In Northern Arizona, there are multiple government (federal, tribal, state, and local) entities that manage land. It’s important to know who manages the land you’re interested in recreating on, because each land manager has different rules. Some may allow e-bikes, while others may not. Some may allow pets on all trails, and some may restrict pets to only paved trails. And if a trail requires a permit, you’ll want to make sure you’re sending in a permit request to the correct land managing agency so your travel plans are secure. Contact the land manager agency of the trail you are interested in if you have specific questions about that trail.

Northern Arizona is beautiful year-round. There can be occasional snow in winter, and hot temperatures in the summer. Also during summer, watch out for monsoon activity which can cause flash flooding in slot canyons, even if the weather event is happening many miles away. Page is at an elevation of 4,300 feet above sea level, which may be a big change if you’re not used to that elevation. Check out weather considerations in Page.

Non-motorized recreation trails and multi-use trails are trails that are designed for hiking, bicycling, or equestrian use, or other non-motorized users.

Different land managing agencies have different rules about e-bike use on trails they manage. It is best to check with the land managing agency to verify if you can ride an e-bike on a specific trail. Not all trails allow all types of e-bikes, and just because a vehicle has a battery doesn’t mean it’s an electric bike.

In Arizona, electric bikes, or e-bikes, means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts and that meets the requirements of one of the follow classes:

“Class 1 Electric Bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour (mph).

“Class 2 Electric Bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle or tricycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.

“Class 3 Electric Bicycle” means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle or tricycle reaches the speed of 28 mph.

Some e-bikes only provide motorized assistance when the rider is pedaling; others can operate without pedaling. Some e-bikes cease to provide motorized assistance to the rider when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour (mph). Others cease to provide motorized assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.

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Slickrock is a general term for a bare rock surface, and is also named because when it gets wet, it generally gets slicker and is more difficult to get traction on it. This may affect a person’s ability to hike or bike on the rock when it’s wet. There is a lot of slickrock around the Page area.

Those stacks of rocks are called cairns. Sometimes people stack cairns at trail junctions to indicate the direction of the trail. Before adding your own cairn, please consider if it is necessary or will clutter the visual landscape.

Some land managing agencies allow pets on trails and some do not. Please check with the land managing agency directly, as some areas or trails may be closed to pets to protect the animal and to protect the natural resource or wild animals. Service animals are generally allowed on trails. National Park Service info

That depends. Every kiddo has different abilities and so it is best to ask yourself (and your kiddo) if the mileage and difficulty will work for them.

Operating motorized vehicles in areas that are designated for motorized use helps protect the natural resource and wildlife. Motorized travel on routes that are other than designated routes, trails, or areas is illegal and fines may be assessed. If you are interested in accessing off-highway vehicle trails for motorized vehicles including OHVs, ATVs, ORVs and more, here are some resources to check out:

• Arizona State Parks has an OHV program and showcases Where To Ride in Arizona.

• The National Park Service offers information on places to ride in the Page area with off-road vehicles.

Make sure you’re as prepared as possible before starting your trip. What do you need? Consider these items as a starting point:

• Map and Navigation: Don’t rely on your phone, because there are a lot of places that may not have cell service. Learn to read a map, compass, or GPS unit before you head out.

• Flashlight or headlamp: Pack some type of illumination in case you get caught on the trail after dark.

• Jacket and Warm Gear: A warm jacket or a rain jacket is especially helpful if the weather turns out differently than you planned. Don’t forget a hat and gloves.

• Matches, lighter, and fire starters: Building a fire can help keep you warm or be an emergency signal for help. Bring these items along in case you run into an emergency situation.

• Sun Protection: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and eye protection to help protect yourself against the harmful effects of the sun. Also consider long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself.

• Nutrition: Pack food that you need for the day, and even a little extra in case your trip is longer than you expected. Items that are salty and easy to digest, and shelf stable, are helpful when recreating outdoors.

• Water: Physical activity increases risk of dehydration, so drink plenty of water especially when it is hot and dry outside. Make sure to have salty snacks or electrolytes as well, to replenish the salt you lose from sweating.

• First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand and know how to use it. You may be far from the trailhead or out of cell phone before help is available.

• Repair Kit and Tools: Carry a basic repair kit and make sure any gear you have can be repaired. Consider bringing along duct tape, sewing kit, knife, scissors, and multi-tool.

• Emergency Shelter: If the weather turns bad and you need to spend the night, you’ll be thankful you had an emergency shelter on hand. A tent, tarp, space blanket, or bivy are all good options.