Page, AZ or Lake Powell - Wahweap?
Dec 10th, 2009, 03:03 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Page, AZ or Lake Powell - Wahweap?
If we were interested in doing a float trip of the lake and Antelope Canyon, which would be the best place to stay for one night? We would be driving from Bryce Canyon heading home and have an extra night. Thanks.
Dec 10th, 2009, 04:19 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think you mean a float trip of Antelope Canyon(most people will automatically think Antelope Canyon Hike). I would make sure to see Rainbow Bridge. If you have never seen a Slot Canyon, then I would make it a point to Hike Antelope Canyon. I haven't yet done this area, but it is high on my list. Be sure and give us a trip report when you return. I to am a little unsure of where to stay and exactly how I want to do it.
Dec 10th, 2009, 05:30 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I'm just now researching our trip and ran across pics of Antelope Canyon (I guess it's a slot canyon?) and I definitely want/need to see that, but I also heard about float trips on Lake Powell -- I guess they go to Rainbow Bridge? How long is the trip? Can you drive to Rainbow Bridge if we don't have time to do a float trip?
I can't gauge the distance between Lake Powell and Page to decide which is the better location to stay for one night.
Spiro - thanks for your reply. I think I've run across some of your other posts about this area, but I haven't had a chance to read everything I've printed out yet.
I can't gauge the distance between Lake Powell and Page to decide which is the better location to stay for one night.
Spiro - thanks for your reply. I think I've run across some of your other posts about this area, but I haven't had a chance to read everything I've printed out yet.
Dec 10th, 2009, 05:54 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You cannot drive to Rainbow Bridge, you can hike in, but I hear it is arduous and long.
The boat ride from Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge [on a ferry] takes a couple of hours EACH way.
We stayed at the Inn at the Wahweap Marina. Nice views, average rooms. Page has the typical chain motels. I have a trip report here, I'll see if I can find it.
Deb
The boat ride from Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge [on a ferry] takes a couple of hours EACH way.
We stayed at the Inn at the Wahweap Marina. Nice views, average rooms. Page has the typical chain motels. I have a trip report here, I'll see if I can find it.
Deb
Dec 10th, 2009, 06:02 PM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,880
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's only 15-20 minutes to drive from Page to Wahweap so it doesn't make much difference. If all activities are on the lake then it's easier to stay at Wahweap, but if you are splitting things, like touring the slot canyon part of Antelope canyon, then Page is fine too.
The best hotel we've stayed in at Page (out of maybe six hotels) was the Marriott. Stayed at the Wahweap once for four nights and it was OK, with a good restaurant. There is a wide range of motels in Page though.
The best hotel we've stayed in at Page (out of maybe six hotels) was the Marriott. Stayed at the Wahweap once for four nights and it was OK, with a good restaurant. There is a wide range of motels in Page though.
Dec 11th, 2009, 03:30 AM
#6
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The "hike" in Antelope canyon is just a few miles out of Page on route 89. It has an upper and a lower area and both can only be entered with a Navajo guide. Just go to the parking lot and pay your fee and the guide will take you in. There also is a smooth water raft trip on the Colorado river from Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. They pick you up in Page, drive to the launch site and bus you back to Page. Both of these are nice trips. There is also a place just south of Page where you can hike across the sand and view Horseshoe bend in the Colorado, very interesting look at the river. I have a few pictures from our 2008 trip at www.flickr.com/photos/emalloy2009/sets if you want to get an idea . Have fun planing and taking your trip.
Dec 11th, 2009, 05:07 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,721
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Page is a quiet little town lined with chain hotels, and it's just a few minutes to the lake. Wahweap is an upscale resorty type hotel on the lake. As far as I know, it's the only one on the lake, at least in this area. We stayed at one of the hotels in Page (can't remember which one, they all look the same!) and it was fine. Wahweap was considerably more money. If you are in the area, don't miss Horseshoe Bend, a spectacular lookout just a short walk from the highway.
Dec 11th, 2009, 06:43 AM
#8
Antelope Canyon is not a hike.
If you don't hire a company to take you (no reason to do this), you can just drive into the parking lot, pay the parking fee ($6) and buy a "guide" ticket for about $26 (2007 price).
A "guide" will drive you on an open back truck to the Canyon. It takes about 10 minutes. The Canyon is quite small and very level. It's a twenty minute walk from front to back rather than a hike.
Go when the sun is high in the sky to get the maximum reflections. Just amazing colors.
You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
Select the 2007 trip to Bryce, Zion, GC and Sedona.
