The Most Underrated Things to Do in Page, Arizona

Toadstool Hoodoos

The Toadstool Hoodoos were recommended to us by a Hyatt staff member, and they ended up being one of our favorite underrated stops near Page. The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from Page, crossing the Colorado River and continuing just past the Utah state line. It’s located within Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, with free parking and portable toilets available at the trailhead.

If you’re road-tripping through southern Utah, it’s a perfect stop to pair with other nearby hikes, we included it in our roundup of 15 incredible things to do in Utah.

This hike is very doable for kids, especially if they’re used to short desert walks. The hoodoos themselves reminded me of hongos (mushrooms in Spanish), which makes sense given their mushroom-like rock formations shaped by erosion over time.

The hike is roughly 2 miles round trip, depending on how much you explore once you reach the formations. Most of the trail follows a sandy wash until you arrive at the hoodoos near the sandstone cliffs. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few sandy hills you can climb or descend, but they’re optional.

We recommend going early in the morning. Parking was already filling up by around 9 a.m. when we were leaving. In warmer months, this hike gets extremely hot and offers almost no shade, so bring plenty of water, sun protection, and plan accordingly.

Wahweap Hoodoos Trail

The Wahweap Hoodoos Trail is high on my list for our next trip through the Page area, mainly because of the unique hoodoo formations tucked deep into the back sections of the trail. These hoodoos are especially striking, with white, chalky bases topped by darker, harder rock, giving them a dramatic, almost sculpted look.

This is a much longer hike, coming in at roughly 9 miles round trip, and it’s best suited for families with older kids or teens who enjoy a challenge. One of the upsides of the distance is that there are three distinct hoodoo areas to explore along the route, so it feels like multiple hikes in one.

The biggest downside is the terrain. This is largely a wash and creek-style hike, which means conditions can be muddy or sandy depending on recent weather. If there’s been rain, footing can be slow and messy, so timing and trail conditions matter here.

If you have the time, energy, and want to experience some of the most unusual rock formations near Page, this hike looks well worth the effort. At a steady pace, expect it to take at least three hours, and longer if you’re stopping often to explore or take photos.

One area not to miss is the White Ghost Hoodoo section, where the formations resemble stalagmites and stalactites you’d normally expect to see inside a cave. From everything I’ve researched, it’s unlike anything else in the region, and that alone is why this trail remains at the top of my to-do list for our next visit.

Page, Arizona Stops That Feel Like a National Park

The New Wave

The New Wave has been gaining popularity as an alternative to The Wave in the Vermilion Cliffs, mainly because permits for the real Wave are extremely limited and hard to get. If you want a similar look and feel without the permit stress or a long, demanding hike, this spot is a great option.

The sandstone formations here have the same flowing lines and wave-like patterns people travel across the country to see, but the access is much easier. It’s a short hike with minimal elevation gain, making it a solid stop for families or anyone short on time.

If you’re looking for that iconic “Wave-style” experience near Page without committing to an all-day hike or lottery system, The New Wave delivers the vibe with far less effort.

The Nautilus

After striking out twice in the daily lottery for The Wave permits, we weren’t about to let that stop us. One of the best things about this region is that even when Plan A falls through, Utah is full of incredible backup hikes that are just as visually impressive.

That’s how we landed on The Nautilus, a unique sandstone formation located within Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The trailhead is near the Paria Contact Station, which is worth noting if you’re already driving through the area. The station provides helpful information on nearby hikes, permits, camping, and access to Paria Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs, making it a good resource if you’re planning multiple stops.

The Nautilus turned out to be the perfect short hike to stretch our legs and still feel like we discovered something special. The trail follows a sandy wash with little to no elevation gain, making it an easy out-and-back hike that’s approachable for kids, older hikers, and anyone looking for something low-effort but high-reward.

The geology here is what makes it stand out. The swirling sandstone feels almost sculpted, with layered red tones that echo the Wave’s signature look on a smaller scale. Because it’s quick, uncrowded, and visually striking, The Nautilus makes an excellent second-choice hike or a standalone stop if you’re short on time.

If you want Wave-like scenery without permits, crowds, or a strenuous hike, this trail is an easy win.

Unique Experiences You Can Only Do Near Page

Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks

We’ve passed the “Dinosaur Tracks This Way” signs more times than we can count, and on one drive from the Prescott area toward Page, we finally decided to stop. The site sits just outside Tuba City along Highway 89, and it’s an easy detour if you’re already driving through the area.

If you have a little extra time, especially mid-day, this is a quick and fascinating stop. Members of the Navajo Nation are often on-site and may offer informal tours or point out the most visible tracks. Tips are appreciated and help support the local community.

The dinosaur tracks here are estimated to be around 200 million years old, and you’ll find both large and small prints just steps from the parking area. Some are obvious, while others take a little more effort to spot, so slow down and really look. The trackways include theropod and sauropodomorph footprints, and seeing the scale of some of them in person is genuinely impressive.

It’s a short stop, but one that feels special, especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves geology or history.

