Planning Your Visit to Horseshoe Bend
While exploring Northern Arizona in the American Southwest, you should make a stop at iconic Horseshoe Bend. This location was made famous by the many gorgeous photos snapped at the overlook above this entrenched meander created by the power of the Colorado River. Let’s learn some pro tips for visiting this popular destination.
Getting to Horseshoe Bend
Breathtaking Horseshoe Bend is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is just outside Page, Arizona, the jumping-off point to visit another popular destination in this part of the Four Corners, Antelope Canyon.
It is about a 4.5-hour drive north of Phoenix, Arizona, and 2.5 hours north of the Grand Canyon visitor center on the south rim. To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, Arizona, take Highway 89 north, about 125 miles, to the parking lot on the west side of the road at mile marker 544.
The Lay of the Land at Horseshoe Bend
Many destinations, including the Grand Canyon, seem to claim Horseshoe Bend as their own, but officially, it is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Grand Canyon National Park begins nine miles downstream. The parking lot and the trailhead are on the City of Page’s property, while the land south of the parking area and overlook are on the Navajo Nation.
Parking at Horseshoe Bend
The City of Page operates the only place to park for the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. The large parking area has bus and RV spaces, and the basic fee for a passenger vehicle is $10. Your National Parks Pass isn’t accepted here because your fee goes to the City of Page.
The parking area, open from sunrise to sunset, has restrooms, but none are available on the trail.
What to Take on Your Hike to Horseshoe Bend
Once you leave the parking area and start on the hard-packed surface of the Horseshoe Bend trail, the only shade is provided by two shade structures along the way. There is no shade at the overlook itself.
Wear a hat with a chin strap in case the wind picks up, put on your sunscreen, fill your water bottle, and bring your camera or phone to capture beautiful photos from the overlook. Sturdy footwear is another good idea. It can be chilly if you’re there before sunrise or in winter, so a coat and scarf may be on your list.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, so grab one of the provided plastic bags for picking up after your pet should he leave a “deposit.” That’s part of leaving no trace, along with respecting the landscape and bringing out anything you take in. Be aware that the trail’s surface can be uncomfortably hot for their paws in summer.
Horseshoe Bend Overlook Trail
The 1.5 mile round-trip trail has been improved in recent years and now has a hard-packed surface. It is considered accessible under the Architectural Barriers Act. There is a slight decline on the way to the overlook, meaning that the way back is slightly uphill with a 137-foot elevation gain. Those in wheelchairs may need assistance, but the path should be accessible otherwise.
It can be very hot when visiting Horseshoe Bend in the middle of summer, with temps soaring higher than 100 degrees. For that reason, many people plan their visit early in the day or later in the afternoon. If you are visiting on a hot day, remember there is little shade, so be sure to use the two shade structures to take a break and drink plenty of water.
What to Expect at Horseshoe Bend
Panoramic Views at Horseshoe Bend
The Colorado River winding through the red-hued sandstone canyon at Horseshoe Bend offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Here, the river makes a wide sweep around a sandstone escarpment, creating a roughly 1,000-foot deep, 270-degree horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.
The view from the overlook is what makes visiting Horseshoe Bend a big draw. Far below, the Colorado River winds its way to the Grand Canyon, nine miles away. Long ago, the Colorado Plateau uplifted, and the meandering rivers cut through the uplifted layers of sandstone over time. Looking into the canyon today provides a glimpse into geological history.
The sparkling waters below, and perhaps sightings of kayakers or rafters, bring the scenery to life.
The bend is an entrenched meander, which you can also experience at Goosenecks State Park. There, you can camp on the rim to enjoy the view from sunrise to sunset.
Horseshoe Bend Safety
Fencing is provided for safety at the large overlook above the Colorado River. You can walk or scramble onto the large rocks next to the viewing platform, but use common sense and don’t get too close to the edge.
People have died by falling as recently as 2022, so watch your footing. A slightly more dramatic photo isn’t worth injury or death. Keep an eye on your children and pets, too.
Drink plenty of water, wear sun protection, and pace yourself on your hike if it is hot. Use the shade shelters along the way if you are feeling overheated.
Making the Most of Your Horseshoe Bend Trip
Best Time to Visit and Visitor Information
The National Park Service manages Horseshoe Bend, and its website provides additional information for visitors to this amazing place. As one of the most photographed locations in Northern Arizona, Horseshoe Bend attracts more than 1 million visitors a year. To avoid being part of a large crowd trying to get a good view or find a parking spot, come early in the day.
Consider the season in deciding when to visit. You may want to avoid hiking out to this natural wonder during the hottest part of the day when the temperature can exceed 100 degrees.
To avoid the largest crowds, you’ll also want to avoid busy weekends. A fall weekday may be the perfect time to visit Horseshoe Bend with milder temperatures and fewer visitors. Generally, 10 a.m. is the most crowded time of day.
Take a full water bottle and dress in layers for the weather. It may be windier at the overlook than on the trail, so hold on to your hat!
Remember that the large parking lot is operated by the City of Page, not the National Park Service, so your America the Beautiful pass won’t be accepted. Be ready to pay $10 for a passenger car. Cash and credit cards are accepted, but they ask you to be ready with cash only on busy holiday weekends.
Photography at Horseshoe Bend
Photographers debate the best time of day to capture images at Horseshoe Bend. Some find sunrise, when the sun will be behind you as you stand gazing down at the Colorado River, to be less crowded and to have better photo opportunities. However, it will be colder then, plus you’ll have to get up early to get the perfect shot.
Many photographers prefer to go at sunset, but as the sun sinks below the canyon walls, it will be straight in your eyes. But after the sun sets, you may be able to get beautiful photos, especially if there are clouds on the horizon. It will be more crowded during this time of day, and you may have to wait to get to the front of the crowd or scramble onto the sandstone rocks to get your photo. Get there early to find the best view of the Colorado River’s entrenched meander.
Conclusion
A stop at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona should be part of your Four Corners travel plans. You’ll only need about two hours to enjoy this iconic destination that’s just off the highway. If you’re in Page, Arizona, you’ll also want to consider a trip to beautiful Antelope Canyon, as tours are operated out of the same city.
