Adventure Van City Guide: Page, Arizona
Page, Arizona might look like a quiet desert town on the map, but once you roll in, it reveals some of the most jaw-dropping natural landmarks in the Southwest. Tucked near the Utah border, this small town is the gateway to otherworldly landscapes carved by wind, water, and time. For those traveling by van, it’s a dream stop for wide-open roads, spacious public lands, and iconic photography spots that are even more powerful in person.
Page is home to Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world and for good reason. Its swirling, wave-like walls are sculpted by flash floods and sunlight, creating surreal corridors of orange and gold. You’ll need to book a guided Navajo tour (as it's on tribal land), but it’s worth every penny. Just a few miles away, Horseshoe Bend offers another classic view: a perfect U-shaped bend in the Colorado River with cliffs that drop over 1,000 feet. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for cooler temps and magical light.
Beyond the big names like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, don’t miss Glen Canyon Dam Overlook for a fascinating view of the engineering that tamed the Colorado River. Take a short hike to The New Wave, a less-crowded rock formation with swirling patterns reminiscent of the more famous “Wave” in Utah. For a real treat, hop on a boat or paddleboard out on Lake Powell, where you can explore narrow water canyons or even swim beneath sandstone arches. And if you're craving a scenic drive, the road toward Big Water, UT cuts through stunning badlands and open desert.
Quick fun facts
🟥 1. It’s Home to the Legendary Antelope Canyon
Page is the gateway to Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world known for its swirling red walls and light beams that look like magic.
🌊 2. It Was Built for a Dam
Page didn’t exist until the 1950s it was created solely to house workers building Glen Canyon Dam, which formed Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S.
📸 3. Horseshoe Bend Is Just Minutes Away
That iconic Instagram view of the Colorado River wrapping around a giant sandstone curve? That’s Horseshoe Bend, located just 5 miles outside town and it’s an easy 10-minute hike.
🚤 4. It’s an Adventure Hub for Water and Rock
Page is rare in that you can paddle through slot canyons, go cliff jumping, boat across Lake Powell, then hike slickrock desert all in one day.
🌄 5. It Sits on Navajo Nation Land
Much of the land surrounding Page, including Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, is Navajo land, rich in Indigenous culture, history, and spiritual significance.
Trivia question
What battle in 1781 effectively ended the American Revolutionary War ?
