3 Best Day Trips from Page, Arizona

Page is best known for Antelope Canyon tours, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell, but three activity-based day trips give those familiar places a different perspective. This page focuses on paddling into Antelope Canyon from the lake, floating the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, and hiking the Toadstool Hoodoos west of town.

These trips are more specific than the broader road trips covered in the day trips from Page guide. They work well for travelers staying several nights in Page, visitors who have already seen the main overlooks, or groups looking for a more hands-on day on the water or trail.

Three Activity-Focused Day Trips from Page

Day trip	Best for	Main challenge
Kayak and hike into Antelope Canyon	Paddlers who want to reach the lower canyon independently	Wind, boat wake, water level, and distance
Float Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River	Travelers who want a full-day river trip without whitewater	Transport logistics, sun exposure, and cold water
Hike the Toadstool Hoodoos	Families, casual hikers, and travelers heading west on US 89	Heat and the fragile nature of the formations

Each trip can fill most of a day. Avoid combining the kayak and river trips in one day, and treat the Toadstool Hoodoos as the easiest option to pair with another stop.

Kayak and Hike into Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell

Most visitors see Antelope Canyon on a guided walking tour. A different approach starts at Antelope Point Marina and uses Lake Powell to reach the water-filled lower portion of the canyon. From there, paddlers can beach their watercraft and continue on foot as far as current conditions and access rules allow.

This is not a substitute for the guided Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon tours. The paddling route reaches a different section of the canyon system, and access can change with lake level, beach conditions, and Navajo Nation rules. Review current Antelope Canyon tour options if your goal is the classic guided slot-canyon experience.

Planning the Paddle

Expect several miles of paddling in each direction, with route length changing as Lake Powell’s water level rises and falls. The first section crosses open water where motorboats and jet skis can create wake. After turning into Antelope Canyon, the water is calmer, the walls close in, and navigation becomes more straightforward.

Start early. Morning usually brings lighter wind and less boat traffic, while afternoons can become choppy enough to slow the return paddle. Reserve a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, packraft, jet ski, or small boat in advance when needed, and verify whether the current launch area supports motorized craft or only hand-carried small watercraft.

Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and a waterproof bag for phone, keys, and clothing. Use secure footwear for launching, beaching, and walking through sand. Keep valuables with you when you leave the watercraft, and pull it far enough above the waterline to account for changing lake level while you hike.

For current rental and marina information, compare Lake Powell boat rentals and Lake Powell access before the trip.

Hiking Beyond the Water

At the end of the paddleable water, beach your watercraft and continue on foot through the sandy lower canyon. The terrain is generally easier than the ladder and stair sections used by Lower Antelope Canyon tours, but it still requires attention to heat, footing, flash-flood risk, and changing sand conditions.

Do not assume that the walking route continues into the standard guided Upper or Lower tour sections. Natural barriers, private or tribal boundaries, water, and closures can all limit how far you can go. Check current conditions before entering the canyon, and leave immediately if rain develops upstream or nearby.

Float Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

The Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam runs through Marble Canyon before reaching Lees Ferry. This stretch has no significant whitewater, but it is still a serious full-day river environment with cold water, limited shade, changing wind, and long sections away from roads.

The route passes beneath Horseshoe Bend, giving paddlers a view of the overlook from below. Most travelers begin near Lees Ferry, travel upstream by backhaul or under their own power, and then float back downstream. Plan most of the day for the trip, even if you use a motorized backhaul to shorten the paddling distance.

Backhaul or Upstream Paddling

Commercial backhaul services can transport kayakers and equipment upstream from Lees Ferry, sometimes as far as Glen Canyon Dam or a shorter intermediate launch point. This reduces the amount of hard upstream paddling and gives you more time to float, stop at beaches, and view petroglyphs along the river.

You can also paddle upstream and float back, but that approach requires significantly more energy and time. Current, wind, vessel restrictions, and river conditions matter. Review the current National Park Service rules and authorized outfitters through Colorado River rafting and floating before launching.

Private river trips need the current NPS permit or registration process. Commercial trips may handle transportation, equipment, and permits differently. Confirm where the trip ends and do not continue past Lees Ferry into Grand Canyon National Park without the appropriate authorization.

River Time, Fishing, and Overnight Options

A simple day plan includes a morning backhaul, several hours of floating and beach stops, and a takeout at Lees Ferry. The river is cold even in summer, so life jackets, sun protection, drinking water, and secure footwear matter. Avoid glass containers, pack out all trash, and keep food stored away from wildlife.

Lees Ferry is known for trout fishing, but river fishing has its own license and regulation requirements. Do not rely on Lake Powell rules for the stretch below the dam. If fishing is part of the trip, check current Arizona regulations before bringing gear.

