Would love some advice on itinerary!

Question

Hi all!

I've spent the past hour or so reading through this forum and want to thank everyone for all of the great advice out there!

I'm planning a trip at the end of July for our family (kids aged 9, 11, and 14) and Antelope Canyon has been one of my top sights to see. Now that I'm doing more investigation though, I see there are so many other things (and other slot canyons) I had no idea were even options.

So I would love some advice on how to plan!

We will be on a 3-week road trip throughout western USA. We'll be coming down from Yellowstone/Grand Tetons and making our way to Bryce Canyon, and then afterwards the plan was to spend 1 - 2 nights in/near Page to visit Antelope Canyon/AC, before moving on to visit the Grand Canyon/GCSP (we're still workout out the route, but maybe heading down to Sedona after this). Now, however, I'm wondering the following:

- Would it be "better" to visit one of the other slot canyons in the area instead of AC? (for example, Waterhole Canyon?). I was drawn in by the 'light beams' in upper AC but I didn't realize just how short that walk is (or how expensive the tours are). I am definitely willing to pay the tour but just wondering if a longer canyon/tour might be more worthwhile?

- I'm just now learning about Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, Lake Powell...are these worth visiting and could they all be seen in a day? Are there other "must see" sights you would recommend along our route?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Answer

Planning a visit to Page, Arizona, offers several incredible natural sights beyond just Antelope Canyon. Since you’re traveling with kids aged 9, 11, and 14, it’s worth balancing shorter, iconic experiences with slightly longer, adventurous options.

Slot canyons:

Antelope Canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams, which are especially impressive around midday in summer. It is short and easy to walk, making it very family-friendly. Lower Antelope Canyon offers more steps and a slightly longer walk with narrow passageways, providing a bit more adventure.
Waterhole Canyon: This canyon is less crowded and offers a moderate hike. Tours are generally longer than Upper Antelope Canyon and include interesting rock formations and scenic views. It can be a good alternative if you prefer a quieter experience or want more hiking.
Other nearby slot canyons: Canyons like Rattlesnake Canyon or Secret Canyon are also options, but most require guided tours. They are less commercialized, often longer, and provide a sense of exploration, though with some physical exertion.

Other Page area attractions:

Horseshoe Bend: A short, paved 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot leads to a stunning view of the Colorado River. Very family-friendly and highly photogenic.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook: Easy access viewpoint providing a sense of the scale of Lake Powell and the dam. Good for a quick stop and educational experience.
Lake Powell: Options include boat tours, kayaking, or just exploring the shoreline. Can be incorporated into the same day as Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam, though it may be a full day if you want to do a boat tour.

Suggested itinerary for 1–2 nights in Page:

Day 1: Arrive in Page, visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning (avoid midday heat), followed by Glen Canyon Dam Overlook. Afternoon: Upper Antelope Canyon tour or a slightly longer slot canyon tour like Waterhole Canyon.
Day 2 (if staying a second night): Optional boat tour on Lake Powell, kayak adventure, or explore lesser-known slot canyons for a more active day.

Tips:

Book slot canyon tours well in advance, especially in summer, as they sell out quickly.
Carry water, sunscreen, and hats, as it can be very hot in late July, particularly in the slot canyons.
Consider starting early in the day to avoid the peak heat for hikes and canyon tours.
Combine shorter, iconic experiences with a slightly longer tour if the family enjoys walking and mild adventure. This balances the desire for “bucket-list” photos with more immersive exploration.

In summary, for a first visit to Page with kids, Upper Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are must-sees. If you prefer a longer hike with fewer crowds, Waterhole Canyon or a similar slot canyon can be a great alternative. Including Lake Powell or the Glen Canyon Dam adds variety and a mix of sightseeing and mild adventure, all achievable within a 1–2 night stay in Page.

Would love some advice on itinerary!

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