Summer in Page, AZ
Summer temperatures (June-August) regularly exceed 100F/40C, but there’s still plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors! We are lucky to have the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and the Paria River to cool off in.
Hiking Tips to Beat the Heat
Plan to hike in the early morning or at sunset to beat the heat.
Sunrise is around 5AM, and temperatures are usually cooler in the morning. The best summer hiking hours are from 5AM-9AM and from 7PM-9PM.
Always carry at least 2 liters of water per person. Getting your hat or shirt wet can help you stay cool as you hike through the heat. Pack salty snacks, drink electrolytes and wear a hat and sunglasses.
It might be tempting to wear a tank top, but we recommend wearing sun protective clothing that are light weight and cover the skin.
Hike in Canyons
Canyon walls typically provide shade for longer in the day, which can help keep temperatures cool by staying out of the sun.
If you chose to hike canyons without a guide, be flash flood aware. Always check regional conditions, never enter a canyon if rain is in the forecast, and check the weather for up to 50 miles. It can be a blue sky day where you are, but be raining 30 miles north and dangerous flash floods travel FAST. If you aren’t confident gauging flash flood conditions, hire a guide! Flash floods are most common between June-September.
Here are some of our top canyon tours that are still doable in the summer:
Hike Cathedral Canyon to the Colorado River to Swim
Hike the World’s Longest Slot Canyon
Hike to Lake Powell to Swim
Hike to Lake Powell to enjoy swimming in refreshing blue waters in the heat of the day.
There are several ways to access Lake Powell, and most require a National Parks Pass to enter. Check out Wahweap Swim Beach in Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Public Ramp in Antelope Point Marina, or Lone Rock Beach.
Sign Up for a Hiking Lake Powell Tour (No National Parks Pass Needed!)
To access the water at Lone Rock Beach, 4×4 high clearance is required due to deep sand. Your car will get stuck if you don’t have 4WD. In 2026, Lake Powell is experiencing low lake levels, so hiking lengths may vary. There is currently no water around Lone Rock, but there is still water access at Lone Rock Beach.
Pro tip: Before leaving the water, dip your shirt and hat in the water. It will keep you cool and likely be dry by the time you reach your car!
Hike to the Colorado River to Swim
The Colorado River can be accessed at Lee’s Ferry, about 45 minutes south of Page, Arizona. A National Parks Pass is required to enter.
The easiest place to access the Colorado River is at Paria Beach, a popular spot for fishing and swimming. This is a simple five minute walk from the car, or less.
Lee’s Ferry is remote, and the only place to get lunch or dinner is at the Marble Canyon Lodge.
If you are looking for a more adventurous way to the river, sign up for a Cathedral Canyon Hike!
Hike in Water
One of our favorite summer tours is hiking through the Paria River. Cottonwoods and willows provide shade along the river.
This tour starts in a shaded orchard, where fruit is free to pick and carry with you. The trail through the Paria Canyon follows the river, but we like to hike in the river!
This is a fun tour for families and kids, or for anyone who isn’t too worried about reaching a destination but enjoys wandering through the desert.
Visit the orchard and hike through the Paria River
Explore the Desert on a Driving Tour
Summer days are long, and waking up at 5:00 a.m. to start hiking isn’t for everyone.
Vehicle Tours can provide adventure opportunities through the hottest part of the day, since you’re riding in a comfortable air-conditioned car.
These tours are great for anyone who doesn’t have a 4×4 vehicle, anyone with mobility issues who don’t wish to hike, and anyone looking for an all day adventure during the hot summer months.
Short hikes are available on these tours if desired.
4×4 Tour to Private Overlook of the Colorado River (2.5 hours)
4×4 Vehicle Tour: Explore Glen Canyon’s Backcountry Roads to Overlooks of Lake Powell (6-8 hours)
Lee’s Ferry Vehicle Tour: Swimming, Hoodoos, and View Points (2-6 hours)
Page, AZ is one of the most iconic regions in the southwest with premiere access to swimming in Lake Powell, the Colorado River, and world class slot canyons! Get out there, beat the heat, and explore in summer.
Call us at 928-640-2420 for trip planning advice or questions.
