Big Lake Sand Cave: The Page Arizona Cave Behind the Shell Gas Station

If you are visiting Page, Arizona, chances are you are planning to visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, but what about Big Lake Sand Cave?

This is the Page cave behind the Shell gas station that looks like the Great Chamber near Kanab, Utah.

Here is everything you need to find this cave in Page that is quickly becoming famous on Instagram thanks to how easy it is to access. It’s one of my favorite places in Page and one I visit every time I am in Page.

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Where is the Sand Cave in Page, Arizona?

The sand cave in Page is located behind the Big Lake Trading Post at the Shell gas station. The address for the Shell gas station is 1501 Coppermine Road (or AZ-98).

Once you pull into the lot, you’ll see a dirt road beyond the gas pumps. Follow this road to the left and park along the barbed wire fence. This is where you will start the hike. Do not take up spots for the trading post and gas station.

You can find the exact location for the cave in Page here.

How to Get to the Page Cave Behind the Shell Gas Station

Once you park in the dirt lot, walk over to the barbed wire fence. You’ll notice it is tied up in a few spots. Choose a spot where you feel you can safely fit under the barbed wire and cross under it.

Depending on how recently people have been there, you should be able to follow the footprints from there. If you look at the rocks from where you park, you can see the indention that makes the top of the sand cave.

Walk up the soft sand towards the indention in the rock for the alcove (see picture below). There is a wider dirt path that is sometimes used as a road you can walk on or you can pick a path through the desert plants. These plants tend to be prickly, so keep an eye out if your feet, legs, or ankles are not covered.

Once you enter the cave, you’ll see a large sand dune in the middle of the cave and the incredible textures of the inside of the cave. Walk around to the back of the cave and look out for the view you likely came for. Take your time before heading back to your car.

You can also park at the Page Amphitheater, another of the Page Arizona caves, and walk over on the sandy path leading to the right when you are facing the rocks. You’ll see the alcove that forms the cave on the left as you go.

Tips for Visiting the Cave Behind Big Lake Trading Post

Please remember to leave no trace here. The gas station has facilities if you need them, but there are no other facilities on this short hike.

Please also do not write on the walls of the cave or carve into them. The first time I visited this cave, there was not much writing on the walls, but it has gotten worse with time. Please do not add to it.

Tips for Photographing the Page Sand Cave

For photographing the cave, bring a wide lens or your phone. On an iPhone, the .5 lens works well for both photos and videos.

If you are bringing a camera, my 17-40mm lens can capture the entire cave vertically. My 24-70mm lens is great for inside the cave, but it is difficult to fit the entire cave opening in it. I used a friend’s lens on one of my visits, and her 11-20mm lens easily captured the entire opening of the cave for vertical images.

Best Time to Visit Big Lake Sand Cave

I’ve visited this cave in the morning when the sun is low in the sky, and that is a good time to visit. However, if the sun is shining into the cave, the lighting conditions are harsh with shadows on one side and sunlight on the other. It does give a nice warm glow to the walls of the cave though.

While rare in Page, I’ve also visited this cave in the rain and loved it even more. A cloudy day leads to more even lighting in the cave but keeps it bright enough to still light up the cave.

When I visited on a rainy day, it also created a small waterfall into the cave which added to the experience and made it an adventure to stay dry while photographing the cave with the wind blowing the water around.

The cave faces southwest, so visiting in the morning makes it more likely the sun is not lighting the cave unevenly. It is also less likely you’ll find others here if you visit earlier in the day.

I have not yet visited in the afternoon or evening since I know the morning lighting works, so I can’t speak to how the lighting looks at that time of day.

No matter what time of day you visit, this cave is beautiful and one of the best things to do in Page.

You May Also Like:
Great Chamber Sand Cave in Kanab (looks just like this one!)
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