Did you know you can hike on top of Tower Butte? Accessible only by helicopter, it’s an experience I highly recommend. The hike offers incredible views, letting you see Lake Powell and the surrounding areas from the sky. While I’m not usually one for tours, the Tower Butte tour was truly unforgettable!
What to Expect on a Tour of Tower Butte
The tour, including the flight and hike at the summit, typically lasts around an hour, with about 25 minutes spent on top of Tower Butte.
Your adventure begins at Page Municipal Airport in Page, AZ, where you’ll board a helicopter and lift off over the stunning landscapes of Lake Powell. Along the way, you’ll also catch breathtaking views of landmarks like Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend.
Upon reaching Tower Butte, the helicopter circles the summit before landing. Here, you’ll have time to explore on foot, taking in panoramic views of Padre Bay, Navajo Mountain, and other scenic surroundings. Tower Butte is more expansive than you might expect, and peering over the edge adds a thrilling, unforgettable element.
After exploring, the helicopter returns you to Page Airport, capping off an incredible journey.
Tour Information
If you’re interested in booking a Tower Butte tour, call Page Airport for information on available companies. We took our tour with Papillon, and you can find current prices and availability on their website.
Why Tower Butte is a Must-See
Tower Butte’s unique geological formation makes it an incredible site in the Lake Powell area. Rising over 5,000 feet, this sandstone butte offers some of the most exclusive and unobstructed 360-degree views in the Southwest, with a vantage point that includes not only Lake Powell but also Monument Valley and the Grand Staircase-Escalante. The fact that you can only reach it by helicopter adds an element of adventure, making this a bucket-list experience for any outdoor enthusiast or photographer.
Tower Butte’s Geological Significance
Tower Butte is part of the larger Navajo Sandstone formation, which is believed to date back over 180 million years. The layers in the rock reveal the area’s fascinating geological history, once part of a vast desert with massive sand dunes. Visiting Tower Butte gives you a glimpse into a past landscape, shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
More Excursions in the Area
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.
Alstrom Point is a scenic overlook located on the edge of the Kaiparowits Plateau in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area near Page, Arizona. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Powell and the surrounding desert landscape. The drive from Page, Arizona, is approximately 20 to 25 miles one way. Once you reach the parking area near Alstrom Point, the viewpoint itself is typically just a short walk from where you park.
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.
Rainbow Bridge is a scenic adventure through Lake Powell to one of the largest natural arches in the world. The hike from the boat dock to Rainbow Bridge is relatively short and easy. You can also backpack to the bridge from Navajo Mountain, but that is a much more challenging trip.
Keep Tower Butte Beautiful
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 exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!
