When we think about taking a vacation, we tend to think narrowly. We imagine traveling to some distant destination surrounded by glitz and glamour or alternatively we start thinking about beaches, bikinis, and drinks with little colorful umbrellas.
Now, don’t get me wrong.
I love glitz and I love beaches. Heck, I even like those little umbrellas.
But sometimes – the most memorable vacations are those that take us off the beaten path.
This week I had the opportunity to travel with my husband for business. It would be my first time traveling to Arizona and, although I had an idea of what to expect, I could not foresee the impact that it would have.
We flew to a small town named Page, with a population of 7,500 people, one movie theater, and a local Safeway. Page didn’t have many of the things you normally associate with a vacation. It didn’t have a flashy nightlife, it didn’t have a huge theme park, and I didn’t see any miniature golf.
What it did have outweighed all of that.
Page is a small town surrounded by beauty.
Raw, unpretentious, natural beauty.
From enormous canyons that carve through the Earth to towering cliffs that transition through vibrant colors as they reach towards the sky, none of my pictures could hope to do it justice.
And none of my words can truly convey the feelings that you experience when you realize how small we really are among these natural giants.
Not only were we able to experience the natural beauty around us, but we were also able to truly enjoy many of the activities unique to this location.
Now you may be asking yourselves, “What is there to do in Page, Arizona?”
What can you do in a small town of 7,500 people?
And the answer is – oh, so very much.
What can you do in Page, Arizona?
Hiking
I know most of you have been hiking before but hiking in the canyons is different. As you traverse the massive rocks, you literally feel as though you are inside the rock, surrounded by impressive colors and textures.
The paths can be gentle and winding or they can be challenging and tough as you climb across porous sedimentary rocks. Most paths are well-worn and easily recognizable, but it is important to know where you are going and hike in locations that you know to be safe.
Also, the weather in the canyons is warm but not intolerable. The high elevation creates a dry heat and cool breeze which is deceiving. Sunscreen and water are a must.
Hit the Road
Rent a dune buggy, ATV, or bike – or join a guided tour that provides these services.
This allows you to see so much more of the landscape while swooshing and swishing on the sand and stone.
Of course, as with any type of high-impact activity, be safe. We always wore a mouth covering to protect ourselves from the sand, goggles to shield our eyes, and seatbelts at all times.
If you are going independently, remember that there is safety in numbers and communication is essential. We always went in pairs and used GPS to find locations that were recommended and free from commercial traffic and pedestrians. We communicated frequently via walkie-talkies whenever there were obstacles up ahead or if we were making a change to our route.
This was an absolutely thrilling experience and is a “must do” if you are any type of adrenaline junkie. Going up and down the worn paths and seeing the landscape change after every curve was exhibiting and fun – and yes, I did scream when my husband started doing “donuts” on the smooth plateaus – and I loved every moment of it.
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is a man-made lake that is 185 miles long and has over 2000 miles of shoreline. It was created when the Glenn Canyon Dam was built, and it stretches from Arizona to Utah.
This enormous body of water is a literal oasis in the middle of the desert – and is a favorite spot for the locals. Dotted by houseboats at every marina, families can be seen boating, kayaking, and water-skiing on the lake.
The water is crisp and cool– and surrounded by massive red rocks.
On our trip, we were able to enjoy the lake on speedboat and experience much of the landscape. We stopped for lunch enveloped by the scenery and then enjoyed the refreshing waters as we swam and paddleboarded nearby.
From exploring the trails on horseback to seeing the vistas from a hot air balloon, Page has no shortage of things to do.
And although Page is not featured in any billboard and does not have center page in any travel guide, it is a place of unforgettable beauty.
Page will definitely live within my heart, not just because of its beauty, but because of the wonderful experiences we had while we were there. It will live in my heart because of the new friends that I made and the memories that I am taking with me – and that is what life is about.
So, pack your bags and go off the beaten path.
Go to Page, go exploring, and go make friends and memories along the way.