Tips for Visiting the Shell Gas Station Cave in Page, Arizona
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Page Shell Gas Station Cave
Have you been scrolling Instagram for things to do in Page, Arizona, and noticed the surreal photos of travelers standing inside a glowing cave? Add it to your list! This is not just a tourist gimmick; it is the real deal, and it is stranger and cooler than you would expect!
When I first visited, I honestly thought it would be just another quick photo stop. Instead, I found myself weaving through a rocky path that opened into a cave tucked behind a Shell Gas Station. Yes, a gas station. The photos are iconic, but the experience of stumbling into this hidden gem is what makes it unforgettable.
In this post, I will share everything you need to plan your stop: where to park, how to reach the cave, what settings to use for those stunning shots, and a few practical tips from my visit that you will not find on social media.
Where is the Secret Cave in Page, Arizona?
The Secret Cave in Page, Arizona, is located at the Shell Gas Station that you pass on the way to Horseshoe Bend if you head there after doing Antelope Canyon. The address for the Shell Gas Station is 1501 AZ98 Coppermine Road, Page, Arizona 86040.
Upon entering the gas station parking lot, make sure to head to the back where you see the red clay. There is unmarked parking there that will lead you up to the gas station cave.
There is no fee to see the gas station cave, so just park your car and head to the gas station “cave”.
Page Shell Gas Station Cave Experience
Getting to the actual Shell Gas Station Cave is a mini-hike in itself. It is a bit steep and took a few minutes to get to the top. The rocks are so smooth that you are walking up that I felt like I would slip. There is nothing to hold on to! The area alongside the smooth rocks had sand and rocks of many sizes, but I tried to avoid walking over there since it was rocky and uneven. However, it is doable for most people. Bring your water!
As you are walking up, you will not realize it is a cave because it looks like a random opening. You will need to go inside and turn the other way to be able to see the gas station “cave.”
Since the gas station cave is full of red clay dirt, I would avoid wearing anything you do not want covered in red clay.
It does feel a little cool inside the Shell Gas Station cave due to the shade, but there is no shade walking up to the cave, so you might want to bring a hat, water, and maybe even a portable fan for your mini hike.
Photo Tips for the Shell Gas Station Cave
If you want the iconic photo where you have the outline of the cave in your photo, you will need to have your photographer have their back against the cave, and put your phone in .5. I ended up squatting to get my friend’s photos while we were there.
From there, I would have them tilt the phone slightly up so that you can get the entire Shell Gas Station cave outline.
You can also get really cool photos along the walls of the cave, as the red streak in the cave looks really cool.
If you want just the sun in the picture, make sure to have your photographer in the sunnier part of the cave.
We stayed in the shade due to the heat, but I loved the pictures!
Unlike Horseshoe Bend, I was not worried about my phone overheating.
Conclusion: Gas Station Cave in Page, Arizona
The Shell Gas Station Cave might not be the most famous attraction in Page, Arizona, but that is exactly why it is worth the stop. It is different and unexpected and can add a little magic to otherwise road trip stops one would make to Page, Arizona. Whether you are filling up before heading to Horseshoe Bend or looking for a unique experience, this hidden cave delivers a great experience.
If you love uncovering offbeat sports like this, add it to your Page Itinerary and pair it with Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Arizona is full of surprises, and this Shell Gas Station Cave is one of them!
Other Posts about Arizona
3 Things to do in Page, Arizona
Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend
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What a great road trip this would be – pull in for gas and not far away see a gorgeous natural wonder!
Wow this cave looks cool! I’ve never actually heard of this before, but it sounds like a great stop to add to a road trip!
amazing!! I’ve never heard of this cave and I went to Arizona and horseshoe bend last year! One to save to the list for next time I visit. Thanks for sharing!
Hello! The cave looks interesting, plus travellers can take a lot of unusual photos here. It’s definitely a nice idea for content creators to visit this place!
Little gems like this are what road trips are all about! What a great find. Thank you for sharing.