Taylor-Horseshoe-Bend3

A woman looking out at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

During an American Southwest road trip, you cannot miss out on visiting Page, which is located in Northern Arizona, right below the Utah state border.

Originally established as a temporary work camp town for builders of the Glen Canyon Dam, the small town of Page is now a beautiful place for travelers and adventurers alike to stay and enjoy along the shores of Lake Powell.

There are so many epic things to do in Page, Arizona from hiking to kayaking and exploring natural landmarks to enjoying delicious local cuisine.

A woman enjoying Monument Valley on a Southwest Road Trip

For my 29th birthday in June 2020, I did a mini road trip with my mom and youngest brother that started and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada.

My road trip was a loop where I began at the Grand Canyon West Rim and then made my way to Sedona and Page, Arizona and then up into Southern Utah.

I got to visit all of the amazing natural wonders and National Parks that the Southwest has to offer and it was such a dream seeing all of the places that have been on my bucket list for many years.

Monument Valley Park - a day trip from Page, Arizona

After spending a lovely weekend in Sedona, we drove a little less than three hours north to Page.

The things I saw and did in and around Page took my breath away! In this blog post, discover all the best things to do during your mini road trip stop in Page, Arizona!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


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Epic things to do in Page, Arizona

Getting to Page, Arizona:

Views of Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

There are so many ways to get to Page, Arizona. I highly recommend using it as a stopping point along a road trip.

The only tough thing about visiting Page is that it is not close to any big international airport hub. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a little over four hours from Page and Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport is four and a half hours away by car.

It is best to rent a car to get to and around Page! (You could find affordable flights to the Southwest through Skyscanner.)

(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

A woman enjoying Monument Valley in Arizona

No matter what type of Southwest road trip route you decide to follow, Page is in a good driving distance from Grand Canyon South Rim (around 3.5 hours), Grand Canyon North Rim (around 2.5 hours), Monument Valley (around 2 hours), Zion National Park (around one hour and 45 minutes), Bryce Canyon National Park (around 2.5 hours), Arches National Park (around 4.5 hours), Mesa Verde National Park (around 3.5 hours) and Four Corners Monument (around two hours and 45 minutes).

Where to Stay in Page:

Red rock buttes in Northern Arizona

During our amazing Southwest mini road trip, we spent two nights in Page at Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell.

Like I’ve mentioned in other USA blog posts, I enjoy staying at Marriott’s when it comes to chain hotels because they are clean, beautiful and offer great amenities. This specific Marriott was stunning and it offered a pool, fire pits, a Mexican restaurant and great sunset views.

Page also offers other great hotels to suit all budgets along with Airbnbs and Vrbos. Below are the best accommodations to stay at based on budget:

Luxury: Amangiri (In Canyon Point, Utah)

Chain: Hyatt Place Page

Bed & Breakfast: Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast (In Big Water, Utah)

Where to Eat in Page:

A mother and daughter at Monument Valley

When it comes to dining in Page, Arizona, there are so many great cafés and restaurants for you to enjoy.

From barbecue to Mexican food and Italian eateries to coffee and donut shops, there is something for everyone’s taste palette!

Below are the restaurants I ate at during my two days in Page:

Big John's Texas BBQ live country band

Big John’s Texas BBQ: As an old gas station turned signature BBQ restaurant, having lunch or dinner at Big John’s is a total MUST during your time in Page!

Even though I am not the biggest meat eater, I do enjoy a nice pulled chicken sandwich with some savory sides such as corn or mashed potatoes whenever I have the chance to eat at a Texas BBQ restaurant.

After exploring Horseshoe Bend earlier in the afternoon, we worked up an appetite and decided to switch up our regular daily dinner choice and try something new.

During our evening at Big John’s Texas BBQ, they also had a live country band playing and people stood up and danced. It was a fun ambiance! For dessert, we shared a delicious brownie a la mode. That was the first time I had authentic Texas BBQ since my trip to Austin in 2018 and it truly hit the spot!

Chicken and shrimp fajitas with a margarita

El Tapatio: As someone who comes from New Jersey, we have a plethora of great Mexican restaurants, but you’re definitely going to find the best of the best in states that actually border Mexico!

Since Arizona borders the country of Mexico, you will find great Mexican eateries all around the state. Prior to my road trip, I read another travel blogger’s article on Page and they raved about the food at El Tapatio, so I knew we had to go there for dinner one night.

During our last evening in Page, we savored delicious fajitas with margaritas and we could easily say that El Tapatio became one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the country!

