Page, Arizona is located on the border of Utah and Arizona, home to famous Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Horsehoe Bend. Antelope Canyon and Horsehoe Bend are known for their beauty and their crowds.
Most people miss these other canyons nearby that offer solitude, stunning beauty, and display some of the world’s most unique geology.
1. Cathedral Canyon
A challenging and rewarding hike through a steep walled canyon that ends at a sandy beach next to the Colorado River. The canyon walls gradually get taller and more photogenic and you descend toward the river, making this an unforgettable hike.
The trailhead is located in Marble Canyon, Arizona about 45 minutes south of Page, Arizona in the Lee’s Ferry area. A national parks pass is required to enter, or you can pay for a day pass at the self serve fee station.
This trail requires down climbing, navigating around dryfalls, maneuvering around boulders, and non-technical scrambling. If you aren’t comfortable navigating the canyon by yourself, consider booking a guided tour.
Since this hike leads to the Colorado River, it is doable in the hottest summer months. Start early, go swimming, and bring at 2 liters of water per person.
- Around 3 miles roundtrip
- No dogs allowed
- National Park Pass needed
- Difficult
- Colorado River access
- Paved road to trailhead
- Nearest bathroom is the Marble Canyon Bridge Visitor Center
2. Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world! This scenic canyon is great for photography and is considered a gem of the southwest. This hike is considered moderate, as the trail alternates between deep sand and loose rocks.
Buckskin Gulch is located about an hour from Page, Arizona in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument. We recommend starting at the Wire Pass Trailhead. In wet conditions, the dirt road to the trailhead may become impassable and require 4×4. In dry conditions, 4×4 is not necessary.
*This canyon is prone to life threatening flash floods!* It is considered one of the most dangerous canyons due to the sheer walls and inescapable nature. Just a few drops of rain can quickly turn into a flash flood. Knee-chest deep puddles can be present in the canyon after heavy rains.
Contact the Paria Contact Station before your trip to check on weather conditions. If planning around flash flood conditions sounds stressful, hire a guide to lead you through the canyon.
- 1.7 miles to the slot canyon from Wire Pass Trailhead
- Dogs allowed on leash. Carry poop bags and remove all dog waste from the canyon
- Day pass needed, which can be purchased here
- Moderately difficult
- Nearest bathroom is in the Wirepass Trailhead parking lot. Wag bags are required for overnight use
- Questions about flash floods? Contact the Paria Contact Station
3. Paria Canyon
The Paria Canyon is an easy, relaxing walk that begins in the Lonely Dell Orchard and the trail winds next to the Paria River. This canyon is wide open with towering views of the Vermillion Cliffs. It is sun exposed and the heat can be mitigated by relaxing in the Paria River and taking breaks underneath shady cottonwoods.
This is an excellent hike for families who are looking to explore at their own pace without the pressure of needing to get to a summit or destination. Simply hike as far as you want, and turn around when you’re ready.
This hike is located in the Lee’s Ferry area, about one hour from Page, Arizona.
- Dogs allowed (on leash)
- Fruit picking season is June-September
- National Park Pass needed to enter Lee’s Ferry
- Easy
- Paved road to trailhead
- Nearest bathroom is at the Lee’s Ferry Boat Ramp
If you want to learn more about the region’s history, geology, and ecology, consider hiring a guide.
4. Wiregrass Canyon
This sandy trail is rated as easy/moderate. With the option to hike anywhere from 1-12 miles through a winding white rock canyon, this out and back trail is the perfect canyon to wander through to escape the crowds. This is a great hike for families and dogs (on leash).
The best time of year to hike Wiregrass is between October-April.
To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to cross Wahweap Creek. Sometimes this section of road floods, so 4WD and high clearance is recommended but not necessary in every season.
Don’t have a 4×4 vehicle? Book a guided tour with local guides who are passionate about the region’s history, geology, and ecology. You’ll be in good hands with local guides who are trained in CPR and Wilderness Medicine.
- 4×4 vehicle may be required
- Dogs allowed (on leash)
- No National Park Pass needed to enter
- Easy-moderate
- Nearest bathroom is the Grand Staircase Escalante NM Visitor Center
You are responsible for your own safety if you choose to hike without a guide.
General Safety Tips
- Always check the weather. Do not attempt to hike a canyon if rain is predicted, since these areas are prone to dangerous, life threatening flash floods.
- Do not hike in the heat. Summer temperatures range from 90-110+ degrees Fahrenheit. Heat illness and dehydration is possible in extreme heat. Avoid hiking in these temperatures. Do not attempt to hike with a dog in these temperatures since the sand can burn their paws.
- Always carry water with you. At least 1-2 liters per person/dog
- If you have little to no experience hiking in canyons, consider booking a guided tour
- Always follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- For more safety tips, visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’s safety page here.
Desert specific tips
- Never carve or write on the canyon walls. Graffiti is unsightly and illegal.
- Plan bathroom stops ahead of time. Most canyons require the use of wag bags to carry out your poop.
- Rattlesnakes are in the area. NEVER try to touch or kill a snake. If you hear a rattle, stop, back away slowly, and look for an alternative route around the snake. Respect their home by leaving them be.
- Many places in the desert do not have cell phone service. Consider bringing an emergency GPS communication device.