If you are into photography take with a tripod as some of my exposures were 7 - 10 seconds. I also took with a plastic bag to hold the camera and keep it away from the sand during the ride there and back. We were there about an hour.
If you don't hire a company to take you (no reason to do this), you can just drive into the parking lot, pay the parking fee ($6) and buy a "guide" ticket for about $26 (2007 price).
A "guide" will drive you on an open back truck to the Canyon. It takes about 10 minutes. The Canyon is quite small and very level. It's a twenty minute walk from front to back rather than a hike.
Go when the sun is high in the sky to get the maximum reflections. Just amazing colors.
You can see my photos at:
www.travelwalks.com
Select the 2007 trip to Bryce, Zion, GC and Sedona.
If you are into photography take with a tripod as some of my exposures were 7 - 10 seconds. I also took with a plastic bag to hold the camera and keep it away from the sand during the ride there and back. We were there about an hour.
Dec 11th, 2009, 08:48 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW - emalloy -- loved the pics of Antelope Canyon. What type of settings did you use? I'm an avid amateur photographer but sometimes get flustered when needing/wanting to get the perfect shots. Would you recommend a tripod for the canyon?
WOW - Myer - loved the Bryce Canyon pics. Where were you to get the sunrise pics? We're planning on staying in the lodge, so hopefully it's not too far. How 'bout the Queens Garden Trail and the Navajo Loop - what type of hikes are those? Thanks for the rec on the plastic bag. I'll make sure I have one available.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I think we'll probably just stay in Page. Would you recommend reserving in advance? Our visit will be in September.
WOW - Myer - loved the Bryce Canyon pics. Where were you to get the sunrise pics? We're planning on staying in the lodge, so hopefully it's not too far. How 'bout the Queens Garden Trail and the Navajo Loop - what type of hikes are those? Thanks for the rec on the plastic bag. I'll make sure I have one available.
Thanks everyone for your replies. I think we'll probably just stay in Page. Would you recommend reserving in advance? Our visit will be in September.
Dec 11th, 2009, 09:08 AM
#10
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,904
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jill_h, I'm a point and shoot type of girl and I think I had a pentax digital camera which had the flash off so it wouldn't wash out the colors. The pictures were taken at 3 ish in the afternoon, which I'm told is not the best, but noon supposedly is. Some of the pictures did use the zoom. I was happy with the shots in any case. I think you might be able to use a tripod but I didn't. We had about a half hour total to walk through the canyon and back so a tripod might just get in the way. I think you can pay to stay longer in lower Antelope and that it involves some climbing down ladders, but haven't done that yet.
Have a fine time planning and taking your trip
Have a fine time planning and taking your trip
Dec 11th, 2009, 10:05 AM
#11
I have a DSLR (Canon).
The guide told the people with P&S cameras to use the highest ISO they could. I guess hand-held that's required.
I brought a tripod. It was not a problem and didn't get in the way. I just put the camera on it and walked around that way.
I used ISO200 as I normally do.
I wanted a good part of the lens so I used f8.
I used aperture priority so the camera selected the shutter speed (hand held I do the opposite - I used shutter priority to make sure I get sharp photos).
The shutter speeds varied from 1/4 sec to about 10 seconds.
I had no problem taking a lot of photos and everybody cooperates pretty well. The odd person would just walk without looking but they were clued out. Everybody else would yell at them.
If I remember correctly, the standard time in the Canyon is 1 hour. You could take special photo tours where there are less people, stay longer and cost much more. I saw no need as I got what I wanted. The guide even gave me suggestions.
As far as I'm concerned there are a limited number of viewpoints at Bryce that are different from one another.
Natural Bridge is different.
You'll see Sunset Pt at the start of the Navajo Loop hike and Sunrise Pt at the end if you come back up thru Queens Garden. It's a half mile back along the Rim (great views on its own) to Sunset Pt if that's where you left your car.
The sunrise photos are at Bryce Point. There's a landing that protrudes out and it's pretty windy there. But the sunrise was great even though some clouds kept getting in the way. Just patience and luck that they moved often enough.
I was there at the end of May and it was cold at Bryce Point. Dress warm whenever you're there for sunrise.
The guide told the people with P&S cameras to use the highest ISO they could. I guess hand-held that's required.
I brought a tripod. It was not a problem and didn't get in the way. I just put the camera on it and walked around that way.
I used ISO200 as I normally do.
I wanted a good part of the lens so I used f8.
I used aperture priority so the camera selected the shutter speed (hand held I do the opposite - I used shutter priority to make sure I get sharp photos).