An American breakfast in Page, Arizona

Ranch House Grille: Whenever I am traveling, I usually stick to eating a bigger breakfast than I normally would have when I am home and of course, also enjoying a nice dinner. I mainly have a small snack for lunch to save money and calories, so it is always important that I find a good place for a nourishing breakfast.

From the same travel blog I read on Page, I discovered Ranch House Grille. This family-run Southwestern comfort restaurant has so many great breakfast items from pancakes to French toast and omelets to chicken and waffles.

I stuck to the typical all-American breakfast of buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, bacon and scrambled eggs. It was awesome!

An adorable cafe in Page, Arizona

LP Espresso: After spending our two days in Page, we woke up early to make our way to Bryce Canyon in Utah, so we had to get up earlier than usual.

Instead of sitting down for a full meal, we went to the cutest coffee shop in Page and grabbed breakfast to go (they also have a nice interior and an outdoor courtyard if you decide to eat there).

LP Espresso is a lovely place that specializes in espresso drinks. We also got croissants and scones to go and it was great!

Top 5 Things to do in Page, Arizona:

Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

See Horseshoe Bend:

A woman looking at Horseshoe Bend

One of the most breathtaking places I’ve been to in the world is Horseshoe Bend! It literally provides that WOW factor when you go see it.

(PLEASE be extra careful here though because you are literally on the edge if you’re not by one of the viewing points with a rail. There are sandstone edges that could be unstable causing slides.)

The desert in Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped canyon and it requires a 15-minute walk to the viewing point.

When I visited Horseshoe Bend, it was VERY windy and sand was blowing all over the place during my walk there. I recommend bringing a face mask and sunglasses so that you do not get sand in your eyes and mouth.

Also, please note that Horseshoe Bend is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is mid afternoon because that is when the sun is in a perfect position for photos. The busiest times of the day to visit Horseshoe Bend are between 9:00 to 11:00am and 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Please know that there are also fees to get into Horseshoe Bend too. It will cost $5 USD for a motorcycle, $10 USD for a car or RV and $35 USD for a commercial van.

A woman exploring Horseshoe Bend, a natural wonder

Overall, you cannot miss out on visiting Horseshoe Bend during a Southwest road trip and especially if you’re in Page, Arizona – it’s definitely one of the BEST things to do there. The overlook is a 1,000-foot drop that looks down into the Colorado River.

You could also see Horseshoe Bend from a different perspective if you decide to rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or boat and sail along the Colorado River. There are plenty of companies that offer this type of fun starting at the Glen Canyon Dam!

The beautiful Northern Arizona desert

During a trip to Horseshoe Bend, especially during the warmer months, it is important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and dress in comfortable clothing that is at least walkable.

Pets are allowed to visit Horseshoe Bend with you, but please make sure they are on a leash and always clean up after them.

Tour Antelope Canyon:

Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

The other popular awe-inspiring natural landmark to visit in Page is Antelope Canyon.

Admittedly, Antelope Canyon was closed when I was in Page due to the unfortunate circumstances going on in the world, which was understandable. (I visited Antelope Canyon in June 2020 and it is predicted that it may be closed for the remainder of the year. Nothing is set in stone on when it will reopen.)  

If you visit Page, Arizona any other time, taking a tour of Antelope Canyon is definitely one of the top things to do that will leave you with lasting memories.

The colorful slot canyons of Antelope Canyon

What makes Antelope Canyon a popular place to visit during a trip to Page is its magnificent slot canyons. It has tall winding walls with a colorful and monumental red sandstone sculpture. Light beams will shine directly down into the opening of the slot canyons that create unreal views!

You will DEFINITELY need to schedule a guided tour of Antelope Canyon prior to visiting! Your tour guide will provide you with information on the history, geology and culture of Antelope Canyon.

Keep in mind also that Antelope Canyon is owned by the Navajo Nation. The canyon itself was formed millions of years ago due to water erosion.

The Navajo named Upper Antelope Canyon “Tse’ bighanilini”, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Antelope Canyon was also once home to herds of pronghorn antelope, which is also how it got its name.

There are separate tours for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Day Trip to Monument Valley:

Monument Valley views

Since Antelope Canyon was closed during my time in Page, Arizona, we decided to do a day trip to Monument Valley Park, which is a two hour-drive east from the city.

(Even if you decide to do Antelope Canyon and have an extra day in Page, visiting Monument Valley is totally one of the best things to do in Arizona.)

Just like Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley is also owned by the Navajo Nation, so there were parts of the park that were also closed due to the current global events.

