Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

Page Arizona: Gateway To Lake Powell & Northern Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Page, Arizona is a high-desert community near the Utah border and one of the primary gateways to Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The city sits atop Manson Mesa at approximately 4,300 feet elevation, overlooking the red-rock landscape surrounding Lake Powell and the Colorado River.

Page was established in 1957 as a community for workers building Glen Canyon Dam and has since developed into a major visitor center for northern Arizona and the Grand Circle region. Lake Powell recreation, guided slot-canyon tours, Colorado River scenery, boating, hiking, photography and nearby Navajo Nation attractions draw visitors from around the world.

Page also provides the lodging, restaurants, fuel, groceries, tours and other services needed for exploring the surrounding region. Wahweap and Antelope Point provide nearby access to Lake Powell, while Horseshoe Bend is only a few miles south of town.

Lake Powell red rock canyons and blue water near Page ArizonaLake Powell. Creative Commons

Page Arizona Quick Facts

  • Location: Northern Arizona near the Utah border
  • Elevation: Approximately 4,300 feet
  • Founded: 1957 during construction of Glen Canyon Dam
  • Incorporated: 1975
  • Primary highway: U.S. Highway 89
  • Airport: Page Municipal Airport (PGA)
  • Nearby lake access: Wahweap and Antelope Point
  • Major attractions: Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam
  • Outdoor recreation: Boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, photography and sightseeing
  • Time zone: Mountain Standard Time year-round in Page

Lake Powell blue water and sandstone canyon scenery near Page Arizona

Lake Powell & Colorado River Recreation

Lake Powell is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation around Page, with boating, kayaking, fishing, houseboat vacations, beaches and scenic canyon exploration. Changing lake levels continually alter shoreline access, so boaters should check current National Park Service launch-ramp and marina conditions before visiting.

Visitors can also experience the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam on guided float trips toward Lees Ferry. The river corridor offers a very different perspective from Lake Powell, passing beneath high sandstone walls before reaching historic Lees Ferry.

Page Arizona Visitor Services

Page sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation on Manson Mesa and serves as the primary service community for visitors exploring the southern Lake Powell and Glen Canyon area. The city offers hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, fuel, tour operators, rental vehicles, outdoor recreation services and a municipal golf course.

Page's location also makes it a convenient base for day trips to destinations throughout northern Arizona, southern Utah and the Navajo Nation.

Most Popular Page Arizona Area Attractions

Lake Powell boating and sandstone canyon scenery near Page ArizonaCurving sandstone walls inside Antelope Canyon near Page ArizonaHorseshoe Bend overlook above the Colorado River near Page ArizonaLees Ferry Colorado River access in northern ArizonaVermilion Cliffs National Monument colorful sandstone landscapeGrand Canyon eastern viewpoints near northern Arizona Click for area details

Antelope Canyon Near Page Arizona

Antelope Canyon is one of the Page area's best-known attractions. The narrow sandstone slot canyons are located on Navajo Nation land east of Page and are famous for sculpted walls, changing colors and shafts of light.

Access to Antelope Canyon locations requires an authorized Navajo guide. Reservations should be made with an approved tour operator, particularly during busy spring, summer and fall travel periods.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is approximately 5 miles south of Page along U.S. Highway 89. A developed trail leads from the City of Page parking area to an overlook where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree bend roughly 1,000 feet below the canyon rim.

The overlook itself is within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, while the parking area is operated by the City of Page. National Park passes do not cover the City of Page parking charge.

Glen Canyon Dam & Carl Hayden Visitor Center

Glen Canyon Dam spans the Colorado River just north of Page and created Lake Powell when the reservoir began filling behind the dam. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center overlooks the dam and provides exhibits, films, visitor information and views of Glen Canyon.

As of August 2026, tours inside Glen Canyon Dam are closed. Visitors should check current National Park Service information before planning a trip specifically around dam tours.

Tower Butte Helicopter Tours

Tower Butte rises prominently from Navajo Nation land near Page and provides panoramic views across Lake Powell, Glen Canyon and the surrounding desert. Helicopter tours departing from Page Municipal Airport can include a landing on the flat summit.

