the afternoon.
8. Tour Lower Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon, a bright V-shaped slot canyon (narrower base and wider top), is almost as popular as Upper Antelope Canyon. Perhaps the reason it isn’t quite as heavily trafficked is its slight difficulty.
These tours are more adventurous than Upper Canyon, featuring fun obstacles like stairs and ladders, but are still doable for most folks.
Bonus: Since these two canyons/tours are so close together, you could easily tour both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day if you wanted to!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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