We were still able to drive to Monument Valley to enjoy the views, take photos and visit local towns nearby. Even though we couldn’t do any hikes or activities (such as horseback riding) in the actual park, we still enjoyed a good chunk of time there and made great memories!

A woman enjoying her time at Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most photographed landmarks on Earth! The valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that range from 400 to 1,000 feet above the desert floor. Because of this, you must get to this area early to enjoy a breathtaking Monument Valley sunrise!

Before human existence, Monument Valley Park was once a lowland basin. Over the years, natural forces of wind and water peeled away at the surface of the basin, making Monument Valley the amazing natural wonder it is today.

Overall, the park is located in both Arizona and Utah. Coming from Page, you will enter Monument Valley from the Arizona side. There are great photo spots in Arizona, but the best views are definitely situated on the Utah side.

There is a plethora of viewing spots along Highway 163 where you could park your car, get out and take photos. Please note that you can walk around, but be mindful that there are a lot of fenced off areas due to private property and farms.

Welcome to Utah State Sign at Monument Valley

When you first enter Monument Valley from the Arizona side, definitely stop and take in everything there and then make your way into Utah.

As you cross the state border, there is a Utah Welcome Sign that is super “Instagrammable” and definitely a great photo spot!

From there, drive up around 10 minutes and stop at Forrest Gump Hill. It is here where you will get the top and most iconic views of Monument Valley!

The reason why this breathtaking spot is called Forrest Gump Hill is because it is the spot where Forrest Gump himself ended his cross-country run in the movie.

When you take photos at Forrest Gump Hill, please be careful! Cars and RVs drive fast and you need to watch in front and behind you.

(There are also other great photo spots on the Utah side that are down the hill from the Forrest Gump spot and it will allow you to get close up views of each butte.)

Mexican Hat rock in Utah

Another cool spot to see near Monument Valley is Mexican Hat in Utah. It is around a 15 minute-drive from the famous landmark and offers more amazing views of red rock desert, sandstone cliffs and mesas.

The actual Mexican Hat rock is located at 37.174187, -109.848804 and it is a cool spot as the rock looks like an actual sombrero!

The village of Mexican Hat itself is small and there are a few restaurants and cafés. There are also scattered Navajo houses and a few tribal gift shops that you could visit. Unfortunately, due to the worldly circumstances during the time I visited this area, all of the Navajo gift shops were closed.

Other sites to see near Mexican Hat are the overlook at Muley Point, the beautiful river meanders at Goosenecks State Park and the red sandstone formations of Valley of Gods. This area also offers a lot of great campgrounds!

Enjoy Water Activities around Lake Powell:

Lake Powell in Northern Arizona

Lake Powell is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States! There are so many great water activities for you to enjoy and have fun on this amazing lake.

The best places to go swimming on Lake Powell are at Lone Rock Beach, Antelope Point and The Chains.

At the Wahweap and Bullfrog Marina, you can rent jet skis, powerboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and so much more!

Golf at Lake Powell National Golf Course:

Lake Powell National Golf Course

If you are a golfer, you definitely need to make a tee time at Lake Powell National Golf Course, which was actually located right next to the Courtyard Marriott hotel that we stayed at. It is an 18-hole championship facility that offers picturesque views!

Those who love to golf will definitely enjoy their experience at this course.


A woman walking on Forrest Gump road at Monument Valley

I hope you all enjoyed reading about all the best things to do in Page, Arizona during a Southwest road trip.

If you have any questions about my time in Page, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!

Things to do in Page, Arizona

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., AZ State Capital: Phoenix, Time Zone: Arizona does not follow Daylight Savings. During the warmer months, Arizona is on Pacific Time Zone and then it is on Mountain Standard Time during the colder months.

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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38 Comments

  1. Rebecca on July 28, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Page looks amazing! This is a great road trip layout to do.

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you Rebecca! You totally have to go at some point! 🙂

  2. Francesca on July 28, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Big John’s was soooo good!! I really loved Page. It was the perfect weekend getaway for me. Monument Valley is gorgeous!

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      Ah yes and it’s all so breathtaking! 🙂

  3. Kim Deer on July 28, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    Love, love, love this blog on Page, AZ and Monument Valley National Park ~ brings back so many great memories on our trip. Horseshoe Bend had the most incredible canyons I have ever seen. A must see during your lifetime here on earth ~ also, monument valley was amazing too. We are very lucky to have all these beautiful landmarks and National parks in our country! So glad I got to travel to the west with you and Joey ~ we made some awesome memories! Love you. Mom xoxo

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you mom! It really was such an incredible trip with so many wonderful natural landmarks. I cannot wait to see more. Love you too!

