The Ultimate Guide to Page, Arizona

So, every year I take a road trip from Colorado to Southern Arizona to visit my family during the cooler months. To spice things up, I'll take a few different routes to get there. My favorite route to take Is taking I-70 West toward Moab. I know the dreaded I-70, but hear me out, It's very scenic and makes the drive feel shorter. Before leaving to Arizona, I kept seeing posts about Page, Arizona. After seeing countless posts and pictures, I had to make It a stop on my way down to Southern Arizona.

Page, Arizona Is a small desert town In Northern Arizona that has Insane scenic viewpoints. Right under the border of Utah, this small town lives up to the hype. From a solo female traveler's perspective, I felt very safe In this area walking alone both during the daytime and evening hours. I highly recommend spending a full day here to check out the downtown area, the hidden gems, and make a stop at Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend

You have more than likely seen pictures of the Iconic Horseshoe Bend all over your feeds. This Is where the Colorado River curves around a giant sandstone cliff, which makes the cool horseshoe shape.

The Hike:

Just a short 1.5 mile hike roundtrip, that's just sand you're walking on, so It might feel like a longer walk for some. I highly recommend wearing good walking shoes or even hiking shoes for this trek. As always, make sure you are hydrated and have water with you, even though It's Northern Arizona, It can still get pretty hot. This trail Is also well-marked and you will also notice other people walking to the bend or leaving the bend. So your chances of getting lost are very minimal.

Best Times

I personally went around 7:30 AM In an attempt to avoid crowds. However, there were still crowds of people and groups of tourists. From what I have heard, It Is quieter during the sunrise times. My one suggestion Is to avoid going during midday when It's hot and there Is not a whole lot of shade.

The Shot

We all go to Horseshoe Bend to get the Iconic shot of the bend and see the water. Just be aware, you do need to get a bit close to the edge to get your desired photo. There are no guardrails, but there are giant rocks you can sit on and admire from above too.

The Details

Parking Is $10 and your state park pass and national park passes will not work at Horseshoe Bend. It's a huge lot, as I went earlier In the morning, I didn't have any Issues finding parking. Always remember to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat as there Is zero shade on this trail and at the bend.

The Hidden Gem Behind the Shell Gas Station

I definitely discovered this due to the popularity on Instagram and TikTok. Yes, I found It to be worth the hype.

How Find It

On North Navajo Drive you'll find the Shell Gas Station and you'll park In the back of the station. From there, you'll walk a little ways on a sandy path slightly uphill to the overlook area. It's a very short hike, I saw people of various ages walking to and from the rock formation.

Is The Hype Worth It?

In my honest opinion, yes. Why? Because It's less touristy, and most people skip out on It as they don't expect a cool rock formation behind a gas station.

Other Must-Sees

Antelope Canyon

Although I haven't been to Antelope Canyon It's on my list to stop here on my next road trip out to Arizona. However, Antelope Canyon Is very popular, they are slot canyons you wander through. As Antelope Canyon Is nestled on Navajo Nation Land, you need to have a guide to bring you through the canyons. There Is no self-guided opportunities. The Navajo Nation permit Is $15.

Lake Powell

Another sight I need to explore further. When I make It to Lake Powell, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are the most common activities to do on the lake.

Practical Tips

Visiting Arizona

My favorite times to visit Arizona (even Northern Arizona) are during the cooler months which lands between March-May and September-November. I don't do well In heat so you won't catch me In Arizona during June-August. The cooler months have fewer crowds and tolerable weather.

Solo Female Traveler Safety

Coming from a seasoned road tripper and solo traveler, always head out on the road prepare. Make sure you're prepared for events that could happen, let people know where you are, when you're hiking, when you're back to driving, or at a rest area. Even In the cooler months, the Arizona sun Is HOT, make sure you have plenty of water. I'm known to keeping a full 40oz Stanley water bottle In my Jeep for after the hike and take two 30oz water bottles with me on the trail. If It's a longer trail, I'll take my hydration pack with me, which holds 50oz of water.

As always, safe travels!