Several designated campsites between the dam and Lees Ferry allow the float to become an overnight trip. Camping is not a casual addition to a late-start day plan. It requires the right equipment, a designated site, sanitation supplies, and enough time to reach camp before dark. Review camping and RV information before extending the trip.

Hike the Toadstool Hoodoos

The Toadstool Hoodoos are a short land-based day trip west of Page in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The trailhead is along US 89 between Page and Big Water, approximately 30 miles from Page under normal driving conditions.

The route is an out-and-back hike of roughly 1.8 miles round trip with modest elevation gain. It follows open desert and a dry wash toward clusters of pale, orange, and red hoodoos. The route is accessible to a wider range of visitors than the water trips, but it has little shade and no reliable water source.

The hoodoos are fragile. Stay on durable surfaces, avoid climbing on the formations, and keep children and pets from knocking against the soft rock. Dogs are generally allowed, but they should be controlled and supplied with water. Summer hikers should start early and treat the short distance seriously because of heat and exposure.

Facilities are limited at the trailhead, and conditions can change after rain. Check Page weather before leaving town, especially during summer, monsoon season, or winter cold snaps. Big Water offers a convenient stop for fuel and information when services are open.

Choosing the Right Trip for Your Group

Choose the Antelope Canyon paddle if your group is comfortable on the water, can start early, and has enough time for a slow return. It offers the most independent experience of the three, but wind and lake conditions can change the difficulty quickly.

Choose the Colorado River float if you want a full-day river trip without whitewater. Backhaul transportation makes the trip more accessible, but it still requires sun protection, cold-water awareness, and enough time to complete the route safely.

Choose the Toadstool Hoodoos if you want the shortest and simplest trip. It is the easiest option for families, casual hikers, and travelers continuing west toward Big Water, Kanab, or southern Utah. It can also be paired with Horseshoe Bend or a scenic US 89 drive more realistically than either water trip.

For lodging and trip timing, use where to stay in Page. A central Page base works for all three trips, but the river float requires extra attention to the early drive to Lees Ferry.

Safety, Permits, and Current Conditions

These three trips depend heavily on current conditions. Lake level can change where you launch, how far you paddle, and whether a motorized ramp is usable. Wind can make the Antelope Canyon return trip much harder than the outbound paddle. Monsoon storms can create lightning and flash-flood concerns on both the lake and the river.

Check the forecast and wind before any paddling trip.
Carry more drinking water than you expect to need.
Use a life jacket for kayaking, paddleboarding, and river floating.
Secure phones, keys, and clothing in waterproof bags.
Confirm Glen Canyon entrance, launch, and parking requirements.
Confirm current NPS river registration or permits for private Colorado River trips.
Do not enter slot canyons during rain or when flash-flood risk is elevated.
Do not continue past Lees Ferry into Grand Canyon National Park without authorization.

Cell service can be limited in side canyons, on the river, and at remote trailheads. Tell someone your route and expected return time, especially for independent kayak and river trips. Review current conditions through Page visitor information before finalizing plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you kayak into Antelope Canyon without a guided walking tour?

Yes, paddlers can reach the lower water-filled portion of Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell and continue on foot where access allows. This is different from the guided Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

Is kayaking to Antelope Canyon difficult?

It can be moderate to difficult depending on wind, boat wake, water level, and your paddling experience. Start early and do not treat the return trip as automatically easier than the outbound paddle.

How long is the Colorado River float from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry?

The route is roughly 15 miles and normally fills most of a day. Backhaul transportation can reduce paddling distance, but sun, cold water, beach stops, and takeout logistics still require time.

Do you need a permit to float from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry?

Private trips need to follow the current National Park Service permit or registration process. Commercial services may handle different parts of the logistics, so confirm the requirements before launch.

Can beginners do these three day trips?

The Toadstool Hoodoos are the most beginner-friendly. Kayaking Antelope Canyon and floating the Colorado River are possible for prepared beginners, but wind, cold water, distance, and weather make guided support a practical option.

Are dogs allowed on the Toadstool Hoodoos trail?

Dogs are generally allowed, but they should be controlled, kept away from fragile formations, and given plenty of water. Verify current land-management rules before your hike.

Which trip is best for families?

The Toadstool Hoodoos are usually the easiest family option in mild weather. Families with paddling experience can consider the lake or river trips, but both require more preparation and closer attention to conditions.

Can you combine two of these day trips in one day?

You can pair the Toadstool Hoodoos with another short stop, but do not combine either water trip with another major activity. Both require time, energy, and a flexible return plan.

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