  4. Maria on July 29, 2020 at 5:50 am

    Wow Taylor, this is amazing! You look so happy on the photos. I loved visiting Horseshoe Bend but I haven’t been to Monument Valley yet – it looks impressive.

    • Taylor Deer on July 29, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Thank you so much Maria! You totally have to go to Monument Valley next time you’re there. 🙂

  5. Elena Pappalardo on July 30, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    Page is seriously SO stunning! What an epic birthday trip! And now you have me dreaming about Texas BBQ!!

    • Taylor Deer on July 30, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Yes, it was really so epic! I cannot wait to go back one day! 🙂

  6. Mikayla on August 4, 2020 at 12:49 pm

    Damn girl this is one of the most simply put, in depth guides I’ve seen! Easy to understand and to the point! Can’t wait to see the Southwest more!

    • Taylor Deer on August 5, 2020 at 11:56 am

      Thank you so much Mikayla! It’s so breathtaking out there. 🙂

  7. Cristina on August 7, 2020 at 7:35 am

    Wow, I absolutely love the pictures in your blog. Arizona looks such a pretty place to visit! I can’t wait for things to get back to normal and be able to travel in the US.

    • Taylor Deer on August 7, 2020 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you so much Cristina! You would love the American Southwest. 🙂

  8. Danie J on September 11, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Wow – I have been before, but obviously didn’t see it all, I’m so excited to go back and use your guide !! Thank you 🤩

    • Taylor Deer on September 11, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you so much! Page is such a breathtaking destination and I absolutely LOVED visiting Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley. 🙂

  9. Michelle W on September 11, 2020 at 11:55 pm

    I went here in 2015 with my family and we LOVED it! Such an informative post too 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      That is so awesome! I loved it there. 🙂

  10. Kelly on September 12, 2020 at 12:47 am

    Wow. Page looks stunning. So.much amazing scenery with Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell being there. Great post and so helpful!.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:06 pm

      It really is so beautiful! I loved it there so much! I wish Antelope Canyon was open when I went. Also, thank you Kelly! 🙂

  11. Albi on September 12, 2020 at 4:09 am

    Awesome things to do! I think I would especially enjoy the lake since I’m not too much into golf. But the lake and water activities would be amazing in this kind of nature

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Yes, it was so great! I wish I had more time there. 🙂

  12. Cosette on September 12, 2020 at 5:06 am

    Wow, we’ve been to the area, but not to Page. We did see all the famous national parks in Utah and Arizona and Southern Colorado and went to Monument Valley. Horshoe Bend Overlook and Antelope Camyon are still on my list.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Yes, you totally have to go when you return to the Southwest. It is so amazing! Horseshoe Bend took my breath away! 🙂

  13. Katie on September 12, 2020 at 8:18 am

    Wow your photos are gorgeous! I have always overlooked Arizona but now I feel like I need to plan a trip around here. Would love to see Forrest Gump Hill and visit Lake Powell. Bookmarked for future travels!

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Thank you so much Katie! You totally have to go! It’s so beautiful in that area. 🙂

  14. Sarah on September 12, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Gorgeous photos! I can’t wait to come and explore Arizona. It looks so scenic and I’ve been watching to go to Antelope Canyon for a long time – the pictures are unreal!

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you so much Sarah! It really was such an epic place! 🙂

  15. Andrea on September 12, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I love Page! I need to go back. Great post.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you so much Andrea! 🙂

  16. Viola on September 12, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Wow these pictures are amazing. That shot of the Horseshoe Bend is iconic. You captured Arizona beautifully. I really want to go there one day.

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      Thank you so much Viola! Arizona really is such a gorgeous state. You would love it. 🙂

  17. Ophelie on September 12, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    This area is so scenic! I am dying to visit one day and take a million of photos there! Thanks a lot for all the info Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      Yes, it really is Ophelie! You totally have to go. I know you would love it. 🙂

  18. roshni on September 12, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    somewhere that’s been on my bucket list for forever! looks great

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      It really is so amazing Roshni! 🙂

  19. cass on September 12, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    You are my road trip/exploration inspo right now. You seem to have such an eye for gathering/combining beautiful places. Would love to see these places toooo

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:53 am

      Ah thank you so much Cassie! You totally have to visit at some point. It is so beautiful! 🙂

Leave a Comment





Taylor-Horseshoe-Bend3

A woman looking out at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

During an American Southwest road trip, you cannot miss out on visiting Page, which is located in Northern Arizona, right below the Utah state border.

