3 Best Day Trips from Page, AZ

Walking through antelope canyon is amazing in itself. With the light beams and isolated peace, you get the feeling that you are walking through time. But did you know you can kayak, paddle board or pack raft into the canyon from Lake Powell? Set an entire day aside for this because you will definitely want to appreciate every moment of this special experience. Don't forget to bring snacks and a waterproof camera so you can get some amazing shots. Start at Antelope Point Marina and Visitor Center, which is just north of the famous Antelope Canyon tours on Rd 222, just east of Page. There is a small fee to get into the area ($30/car) but if you've already paid for a Glen Canyon National Recreation Park fee within 7 days, that will cover the cost. Here, you can rent your own kayak, jet ski, or even house-boat then head out onto the lake. Kayaks are recommended the most because they allow you to get into the tight spots high up in the canyon. A full day rental for a 1-person kayak will run you about $45 while a jet ski will put you back about $375. If you get the jet ski, keep in mind that there are age limits of 18+ and you have to watch a 35 minute safety video before you can head out. So plan accordingly if you are on a tight time table. You'll launch right from the marina and will want to paddle west until the canyon naturally turns south. Once you hit the end of the canyon, where it starts to turn take the first left, you will be in Antelope Canyon. From there it is an easy paddle to the very back of the canyon. Have your camera ready for some beautiful photos.

If you want to see one of Page's most popular attractions from a new perspective, then you will definitely want to float the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. This is an all day affair that will require an ice chest of beer and liberal amounts of sunscreen. You won't be sorry choosing to embark on this day trip. The easiest way to do this trip is to go through Kayak The Colorado, a Page based business that rents out kayaks, inflatable rafts, and standup paddle boards that will allow you to take them on the river and not just on Lake Powell. There are two main ways that you can go about getting to Glen Canyon Dam: you can either paddle upstream for a monster cardio workout and then float down; or you can backhaul up to the dam and then float (and drink) your way back to Lees Ferry. If you plan on taking your own boat up river, lease check on Arizona's motor regulations for this area as they may be updating their standards. Backhauling is now a permit-required, but Kayak The Colorado also provides this for a nominal fee of $150 for a single rider or $80 per person for groups of 2 or more. If you feel like making friends and doing it the local way however, people with boats at Lees Ferry might willing to backhaul you in exchange for a couple of high quality brews and a friendly chat. Once you are up to the dam, make sure that you do not cross the safety line to try to go up to the dam, the government does not appreciate that. Just enjoy the float down! You'll go through Horseshoe Bend (look for all the onlookers on the edge of the canyon and wave! You'll be in their vacation photos!) and end up right back at Lees Ferry with some great memories and hopefully a great tan. Did we mention that some of the best fishing in Arizona is on this portion of the Colorado River? If you like to fish, get a fishing license, read up on the rules for bait and hooks, and get ready to wrangle some of the Southwest's finest! If you don't fish, the best way to spend the day is by alternating floating and hanging out on the beach at different intervals; so pack a lunch and have one of the best views while you snack. Just please pack out all your trash so that everyone else can enjoy it too!