Eastern Basecamp · Page, AZ 86040
Page, Arizona
The eastern gateway to The Wave — and home to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. If you're flying into Phoenix or Las Vegas and driving north, Page is your natural first stop.
To The Wave
~1 hr 20 min / ~78 mi
Nearest airport
PGA (Page Airport)
Major hub
FLG Flagstaff (~2.5 hr)
Permit pick-up
Yes (Page office)
To Kanab
~1 hr via US-89
Lake Powell
15 min
Getting to The Wave from Page
From Page, head west on US-89 toward Kanab. After approximately 33 miles, turn south onto House Rock Valley Road — the signed unpaved road that leads to the Wire Pass Trailhead. The trailhead is about 8 miles down House Rock Valley Road.
The drive is about 1 hour 20 minutes in dry conditions. House Rock Valley Road is unpaved clay — always check conditions before leaving the highway. After any rain, it can become impassable.
The trailhead elevation is about 4,700 ft. Plan to leave Page by 7:00 AM at the latest to reach the trailhead for a comfortable morning start — afternoons bring heat and afternoon storm risk in summer.
Permit Pick-Up in Page
If you win the online advance lottery, you can pick up your permit at the Page, AZ permit office the afternoon before your hike date. Walk-in lottery participants pick up at the same location the morning of the hike.
Confirm the exact pick-up address and hours in your Recreation.gov confirmation email — locations and hours can change seasonally.
Walk-in lottery note: If you're entering the walk-in lottery, Kanab is the more convenient pick-up point — it's closer to The Wave (60 mi vs 78 mi from Page). However, Page does have a pick-up location for walk-in winners too. See the full walk-in process →
What Else to Do From Page
Whether or not you win a Wave permit, Page puts you within reach of some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the American Southwest.
Antelope Canyon
The world's most-photographed slot canyon, located on Navajo Nation land. Upper Antelope Canyon is the classic "beam of light" location; Lower is narrower and more technical. Both require guided tours booked through authorized Navajo operators.
AntelopeCanyon.AZ →Horseshoe Bend
The iconic 270-degree meander of the Colorado River, just 3 miles south of Page. A short 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. Entry fee required ($10/vehicle). The overlook is unfenced — keep well back from the edge.
HorseshoeBend.com →Lake Powell
The second-largest reservoir in the US, formed by Glen Canyon Dam. Boat tours, kayak rentals, and houseboat charters depart from Wahweap Marina near Page. Antelope Canyon Boat Tours visits slot canyons accessible only by water.
AntelopeCanyonBoatTours.com →Buckskin Gulch & White Pocket
Both are on the same House Rock Valley Road you'd take to The Wave. If you don't win the permit, Buckskin Gulch is a self-pay day hike from the same trailhead. White Pocket requires 4WD or a guided tour (~1.5 hr from Page).
All alternatives →Book a Tour from Page
Preferred Guide Partner
Kanab Tour Company
Departures from Kanab and Page. Offers guided Wave tours (requires permit draw), White Pocket tours, and backcountry alternatives. Phone: 435-644-5525
Frequently asked questions
Is Page or Kanab a better basecamp for The Wave?+
Both are similar in distance (~78 mi from Page, ~60 mi from Kanab). Page offers more hotel options, a regional airport, and direct access to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Kanab is closer to The Wave, is the primary walk-in lottery pick-up point, and puts you closer to Zion and Bryce. Many visitors stay in both towns across a multi-day trip.
Where do I pick up my Wave permit in Page?+
Check your Recreation.gov confirmation email for the exact current address — the Page pick-up location is typically the BLM Arizona Strip Field Office or an affiliated tourism bureau. The permit is available for pickup the afternoon before your hike date.
What other attractions are near Page?+
Antelope Canyon (20 min), Horseshoe Bend (5 min), Lake Powell / Wahweap Marina (15 min), Glen Canyon Dam (5 min), and Navajo National Monument (~3 hrs). Monument Valley is about 2.5 hours from Page via US-160.
What is the closest major airport to Page, AZ?+
Page Airport (PGA) is a regional airport with limited service. The nearest major airports are Flagstaff (FLG, ~2.5 hr), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, ~4.5 hr), and Las Vegas (LAS, ~4.5 hr). Many visitors fly into PHX or LAS and drive to Page.