Originally established as a temporary work camp town for builders of the Glen Canyon Dam, the small town of Page is now a beautiful place for travelers and adventurers alike to stay and enjoy along the shores of Lake Powell.

There are so many epic things to do in Page, Arizona from hiking to kayaking and exploring natural landmarks to enjoying delicious local cuisine.

A woman enjoying Monument Valley on a Southwest Road Trip

For my 29th birthday in June 2020, I did a mini road trip with my mom and youngest brother that started and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada.

My road trip was a loop where I began at the Grand Canyon West Rim and then made my way to Sedona and Page, Arizona and then up into Southern Utah.

I got to visit all of the amazing natural wonders and National Parks that the Southwest has to offer and it was such a dream seeing all of the places that have been on my bucket list for many years.

Monument Valley Park - a day trip from Page, Arizona

After spending a lovely weekend in Sedona, we drove a little less than three hours north to Page.

The things I saw and did in and around Page took my breath away! In this blog post, discover all the best things to do during your mini road trip stop in Page, Arizona!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.


Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Epic things to do in Page, Arizona

Getting to Page, Arizona:

Views of Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

There are so many ways to get to Page, Arizona. I highly recommend using it as a stopping point along a road trip.

The only tough thing about visiting Page is that it is not close to any big international airport hub. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a little over four hours from Page and Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport is four and a half hours away by car.

It is best to rent a car to get to and around Page! (You could find affordable flights to the Southwest through Skyscanner.)

(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

A woman enjoying Monument Valley in Arizona

No matter what type of Southwest road trip route you decide to follow, Page is in a good driving distance from Grand Canyon South Rim (around 3.5 hours), Grand Canyon North Rim (around 2.5 hours), Monument Valley (around 2 hours), Zion National Park (around one hour and 45 minutes), Bryce Canyon National Park (around 2.5 hours), Arches National Park (around 4.5 hours), Mesa Verde National Park (around 3.5 hours) and Four Corners Monument (around two hours and 45 minutes).

Where to Stay in Page:

Red rock buttes in Northern Arizona

During our amazing Southwest mini road trip, we spent two nights in Page at Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell.

Like I’ve mentioned in other USA blog posts, I enjoy staying at Marriott’s when it comes to chain hotels because they are clean, beautiful and offer great amenities. This specific Marriott was stunning and it offered a pool, fire pits, a Mexican restaurant and great sunset views.

Page also offers other great hotels to suit all budgets along with Airbnbs and Vrbos. Below are the best accommodations to stay at based on budget:

Luxury: Amangiri (In Canyon Point, Utah)

Chain: Hyatt Place Page

Bed & Breakfast: Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast (In Big Water, Utah)

Where to Eat in Page:

A mother and daughter at Monument Valley

When it comes to dining in Page, Arizona, there are so many great cafés and restaurants for you to enjoy.

From barbecue to Mexican food and Italian eateries to coffee and donut shops, there is something for everyone’s taste palette!

Below are the restaurants I ate at during my two days in Page:

Big John's Texas BBQ live country band

Big John’s Texas BBQ: As an old gas station turned signature BBQ restaurant, having lunch or dinner at Big John’s is a total MUST during your time in Page!

Even though I am not the biggest meat eater, I do enjoy a nice pulled chicken sandwich with some savory sides such as corn or mashed potatoes whenever I have the chance to eat at a Texas BBQ restaurant.

After exploring Horseshoe Bend earlier in the afternoon, we worked up an appetite and decided to switch up our regular daily dinner choice and try something new.

During our evening at Big John’s Texas BBQ, they also had a live country band playing and people stood up and danced. It was a fun ambiance! For dessert, we shared a delicious brownie a la mode. That was the first time I had authentic Texas BBQ since my trip to Austin in 2018 and it truly hit the spot!

Chicken and shrimp fajitas with a margarita

El Tapatio: As someone who comes from New Jersey, we have a plethora of great Mexican restaurants, but you’re definitely going to find the best of the best in states that actually border Mexico!

Since Arizona borders the country of Mexico, you will find great Mexican eateries all around the state. Prior to my road trip, I read another travel blogger’s article on Page and they raved about the food at El Tapatio, so I knew we had to go there for dinner one night.

During our last evening in Page, we savored delicious fajitas with margaritas and we could easily say that El Tapatio became one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the country!

