Water Holes Canyon, Page

Gey the permit (needed) and go here. It's an easy hike and you can do most of it in 60-75 minutes. Once inside, just follow the rocks all the way down (super helpful). My wife and I are in our mid 30s and we found it just the right level of challenge going down (a little bit of all fours walking, or sliding down on our behinds). Wear hiking shoes of possible, or makes things a lot easier. We did see a lot of kids down in the canyon with families, so hopefully you get a sense of how doable it is.

This is a definite must do in Page,AZ. We went to Antelope Canyon and then to Horse Shoe Bend and Waterhole Canyon was by far the best time. Be sure to get a permit first, it is $12 per person. We got lucky and there was a tribal trick there and the lady sold us a permit. You are free to hike but there are boundaries. Take water and snacks and good footwear for hiking. We walked down into the canyon and then above the canyon on the way back.

I call Waterholes, "Poor Man's Antelope Canyon" As Antelope Canyon Tours tun $80/per person minimum, and this canyon is only $5 and it's self guided. But you have to go to the Navajo office and get a permit, or you can mail it it. Remember, there are 2 sides to this canyon, the east of the road/bridge, and west of the bridge (going towards the river). The east side is pretty boring for a while, you have to keep walking to get to the narrows. The West side is a little prettier. Note there is trash you have to dodge by the bridge. You can spend as little or as much time as you want here. An hour is good.

We hiked Waterholes on Oct. 17 and had a great time. Once we found the way to the canyon floor, we hiked east (away from the overhead highway bridge, not toward and under it). Started about 9 a.m. and we're the first ones there; others coming in as we were leaving a few hours later. Ladders were in good shape. Of course, we had secured permits from the tribal office in Lechee.

Totally a “secret canyon”!!! Away from the tourist traps and great hike with impressive narrows and exciting climbs, although getting the permit is a chore and the office at Lechee chapter House was in a trailer hidden from the main road.