The Page area has hiking trails ranging from a 0.2-mile overlook walk to a 14-mile canyon-edge route. Most are on exposed desert terrain with little shade, which means the primary challenge is not elevation gain — it is heat, sun, and dehydration. The trails listed here are all within a 45-minute drive of downtown Page. Several are on federal land managed by the National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management; a few are on city land. None require technical climbing skills, though some involve steep, uneven surfaces.

Before you hike, check the weather. Summer afternoon temperatures exceed 100°F on exposed trails, and there is often no water source at the trailhead or along the route. Bring more water than you think you need, start early, and turn around if you feel dizzy or nauseous.

Trails Within 15 Minutes of Page

Trail	Distance	Elevation	Surface	Difficulty	Vehicle	Best for
Horseshoe Bend	1.5 mi RT	137 ft	Hardened dirt	Easy	Any	Everyone; iconic view
Rim View Trail	10.2 mi loop	229–456 ft	Hard earth	Easy	Any	Long walk or bike; city views
Hanging Gardens	1.2 mi RT	62 ft	Natural	Easy	Any	Families; greenery in desert
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook	0.2 mi RT	39 ft	Sandstone steps	Easy	Any	Quick stop with kids
The New Wave	1.25 mi RT	100 ft	Natural	Easy	Any	Wave alternative; no permit

Horseshoe Bend

The most popular hike in the area. A 1.5-mile round-trip on a hardened, packed-dirt trail leads to a 1,000-foot cliff above a 270-degree bend in the Colorado River. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and wheelchair-accessible via a left-branch path to a fenced viewing platform. Two shade structures sit along the trail, but there is none at the overlook. The rim beyond the platform is unfenced. See our full Horseshoe Bend guide for parking fees, crowd timing, and safety.

Rim View Trail

A 10.2-mile loop around Manson Mesa that circles the edge of Page. The trail is mostly flat hard earth with some off-trail drop-offs near the rim. Four trailheads provide access: Airport Trailhead (south), Lake Powell Boulevard Trailhead (near Best Western), Lake View Trailhead (corner of Ridgeway and Indigo), and the Page Public Library (south side). The north side overlooks Lake Powell and the Kaiparowits Plateau; the east side faces Navajo Mountain and Tower Butte; the west side looks toward Glen Canyon and the Vermilion Cliffs. Mountain bikes and leashed dogs are permitted. No restrooms or water along the trail.

Hanging Gardens

An easy 1.2-mile round-trip trail off Highway 89 just before the Glen Canyon Dam bridge. The trail leads to a sandstone alcove where seeps and springs support ferns, vines, and orchids growing on the rock wall — a rare patch of green in the desert. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages. Leashed dogs are permitted. Watch for lizards, birds, and snakes near the water source.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

A very short walk — roughly 940 feet round-trip — from a parking area off Scenic View Road to an overlook of Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River. The trail descends steep, uneven sandstone steps with intermittent handrails. A few shade pavilions sit near the overlook. This is a good option for travelers with limited mobility or young children who want a view without a long walk.

The New Wave

Located just outside Page across from the Wahweap South Entrance, The New Wave is a sandstone formation similar to The Wave in Coyote Buttes — but without the permit lottery. The trail is a 1.25-mile flat loop across slickrock. There is no formal signage, but the path is well-marked by use. This is a good alternative for photographers who did not win The Wave permit or want a shorter, easier experience.

Trails at Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry is roughly 40 minutes southeast of Page on Highway 89A. The area has two main hiking options:

River Trail

A 3-mile round-trip self-guided walk along the Colorado River at Lees Ferry. The trail starts near the boat ramp and follows the river past historic stone buildings from the old ferry crossing era. The surface is a mix of gravel, rock, and sand with no shade. This is an easy, flat walk with historical interest. No overnight parking at the trailhead.

Spencer Trail

A 4.4-mile round-trip strenuous hike that climbs 1,700 feet out of the Lees Ferry canyon on rocky switchbacks. The trail starts from the River Trail roughly 0.36 miles from the boat ramp, at a signed junction. The climb is exposed and steep, with views of the Colorado River, the City of Page, and the surrounding canyon country. Avoid this trail during the hottest part of the day. Spring and fall are the best seasons. No water along the trail.

Slot Canyon Hikes

Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch

The Wire Pass Trailhead is roughly an hour from Page, off House Rock Valley Road. The hike to the confluence with Buckskin Gulch is approximately 1.7 miles one way (3.4 miles round-trip) with 200 feet of elevation change. The trail follows a dry wash through sagebrush, enters a short but dramatic slot section, and reaches the confluence with Buckskin Gulch — the longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest.

A $6 day-use permit is required, available at the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is 8.3 miles of dirt and gravel. It is passable for most vehicles in dry conditions but can become impassable when wet. Do not attempt this road during or after rain.

Critical safety note: Buckskin Gulch is extremely dangerous during flash floods. The canyon has 14-plus miles of continuous narrows with no escape route. Check the weather forecast for the entire watershed before entering. If rain is forecast, do not go. See our slot canyons guide for full safety information.

Longer and More Remote Trails

Vermilion View Trail

A roughly 14-mile round-trip trail that follows the canyon edge approximately 700 feet above the Colorado River. The trail connects Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, the Dam Overlook, and Horseshoe Bend, offering views of the river, slickrock, and desert wildlife. The surface is natural stone in some sections and dirt in others. This is a long, exposed day hike with no water sources. Start early and carry at least 3 liters of water.

