Do you have a 3 day weekend coming up and not sure what to do? Visit northern Arizona and see some of the most beautiful landscapes the United States has to offer. This guide maps out an unforgettable journey from the iconic Grand Canyon, the beautiful Lake Powell, kayaking the Colorado river, Horseshoe Bend, and the incredible Antelope Canyon. We’ve also included a free Google map of our 3 day Northern Arizona itinerary along with some restaurant recommendations at the end of this blog.
Day 1: Hike the Grand Canyon and Relax at Lake Powell
Grand Canyon (South Rim) – South Kaibab Trail
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona, about 3.5 hours from Phoenix or 1.5 hours from Flagstaff. Take the free Orange shuttle bus from the visitor center to the trailhead. A popular all day hike for the experienced is known as rim-to-river-to-rim which is the South Kaibab trail heading down into the canyon and going back up via Bright Angel trail. To get the most sight seeing out of this trip and depending on how early you get started, a shorter hike down South Kaibab trail would be best. There is very little shade and no water available on this trail so come prepared. Several switchbacks mark the beginning of the trail with amazing views of the canyon at every turn. Here are some stopping point suggestions but times vary depending on your pace and time for pictures.
- Ooh Ahh Point: 1.8 miles total distance; 1 hour hike time; moderate difficulty
- Cedar Ridge: 3 miles total distance; 2-3 hours hike time; hard difficulty
- Skeleton Point: 6 miles total distance; 3-4 hours hike time; hard difficulty
Lake Powell
We recommend staying at Lake Powell Resort for the night where you’ll have an incredible view of the lake, scenic onsite restaurants, and easy access to boat and water toy rentals. What a joy it was to wake up to this view from our patio! The drive from the Grand Canyon is a little over 2 hours so grab a bite to eat at a restaurant near the canyon before leaving if you can’t wait. The resort sits on the Waheep Marina in Page, Arizona near the Arizona – Utah border.
Day 2: Kayaking the Mighty Colorado River
Kayak the Colorado River
Many people visit Horseshoe Bend but miss seeing the Colorado river from below. We decided to kayak and made reservations with Kayak the Colorado which offers backhaul service, meaning they will transport you upstream via boat to your starting point and you can paddle or kayak back to your vehicle at Lee’s Ferry. They also offer boat rentals. If you kayak or paddle, there are two options for a starting point:
- Petroglyph Beach (10 miles from Lee’s Ferry and about a 4-6 hour float)
- Glen Canyon Dam (15 miles and 7-9 hour float).
The water is mostly calm with a 3 mile per hr current. Stay on the sides of the river so that boats can pass through in the middle and the waves don’t flip you. The weather didn’t cooperate for us and at one point the wind picked up so hard that I felt I wasn’t moving an inch while kayaking with all my strength. The freezing water splashing into the kayak from my aggressive paddling had me shivering and hating this decision for a little while but it was all worth it once the sun came out and I could appreciate the beauty around me. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and beavers.
Beware there is no cell service along the river but Kayak the Colorado will cruise around near Lee’s Ferry and pick you up if you feel you can’t finish. Stay the night at Marble Canyon Lodge, the closest hotel to Lee’s Ferry, and have dinner at Cliff Dwellers Restaurant.
Day 3: Antelope Canyon, a Gas Station Cave, and Horseshoe Bend
Upper Antelope Canyon (Page, AZ)
A trip to either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour that should be reserved in advance. We did Upper Antelope with Tse Bighanilini Tours and they were so wonderful in helping us take photos and adjusting our camera settings to capture the most vibrant colors. The Upper canyon is a little easier and busier, and known for the iconic light beams around noon. The lower canyon might be a little less crowded but there are ladders to climb so make sure you’re comfortable with that.
Gas Station Cave
Only 4 minutes from Upper Antelope Canyon is a Shell gas station on Coppermine Rd and AZ-98. Head to the back of the parking lot and look for the heart shaped cave. It’s just a short walk and you’ll get an interesting view. Position yourself at the back of the cave to get the best perspective. Watch the video below for more details.
Lunch
If you’re hungry, stop at Grand Canyon Brewing and get the burger with blueberry compote! There are pool tables if you want to hang out for a bit and relax before your last sight.
Horseshoe Bend
Finally the grand finale, Horseshoe Bend! Having seen the river below makes this view even more special from another vantage point. The best time to go is at sunset but anytime is beautiful. There is a bit of a walk to get to the viewpoint but it is a leveled path. Please be careful taking pictures near the areas with no railings.
Northern Arizona offers an incredible mix of adventure and natural wonder, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the iconic views of Horseshoe Bend. It’s a trip that promises unforgettable memories and stunning photos, provided you plan ahead and book those tours! Check out the video below for an overview of kayaking the Colorado River and follow us on socials for more adventures.
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Looking for more adventures in Arizona? Check out additional blog posts dedicated to our home state here.
