Quick Facts
Location: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Page, Arizona
Coordinates: 37.05991387647619, -111.36480825436824
Length: 50 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 3,100’
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
There’s something about a dusty backroad adventure that just feels right, and if you’re craving wide-open spaces, rocky trails, and views that will leave you speechless, Alstrom Point delivers. Located deep in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Alstrom Point serves up a 360-degree panorama over Lake Powell that looks like it was made for postcards. Getting there is half the fun though, Smoky Mountain Road isn’t exactly your everyday drive.
How to Get to Alstrom Point:
Starting from Page, Arizona, you’ll head west toward Big Water, Utah, along Highway 89. From Big Water, the real adventure begins. You’ll jump onto Smoky Mountain Road, a long, dusty track that snakes deep into the rugged high desert. The drive to Alstrom Point takes about an hour and a half if conditions are dry. The first stretch is usually pretty tame, but the closer you get to the point, the rougher it gets. Think deep sand patches, rutted climbs, and rocky drops that’ll test your nerves and your 4×4 skills. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles aren’t just recommended, they’re necessary if you want to make it all the way without getting stuck.
Parking Information:
Parking at Alstrom Point is as free as the view itself. There’s no paved lot, no painted lines, just rough ground where you can pull off safely and park near the cliff’s edge. There’s no parking fee or facilities, so make sure you come prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and maybe a blanket if you plan to stay for sunset. The only neighbors out here are the occasional coyote and the endless horizon.
Description of the Landscape:
The drive out feels like you’re cruising across another planet. Rolling desert hills give way to steep rock faces, dusty plateaus, and distant buttes that glow in the afternoon light. As you get closer to Alstrom Point, Lake Powell peeks into view, snaking between towering sandstone cliffs and endless mesas. At the point itself, the land falls away dramatically, offering a wide-open look at the flooded canyons and winding waterways of Glen Canyon. When the sun starts to set, the rocks and water catch fire with color, lighting up in shades of orange, pink, and deep purple. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else for a while.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
There isn’t much of a trail here, this is more of a driving adventure than a hike. The drive from Big Water to Alstrom Point is about 25 miles one way. It sounds short, but with the rough road conditions, you’ll want to take it slow and steady. I highly recommend airing down your tires for the last 2 miles of the drive or hiking up it. Once you park, there’s just a short walk across uneven ground to reach the best viewpoints. It’s easy walking, but watch your step near the cliffs. There are no guardrails, and the drops are real.
Is It Dog Friendly?
Alstrom Point is absolutely dog friendly if your pup loves a good off-road romp. There’s plenty of open space for them to sniff and explore, but keep them close. The cliffs are sharp and steep, and there’s no shade or water. Make sure you pack enough water for both you and your dog, and maybe bring a portable bowl to make drinking easier after that bumpy ride.
Local Rules and Regulations:
Since Alstrom Point falls under the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, standard public land rules apply. Stay on designated roads to protect the fragile desert environment, pack out all your trash, and respect this incredible place so others can enjoy it too. Camping is allowed out at the point if you want to catch sunrise without making the drive twice, but you’ll need to be fully self-contained. There are no toilets, showers or picnic tables, just you and the wild desert night.
Other Nearby Trails:
If the adventure bug bites even harder, you’re in luck. Wahweap Hoodoos are nearby and make for a weird and wonderful hike through white hoodoo formations that look straight out of a dream. Wiregrass Canyon is another hidden gem not far from here, offering a quieter slot canyon experience without the crowds you’ll find at the more famous sites.
Other Attractions Around Page:
When you’re ready to swap the dust for a cold drink, Page has you covered. You can check out Horseshoe Bend for one of the Southwest’s most iconic views or hop on a boat tour of Lake Powell for a cooler, breezier kind of adventure. Antelope Canyon is nearby too, if you’re up for weaving through narrow sandstone slots that look like waves frozen in time.
Best Time to Visit:
The best seasons to tackle Alstrom Point are spring and fall. March through May and September through November bring warm days and cooler nights, perfect for off-roading and camping. Summer can be brutally hot, and there’s little to no shade along Smoky Mountain Road, so plan accordingly if you brave the heat. Winter trips can be magical with smaller crowds, but you’ll need to watch for muddy road conditions and cold nights. No matter the season, always check the weather and road conditions before heading out, getting stuck in desert mud is a story nobody wants to tell twice.
For those who want to capture these breathtaking views and bring a piece of nature home, Unicorn Adventure offers high-quality nature photography prints. Check out their collection and find the perfect image to remind you of your hiking experience!
