Photo Club Visit to Page Arizona

Question

My photo club will be visiting Page, September 19-21. Most members have not previously visited the area.. How should we allot the limited time we have to take advantage of the beauty and diversity of the region. Recommendations for Sunrise, Sunset and Night Sky locations offering interesting foreground and backgrounds. What places should we visit if we wanted to maximize our viewing and photography experiences? Is a tour an appropriate way to see the area? Will taking a Box Lunch give us more time to experience the area? If we will only choose one of the following; Antelope Canyon ( Upper or Lower) or Canyon X which would you suggest? What are the can't miss Photo Ops in the area?

Thanks in Advance for your Suggestions

Answer

Page, Arizona, is a photographer’s paradise, especially in September when the light is softer and the crowds are a bit lighter than summer. With only a few days, careful planning is key to maximizing your photography opportunities for sunrise, sunset, and night skies.

Photography Itinerary Suggestions:

Sunrise: Horseshoe Bend is iconic and best photographed early in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh midday light. The river’s curve and surrounding cliffs offer excellent foreground and background options.
Sunset: Lake Powell viewpoints such as Lone Rock Beach or the Glen Canyon Dam overlook provide colorful reflections and dramatic skies at sunset.
Night Sky: Page has relatively dark skies compared to larger cities. Areas around Lake Powell, especially the northern and western edges, are excellent for Milky Way and star trail photography. Make sure to scout a foreground element such as rocks, trees, or boats.

Antelope Canyon vs Canyon X:

If you can only choose one, most photographers prefer Lower Antelope Canyon for its narrow passageways, dramatic light beams (especially around midday), and rich textures. Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to walk through but often more crowded.
Canyon X is less crowded, wider, and has great light for photography, but it lacks some of the classic slot canyon curves and textures that make Antelope so iconic. It’s a good alternative if avoiding crowds is a priority.

Tours and Logistics:

Guided tours are generally necessary for Antelope Canyon and Canyon X due to Navajo regulations. A tour ensures safety, timing for the best light, and access to the canyon’s most photogenic areas.
Bringing a box lunch is highly recommended if you want to maximize photography time without returning to town for meals. This is especially useful for Lake Powell and Canyon X visits.

Other Must-See Photo Ops:

Glen Canyon Dam overlook for structured lines and reflections.
Lake Powell in general—especially the bay areas and rock formations for landscape shots.
Sunset Crater at nearby viewpoints if you venture slightly outside Page.
Marble Canyon for quieter river and cliff shots without the crowds.

In summary, plan your days around light conditions, prioritize slot canyons for iconic shots, take tours where required, and pack a lunch to spend more time at scenic spots. Pre-scouting locations and checking sunrise/sunset times will maximize your photographic opportunities.

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