The Balloon Regatta is one of the year’s biggest events for residents of Page, Arizona and guests worldwide. In addition to the beautiful balloons, there is a street fair, live music, and activities all over town.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Page during the Balloon Regatta, you are in for a treat. The desert landscapes surrounding Page are already stunning, and they become simply magical when balloons are in the sky. Be sure to bring a camera; seeing balloons drifting over Lake Powell and against the background of Navajo Mountain and the Vermillion Cliffs is something you won’t want to forget.
Check out this time-lapse video of a hot air balloon being set up at the Page Balloon Regatta!
What Does the Page Balloon Regatta Have to Do with Hiking?
If you crew for a balloon, you don’t just see balloons in the air; you also get quite the workout. Balloons don’t have steering wheels, so you never know where they will land. As part of a balloon crew, you must follow the balloon wherever it goes, often chasing it for miles through various terrain. This can be an adventure, combining the thrill of the chase with the physical demands of hiking.
When Does the Page Balloon Regatta Take Place?
The Page Balloon Regatta takes place on the first weekend of November. Flights are scheduled Friday through Sunday, but early-arriving pilots may fly on Thursday. The balloons typically launch around 7:30 each morning if the weather is sufficient.
Where Do the Balloons Launch?
Most balloons launch from Lake Powell National Golf Course, holes 4 & 5, across Lake Powell Blvd from Page Lumber. Balloons will also launch at city Park or one of the schools.
Can You Ride In A Hot Air Balloon at the Page Regatta?
Balloon Pilots frequently require extra hands to assist with the setup and take down of their balloons. Crew members are usually enlisted at 7:00 AM before the balloons take flight. Volunteering to assist a balloon crew presents a great opportunity to potentially enjoy a ride on Sunday, designated as crew appreciation day. Yet, even if you don’t take to the skies, being part of a balloon crew promises a rewarding and enlightening experience in ballooning.
The Balloon Glow at Night
In addition to watching the balloons fly in the morning, the balloonists put on a spectacular event at night known as the balloon glow. The glow takes place Saturday night along Lake Powell Blvd. This is a huge event for the town and a personal favorite.
As the balloons line the street, pilots illuminate them by toggling fire on and off, creating a mesmerizing glow that illuminates the surroundings. The balloon glow is complemented by a street fair offering various food, drinks, music, shops, and entertainment for all ages.
What else is there to do in Page, Arizona?
Page, Arizona, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions. Here are some things you can do while visiting Page:
Antelope Canyon Via Lake Powell
Kayaking through Antelope Canyon offers a unique perspective of the iconic slot canyon from Lake Powell. The difficulty of the kayaking experience can vary depending on weather conditions, but it’s generally suitable for beginners with basic paddling skills. The distance covered during a typical kayaking trip through Antelope Canyon is around 5 miles round trip. The end of the canyon provides a hiking trail through the slot canyon that is typically 2 miles round trip.
Antelope Point Marina
Antelope Point Marina serves as a gateway to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Powell and its surrounding landscapes. This marina provides various services and amenities for boaters and visitors, including boat rentals, tours, dining options, and docking and launching watercraft facilities.
Chains
What is known as “the Chains” is the closest place to access Lake Powell from Page, Arizona. The area is great for swimming, fishing, and hiking. The rock formations are beautiful, and the views of the water are spectacular. You can also see a great viewpoint of Glen Canyon Dam and bridge. The trail is rated moderate, and the distance is typically 2 miles roundtrip.
Glen Canyon Dam & Visitor Center
Located in Page, Arizona, the Glen Canyon Dam is a massive concrete arch dam that spans the Colorado River, forming Lake Powell, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States. The Carl Hayden Visitor Center, situated near the dam, offers exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs about the dam’s construction, the ecology of the Colorado River Basin, and the cultural significance of the region’s Native American tribes.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is located in Page, Arizona. It gives visitors a stunning panoramic view of the Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River, and the surrounding desert landscape. Visiting the overlook is generally easy, with a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint. The path is well-maintained; however, some uneven terrain or steps may be along the way. The walk from the parking area to the viewpoint is less than half a mile round trip.
Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens near Page, Arizona, offer a serene hiking experience amidst the desert landscape. This moderate trail takes hikers to lush pockets of greenery tucked away in unexpected places. The trail is easy-moderate, and the distance typically ranges from around 1 to 2 miles round trip.
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona, is a relatively short and easy hike offering spectacular views of the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles round trip and is considered to be moderate due to some sandy sections.
Lower Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon near Page, Arizona. The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively easy, primarily involving walking along the sandy canyon floor with occasional steps and ladders. The distance covered during the guided tour typically ranges from around 0.5 to 1 mile round trip.
Page Rim Trail
The Page Arizona Rim Trail offers hikers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning landscape surrounding the town of Page. This trail is rated easy-moderate because parts may be rocky or uneven. The distance covered varies depending on the route chosen, but the full loop typically spans around 10 miles.
Upper Antelope Canyon
Upper Antelope Canyon is a world-renowned slot canyon located near Page, Arizona. It is known for its mesmerizing light beams and sandstone walls. Hiking through Upper Antelope Canyon is relatively easy, mainly involving walking along the sandy canyon floor. The distance covered during a tour typically ranges from around 0.25 to 0.5 miles round trip.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time at the Page Balloon Regatta!
