For Spring Break we decided that it would be nice going somewhere that we’ve never been, but also somewhere that is pretty close (about 5-6 hours drive). I’ve always wanted to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona and it was only 4 1/2 hours away from Las Vegas, so we decided to book it and make it a little 48 hour trip!
Hotels there were pretty reasonable! We ended up staying at Holiday Inn, and had no complaints. When it comes to choosing hotels, if we plan on spending alot of our time in the hotel, especially poolside, then we plurge more on the hotel, but if we plan on exploring alot and mainly using the hotel just for sleep, then we typically stay at Holiday Inns.
I will have to say that researching “things to do in Page, Arizona” I did know that mostly all boat tours and the upper and lower Antelope Canyon where both closed because of Covid, which was such a big bummer because Page is known for Antelope Canyon and for Horseshoe bend. But, we didn’t let that stop us from visiting. From what I also heard by many people there is that you are able to kayak up to the Antelope creek from Antelope Point Marina, park the kayak there, then hike up to the lower Antelope canyon. From what I was told it’s about an hour kayak to the canyon, and about a 3 mile hike up to the slot canyon.
Once we arrived in Page, Arizona the first thing you see is Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Park. It was beautiful. There was an overlook there called Wahweap Overlook (free of charge) that you can drive up the little mountain to view parts of the Canyon and Lake, and it was breathtaking!
After checking out the overlook of Lake Powell, we stopped at Glen Canyon Dam, and walked on the bridge. Here you can see stunning views of the Colorado River. On the other side is the dam and views of the lake.
We then drove around the little town of Page, Arizona.. which is pretty tiny and took a whole 10 mins to do (LOL). After checking out Page and getting a bite to eat, we visited another explore site called Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. It’s about a 5 min hike down and a few stairs to the overlook area. You’ll see more views of the Colorado River and Glen Canyon Dam. It sure was beautiful. There was a Native American there that was playing his flute, and it made the whole experience surreal!
After Glen Canyon overlook, we rested at the hotel for a bit before going to HorseShoe Bend…
After researching when is the best time going to Horseshoe Bend, I’ve heard sunset is the best. So, we got there about 5:30 pm and hiked down to the overlook area, which was about a 15-20 hike down. There is a $10.00 entrance fee. The trail isn’t hard to hike down to the overlook area. There is a graveled path, so you are able to bring a stroller or wheel chair if needed. Make sure to bring water and sun tan lotion, especially if it’s hot!
Let me just say, seeing this incredible view of the bend… the pictures just don’t do it’s justice. It’s beautiful, yet scary! There isn’t much guard rails there, so PLEASE be careful and WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING! The Instagram picture ISN’T worth your life! If you aren’t paying attention, one slip will be your last!
The sun set around 7:30pm and it was just as gorgeous as people have said! It’s definitely a spot that you have to check out whenever you are in Page, Arizona! I would have to say, either come during sunrise, which the sun will be behind you, or sunset, the sun is in front of you.
After visiting the bend we had dinner at Big John’s Texas BBQ. Now, I’m not really sure I would recommend going there for dinner, especially since I have 2 big bbq fans and are very harsh critics on peoples BBQ, but you can judge it for yourself if you want to check it out. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
Day 2
After having breakfast at the hotel and checking out, we decided to explore more of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Park, since Antelope Canyon is closed. By the way, we did visit Antelope Canyon both upper and lower, and it was indeed closed. So, we first checked out Lone Rock. You do have to pay an entrance fee for the National Park which was $30, however, it was for a 7 day pass, and for all aspects of Glen Canyon National Park. Here is where you can see the beautiful turquoise blue water and Lone Rock.
Now, I WOULD NOT recommend swimming there! It does have an awful smell. If you live in Las Vegas and visited Lake Mead, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Also, lots of ducks, which near the water you can see lots of duck poop (YUCK)! However, there are a lot of campers there, which have their quads or side by sides, since there are trails throughout the area to ride on.
Throughout that area, there are some overlook spots that you can pull into and take some pictures.
Here is Wahweap Viewpoint
and here is Navajo Mountain viewpoint.
There is also, the Wahweap Marina that you can visit too. We actually did not stop by at this marina, but we did check out anyone where I will mention more about below.
Since the girls wanted to play more in the water (even though the water was freezing), we decided to check out Antelope Point Marina (more on the river part) since the water would be cleaner there. So we did. It was actually a very beautiful marina with a very long bridge to get to the marina.
We were looking into renting a kayak or a boat for a couple hours, but we choose not too because we weren’t really dressed for it (Avery and I had on slippers and no sweater) and we didn’t have any suntan or water on us. Plus I’ve been having issues with my carpel tunnel, so we just decided to do it next time we visit.
We did however, had lunch there at The Point, which was actually really good! The best food yet from our trip! I loved how it was river side, so we had a beautiful view of the river the entire time. However, the wind started picking up a bit and got really cold, but other than that it was really nice!
After having lunch there, we decided to check out more of the Colorado River and visit Marble Canyon, which was about a 45 min-1 hour drive. Right when entering the Marble Canyon, you can stop at the Historic Navajo Bridge. Again, you will see stunning views of the river.
Heading twards Lee’s Ferry, there you can hike down the Cathedral Wash Trail down to the river (which I believe is about a 2.5 mile hike), however we didn’t do that hike. Down a ways though, there’s a little beach called Paria Beach, were the kids can play in the water. The girls loved it! However, the water was super cold. The views of the river and the rapids on the river, were seriously breathtaking! I loved it there! I honestly could have spent all day there and had a picnic.. maybe even a nap! This is where I even made a squirrel friend. We named him Cheddar!
After spending some time there, we checked out one last stop before heading home, which was the umbrella rock. and the balanced rock. These were boulders that were broken and fallen off from the cliff. It was pretty neat learning how these rocks formed here.
After visiting the fallen rocks, it was time to head back home. 5 1/2 hours of driving back home (we made a few stops for bathroom breaks). While my husband drived, I edited all the videos and pictures (hehe)!
Even though our little trip was short, we sure did make the most of it and ended up doing a lot! I would highly recommend visiting Page, Arizona. It’s a great 48 hour trip!
XO
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