Carl Hayden Visitor Center

After visiting Horseshoe Bend, we stopped by the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, and it turned out to be a great add-on to the day. Inside, you’ll find exhibits explaining the Colorado River Basin, Glen Canyon Dam, and the broader impact of water management in the Southwest.

One detail many people miss is that there are fossilized dinosaur tracks located right near the entrance, so be sure to look around before heading inside. They’re easy to overlook but worth a pause.

Beyond the exhibits, the views of the dam and surrounding canyon are impressive, and the maps and displays help put the entire region into context. If you’re already nearby, this is a low-effort stop that adds a lot of understanding to what you’re seeing around Page.

Wahweap Overlook

Firstly don’t confuse Wahweap Overlook with the similarly named Wahweap Viewpoint inside the paid recreation area. They’re different spots. The overlook we’re talking about is free and located just past the Page Dam on the right if you’re heading toward the hoodoos, the New Wave, or The Wave (permit required).

And yes, this is an actual tour stop.

We were there when a guided tour van pulled up and unloaded a group for photos, which tells you everything you need to know. If operators are building it into their itineraries, it’s worth pulling over.

When you crest the hill, Lake Powell stretches out in front of you like a giant desert reservoir that somehow still looks unreal despite fluctuating water levels. The blue water contrasts against layered red and gold sandstone in a way that feels almost staged. It’s dramatic without trying too hard.

The stop itself is simple. Drive up. Step out. Take in the view. Snap the photo.

And then there’s the crow.

Ours was circling the overlook like it was on payroll. Puffing up, making low dramatic noises, and staring us down like it had absolutely stolen food from backpacks before. It added just enough chaos to make the moment memorable.

Wahweap Overlook isn’t a long stop, but it’s a strategic one. No hiking. No permit. No entrance fee. Just wide-open desert views that tour companies clearly recognize as photo-worthy.

If you’re driving through Page anyway, it’s an easy yes.

The Famous Page, Arizona Attractions: Worth the Hype?

Antelope Canyon Tours: by Carolene Ekis

Antelope Canyon had been on our list for years, so we booked our tickets online before leaving Prescott to make sure we had a guaranteed spot. Visiting Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour since it’s located on sacred Navajo land, and booking in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons.

We chose an earlier time slot in hopes of catching better light for photos. The canyon itself is shorter than we expected in terms of walking distance, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in impact. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear why this place is so iconic.

Seeing how water has carved the sandstone over thousands of years is surreal. The curves, textures, and shifting light make it feel almost unreal, especially if you’ve been waiting a long time to experience it in person. While it can feel busy at times, Antelope Canyon absolutely lives up to the hype for first-time visitors.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is one of those places that looks impressive in photos, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. It used to be a quick roadside stop, but it’s now a managed site with paid parking and restrooms, which honestly makes the visit more comfortable.

The walk to the overlook is about three-quarters of a mile along a wide, well-maintained path. It’s an easy walk for kids and accessible for most visitors, including older travelers. Once you reach the viewpoint, the scale of the Colorado River looping through the canyon is breathtaking.

It’s a short stop, but one that leaves a lasting impression and is absolutely worth including in your Page itinerary.

Trying for The Wave in Arizona

Since we were already traveling through northern Arizona, we decided it was worth trying for a Wave hiking permit while we were nearby. We timed our arrival so we’d be inside the required geofence area around Page, Arizona, which is necessary to enter the daily lottery. Applications close at 6 PM, so getting there early mattered.

We applied on our first day after coming from Monument Valley but had no luck. To increase our chances, we submitted four applications, which is allowed and does slightly improve your odds. Still, The Wave is notoriously difficult to win, and we weren’t surprised when we didn’t get selected.

We tried again the following morning after hiking The Nautilus and spending time exploring Kanab, but the second attempt was also unsuccessful. Even so, it felt worth trying. When you’re already in the area for a few days, applying for the permit is a low-effort, high-reward option, even if you don’t win.

Not getting The Wave didn’t take away from our trip at all. Northern Arizona and southern Utah are packed with incredible alternatives that don’t require permits and still deliver jaw-dropping scenery.

Page, Arizona Things to Do You Can’t Miss With Your Family

We’ve traveled through Page, Arizona more times than we can count over the past few years, and it honestly never gets old. Every visit feels a little different, with a new viewpoint, short hike, or unexpected experience waiting just around the corner.

If it’s your first time in the area, there are a few family-friendly stops you really shouldn’t skip. The dinosaur tracks are an easy and memorable stop, especially for kids. Horseshoe Bend is another must-see and delivers one of those wow moments that sticks with you long after you leave.

And if you can snag a spot, Antelope Canyon is absolutely worth it. Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are incredible in their own ways, and seeing the light and movement carved into the sandstone is something the whole family will remember. Tours do book up quickly, so planning ahead makes a big difference here.

Page is one of those places where you don’t need to overpack your schedule. Even a short visit can feel full and meaningful, especially when you mix iconic stops with a little exploring along the way.