An American breakfast in Page, Arizona

Ranch House Grille: Whenever I am traveling, I usually stick to eating a bigger breakfast than I normally would have when I am home and of course, also enjoying a nice dinner. I mainly have a small snack for lunch to save money and calories, so it is always important that I find a good place for a nourishing breakfast.

From the same travel blog I read on Page, I discovered Ranch House Grille. This family-run Southwestern comfort restaurant has so many great breakfast items from pancakes to French toast and omelets to chicken and waffles.

I stuck to the typical all-American breakfast of buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, bacon and scrambled eggs. It was awesome!

An adorable cafe in Page, Arizona

LP Espresso: After spending our two days in Page, we woke up early to make our way to Bryce Canyon in Utah, so we had to get up earlier than usual.

Instead of sitting down for a full meal, we went to the cutest coffee shop in Page and grabbed breakfast to go (they also have a nice interior and an outdoor courtyard if you decide to eat there).

LP Espresso is a lovely place that specializes in espresso drinks. We also got croissants and scones to go and it was great!

Top 5 Things to do in Page, Arizona:

Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

See Horseshoe Bend:

A woman looking at Horseshoe Bend

One of the most breathtaking places I’ve been to in the world is Horseshoe Bend! It literally provides that WOW factor when you go see it.

(PLEASE be extra careful here though because you are literally on the edge if you’re not by one of the viewing points with a rail. There are sandstone edges that could be unstable causing slides.)

The desert in Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped canyon and it requires a 15-minute walk to the viewing point.

When I visited Horseshoe Bend, it was VERY windy and sand was blowing all over the place during my walk there. I recommend bringing a face mask and sunglasses so that you do not get sand in your eyes and mouth.

Also, please note that Horseshoe Bend is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is mid afternoon because that is when the sun is in a perfect position for photos. The busiest times of the day to visit Horseshoe Bend are between 9:00 to 11:00am and 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Please know that there are also fees to get into Horseshoe Bend too. It will cost $5 USD for a motorcycle, $10 USD for a car or RV and $35 USD for a commercial van.

A woman exploring Horseshoe Bend, a natural wonder

Overall, you cannot miss out on visiting Horseshoe Bend during a Southwest road trip and especially if you’re in Page, Arizona – it’s definitely one of the BEST things to do there. The overlook is a 1,000-foot drop that looks down into the Colorado River.

You could also see Horseshoe Bend from a different perspective if you decide to rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or boat and sail along the Colorado River. There are plenty of companies that offer this type of fun starting at the Glen Canyon Dam!

The beautiful Northern Arizona desert

During a trip to Horseshoe Bend, especially during the warmer months, it is important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and dress in comfortable clothing that is at least walkable.

Pets are allowed to visit Horseshoe Bend with you, but please make sure they are on a leash and always clean up after them.

Tour Antelope Canyon:

Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

The other popular awe-inspiring natural landmark to visit in Page is Antelope Canyon.

Admittedly, Antelope Canyon was closed when I was in Page due to the unfortunate circumstances going on in the world, which was understandable. (I visited Antelope Canyon in June 2020 and it is predicted that it may be closed for the remainder of the year. Nothing is set in stone on when it will reopen.)  

If you visit Page, Arizona any other time, taking a tour of Antelope Canyon is definitely one of the top things to do that will leave you with lasting memories.

The colorful slot canyons of Antelope Canyon

What makes Antelope Canyon a popular place to visit during a trip to Page is its magnificent slot canyons. It has tall winding walls with a colorful and monumental red sandstone sculpture. Light beams will shine directly down into the opening of the slot canyons that create unreal views!

You will DEFINITELY need to schedule a guided tour of Antelope Canyon prior to visiting! Your tour guide will provide you with information on the history, geology and culture of Antelope Canyon.

Keep in mind also that Antelope Canyon is owned by the Navajo Nation. The canyon itself was formed millions of years ago due to water erosion.

The Navajo named Upper Antelope Canyon “Tse’ bighanilini”, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Antelope Canyon was also once home to herds of pronghorn antelope, which is also how it got its name.

There are separate tours for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Day Trip to Monument Valley:

Monument Valley views

Since Antelope Canyon was closed during my time in Page, Arizona, we decided to do a day trip to Monument Valley Park, which is a two hour-drive east from the city.

(Even if you decide to do Antelope Canyon and have an extra day in Page, visiting Monument Valley is totally one of the best things to do in Arizona.)

Just like Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley is also owned by the Navajo Nation, so there were parts of the park that were also closed due to the current global events.

We were still able to drive to Monument Valley to enjoy the views, take photos and visit local towns nearby. Even though we couldn’t do any hikes or activities (such as horseback riding) in the actual park, we still enjoyed a good chunk of time there and made great memories!

