What to Pack for Page, Arizona and Antelope Canyon

Page sits in high desert, and the desert plays by its own rules. Mornings can be cold, afternoons can be baking, and there is almost no shade at the big sights. Pack for that and every day gets easier. Here is the short, useful list.

Wear this

• Closed shoes with grip. You will be on sand and, in Lower Antelope, on metal staircases. Skip the flip-flops.

• Layers. Desert temperatures swing hard between morning and midday. A light layer you can add or peel off beats one heavy thing.

• A hat and sunglasses. There is no shade at Horseshoe Bend and little in the open canyons. Your eyes and scalp will thank you.

Bring this

• More water than you think. A refillable bottle per person, minimum. This is the desert, and dehydration sneaks up fast.

• Real sunscreen. Reapply. The sun out here is stronger than it feels.

• Cash. For tips for your canyon guide, and for the $10-per-car fee at Horseshoe Bend, which cards do not always cover smoothly.

• A small bag, not a big one. Many canyon tours limit bag size, so travel light on tour days.

• Your phone or a handheld camera. Both are fine in the canyon.

Leave this at home

• Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks. These are not allowed in Antelope Canyon since the photo-permit program ended. Do not pack them for the canyon.

Pack for the season

• Summer: sun protection is everything, plus electrolytes and extra water. Do outdoor things early to beat the heat.

• Winter: it gets cold, especially at night and at sunrise. Bring a real coat, a warm layer, and gloves for early canyon and Horseshoe Bend starts.

• Spring and fall: the easy ones, but still bring a warm layer for cool mornings and a sun layer for warm afternoons.

Do not forget

• A swimsuit. For Lake Powell and for the hotel pool, even outside peak summer.

• A light jacket for sunset. The wind comes up at the dam overlook and on the rim, and evenings cool off fast.

Quick answers

What should I wear to Antelope Canyon? Closed shoes with grip, comfortable layers, and a hat. It can be cool in the morning and warm by midday, and Lower Antelope has metal staircases, so leave the sandals behind.

Can I bring a tripod or selfie stick to Antelope Canyon? No. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are not allowed in any section. Handheld cameras and phones are fine.

Do I need cash in Page? Yes, some. Bring cash to tip your canyon guide and for the $10-per-car fee at Horseshoe Bend.

What should I pack for Horseshoe Bend? Water, sun protection, and a hat. There is no shade on the walk, so go early and cover up.

Rest up before the early starts

The Wesley is the first boutique hotel in Page, minutes from the canyon, the Bend, and the lake, so you can pack light and still make every sunrise easily. Book direct at thewesleyaz.com and use code WESLEY20 for 20% off.