Alstrom Point is one of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints in the entire American Southwest — a remote mesa that juts out over Lake Powell with a 360-degree panorama of buttes, canyons, red rock fingers, and turquoise water stretching to the horizon. It is the kind of view that makes you feel like you are standing on the edge of the world.

The drive to reach it is part of the adventure: roughly 14 miles of dirt road from Big Water, Utah, passable in most high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. From the parking area, it's a short 0.5-mile walk to the rim. Because of the road conditions, visitor numbers stay very low even in peak season, making it a rare find on any Grand Circle itinerary.

TIP: Best at golden hour — the late afternoon light turns the lake and buttes into a fire of orange and red. Check the weather and road conditions beforehand, as the access road becomes impassable when wet. Bring plenty of water as there are no facilities.

AllTrails

Alstrom Point

Antelope Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder, usually pretty high on the bucket list for nature lovers. This stunning slot canyon is famous for its swirling sandstone formations, which are sculpted by water and wind over millions of years. The canyon is divided into two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Both sections are equally stunning and offer unique photo opportunities.

The Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its narrow, twisting passageways, and the famous "light beams" that shine down through the narrow slots in the canyon walls, illuminating the sandstone with a magical glow.

The Lower Antelope Canyon is a bit more challenging to navigate but offers equally stunning photo opportunities, with dramatic views of the colorful rock formations and steep canyon walls. Whether you're a professional photographer or just a nature lover, a visit to Antelope Canyon is an unforgettable experience.

The canyon is located on Navajo land and is considered a sacred site and it is not possible to visit on your own. Select from our curated list of trusted top-rated vendors to get the most from this incredible location.

Guided Tour

Antelope Canyon

Glen Canyon Dam is a massive concrete structure located on the Colorado River just outside of Page. Walking along the dam or visiting its observation deck provides spectacular views of the lake and the canyons, which makes it a great quick stop.

The dam was completed in 1963 and it forms Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The dam was built to control the flow of the Colorado River and to provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding area. The construction of the dam required the relocation of several Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi people.

You can also get the tours in the visiting center that offer an opportunity to learn about the history and engineering of the dam, as well as the environmental impact of the reservoir on the surrounding ecosystem.

Glen Canyon Dam

Hanging Garden is one of the most surprising and little-known stops near Page — a lush, mossy alcove fed by a natural spring that seeps through the sandstone walls just a short walk from the highway. Ferns, mosses, and wildflowers cling to the wet rock in a dramatic contrast to the surrounding desert, creating a scene that feels transplanted from a rainforest.

The trail is just 1 mile roundtrip and nearly flat, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks in the area. The alcove itself is sheltered and cool, and the sound of trickling water makes it a genuinely peaceful stop between bigger activities.

TIP: The trailhead is just off Highway 89, about 3 miles south of Page near milepost 545. It's easy to miss — look for a small dirt pullout on the east side of the road. Best visited in the morning before the heat of the day.

Hanging Gardens Trail

Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking natural wonder located near Page. This unique bend in the Colorado River creates a horseshoe-shaped meander, which provides stunning views of the river from a height of 1,000 feet above the canyon floor. The overlook is easily accessible from a short hike, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers alike.

The view from Horseshoe Bend is truly spectacular, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors of the rock formations and river below are at their most vibrant. You can enjoy the scenic panorama from a safe and sturdy overlook platform, which has been designed with guardrails and viewing benches.

Horseshoe Bend

Kayaking on Lake Powell is one of the most unique water experiences in the Southwest — paddling through narrow slot canyon arms that carve deep into the red sandstone, with sheer walls rising hundreds of feet on either side and the water glowing an impossible shade of turquoise below. The canyons that are only accessible by water make this a completely different perspective on the landscape compared to any land-based activity.

Several guided tours and kayak rentals operate out of Wahweap Marina near Page, ranging from 2-hour introductory paddles to full-day slot canyon explorations. Antelope Canyon by water (not to be confused with the land-based Antelope Canyon tour) is a standout option — you kayak directly into the flooded lower canyon, which is only reachable this way.

TIP: Book in advance especially in summer. Guided tours are recommended over self-guided rentals for first-time visitors as navigating the canyon arms can be disorienting. The water temperature is cold even in summer — bring a change of clothes.

Kayak Guided Tour

Another good kayak option

Lake Powell & Antelope Kayak Tour

Lone Rock Beach is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Powell. It features a large sandy beach area that provides visitors with ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

One of the main attractions of Lone Rock Beach is the large rock formation that juts out into the water, providing visitors with a great spot for cliff jumping and other water activities. The beach is also a popular spot for camping, with several campsites located right on the shoreline. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the lake, as well as stargazing at night.

Lone Rock Beach

The Wave (officially Coyote Buttes North) is an out-of-this-world landscape located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. It is a popular hiking destination known for its colorful and unique geological formations, including undulating ridges and wave-like patterns carved into the sandstone. The hike to The Wave is challenging, requiring a 6-mile roundtrip trek across rugged terrain, including sandstone ridges, steep inclines, and sandy washes.

Due to its delicate nature, the area is heavily regulated and only a limited number of permits are issued each day on the spot. We recommend participating the advanced lottery for your dates, or even adjust your itinerary for this stunning destination. Please check the permits page for more information.

You should be prepared for a remote and challenging hiking experience, and should bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. The hike can be particularly difficult during hot summer months, and visitors are advised to check weather conditions and be aware of flash flood risks before embarking on the journey.

Despite the challenges, the stunning beauty of The Wave is well worth the visit.

Wilderness permits

The Wave

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I’d consider Under Canvas Grand Staircase if you want a tented stay. Having a restaurant on site is handy.

The Grand Circle hosts some of the most bizarre landscapes on Earth, all just a few hours apart. From tiny beautiful canyons like Antelope to the Grand Canyon itself, with tons of outworldly places in between — this road trip will blow your mind.

This unique and luxurious glamping destination is located minutes away from the stunning Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. You can choose from a range of beautifully designed canvas tents, each equipped with comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves.

Under Canvas Grand Staircase offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural surroundings while minimizing their impact on the environment. Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

With its unique blend of luxury and sustainability, Under Canvas Grand Staircase is perfect for anyone seeking an unforgettable glamping experience in the heart of the American Southwest.

Under Canvas Grand Staircase

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Home to the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon and the grandeur of Lake Powell, Page is a wonderland of sculpted sandstone and sparkling waters. A boat tour or a kayaking trip offers unique perspectives of these natural wonders.

Under Canvas Grand Staircase

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