A woman enjoying her time at Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of the most photographed landmarks on Earth! The valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that range from 400 to 1,000 feet above the desert floor. Because of this, you must get to this area early to enjoy a breathtaking Monument Valley sunrise!

Before human existence, Monument Valley Park was once a lowland basin. Over the years, natural forces of wind and water peeled away at the surface of the basin, making Monument Valley the amazing natural wonder it is today.

Overall, the park is located in both Arizona and Utah. Coming from Page, you will enter Monument Valley from the Arizona side. There are great photo spots in Arizona, but the best views are definitely situated on the Utah side.

There is a plethora of viewing spots along Highway 163 where you could park your car, get out and take photos. Please note that you can walk around, but be mindful that there are a lot of fenced off areas due to private property and farms.

Welcome to Utah State Sign at Monument Valley

When you first enter Monument Valley from the Arizona side, definitely stop and take in everything there and then make your way into Utah.

As you cross the state border, there is a Utah Welcome Sign that is super “Instagrammable” and definitely a great photo spot!

From there, drive up around 10 minutes and stop at Forrest Gump Hill. It is here where you will get the top and most iconic views of Monument Valley!

The reason why this breathtaking spot is called Forrest Gump Hill is because it is the spot where Forrest Gump himself ended his cross-country run in the movie.

When you take photos at Forrest Gump Hill, please be careful! Cars and RVs drive fast and you need to watch in front and behind you.

(There are also other great photo spots on the Utah side that are down the hill from the Forrest Gump spot and it will allow you to get close up views of each butte.)

Mexican Hat rock in Utah

Another cool spot to see near Monument Valley is Mexican Hat in Utah. It is around a 15 minute-drive from the famous landmark and offers more amazing views of red rock desert, sandstone cliffs and mesas.

The actual Mexican Hat rock is located at 37.174187, -109.848804 and it is a cool spot as the rock looks like an actual sombrero!

The village of Mexican Hat itself is small and there are a few restaurants and cafés. There are also scattered Navajo houses and a few tribal gift shops that you could visit. Unfortunately, due to the worldly circumstances during the time I visited this area, all of the Navajo gift shops were closed.

Other sites to see near Mexican Hat are the overlook at Muley Point, the beautiful river meanders at Goosenecks State Park and the red sandstone formations of Valley of Gods. This area also offers a lot of great campgrounds!

Enjoy Water Activities around Lake Powell:

Lake Powell in Northern Arizona

Lake Powell is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States! There are so many great water activities for you to enjoy and have fun on this amazing lake.

The best places to go swimming on Lake Powell are at Lone Rock Beach, Antelope Point and The Chains.

At the Wahweap and Bullfrog Marina, you can rent jet skis, powerboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and so much more!

Golf at Lake Powell National Golf Course:

Lake Powell National Golf Course

If you are a golfer, you definitely need to make a tee time at Lake Powell National Golf Course, which was actually located right next to the Courtyard Marriott hotel that we stayed at. It is an 18-hole championship facility that offers picturesque views!

Those who love to golf will definitely enjoy their experience at this course.


A woman walking on Forrest Gump road at Monument Valley

I hope you all enjoyed reading about all the best things to do in Page, Arizona during a Southwest road trip.

If you have any questions about my time in Page, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!

Things to do in Page, Arizona

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., AZ State Capital: Phoenix, Time Zone: Arizona does not follow Daylight Savings. During the warmer months, Arizona is on Pacific Time Zone and then it is on Mountain Standard Time during the colder months.

Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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38 Comments

  1. Rebecca on July 28, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    Page looks amazing! This is a great road trip layout to do.

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      Thank you Rebecca! You totally have to go at some point! 🙂

  2. Francesca on July 28, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Big John’s was soooo good!! I really loved Page. It was the perfect weekend getaway for me. Monument Valley is gorgeous!

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      Ah yes and it’s all so breathtaking! 🙂

  3. Kim Deer on July 28, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    Love, love, love this blog on Page, AZ and Monument Valley National Park ~ brings back so many great memories on our trip. Horseshoe Bend had the most incredible canyons I have ever seen. A must see during your lifetime here on earth ~ also, monument valley was amazing too. We are very lucky to have all these beautiful landmarks and National parks in our country! So glad I got to travel to the west with you and Joey ~ we made some awesome memories! Love you. Mom xoxo

    • Taylor Deer on July 28, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      Thank you mom! It really was such an incredible trip with so many wonderful natural landmarks. I cannot wait to see more. Love you too!