The shutter speeds varied from 1/4 sec to about 10 seconds.
I had no problem taking a lot of photos and everybody cooperates pretty well. The odd person would just walk without looking but they were clued out. Everybody else would yell at them.
If I remember correctly, the standard time in the Canyon is 1 hour. You could take special photo tours where there are less people, stay longer and cost much more. I saw no need as I got what I wanted. The guide even gave me suggestions.
As far as I'm concerned there are a limited number of viewpoints at Bryce that are different from one another.
Natural Bridge is different.
You'll see Sunset Pt at the start of the Navajo Loop hike and Sunrise Pt at the end if you come back up thru Queens Garden. It's a half mile back along the Rim (great views on its own) to Sunset Pt if that's where you left your car.
The sunrise photos are at Bryce Point. There's a landing that protrudes out and it's pretty windy there. But the sunrise was great even though some clouds kept getting in the way. Just patience and luck that they moved often enough.
I was there at the end of May and it was cold at Bryce Point. Dress warm whenever you're there for sunrise.
Dec 11th, 2009, 10:12 AM
#12
Your hikes. Bryce Lodge is about 50 yards from the Rim and between Sunset and Sunrise Points. About a quarter mile each way.
Walk out of the Lodge to the Rim and turn right. That's the direction for Sunset Point.
Navajo Loop and Qhueen's Garden are pretty tame. The trails are smooth (no rocks or sudden drop-offs) and relatively wide.
Since it's over 8,000 up make sure you're drinking water and unless you've been there a couple of days, don't be afraid to stop and rest if you feel winded. It creeps up on you.
Some of the trails in Zion and quite rocky and narrow. But although it's only about 90 minutes away from Bryce, it's about 4,000 feet lower (if I remember correctly).
Walk out of the Lodge to the Rim and turn right. That's the direction for Sunset Point.
Navajo Loop and Qhueen's Garden are pretty tame. The trails are smooth (no rocks or sudden drop-offs) and relatively wide.
Since it's over 8,000 up make sure you're drinking water and unless you've been there a couple of days, don't be afraid to stop and rest if you feel winded. It creeps up on you.
Some of the trails in Zion and quite rocky and narrow. But although it's only about 90 minutes away from Bryce, it's about 4,000 feet lower (if I remember correctly).
Dec 11th, 2009, 11:26 AM
#13
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In general you will want a tripod to shoot anything less than 1/60 of a second shutter speed. You can somewhat make due at 1/30 but I use a tripod for anything 1/60 and slower. I would always use the lowest ISO(film speed) you can get away with(all digitals go down to 100 and some to 50). The higher the ISO the grainier it will be. Most cameras now have a "steady shot" button that can be turned on or off. Your F-stop(aperture)depends on what you have done with the shutter speed. They both control how much light comes into your camera. You can shoot with and without your flash to see what you come out with. if you use a flash your camera is then synced at 1/60 or 1/90 when the flash fires. A lot of cameras have automatic settings on them. You can choose from night setting, action, macro-closeup, etc. These generally set a pretty good aperture and shutter speed automatically. Try taking pictures in your house without a flash before you venture into the slot canyon.
They also make monopods which are much easier to haul and much lighter. They can telecope in and out and can git in your back pocket. I still prefer the tripod. I would think you would for sure want one to take great pictures in a slot canyon. To get the really cool shots, I would think you would need dust or a little water vapor in the air.
I don't know anything about Canyon X, but it looks like a good slot canyon to me. It is also on tribal land near Antelope, but I think only 1 guide is allowed to use it and you would have it to yourself. I do know that he does a combo trip allowing you so view both canyons. http://www.overlandcanyontours.com/C.../canyon_x.html
They also make monopods which are much easier to haul and much lighter. They can telecope in and out and can git in your back pocket. I still prefer the tripod. I would think you would for sure want one to take great pictures in a slot canyon. To get the really cool shots, I would think you would need dust or a little water vapor in the air.
I don't know anything about Canyon X, but it looks like a good slot canyon to me. It is also on tribal land near Antelope, but I think only 1 guide is allowed to use it and you would have it to yourself. I do know that he does a combo trip allowing you so view both canyons. http://www.overlandcanyontours.com/C.../canyon_x.html
Dec 12th, 2009, 03:07 AM
#15
I just thought I'd add a couple of more sights in (right near) Page that will only take an hour or two.
