Published on USA365 in 2018, adjusted in 2025. A road trip through the American West is full of highlights — from breathtaking national parks to legendary theme parks, from world-class cities to sun-soaked beaches. It’s hard to choose what to see and do first. But there’s one destination that should definitely be on your itinerary: Page. Straddling the border of Arizona and Utah, this small town packs in at least ten unforgettable experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.
1. Race Across Lake Powell in a Speedboat
Top of the list, without a doubt, is renting a speedboat to explore the stunning expanse of Lake Powell. No boating license or experience required — just a valid credit card and a sense of adventure. It’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you’re traveling with kids, rent an inflatable tube for extra fun — guaranteed to be one of their favorite days of the trip. Lake Powell was created after the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam and now provides power to more than seven U.S. states. It’s part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which means your national park pass is valid here. You can rent boats from Wahweap Marina Rentals or Antelope Point Marina — advance reservations are highly recommended. Steering the boat across a 186-mile-long lake with over 2,000 miles of shoreline is both thrilling and challenging. But the adventure — the tube rides, the cool blue water, and the ocher cliffs surrounding you — is simply unforgettable.
2. Capture the Perfect Shot in Antelope Canyon
Page is world-famous for its mesmerizing slot canyons — narrow ravines carved by flash floods over thousands of years. We visited Upper Antelope Canyon, one of the most photogenic. A bumpy jeep ride takes you from the parking area through the dry riverbed to the canyon entrance. The landscape looks like a movie set — we even saw Native Americans on horseback. Inside, a guide leads you through the narrow passageways. It’s hot, crowded, but absolutely breathtaking. In summer, beams of light shine through the canyon’s openings, illuminating the red and orange walls. Near the end, our guide tossed sand into a light beam, and I managed to capture the perfect photo. For a different experience, try Lower Antelope Canyon — longer, narrower, cheaper, and with ladders to climb through.
3. Visit the Glen Canyon Dam
Built between 1956 and 1966, the Glen Canyon Dam gave birth to the town of Page. The bridge beside it — one of the highest in the U.S. — offers spectacular views of both the dam and the Colorado River below.
Stop by the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for exhibits and guided tours (bookable up to 24 hours in advance).
4. Sleep on a Houseboat or Camp on the Beach
If your budget and schedule allow, spend a few nights on a houseboat — a floating home on Lake Powell. Off-season rentals start at three nights, while in peak season, the minimum is five. Prefer something more adventurous? Camp directly on the beaches of Lake Powell, either in a tent or under the open sky.
5. Raft the Colorado River
From the water, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the vastness of the canyon and its towering cliffs. You might even spot wildlife along the way. The park offers “smooth water rafting” — a peaceful float trip rather than a whitewater adventure. For real rapids, head to Moab, Utah.
6. Fly Over Rainbow Bridge National Monument
To the Navajo, this immense natural stone arch is a sacred site. Visiting Rainbow Bridge takes effort — you can rent a boat or book a Rainbow Bridge Cruise, a journey of several hours followed by a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) hike. The most spectacular way to see it, however, is from the air. Scenic flights and helicopter tours start at around €84 ($90) per person — still on my own bucket list!
7. Watch the Sunset at Horseshoe Bend
One of Arizona’s most iconic views, Horseshoe Bend is a dramatic curve in the Colorado River shaped like a horseshoe. After a short but steep hike in the heat, you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping view. Some visitors get dangerously close to the edge — there are no fences, and a fall would be fatal. Still, serious accidents are rare. Sunset is the best time to visit — the red cliffs glow in the fading light, and the river shimmers far below.
8. Ride a Hummer to Secret Canyon
As Antelope Canyon grows ever more crowded, Secret Canyon remains a quieter alternative. Book a tour with Slot Canyon Hummer Adventures, the only operator authorized by the Navajo Nation to access the area. Just getting there in a rugged Hummer is an adventure in itself. Another lesser-known spot is Water Holes Slot Canyon, which you can explore on your own — you’ll even drive over it on the bridge en route to Horseshoe Bend.
9. Dine at Into the Grand
The top-rated restaurant in Page isn’t about fine dining — it’s about authentic atmosphere. At Into the Grand, you’re greeted personally, surrounded by rafting memorabilia, live music, and Navajo dance performances. Both adults and children participate in the traditional dances — especially the hoop dance, which is absolutely mesmerizing. A fun and cultural evening you won’t forget.
10. Win a Permit for “The Wave”
About two hours from Page lies another geological wonder: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, home to towering cliffs, deep canyons, and the rare California condor — once nearly extinct but now making a comeback. Its most famous formation, The Wave, is so delicate that only 20 visitors per day are allowed. Access to the Coyote Buttes North area is granted through a permit lottery. Nearby, the surreal White Pocket plateau is a dream for photographers — but best visited with a guide. Roads are rough and unpaved, and the desert heat, deep sand, and wildlife make navigation challenging.
As you can tell, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do around Page. It’s busy, not cheap, but absolutely worth it. Page isn’t just another stop on a Southwest road trip — it’s a destination you should plan several nights for. With so many natural wonders packed into one area, choosing what to skip might be your hardest task. That’s why, for me, Page is the ultimate American experience. How about you?
