So it’s going to sounds weird, but our latest 2 day road trip adventure was pretty much inspired (okay, completely!) by my computer’s desktop wallpaper. You’ve all seen the shot, I’m sure. It’s that unmistakable river bend known as horseshoe canyon. But to me, it resembles an island on some alien planet.
I’m feeling like a photographer for National Geographic at Horseshoe Bend. Who needs the default computer wallpaper?
If you’re like me, you probably even wondered… Where in the world was this shot taken? Turns out, it wasn’t on Mars. In fact, it wasn’t even all that far from Los Angeles (8 hours driving, easily split up over a 3-day holiday weekend). It’s also completely do-able from Vegas (3-4 hours drive) and the quirky roadside attractions along Route 66 (a 2 hour drive from Flagstaff).
One of the many vintage shops along the old route 66.
You’ll need 2 days to check out the sites in Page, Ariz., and Kanab, Utah. They’re only an hour apart, so that makes it easy. Just remember, it’s the land of extremes — with snow in the winter and scorching temps in the summer. If you can, the best time to visit is spring (May was perfect) or the fall. Check out the full rundown below — and soon you’ll be able to tell everyone that shot on your computer backdrop was ALL YOU (a fact that likely will impress nobody but yourself!).
Stop #1: Page, Ariz. – Hiking Horseshoe Bend
No railings to be found – Kevin keeps his distance from the edge at Horseshoe Bend.
Located on the outskirts of the town of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is basically Instagram on crack. I just couldn’t get enough shots of the Colorado River — literally bending around the landscape. The view is visible from a steep cliff that’s accessible via a 10 minute hike off US Route 89.
Selfie time! Getting the perfect shot is easy here.
It is wildly popular here. In fact, we visited over Memorial Day weekend and the parking lot was at near capacity. It is $10 a vehicle (or $5 for a motorcycle) to park in the official lot. But whatever you do, don’t be tempted to park along the shoulder of Route 89 like many others. The cops are regularly out in full force and you risk getting towed and a hefty fine. They were rolling in the money that weekend.
Getting that Perfect iPhone Shot at Antelope Canyon
Inside the jaw-dropping lower Antelope Canyon.
Two different slot canyons make up Antelope Canyon in Page and both offer very different experiences. In fact, it was a major dilemma for us to decide which one to visit. We really just wanted to see one, but how do we pick between the Upper or Lower Canyon? Upper Antelope Canyon is the more famous of the two due to its “shafts of light” (and yes, another popular computer wallpaper option!).
Full disclosure, I didn’t take this shot. The famous shafts of light in Upper Antelope Canyon.
The light beams are the biggest perk of visiting Upper Antelope Canyon. But there are many drawbacks — such as being uncomfortably crowded and a lot more money. We heard from other travelers that it’s even more hectic since you have to turn around and walk back through the on-coming crowd. In Lower Antelope, the traffic is pretty much one direction and you don’t have to fight for personal space. Though, you can still expect large crowds, especially at the beginning of the tour before the groups spread out.
Photo opps at every corner – and there are a lot of them.
Advanced bookings are a must, regardless of which section you decide to explore. We ended up joining Dixie Ellis’ Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. Put on your sneakers, since you’ll be walking about 1 mile, including some very steep stairs going down and back up.
Tours into the canyon begin by descending down five flights of stairs. Then eight smaller staircases back up!
If you’re not into hiking or steep stairs, then the Upper Canyon might be right for you. But we were actually really looking forward to getting to take in the site AND get a workout in. Each tour lasts about 1-1.5 hours led by a guide. Our guide Clint was great and basically a professional photographer. No matter how many times I took a photo, Clint’s shots were always significantly better. It got to a point where I pretty much just had him take all my photos. After all, it was a lot easier for everyone! Tours are $40 for adults and $20 for children.
Best Things to do at Night in Page: Experience ‘Into the Grand’
Dinner and a performance – Kevin is enthralled.
Dining room at Into the Grand.
The show is mostly a family affair — with proud parents dancing alongside their children. Though the true gem of the night is the traditional hoop dance performer. It completely blew us away! Admission price (including the dinner) is $39.95 for adults, $19.95 for children (5-12) and free for toddlers.
Stop #2: Kanab, Utah for Some Quality Animal Time
Inside the cat room. It made me think of my mom who was severely allergic and joked it would be the perfect murder plot.
We recommend joining their Grand Sanctuary Tour, which is offered 7 days a week (except for Christmas) at 8:30 AM, 10 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM. These 90 minute tours begin at the Best Friends Welcome Center where you’ll join a guide inside a passenger van to get an overview of the impressive facility. If you’re a cat lover, you’ll get your fill on this tour since you’ll go into a building with cats jumping all around. Towards the end of the tour, you’ll get to visit “Dogtown” and play with one of the happy pups they bring out. All tours are free (our favorite word!).
A Slice of Hollywood in Kanab, Utah?
The outdoor sets you can walk through at the Little Hollywood Museum in Kanab.
The museum can be accessed by going through a gift shop, to an outdoor area that has been designed as a fully immersive experience. You can walk inside the old creaky sets to see props that you’re encouraged to touch. Admission is free, though you can leave a donation if you want. It isn’t very big, and we were able to check it out in about 30 minutes.
Best Spot to Grab a Healthy Lunch in Kanab: Rocking V Cafe
Vegan and non-vegans alike will love Rocking V Cafe.
Bison burgers and vegan burgers all on offer.
We have the exact same pictures of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend (and we did wonder why there are no barriers too)!
That’s so funny! I wonder if we had the same guide?