Highlights of Page, Arizona

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I’m going to let you in on a little well-known, not-so-secret, secret…Arizona in the dead of summer is hot. Like melt your face off, bring in the chopper to extract me out of here hot.

I lived in Flagstaff, AZ for 4 years but it’s a mountain town so the heat wasn’t the same as the desert parts of Arizona. When I decided to look into visiting Page, AZ, the available reservations for tours put me into June – the dead of summer. But I couldn’t leave Arizona without having seen Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, both located in Page. You have likely seen pictures of both of these places before and I will say they do live up to the hype. They are both gorgeous!

Horseshoe Bend

For Horseshoe Bend, most GPS’s have the name programmed in, so getting there is not really an issue. You can find directions on the website but just in case, it is located on Highway 89 between mile posts 544 and 545. The best part is that Horseshoe Bend is FREE! The hike itself doesn’t really even qualify as a hike. It’s only ¾ miles each way (1.5 miles total). First, you climb small hill up and then down a longer steady decline to the viewing points. In June, I can vouch and say that the temperature reached up to 115 degrees. There is one covered area but otherwise it is in full sunlight.

Please wear sunblock. Check out this cool video about how sunblock works. This video legitimately changed my perspective on sunblock. Yay science! Here’s my favorite sunblock for acne-prone skin (holla)!

When you get to the lookout, there is no fence or protection from the cliff so be careful, watch your kids and all that.

If you want a super unique experience, you can even taking a kayaking trip in Horseshoe Bend or take a helicopter flight over Horseshoe Bend!!

My experience with Horseshoe bend wasn’t the best. It was so ridiculously hot that I thought I was going to die on this “hike.” I have never been asked by so many strangers if I was okay. This hike should take you an hour tops if you basically crawl there, but it took me at least an hour and a half. I stopped literally every 10-20 feet and sat on the scalding hot rocks to drink water and dump it all over me. I made it to the end (and back) with the most red face I can’t even try to describe. I thought the heat was going to get me. But I made it and saw the bend! It was spectacular. Let the above photo speak for me. If you are like me and can’t handle the heat, I recommend not going in the summer because it was BRUTAL.

Here are some things that I’m convinced ensured my legit survival:

The BEST insulated water bottle: Fifty/Fifty (the exact same as a Hydroflask but half the price)

Camelbak Hydration Pak to carry your water on your (or your boyfriend’s) back.

Nike Women’s lightweight baseball cap

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Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon and it’s incredible! I had never experienced anything like this before. For logistics, you will need to book a tour because the actual canyon is on the Navajo Reservation. We went with Roger Ekis’ tours, but there are a number of tour companies. Each one (regardless of the company) costs about $70 and meets in Page and drives you to the actual entrances to Antelope Canyon.

There are also some choices to be aware of when booking tours. First, if you are a professional photographer or want to take some stellar photos with a tripod you will have to book a separate photographer’s tour, which is more expensive. If you just want to see the place, there are two main canyons – the upper and lower canyons.

My boyfriend and I only toured the upper canyon because the reservations for the lower canyon were sold out. Lower Antelope Canyon is the more popular of the two, but also has stairs, so keep that in mind. Reservations for Antelope Canyon go quick, especially during midday when the sun is directly above the canyon, so plan accordingly. Our tour was at 3:30pm and it was still amazing! The tours are also weather dependent. If it rains a lot the canyon will fill up with water and the tour will be canceled. This is how the canyon was carved though, so it’s pretty cool. Geology in the works!

The canyon makes you feel small. I found myself whispering inside because it was so serene and peaceful. It felt like the kind of place untouched by people despite the daily tours. It might seem pricey at around $60-70 per person, but it is worth it!

How to get to Page, AZ

From Utah: Take the 89-South directly there.

From Phoenix or Flagstaff: Take the 89-North directly there.

Best Places to Stay in Page

I personally think you can do everything in Page in one day, so its a great road trip stop if you’re driving through the Southwest or on an Arizona to Utah trip. However, if you do plan to stay in Page, hotels average $75 a night while Airbnb’s are a little cheaper at $65 a night on average. If you’re planning a longer road trip, this is a budget friendly city to stay in so consider making this an overnight location.

I personally have only driven through, but I would choose the Country Inn & Suites or Holiday Inn Express at each rated 4+ stars and costing $75 a night.

A final option is to camp at Lake Powell Campground.

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
• Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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