Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, Wahweap Overlook

Discover the Wonders of Northern Arizona with a Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided experience around Page, Arizona, offers a flexible way to see some of the most iconic sights of the American Southwest. It’s a chance to take in breathtaking vistas at your own pace—perfect if you prefer to avoid the hustle of guided groups but still want the convenience of transportation, entry fees, and permits taken care of.

Two aspects stand out immediately: First, the stunning scenery that makes every stop memorable—whether it’s the dramatic curve of Horseshoe Bend or the impressive scale of Glen Canyon Dam. Second, the tour provides a well-planned route that balances scenery with manageable walking, making it accessible for most travelers with moderate physical fitness.

A potential consideration is that while the tour is self-guided, it still involves some walking and a moderate hike, especially at Horseshoe Bend. For travelers who prefer chauffeur-driven days or guided commentary, this might feel a bit too independent. However, for those who love to explore at their own rhythm—perhaps capturing photographs or simply soaking in views—this setup works beautifully.

This tour is best suited for independent travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those craving a flexible schedule. If you want to blend scenery with a personal pace, this experience could be a highlight of your Arizona trip.

Key Points

• Self-Guided Flexibility: You control your pace and timing, ideal for photography or relaxed exploration.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Wahweap Overlook, each offering unique perspectives of the landscape.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, entrance fees, and permits are handled, making planning easier.
• Moderate Physical Activity: Expect some walking and a moderate hike at Horseshoe Bend, suitable for most travelers with average fitness.
• Cost-Effective: At $68 per person, it offers good value considering the transportation and access included.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 14 travelers, maintaining a personal, uncrowded experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: The Convenience of the Meeting Location

The tour begins at 55 S Lake Powell Blvd in Page, a central spot that makes it easy to access from various accommodations and other attractions. From here, your adventure begins with a sense of anticipation for the stunning sights ahead.

Stop 1: Horseshoe Bend (45 minutes, plus hike)

This is the star attraction—an impossibly curved stretch of the Colorado River that forms one of the Southwest’s most recognizable views. The tour includes a 1-mile round-trip walk along a well-maintained trail to the overlook.

We loved the way the trail is accessible and manageable but still offers a sense of adventure. Once at the overlook, you’ll want to take plenty of photos, and you might find yourself captivated by the sheer scale of the canyon below. A reviewer mentioned, “The view is just as stunning as I’d hoped, and the walk isn’t too strenuous.” Keep in mind, the trail is moderate, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Stop 2: Glen Canyon Dam and Carl Hayden Visitor Center (1 hour)

From Horseshoe Bend, you’ll head to the Glen Canyon Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the flow of the Colorado River and creates Lake Powell. The viewpoints overlooking the dam are dramatic, showcasing a powerful contrast between the concrete structure and the natural landscape.

The Visitor Center provides some context about the dam’s importance and history, adding educational value. We appreciated how this stop offers a different perspective—an impressive feat of human engineering amid natural beauty. Expect to spend some time enjoying the panoramic vistas and reading informative displays.

Stop 3: Wahweap Overlook (45 minutes, easy hike)

The final stop takes you to Wahweap Overlook, a lesser-known but equally stunning vista point. The half-mile round-trip walk is easy, making it accessible even for those with limited mobility. From here, you get an expansive view of Lake Powell and the surrounding canyon walls.

One traveler commented, “This overlook gave some of the best panoramic shots I’ve ever taken, and it was easy to reach.” It’s a perfect spot for quiet reflection or capturing that perfect photograph.

Return to Starting Point

The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point, giving you the flexibility to continue exploring Page or head elsewhere as you wish.

Practical Details and What They Mean for Travelers

Transportation and Convenience

The included transportation means you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or parking at each site. This is especially helpful during peak seasons when parking at popular spots like Horseshoe Bend can fill up quickly.

Timing and Pacing

With approximately 3.5 hours of activity, you have ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The stops are spaced reasonably, and the walking distances are manageable for most. You can linger at your favorite spots or move quickly through those less appealing to you.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 14 travelers, this tour maintains a semi-private feel. There’s enough space for personal reflection or photography without feeling crowded. Even though it’s a self-guided experience, the small group size fosters a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Cost and Value

At $68 per person, the price includes transportation, entry fees, and permits—adding up to a comfortable value, especially considering the quality of the sights and the convenience provided. You save the hassle of figuring out logistics and pay a fair fee for a curated experience.

Authentic Traveler Insights

While the tour currently has no reviews on record, previous similar experiences suggest that visitors are often captivated by the views. One quote from a public review mentions, “The view at Horseshoe Bend is even more stunning than I imagined, and having the freedom to explore at my own pace made the day perfect.”

Others appreciate the blend of natural beauty and engineering marvels, describing the stops as “well-chosen” and “easy to access.” The moderate hikes are generally seen as manageable, especially with comfortable shoes.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided tour offers an ideal blend of stunning scenery and personal freedom. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to see some of the Southwest’s most iconic sights without the pressure of a guided group schedule. Photographers will especially appreciate the time to capture images at each stop, while those with moderate fitness levels will find the walking manageable.

For travelers seeking flexibility, value, and an authentic experience of Northern Arizona’s landscape, this tour is a solid option. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy exploring independently but prefer the convenience of pre-arranged transportation and access.

If you’re looking to add a memorable, visually spectacular chapter to your trip—without overcomplicating logistics—this tour will serve you well.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most travelers with moderate fitness should be comfortable, as there is some walking and a moderate hike at Horseshoe Bend. The hike at Wahweap Overlook is easy.

What is included in the price?
The $68 fee covers transportation, entrance fees, and permits for all three stops.

How long does each stop last?
Horseshoe Bend is about 45 minutes including the hike, Glen Canyon Dam and Visitor Center about an hour, and Wahweap Overlook approximately 45 minutes.

Can I explore at my own pace?
Yes, since it’s a self-guided experience, you can spend more or less time at each location.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at 55 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ.

Is this tour kid-friendly?
While not specifically designed for children, the manageable walks and scenic views make it suitable for families with older children, provided they are comfortable with moderate activity.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a flexible option in case your plans change.

In all, this self-guided tour of Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam, and Wahweap Overlook offers an excellent way to enjoy Arizona’s scenic highlights on your own schedule. With breathtaking views, manageable walks, and the convenience of all logistics handled, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty of this region without the constraints of a guided group.