  4. Maria on July 29, 2020 at 5:50 am

    Wow Taylor, this is amazing! You look so happy on the photos. I loved visiting Horseshoe Bend but I haven’t been to Monument Valley yet – it looks impressive.

    • Taylor Deer on July 29, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Thank you so much Maria! You totally have to go to Monument Valley next time you’re there. 🙂

  5. Elena Pappalardo on July 30, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    Page is seriously SO stunning! What an epic birthday trip! And now you have me dreaming about Texas BBQ!!

    • Taylor Deer on July 30, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Yes, it was really so epic! I cannot wait to go back one day! 🙂

  6. Mikayla on August 4, 2020 at 12:49 pm

    Damn girl this is one of the most simply put, in depth guides I’ve seen! Easy to understand and to the point! Can’t wait to see the Southwest more!

    • Taylor Deer on August 5, 2020 at 11:56 am

      Thank you so much Mikayla! It’s so breathtaking out there. 🙂

  7. Cristina on August 7, 2020 at 7:35 am

    Wow, I absolutely love the pictures in your blog. Arizona looks such a pretty place to visit! I can’t wait for things to get back to normal and be able to travel in the US.

    • Taylor Deer on August 7, 2020 at 12:04 pm

      Thank you so much Cristina! You would love the American Southwest. 🙂

  8. Danie J on September 11, 2020 at 11:08 pm

    Wow – I have been before, but obviously didn’t see it all, I’m so excited to go back and use your guide !! Thank you 🤩

    • Taylor Deer on September 11, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you so much! Page is such a breathtaking destination and I absolutely LOVED visiting Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley. 🙂

  9. Michelle W on September 11, 2020 at 11:55 pm

    I went here in 2015 with my family and we LOVED it! Such an informative post too 🙂

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      That is so awesome! I loved it there. 🙂

  10. Kelly on September 12, 2020 at 12:47 am

    Wow. Page looks stunning. So.much amazing scenery with Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell being there. Great post and so helpful!.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:06 pm

      It really is so beautiful! I loved it there so much! I wish Antelope Canyon was open when I went. Also, thank you Kelly! 🙂

  11. Albi on September 12, 2020 at 4:09 am

    Awesome things to do! I think I would especially enjoy the lake since I’m not too much into golf. But the lake and water activities would be amazing in this kind of nature

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      Yes, it was so great! I wish I had more time there. 🙂

  12. Cosette on September 12, 2020 at 5:06 am

    Wow, we’ve been to the area, but not to Page. We did see all the famous national parks in Utah and Arizona and Southern Colorado and went to Monument Valley. Horshoe Bend Overlook and Antelope Camyon are still on my list.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Yes, you totally have to go when you return to the Southwest. It is so amazing! Horseshoe Bend took my breath away! 🙂

  13. Katie on September 12, 2020 at 8:18 am

    Wow your photos are gorgeous! I have always overlooked Arizona but now I feel like I need to plan a trip around here. Would love to see Forrest Gump Hill and visit Lake Powell. Bookmarked for future travels!

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Thank you so much Katie! You totally have to go! It’s so beautiful in that area. 🙂

  14. Sarah on September 12, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Gorgeous photos! I can’t wait to come and explore Arizona. It looks so scenic and I’ve been watching to go to Antelope Canyon for a long time – the pictures are unreal!

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you so much Sarah! It really was such an epic place! 🙂

  15. Andrea on September 12, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I love Page! I need to go back. Great post.

    • Taylor Deer on September 12, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      Thank you so much Andrea! 🙂

  16. Viola on September 12, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Wow these pictures are amazing. That shot of the Horseshoe Bend is iconic. You captured Arizona beautifully. I really want to go there one day.

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      Thank you so much Viola! Arizona really is such a gorgeous state. You would love it. 🙂

  17. Ophelie on September 12, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    This area is so scenic! I am dying to visit one day and take a million of photos there! Thanks a lot for all the info Taylor!

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      Yes, it really is Ophelie! You totally have to go. I know you would love it. 🙂

  18. roshni on September 12, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    somewhere that’s been on my bucket list for forever! looks great

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:52 am

      It really is so amazing Roshni! 🙂

  19. cass on September 12, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    You are my road trip/exploration inspo right now. You seem to have such an eye for gathering/combining beautiful places. Would love to see these places toooo

    • Taylor Deer on September 13, 2020 at 12:53 am

      Ah thank you so much Cassie! You totally have to visit at some point. It is so beautiful! 🙂

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