If you’re planning a Page, AZ itinerary, there are two attractions that absolutely deserve a spot at the top of your list: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

These are the iconic landscapes you’ve probably seen countless times in photos, but standing there in person is a completely different experience.

Page, AZ Itinerary

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon

You may not have known where it was taken, but I’d bet you’ve seen a picture of Antelope Canyon. For years, I felt I was seeing this slot canyons’ photography everywhere; calendars, canvas prints, even as one of my laptop’s default backgrounds. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I had to see it for myself.

Located just outside Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is situated on Navajo land and can only be visited with a guided tour.

We chose Upper Antelope Canyon because it allowed children and offered a relatively easy walk through the canyon. Some other sections of Antelope Canyon involve ladders and tighter passageways, which can be more challenging for families. Since we were traveling with kids, Upper Antelope Canyon was the perfect fit.

The canyon itself was every bit as impressive as we’d hoped. The swirling sandstone walls seem almost unreal, with sunlight creating constantly changing colors and shadows throughout the narrow passageways. Our Navajo guide did an incredible job moving groups through efficiently while still helping everyone get those postcard-worthy photos without crowds in the background.

The experience starts with a short ride from the parking area to the canyon in an open-air off-road truck. From check-in through the return ride, the entire excursion took about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If visiting Antelope Canyon is part of your Page, AZ itinerary, book your tickets as early as possible. Prime tour times, especially around noon when the famous light beams appear, often sell out months in advance.

And keep an eye out for the rock formation that gives the canyon its name. (Scroll for help!)

 

So, did you spot the antelope?

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Just a few minutes from Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is another can’t-miss stop in Page, Arizona.

This dramatic overlook features a massive bend in the Colorado River wrapped around towering sandstone cliffs. While photos are impressive, the sheer scale of the landscape is hard to appreciate until you’re standing at the edge looking down.

We visited around sunset and loved watching the changing colors across the canyon walls. That said, I actually think our photos would have turned out better around midday when the sun was directly overhead and more of the river was illuminated.

Unlike nearby national parks, your America the Beautiful Pass does not cover admission here. Parking currently requires a separate fee.

From the parking lot, you’ll walk roughly 3/4 mile each way to reach the overlook. The path is mostly flat but exposed, so bring water, especially during the warmer months.

There is one primary viewing platform with railings, but much of the overlook remains open. We spent a good portion of our visit nervously watching tourists inch closer and closer to the edge for that “perfect” selfie.

If you’re visiting with children, keep them close.

The views are spectacular from every angle and easily make Horseshoe Bend one of the most memorable stops on any Page, AZ itinerary.

One More Hike in Page, Arizona

This short, easy hike leads to a surprising hanging garden tucked beneath sandstone cliffs. It’s not nearly as famous as Antelope Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, but it was a peaceful way to spend an hour and stretch our legs before our tour.

If you’re looking to add another stop to your Page, AZ itinerary without committing to a major hike, this is a great option.

More Arizona Highlights

Arizona is packed with bucket list worthy adventures. Our favorite trip so far was a week in Tucson. Check out more bucket list Arizona activities, here!

Photos at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Honestly, modern smartphone cameras do an incredible job, especially since most photos end up being shared online rather than printed. Features like panorama mode can create unique images that stand out from standard snapshots.

If you’re bringing a DSLR, there are three pieces of gear we recommend:

Wide-Angle Lens

A wide-angle lens helps capture the scale of landscapes like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Polarizing Filter

The Southwest’s bright skies and dramatic scenery create a lot of contrast. A polarizing filter can help balance the exposure and deepen the colors.

Tripod

The night skies around Page are fantastic. A tripod allows you to experiment with long exposures and astrophotography.

Save these Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Ideas for Later

Whether you’re planning a dedicated Page, AZ itinerary or simply passing through northern Arizona on a larger Southwest road trip, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are absolutely worth the stop.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.