Tips for Driving to Marble Canyon for a Grand Canyon River Trip

Many of our guests, especially those living in Western states, prefer driving to Marble Canyon for the beginning of their Colorado River rafting trip. Since we provide lodging the evening prior to your trip, driving can be a fun way to enjoy the area and then casually show up at the hotel the evening prior to launch. (Note: this is for full canyon and upper canyon trips; lower canyon trips begin at the South Rim.)

Since many guests decide to merge their rafting adventure with a driving trip, below are some of our best tips for things to do in the nearby area. All three locations are located within 2 hours of Marble Canyon. 

Flagstaff

Our office staff reside in Flagstaff, so below are some tips to eat and play like a local. Flagstaff provides a great jumping off point to do other travels in the area such as visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon or heading down to Sedona. Many locals do day trips down to Sedona and then pop back up the hill to enjoy the cooler weather. Remember that Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet above sea level which means the air is thinner, so some activities may be a bit more difficult for those who live at lower elevations. 

Points of Interest

• 

  Ancient Puebloan homes at Wupatki National Monument

  Walnut Canyon – A favorite National Monument for many locals. You can see the cliff dwellings of an Ancestral Puebloan community. The hike descends 185 vertical feet of stairs, but at the bottom the Island Trail allows you to see the dwellings up close. 

• Sunset Crater and Wupatki – Two more well loved local monuments, Sunset Crater and Wupatki offer a scenic loop drive where you can see lava flows, Ancestral Puebloan dwellings and views of the Painted Desert stretching out to the Navajo Nation. 
• Lowell Observatory – Did you know Pluto was discovered in Flagstaff? Lowell has some pretty cool offerings both during the day and once it get’s dark, including a new interpretive center opening in late 2024. From tours to exhibits, take advantage of this awesome location and the fact that Flagstaff was the first International Dark Sky City. 

Food

• Martanne’s Burrito Palace – A local favorite breakfast and brunch spot. There can be wait times of 15-60 minutes during busy points, usually around weekend brunch, but it’s worth the wait and there’s plenty of shops right around the corner. They say it’s the “house that chilaquiles built” and we couldn’t agree more. Enjoy the art and the proximity to downtown Flagstaff. 
• Fat Olives – Just good Italian food and wood fired pizzas. The same company also runs Salsa Brava and Fat Bagels, and we are fans to say the least.  
• Tourist Home – The perfect location to show all that Flagstaff has to offer. The location was built in the 1920s and we love the charm and the food!

Kanab

Conveniently located near the entries to two National Parks and a National Recreation Area, we think Kanab is a hidden gem and worth a stop. 

Cedar Breaks National Monument

Points of Interest

• Bryce Canyon National Park – The incredible rock formations, called Hoodoos, and the pink cliffs of this National Park are worth a look if you’re in the area.
• Zion National Park – Amazing, breathtaking, full of hidden gems. But also, relatively busy. While you can just drive through Zion, we recommend planning in advance and knowing the parking and shuttle schedules prior to arriving. 
• Cedar Breaks National Monument – A recommendation from locals. Off the beaten path and not as popular as the national parks, Cedar Breaks offers amazing scenery and views similar to other, more famous area locations. 

Food

• Rocking V Café – A must stop café located in downtown Kanab. They purposely don’t have wi-fi and instead want you to relax with good food and atmosphere.  

Page

Many Arizonans think of Page as their summer playground. Lake Powell provides recreation and beauty to anyone who rolls through. Even if you don’t have a boat, it’s a worthwhile expedition. 

A tour in Antelope Canyon

Points of Interest

• Lake Powell National Recreation Area – This includes both Lake Powell and the 14 miles of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry (called the Backhaul). From vista points to boat tours, there’s a lot to see and do in the greater Lake Powell area. There are plenty of activities available on the flat, calm waters of the Backhaul: a half-day boat tour, guided fishing trips, kayak and stand up paddle board rentals, and more.  Horseshoe Bend is also in the vicinity, so it’s a must-see stop when driving to Marble Canyon from Page. It provides an amazing view but be prepared for significant crowds and a short but steep hike uphill.
• Antelope Canyon – Located on the Navajo Nation near Page, this might be the most famous slot canyon in the world. It offers an incredible experience but please note it can be closed during inclement weather, especially during monsoon season due to potential flash flooding. Due to that risk, the only way to access this canyon is with a local tour guide. This area is iconic and therefor busy, so book well ahead.

Food

• Blue Buddha Sushi – Our crew always swings by here while in Page. You wouldn’t think to have sushi in the middle of the desert, but this is an exception. The dynamite sauce is amazing!
• Fiesta Mexican Food – Try the fajitas! We love the Mexican décor and most especially margaritas on the patio.

If you’re planning on driving to Marble Canyon for your Grand Canyon river trip, make it fun! Ready to book your rafting trip?