Things to do on the way to Page, AZ
You might enjoy some of these recommendations for things to see outside of the Page / Lake Powell Area:
Kanab, UT – approx. 75 miles on Hwy, 89 – this is an exceptionally interesting ‘outing” if you are a fan of Western movies. The quant city of Kanab served as “Little Hollywood” during the heyday of the production of Western films. Along the main street are information plaques featuring famous Western film stars and directors. The Little Hollywood Movie Museum is located at 297 W. Center St. Telephone: (435) 644- 5337
If you feel like a meal in Kanab, try the Rocking V Cafe on Center Street is quite good
There is a water park with a big pool and splash pad for kids in Kanab, open Memorial Day to Labor Day, very low cost, great play options, not a fancy water slide kind of attraction, but just a really nice option if you want a pool instead of lake day. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g57030-d10770585-Reviews-Jacob_Hamblin_Park-Kanab_Utah.html
Cedar Breaks National Monument - approx. 150 miles. Take Hwy 89 to Kanab, and then continue north to the junction of Hwy 14 (Long Valley Junction) take Hwy 14 west (towards Cedar City) to Hwy 148 and follow signs to Cedar Breaks. Enjoy beautiful scenery featuring a natural amphitheater stretching over three miles across. You might want to drive from Cedar Breaks to the town of Panguitch and reconnect with Hwy 89.
Zion National Park – approx. 110 miles. Take Hwy 89 to Kanab; continue north to Hwy 9 (Mt. Carmel Junction) follow Hwy 9 west to park entrance.
Bryce Canyon National Park – approx. 150 miles – From Kanab, continue on Hwy 89 north to Hwy 12 east to Hwy 63 south to park entrance. Both Zion and Bryce Canyon are spectacular, but if your time is limited and you can only visit one, I recommend Bryce Canyon, as it is much smaller and more can be seen in one day.
Grand Canyon North Rim – approx. 125 miles – Hwy 89 south (towards Flagstaff) near Bitter Springs take 89 ALT to Jacob Lake then Hwy 67 south to the North Rim entrance.
Grand Canyon South Rim – Grand Canyon Village - approx. 125 miles – Hwy 89 to south of Cameron. Then take Hwy 64 to the Village.
Sedona, AZ – approx. 160 miles – Take Hwy 89 south to Flagstaff. South of Flagstaff, take Hwy 89-A directly to Sedona. Experience equal parts resort and spectacular high desert landscapes. Enjoy art galleries, spas, fine food, and interesting shops, as well as nearby vineyards.
Lowell Observatory – established in 1894 in Flagstaff – approx. 130 miles - designated a National Historic Landmark and named one of
"The World's 100 Most Important Places" by TIME. Address: 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd., Flagstaff, AZ.; Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am - 10pm / Sunday: 10am - 5pm; Phone: 928-774-3358. https://lowell.edu/
Monument Valley - approx. 125 miles – quintessential western landscapes and wide-open spaces – this is where iconic western movies were filmed. Take Hwy 98 (not 89) south to Hwy 160 east to Kayenta. Take Hwy 163 north from Kayenta to the Visitor’s Center and the 17-mile unpaved driving “loop.”
Via Moab: These parks comprise the rest of the "Mighty Five"
Capital Reef National park-about 250 miles north
Arches National Park-nearly 280 miles to the northeast
Canyonlands National Park about 265 miles to the northeast
https://www.us-parks.com/the-mighty-5.html