Day tour out and about Page, AZ on my own

Question

hello everyone, I am planning to visit some attractions around Page on my own (without a car) and just wondered if it is possible to visit the below places on my own, meaning without joining any expensive tours? Is it just possible to go with a Uber from A to B and so on?

Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs (Marble Canyon) and Lake Powell? I plan to base myself in this area for approx. 2 - 3 days and maybe also sqeezing Monument Valley into the itinerary. I've read on various forums that theoretically Horseshoe Bend and Antelupe Canyon could easily be done in a day, but what about Monument Valley & Lake Powell? Do I really need to join a tour company to visit these places? If so, would you even reckon to find a tour company that squeezes into a day: Horseshoe Bend, Antelpue & Monument Valley? Thanks for any useful advice!

Answer

Visiting Page, AZ, and exploring the surrounding attractions on your own is possible, but there are some important logistics and restrictions to consider. Some sites are publicly accessible, while others require guided tours due to location on Navajo Nation or other managed lands.

Here’s a breakdown of your planned destinations:

Horseshoe Bend: Fully self-guided. You can easily reach the parking lot via Uber or taxi, then walk the short 1.5-mile round-trip trail to the viewpoint. Parking fees apply, but you don’t need a tour.
Antelope Canyon (Upper & Lower): Guided tour only. Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are on Navajo Nation land, and entry is not allowed without a tour. Tours range from standard sightseeing to photography-focused and must be booked in advance. There is no legal way to self-explore these slot canyons.
Vermilion Cliffs / Marble Canyon: Self-guided access is limited. The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is remote and generally requires either a high-clearance vehicle or joining a guided tour. Some areas, like Marble Canyon overlooks along Highway 89, can be visited without a tour, but deep exploration of slot canyons or remote trails usually needs a guide or special permit.
Lake Powell / Glen Canyon: Lake Powell is accessible on your own. You can drive to Wahweap Marina or rent a boat for a day, and there are public picnic areas and viewpoints. If you want to do cruises, guided boat tours or houseboat rentals are typical options, but the lake itself does not require a tour to visit shorelines and marinas.
Monument Valley: Located about 2-3 hours from Page. While you can technically drive there, the Valley is mostly on Navajo land and the main scenic loop is not fully open to private vehicles without paying an entry fee. Guided tours are highly recommended to access iconic viewpoints safely and legally.

Practical advice for visiting without a car:

Uber and taxis can handle Horseshoe Bend and some viewpoints around Lake Powell, but the distance to Monument Valley and Vermilion Cliffs makes this expensive and impractical.
For Antelope Canyon, booking a tour is mandatory. Many companies offer pick-up from hotels in Page, so you don’t need a car.
If you want to see multiple attractions in one day, the most efficient approach is to join a guided tour that covers Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and possibly a short Monument Valley or Lake Powell segment. Full Monument Valley and Vermilion Cliffs visits typically require overnight or extended day trips.
Plan your itinerary based on travel time: Page to Monument Valley is 2–3 hours one way, and Vermilion Cliffs is remote with limited services. Trying to do all in one day is very ambitious and not recommended unless you have a private driver or guided tour.

In summary, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell can be self-guided, but Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley essentially require tours. Vermilion Cliffs is tricky to access alone. For efficiency and safety, combining a local guided tour for Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley with self-guided stops at Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell is the most practical approach.

Day tour out and about Page, AZ on my own

More Arizona (AZ) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions