Roughly a five-hour drive north of Phoenix lies Page, Arizona, a destination that draws those in search of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re cruising on a houseboat across Lake Powell, trekking through a luminous slot canyon, downing beers at a local brewery, or exploring local dining options, Page promises a memorable journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Here is our list of where to eat and drink, and what to do in Page, AZ.
What to do in Page, AZ
While there are plenty of sights to see and trails to discover, Page may be most famous for three attractions – Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell.
Just a few minutes from town is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. At Antelope Canyon, radiant beams of sunlight illuminate undulating sandstone walls carved by wind and water, and while no bags are allowed, cameras are. Guided tours are the only way to tour Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, and often led by knowledgeable Navajo guides who provide insights into the history and geology of this unique natural wonder (and are happy to share photography tips).
Not far is Horseshoe Bend, a scenic vista where the Colorado River winds around a dramatic 270-degree curve. The striking feature of Horseshoe Bend is its sheer scale: The overlook stands at approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, with the river below carving through Navajo sandstone to form its famous horseshoe shape. The relatively easy hike from the parking area to the viewpoint is about a mile and a half and unveils one of the most iconic sites in the American Southwest.
The third crown jewel of Page is Lake Powell, a massive reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River. The azure waters set against a majestic backdrop of rugged cliffs create a picture-perfect setting for scenic dining or your choice of aquatic exploration. With 186 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell attracts more than three million visitors a year for camping, fishing, boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more. Note: Park entrance fee is $30 per passenger vehicle. If you’re planning to visit three or more national parks within a year, spring for the America the Beautiful Pass ($79.99).
Food & Drinks in Page, AZ
Looking for food in Page, AZ? To fuel your adventures, Page’s dining scene offers an array of options to please every palate. Looking for a breakfast spot? Locals gather at the casual Ranch House Grill. Here, you can savor classics like corned beef hash and buttermilk pancakes, or opt for Southwestern twists such as huevos rancheros or a chile relleno smothered in chili verde, served alongside crispy hash browns, rice, and beans. And don’t miss the chalkboard dessert specials like raspberry donut cheesecake.
If you’re craving fried chicken, BirdHouse, housed in a former Sonic, serves up some of the state’s finest. Take your pick from classic, spicy, or honey butter fried chicken (tip – order the secret menu blend of spicy and honey butter called “Eddie’s special”), and complement it with a local brew or a prickly pear margarita. Mouthwatering sides like mashed potatoes with gravy, creamy mac ‘n cheese, and signature fries round out your feast. Don’t forget to save room for Nutella donut holes.
Open seven days a week, Big John’s Texas BBQ specializes in slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and chicken to slather in your choice of traditional, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce. Order your favorite smoked meat layered in sandwiches, piled on nachos, or in combo plates which come with sides like cornbread muffins, cowboy baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. Live music and picnic tables on the patio add to the charm.
While the food is standard resort fare, it’s all about the views at Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort at Wahweap Marina. With a dramatic curved dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows, its prime location takes advantage of its stunning lakefront location. Popular dishes include lobster tostadas, fried chicken with bacon and apple slaw, and prime rib accompanied by horseradish sauce and smoked garlic whipped potatoes. Reservations are a must, and you’ll have to pay the park entrance fee to visit any of the marina restaurants.
Williams-based Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery is one of the state’s most popular breweries, and the Page location adds to that with pool tables, foosball, and shuffleboard, offering a fun way to wrap up your day. Located in a former firehouse, the 10,000 square-foot gathering spot sports an indoor fireplace for chilly nights and an expansive patio for sunny afternoons. You’ll find 20 GCB beers on tap, from Trail Hike session IPA to Sacred Saguaro lager, perfect for pairing with pub noshes like Bavarian pretzels with bacon-beer cheese.
Where to Stay
For the ideal basecamp for your explorations, check into Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell. Along with amenities that include a picturesque patio with fire pits and views of Vermillion View Cliffs are complimentary guest activities with Navajo experts, like Eli Secody, who incorporates songs into his vibrant storytelling. Or, join Pearl Seaton, who teaches the art of weaving traditional dreamcatchers. An additional gem on the premises is Prickly Pear Kitchen, where the menu takes its cues from family recipes of the general manager, Nadia Santacruz, who hails from Sonora (personal favorites are the fantastic tortilla soup and pork adobo tacos). Don’t pass on their wonderful margaritas either!
Also unique to the property is Adventure Advisor Kamiko Mannie and her wealth of knowledge. Mannie’s pride in sharing her Navajo culture, coupled with her in-depth familiarity with Page’s hidden gems, makes her an invaluable resource (you can follow her GoPro adventures at @_Kamiko_ on Instagram). Need information about Red Heritage, a Native American dinner theater, or Rainbow Bridge, which is one of the newer tours? She’s got it for you. Does your bucket list include a Colorado River wilderness adventure where you can find hidden waterfalls and petroglyphs? Mannie can help with that too. Guests can also make arrangements for jeep rides and UTV off-roading, Antelope Canyon tours, and helicopter flights (one lands on the legendary “Top of the Butte,” a popular site for proposals and where Britney Spears filmed a music video).
written by: christina barrueta | photographed by: luke irvin