Page

Page sits high on a mesa in far northern Arizona, just south of the Utah line, and owes its existence to the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Built as a government town to house dam workers, it grew into the hub for one of the most spectacular concentrations of scenery in the Southwest. Today it is overwhelmingly a tourism town, the basecamp for Lake Powell, the slot canyons, and the Colorado River. Its small downtown serves a steady stream of visitors from around the world.

The Glen Canyon Dam and the vast Lake Powell behind it define the region. The lake's red-rock canyons, marinas, and houseboating are a major draw, and the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at the dam offers tours and overlooks. Boating, kayaking, and fishing on Powell are summer staples, while the surrounding Glen Canyon National Recreation Area protects a huge expanse of desert and water.

Page's signature sights are world-famous. Antelope Canyon — both the Upper and Lower sections — is among the most photographed slot canyons on earth, accessible only by Navajo-guided tour since it lies on Navajo Nation land. Just outside town, Horseshoe Bend offers a jaw-dropping overlook of the Colorado River's giant curve after a short walk. Together they make Page a bucket-list stop, and dining and lodging in town cater to that traffic.

Page is a year-round destination, but spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures for canyon tours and overlooks, while summer is peak season for Lake Powell water sports despite the heat. Winters are cooler and quieter. A classic day combines a morning Navajo-guided Antelope Canyon tour, a midday stop at Horseshoe Bend, and an afternoon on Lake Powell or at the Glen Canyon Dam overlook.