Papillon currently operates its Top of the World Tower Butte Landing Tour from Page. The approximately 45- to 50-minute experience includes a Tower Butte landing and aerial views of Horseshoe Bend and the Lake Powell area. Tour schedules and prices can change, so verify current availability directly with the operator.

Best Time To Visit Page Arizona

  • Spring: Mild temperatures make March through May excellent for hiking, sightseeing and guided tours.
  • Summer: Hot weather favors Lake Powell boating and swimming, but midday desert heat can be intense.
  • Fall: September and October provide comfortable temperatures for both lake recreation and land-based attractions.
  • Winter: Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds can be appealing, although freezing nights and occasional snow are possible.

How To Get To Page Arizona

From Flagstaff: Take U.S. Highway 89 north through Cameron toward Page. The drive is approximately 130 miles and normally takes a little over two hours without extended stops.

From Phoenix: Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff, then continue north on U.S. Highway 89 to Page. The trip is approximately 275 miles from central Phoenix.

By air: Page Municipal Airport (PGA) offers scheduled commercial service. Contour Airlines currently provides daily flights between Page and Phoenix.

Page Arizona & Glen Canyon Area Map

Map of Page Arizona Lake Powell Glen Canyon and surrounding northern Arizona attractions

Google Map Of Page Arizona

Current Lake Powell Access

Lake Powell remains open for boating and recreation, but water levels continue to affect launch ramps, marina access and some visitor services. The National Park Service recommends checking current lake levels and ramp conditions immediately before a boating trip.

As of August 20, 2026, Lake Powell's elevation was approximately 3,519 feet. At these lower elevations, individual ramps have different operating thresholds and some traditional access points may not accommodate motorized launching.

Page Arizona Visitor Tips

  • Reserve Antelope Canyon tours in advance because entry requires an authorized Navajo guide.
  • Check Lake Powell water levels and boat-ramp conditions before towing a boat.
  • Carry plenty of drinking water when hiking or sightseeing in warm weather.
  • Visit Horseshoe Bend early or later in the day during hot summer weather.
  • Expect limited shade at many desert attractions.
  • Check flash-flood forecasts before visiting slot canyons or washes.
  • Remember that Page remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round.
  • Nearby Navajo Nation communities generally observe Daylight Saving Time.
  • Allow extra travel time during summer and holiday weekends.
  • Use Page as a base for exploring both northern Arizona and southern Utah attractions.

Page Arizona FAQ

Where Is Page Arizona?

Page is located in northern Arizona near the Utah border, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River.

What Is Page Arizona Known For?

Page is best known as a gateway to Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam and outdoor recreation throughout the surrounding red-rock region.

How High Is Page Arizona?

Page sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation on Manson Mesa.

When Was Page Arizona Founded?

Page was established in 1957 as a community for workers constructing Glen Canyon Dam and was incorporated as a city in 1975.

How Far Is Lake Powell From Page?

Lake Powell access is only a few miles from Page. Wahweap is approximately 8 road miles away and Antelope Point is approximately 9 road miles from town.

How Far Is Horseshoe Bend From Page?

The Horseshoe Bend trailhead is approximately 5 miles south of Page along U.S. Highway 89.

Can You Visit Antelope Canyon Without A Tour?

No. Antelope Canyon is on Navajo Nation land and visitors must enter with an authorized Navajo guide or tour operator.

Can You Fly To Page Arizona?

Yes. Page Municipal Airport has scheduled commercial service, currently providing daily flights between Page and Phoenix.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Page Arizona?

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and hiking, while summer is especially popular for boating and swimming on Lake Powell.

Is Page Arizona A Good Base For Visiting Northern Arizona?

Yes. Page provides lodging, dining and visitor services close to Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Lees Ferry and numerous northern Arizona and southern Utah destinations.

More Page Arizona & Lake Powell Information

Lake Powell & Page Arizona

 

 

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