Red Mesa Rim Trail

Page's newest hiking and mountain biking trail, located at 2155 Coppermine Road. The 10.8-mile loop has sections rated green (easy), blue (moderate), and black (strenuous). The easy and moderate sections stay on top of the mesa; the strenuous sections drop into slickrock terrain east of the mesa. This trail is less crowded than Rim View Trail but requires more navigation skill. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the access road.

How to Choose a Trail

If you have...	And want...	Choose...
30 minutes	An iconic view	Horseshoe Bend
1 hour	A family-friendly nature walk	Hanging Gardens or The New Wave
2–3 hours	A longer walk with city views	Rim View Trail (partial)
Half day	History + scenery	Lees Ferry River Trail + Spencer Trail
Half day	A slot canyon without a guide	Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch (check weather first)
Full day	A long, exposed canyon-edge hike	Vermilion View Trail
A mountain bike	Singletrack with views	Rim View Trail or Red Mesa Rim Trail

What Every Hiker Needs to Know

• Water: Bring at least 1 liter per hour of hiking in summer, 0.5 liters per hour in cooler months. There is no water at most trailheads and none on the trails.
• Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses. Most trails have zero shade.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good tread. The desert ground is rocky, sandy, and uneven. Trail runners are sufficient for most trails; hiking boots are better for Spencer Trail and Red Mesa Rim.
• Cell service: Reliable in town and at Horseshoe Bend. Spotty or nonexistent at Lees Ferry, Wire Pass, and remote trailheads. Do not rely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.
• Dogs: Leashed dogs are permitted on most trails listed here, including Horseshoe Bend, Rim View Trail, and Hanging Gardens. Not recommended at unfenced overlooks.
• Trailhead access: Most trailheads near Page are reachable by standard passenger car. Wire Pass requires a dirt road. Red Mesa Rim recommends high clearance. Spencer Trail is at Lees Ferry, 40 minutes from Page.
• Season: March–May and September–November are the most comfortable hiking seasons. June–August is dangerously hot on exposed trails. December–February is cold but manageable with layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hikes near Page, Arizona?

Horseshoe Bend is the most popular and accessible. For a longer walk, the Rim View Trail offers a 10.2-mile loop around Manson Mesa. Hanging Gardens is a short, family-friendly walk to a rare desert spring. For a strenuous workout, the Spencer Trail at Lees Ferry climbs 1,700 feet in 4.4 miles.

How hard is the Horseshoe Bend trail?

The trail is 1.5 miles round-trip with 137 feet of elevation gain on a hardened dirt path. Most visitors reach the overlook in 20 to 25 minutes. The main challenge is the heat and sun exposure, not the terrain. The return trip is easier because the slight slope works in your favor.

Are there any easy hikes near Page, Arizona?

Yes. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is 0.2 miles round-trip. Hanging Gardens is 1.2 miles round-trip with minimal elevation gain. The New Wave is a 1.25-mile flat loop. All three are suitable for children and those with limited mobility.

Do you need a 4WD vehicle for hiking trailheads near Page?

For the trails listed here, a standard passenger car is sufficient except for Wire Pass (dirt road, passable in dry conditions) and Red Mesa Rim (high clearance recommended). Horseshoe Bend, Rim View Trail, Hanging Gardens, and Lees Ferry are all on paved or well-maintained roads.

Can you hike to Horseshoe Bend from the river?

Not from the Horseshoe Bend trail. The overlook is 1,000 feet above the river with vertical cliffs. River access to the bend below is only possible by boat or on multi-day rafting trips that put in at Lees Ferry.

Are dogs allowed on trails near Page, Arizona?

Yes, on a leash on most trails, including Horseshoe Bend, Rim View Trail, and Hanging Gardens. Dogs are not recommended at unfenced overlooks like Horseshoe Bend, where the rim is exposed. Service animals are allowed; emotional support animals may be restricted in some areas.

Is there shade on trails near Page, Arizona?

Very little. Horseshoe Bend has two shade structures along the trail but none at the overlook. Most other trails have no shade at all. The Hanging Gardens trail has shade at the alcove itself, but the approach is exposed. Plan accordingly.

What is the highest elevation hike near Page, Arizona?

The Spencer Trail at Lees Ferry gains 1,700 feet over 4.4 miles, reaching the highest point of any trail listed here. The Rim View Trail stays relatively flat at around 4,300 feet. None of these trails reach high enough elevations to cause altitude issues.

Can you hike in Page, Arizona in the summer?

Yes, but with serious precautions. Start before 8 a.m., carry at least 1 liter of water per hour, wear sun protection, and choose shorter trails. Avoid exposed trails like Horseshoe Bend and Spencer Trail during midday heat. Summer afternoons regularly exceed 100°F.

Are there any waterfall hikes near Page, Arizona?

No. The Page area is high desert with minimal rainfall and no perennial waterfalls. The Hanging Gardens trail has seeps and springs, but no falling water. For waterfalls, you would need to drive to Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Reservation (permit required) or Deer Creek in the Grand Canyon (multi-day raft trip).

For specific trail conditions and current closures, check the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website. For gear recommendations, see our what to pack guide. For photography advice, visit our photography guide. To plan your full itinerary, see things to do in Page.