Just after you cross the bridge (on the way from Bryce) beside Glen Canyon Dam (on Rt 89) watch for a sign on the right side of the road indicating "Scenic View Rd". Take this road (it's a loop that meets back on Rt 89) and go into the parking lot (free). It's only a two minute walk down some rock stairs to "The Best Dam View". Great views of the Glen Canyon Dam.
Back on Rt 89 continue South about a half mile past Rt 98 (I know 98 and 89 are confusing) and on the right side of the road (west) you will see a sign for Horseshoe Bend. Pull into the parking lot (free). From here it's a 3/4 mile hike on level, sandy ground to a view of Horseshoe Bend. There's no barrier, fence or screen (don't fall). Just 1,000 feet straight down to a spectacular view of the Colorado River making a 180 degree turn in the shape of a horseshoe.
If you go back and look at my photos, you'll see these two spectacular sights just before those of Antelope Canyon. Well worth the short amount of time required.
From there you can get back on Rt 89 and go back north (you just past here) until Rt 98. Go right (east) a mile or two, pass the Big Lake Trading Post at the junction of Rt 98 and Haul Rd and look for the Antelope Canyon parking lot sign on the right. Pull in and enjoy Antelope Canyon (not free).
Have a great time.
Just after you cross the bridge (on the way from Bryce) beside Glen Canyon Dam (on Rt 89) watch for a sign on the right side of the road indicating "Scenic View Rd". Take this road (it's a loop that meets back on Rt 89) and go into the parking lot (free). It's only a two minute walk down some rock stairs to "The Best Dam View". Great views of the Glen Canyon Dam.
Back on Rt 89 continue South about a half mile past Rt 98 (I know 98 and 89 are confusing) and on the right side of the road (west) you will see a sign for Horseshoe Bend. Pull into the parking lot (free). From here it's a 3/4 mile hike on level, sandy ground to a view of Horseshoe Bend. There's no barrier, fence or screen (don't fall). Just 1,000 feet straight down to a spectacular view of the Colorado River making a 180 degree turn in the shape of a horseshoe.
If you go back and look at my photos, you'll see these two spectacular sights just before those of Antelope Canyon. Well worth the short amount of time required.
From there you can get back on Rt 89 and go back north (you just past here) until Rt 98. Go right (east) a mile or two, pass the Big Lake Trading Post at the junction of Rt 98 and Haul Rd and look for the Antelope Canyon parking lot sign on the right. Pull in and enjoy Antelope Canyon (not free).
Have a great time.
Dec 12th, 2009, 09:57 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Myer - I saw those pics. I am happy to hear those views are near Page so at least we can get to them while we're in the area. Page is going to be a tight fit, but I'll make the effort. With the scenery being as amazing as it is, I might not take a bad picture
Dec 12th, 2009, 10:14 AM
#17
When I was there (start of June 2007) I left Zion at about 11AM after walking the Riverside Walk and got to the Grand Canyon East entrance about 5PM.
In addition to the drive I stopped for The Best Dam View (10 minutes) and Horseshoe Bend (less than an hour including the hike both ways and convincing myself to craw to the edge) then went to Antelope Canyon (less than 2 hours including waiting for the next guide, the drive to and from and an hour in the Canyon).
If you're there, don't miss any of these sights.
In addition to the drive I stopped for The Best Dam View (10 minutes) and Horseshoe Bend (less than an hour including the hike both ways and convincing myself to craw to the edge) then went to Antelope Canyon (less than 2 hours including waiting for the next guide, the drive to and from and an hour in the Canyon).
If you're there, don't miss any of these sights.
Dec 16th, 2009, 08:35 AM
#18
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jill_h, good advice given by all so far. One thing I didn't see addressed was the issue of advance reservations. YES, absolutely reserve your hotels, tours, everything in advance. September is peak season, so things will sell out.
Dec 16th, 2009, 05:28 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
K-Bot - thanks for catching that. My request for advance res'v was focused on Page. I have confirmed res'v for all the parks we'll be visiting, but with Page being a "hope we have time" I wasn't sure if we needed to get hotel res'v in Page or could just "wing it." I don't know much, if anything, about that area and don't know how many choices, etc. there are. If I need res'v, do you have a recommendation? I think someone (maybe on another thread) said that there are only chain hotels/motels in Page. I haven't done any research as of yet. Your input is appreciated.
Dec 16th, 2009, 09:01 PM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,656
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed at the Wahweap a few years ago and I was very disappointed with the room. The hotel looked nice on the internet but our room was fairly dingy, our patio door didn't open, the hallway was dirty, and our neighbors were noisy. If we return to the area, we will stay elsewhere next time.
