Flagstaff to Page: Sunset Crater + Wupatki Questions

Question

Will be driving from Flagstaff to Page at the crack of dawn for an afternoon Antelope Canyon Tour.

But, I want to make sure I make a few stops along the way up there. Cameron Trading and Dinosaur tracks are two priorities.

Trying to choose my detours though. Seeing the lava flows and pueblo ruins at Sunset Crater/Wupatki sounds cool.

Trying to prioritize though.

* Are the lava trails worth it?

* Is the Citadel and surroundings enough of a taste, or should the Main big house too?

* Just do lava? Just do Citadel? Do full loop?

Another option for a detour is to split to Navelo bridge to the Balancing Rocks before heading to Page.

Suggestions? Advice? Tips?

Answer

Driving from Flagstaff to Page offers some incredible sights, but since you’re aiming for an afternoon Antelope Canyon tour, timing and prioritization are key. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which detours are worth your time and how to structure your stops.

Sunset Crater and Wupatki:

Lava Trails at Sunset Crater: The lava trails are short, easy loops that showcase the volcanic landscape. They’re striking and provide a different texture from the desert scenery. If you enjoy unique geological formations and quick scenic stops, they are worth it. The trails are manageable in an hour or less.
Wupatki Pueblo – Citadel vs. Main Big House: The Citadel is the central structure and gives a good sense of ancient Puebloan architecture and layout. If pressed for time, seeing the Citadel and nearby smaller ruins offers a solid taste. The Main Big House adds more context and a sense of scale, but visiting every ruin on the full loop can take 1.5–2 hours. For a shorter stop, focus on the Citadel and a couple of adjacent pueblos.
Suggested approach: If your goal is to keep the drive manageable for your Antelope Canyon tour, a “lava + Citadel” combo gives you a highlight experience without overextending your morning.

Other detours:

Cameron Trading Post: A classic stop for souvenirs, snacks, and Native American crafts. A quick 20–30 minute visit can add some cultural flavor to your trip.
Dinosaur Tracks: A brief stop if you enjoy paleontology and want a photo opportunity. This usually only takes 15–20 minutes.
Navajo Bridge / Balancing Rocks: Beautiful views and a chance to stretch your legs. If you’re running on a tighter schedule, this can be skipped or visited only briefly, but it’s worth it if you want a memorable photo opportunity near the Colorado River.

Tips for planning your morning drive:

Start early as planned to maximize daylight and allow flexibility for stops.
Allocate roughly 1 hour for Sunset Crater lava trails, 30–45 minutes for the Citadel, and 20–30 minutes for Cameron Trading Post or Dinosaur Tracks if desired.
Prioritize stops that are unique or personally interesting. If Antelope Canyon timing is fixed, it’s better to skip longer hikes or the full Wupatki loop.
Bring water and snacks, as services along the route are limited and mornings can be chilly in the desert, especially in spring or fall.

Overall, for a “highlights” drive:

Stop at Sunset Crater lava trails.
Visit the Wupatki Citadel for a quick Puebloan experience.
Optional quick stops at Cameron Trading Post or Dinosaur Tracks depending on timing.
Skip the full Wupatki loop and Navajo Bridge unless you have extra time; these can be revisited on the way back or another trip.

This approach ensures you see both volcanic and archaeological highlights while leaving ample time to reach Page for your Antelope Canyon tour without stress.