Once you settle in at one of the best family friendly and pet friendly campgrounds in Arizona—a-hem, that’s The Canyons RV Resort and Cabins—you will be in near a myriad of attractions. Our all seasons camping resort is the best campground in Page, Arizona and it’s a stone’s throw away from Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and Lake Powell.
As a bonus, you are within a few hours’ driving distance from the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and Zion National Park. So, if you have the time to explore the area, look no further than our Page, AZ campground as the perfect base camp.
For our February trip, we stayed close to the resort. In addition to Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs, we ventured out on short drives and hikes. Here are some highlights.
From the campground, take a left onto Coppermine Road, then a right onto AZ-98 W, left on US-89 S, then look for signs for Horseshoe Bend parking (4.7 miles, 7 min.). Pay the $10 car parking fee, then walk toward the crowds. Find your way to the safe observation terrace or carefully stand on the nearby rock ledges, and take in the view below: the iconic Horseshoe Bend rock hugged by Colorado River. The best time for photos is late morning or mid-day, when you get fewest shadows and the river sparkles and displays its peacock colors. The hike is an easy 0.6 miles to the overlook and 1.5 miles total round trip on a hardened ADA compliant path. Mind the time of the year and bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Restrooms are available at the parking area but not along the trail.
Glen Canyon Dam and Carl Hayden Visitor Center
From the campground, take a right onto Coppermine Road, then left on Haul Rd. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto US-89 and follow the road to the dam (you can’t miss it!). There are two overlooks: one on the Page side and one across the river at the Visitor Center. You may also park at the visitor center then carefully cross the bridge road to take a peek through the fence (there is a hole in the fence designed for photo-taking).
I recommend you spend some time exploring the exhibits, videos, maps, and interactive learning activities about the area and the Glen Canyon dam and power plant. You will learn how the dam came into being (and the impressive tools used) and how it allocates water, especially in times of drought. Learn about the canyon’s creation over millions of years and its many stone layers. If you’re a tactile person or you have kids with you, open the display drawers and touch the different stones that make up the amazing terrain around the dam and throughout the canyons.
Learn more about the other geological attractions in the area, then head outside to the observation deck for a view of the water on the upper and lower sides of the dam. Take a look at the country’s second largest man-made reservoir: the 700+ feet tall curved retaining wall manages the Colorado River, while Lake Powell upstream stores water from the Colorado River’s Upper Basin. When full, Lake Powell stretches over 266 square miles.
From the visitors center, continue on US-89, then take Lakeshore Drive to the Wahweap Marina and Overlook. You will have to pay a $30 national park entrance fee, so I recommend you invest into America the Beautiful Pass which grants you entrance into national parks across the US for $80 annually (free and discounted passes are available for certain individuals, so be sure to check out the National Park Service site for more information).
Stop at the Navajo Mountain and Wahweap overlooks to take in the expansive views of the Colorado River, spot sports boats cruising down below, and have another view of the dam. If you want to cool off, there is public beach access past the ranger station.
Drive back to US-89 and take a selfie with the Welcome to Utah sign, then head down Lone Rock Rd. just past the sign for a closer look and another selfie moment with the Lone Rock.
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Considered sacred by Native American tribes in the area, Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s largest known natural bridges. It is accessible only by boat on Lake Powell or by land over a 14+ mile trail from the Navajo Nation (permit required). As of October 2022, however, the low water levels prevent boat access. If you opt for the 3-mile roundtrip hike, you will trek through mud and may encounter quicksand. The other option is to climb over boulders at the shoreline until reaching the trail, which extends to the bridge on the far left/northeast side of the canyon. Check the most up-to-date information before heading out.
Area Hikes
There are many hiking options in the area. I recommend you stop by a visitor center and pick up the Lake Powell Visitors Guide and a detailed map of the area. You can also try one of the many apps, such as Hiking Project or All Trails.
Two easy hikes with rewarding views are Horseshoe Bend and the Dam Overlook. For easy to moderate hikes, explore Hanging Gardens, The Chains, Beehives, Stud Horse Trail, or Wiregrass Canyon—ranging from 1.5 mi to 6.5 mi round trip. And of course, don’t forget the Page Rim Trail, accessible from the The Canyons campground.
Groceries
You may shop for food and groceries at Lake Powell Groceries, Safeway, or Walmart, all within a short drive. If you don’t feel like driving, Lake Powell Groceries delivers to The Canyons campground. And of course, you can always walk over to our on site lodge for a snack or a cup of hot coffee. We are also working on bringing more food options to you (remember the delicious donuts?) and exploring partnerships with local purveyors, so stay tuned.
