Utah & Arizona Road Trip [Pt. 3 - Page, AZ]

After leaving Zion, and Bryce, we headed to our third stop of our road trip: Page, Arizona. I have to say, we didn’t have totally high expectations for this location since all that we’ve heard is that it’s a true tourist town. I have to say our expectations were pretty accurate. We wanted to stop here for two things: 1) Antelope Canyon and 2) Horseshoe Bend. You’ve probably heard of both of these places and seen a gazillion pictures of them, even if you didn’t realize that’s what you were looking at.

Our plan was to stay in a campsite near the area, but after striking out at a few locations, we decided against it and used some Marriott points to stay at a hotel in town. The afternoon that we got into town was not the most relaxing. We had a kayaking tour in Antelope Canyon booked for that afternoon, and were worried about having time to check into our hotel and relax for a little (I was desperate for a nap after an early morning) prior to having to be at our tour. After hitting up a burger joint and taking a super quick nap in the car, we were able to get into our hotel just in time to change and gather what we needed for our kayak tour.

I am so glad we did this kayak tour. I was honestly ready to back out because of how tired and cranky I was that afternoon, but we didn’t because of already paying for it. We booked an Antelope half day tour with Kayak Lake Powell. We met in the afternoon, drove to where we would get in the water, and headed out until sunset. It was a smaller tour with just a few other couples, and it was so peaceful. We went pretty far back into the canyon, as far as we could before losing too much daylight on the way out, and the further back we went the more calm and peaceful it was. The canyon got narrower and the walls taller, which may sound like a nightmare to some people, but I loved it. It was also a different way to see part of the famous Antelope Canyon, and learn a little history, so I’d highly recommend it!

After our kayak tour we headed back to our hotel and I’m pretty sure we just crashed for the rest of the night!

The next morning we were up early to catch the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. This place was definitely gorgeous, though not without crowds. I’d probably go at Sunset next time, for better light in pictures, though I’ve heard there’s even more people at that time. Despite the people, we were still able to head off to the side a little to be on our own.

It was nice being there early in the morning. While we were there, we noticed a kayak and a tent at the very base of the rock, implying that someone had kayaked there and camped out the night before. Future goals! That’s the best way to experience Horseshoe Bend in my opinion.

After our stop at Horseshoe Bend, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our 10:30am tour through Antelope Canyon (this time on land). The only way to see Antelope Canyon is through a tour, and we were told that 10:30 was one of the better times to go for light. This tour was very eye opening to me. Any pictures you have seen are not a direct representation of this place, at least not when you’re with a tour (which as far as I know, unless you’ve got connections, is the only way to see this canyon).

Instagram:

vs Reality:

We pulled off the main road and drove the bumpy dirt road to the entrance of the canyon, where our tour guide parked our van (along with I swear over 20 other vans). Keep in mind, that means all of the people that came in those vans (at least 10 each, but probably more), were inside that narrow canyon where we were headed too. We head into the canyon, and of course it’s gorgeous and I can’t help but take pictures, but it was sooo packed. We were just animals being herded through. Our tour guide kept yelling “make your picture and keep moving” (or if you want, he’d take the photo for you, which most people opted for. Where’s the fun in that?!). I found the whole thing comical. There was a separate tour you could take that was specific for photographers, but we opted not to do that one. I’m sure it was nicer, but I’m not sure I would have found it worth the extra money, because you’re still in the canyon at the same time as everyone else. The tour allowed them to go more leisurely through the canyon, and the big thing was that they could use their tripods (you have to have a DSLR and tripod to go on the tour).

But sign up if you want that dreamy shot of the sand falling, and they’ll do anything to make it happen for you.

Once we made it through the canyon once, taking pictures and stopping a little along the way, we were headed back in the opposite direction from where we came. On the way back, they strongly encourage you (i.e. yell at you) to NOT stop and take pictures under any circumstance, but to just keep moving. I understand their reasoning for this, to help keep things moving through the canyon, but it was a little aggressive.

Picture not taken on the way back out ;)

I don’t even want to think about what would happen if there’s a natural disaster with everyone in that canyon. Fun fact that we also learned from our kayak tour guide (though I don’t know if it’s really true): the tour guides that go into the canyon bring a big burlap sack with them, just in case a snake falls from the top and down into the canyon, so they can scoop it up in the bag. Again, not sure how true it is, but if anyone has ever seen a snake fall in while they’re in the canyon, let me know.

After our tour in Antelope Canyon, we went to Big John’s Texas BBQ for lunch and it was so good! Just go, that’s all I can say.

We filled ourselves with delicious BBQ and hit the road for our next destination: North Rim, Grand Canyon!

In serious need of some windex by this point of the trip!