Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
PLANNING A VISIT TO HORSESHOE BEND IN ARIZONA?
We’ve got all the details you need! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring the Southwest. If you find yourself on a road trip in Sedona or Southern Utah, a quick trip to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is well worth the detour.
We passed through the city of Page on our way to Zion National Park from Southern Utah, and it really wasn’t much of a detour. If you are only stopping at Horseshoe Bend in Page you will only need a few hours.
This article will detail everything you need to know about visiting Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, so you’re sure to have a great time.
What is the Horseshoe Bend in Arizona?
Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona has quickly become one of the signature destinations in the western United States, mostly because of social media. The Horseshoe Bend is a geologic masterpiece created by a meander of the Colorado River.
The river has created a 270-degree bend that glistens in a blue-green color as it makes its way towards the Grand Canyon. It is beautiful.
Is Horseshoe Bend part of the Grand Canyon?
Horseshoe Bend is not part of the Grand Canyon. It is about 140 miles from the South Rim and the North Rim. However, it is only about 5 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is in the town of Page in Northern Arizona. Page sits on the Arizona-Utah border near the Lake Powell Resort.
Horseshoe Bend Address
There is no exact address for Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona but, the GPS coordinates are W 36-52-34.1 N 111-30-38.25. You should not need to use them, though.
We just simply typed Horseshoe Bend in our GPS and we got there no problem.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
If you are coming from Page there is a clearly marked entrance sign between mile marker 544 and 545 on US89 just South of Page. There is a large parking lot with road signage for Horseshoe Bend.
It is a short drive from Page Arizona, to Horseshoe Bend. It is about a 9-minute drive and is about 4.6 miles.
Here are some common starting destinations when visiting Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona, along with mileage and driving time:
- Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon – 9 minutes (5 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to Las Vegas – 4 hours 21 minutes (275 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to Flagstaff – 2 hours 8 minutes (130 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to the Grand Canyon South Rim – 2 hours 19 minutes (132 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to Phoenix – 4 hours 15 minutes (274 miles)
- Horseshoe Bend to Sedona – 2 hours 49 minutes (159 miles)
As you can see, visiting Horseshoe Bend and nearby Upper and lower Antelope Canyon can make a great day trip from several destinations like Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona.
Sedona to Horseshoe Bend
Sedona is about a three-hour drive from Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. If you are wanting to visit the overlook and have your own transportation, you can drive over, park your vehicle, and walk out to the overlook. We highly recommend visiting Antelope Canyon while in Page, and you will need to book a separate Antelope Canyon tour for that.
If you don’t have your own transportation or don’t want to worry about driving, you can sit back and relax on an Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour departing from Sedona. The tour includes lunch as well as the entrance fee to Antelope Canyon. This is the easiest way to see this beautiful part of the southwest.
Book Your Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon From Sedona Tour Here!
Horseshoe Bend Arizona to Las Vegas
If you are wanting to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Arizona, from Las Vegas, you can make the 4.5-hour drive yourself, or you can join a group on a guided tour. You can walk out to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook by yourself, but to go into Antelope Canyon you will need to join a guided Antelope Canyon tour.
If you don’t want to worry about the drive and setting up the logistics of your visit to Page, you can tour Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas as well as Horseshoe Bend. Some of these tours also include other iconic stops like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. A day trip over to Antelope Canyon is one of our favorite things to do in Las Vegas with kids.
Book Your Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas Tour Here!
If you’re looking for another beautiful place to go hiking in Las Vegas, we would recommend Valley of Fire, which is just north of Las Vegas.
Horseshoe Bend Entrance Fees
There is a charge of $10 per vehicle for parking. The charge for motorcycles is $5. There are no additional charges besides parking. You do not need a ticket or pass outside of paying for parking.
Hours of Operation
Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona, is open from sunrise to sunset. It is the busiest from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM due to day-trippers from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff.
Horseshoe Bend Parking
There is a large parking area where you can park to see Horseshoe Bend. As stated above, there is a charge for parking.
In the Horseshoe Bend Parking lot, there is space available for oversized vehicles. We did not have a problem finding parking for our Class A motorhome.
Parking on the side of US89 is not allowed. If the parking lot is full when you go to visit Horseshoe Bend, you will need to come back another time. Avoid the busy hours for the overlook to make sure you can get a parking spot.
When to Visit Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona, is phenomenal anytime you visit, but planning the best time to visit will help you get better pictures and avoid extra exhaustion due to warm temperatures.
Best Month to Visit Page Arizona
We visited Horseshoe Bend in Page AZ, in mid-October, and it was still pretty warm but not very crowded. It is slightly less busy in the off-season – running from October through February. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, these are the best months to visit.
However, if you are going to be in the area during the summer months, a visit is still worth it! During the summer months, it will be hot so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and water bottles! It is also a busier time to visit, so get there early so you do not run into parking issues.
Best Time of Day to Visit the Overlook
The best time of day for visiting Horseshoe Bend is in the morning or midday. Later in the day, the bend and river are in the shadows. Around sunset, you will be looking directly into the sun, and the bend will be in a shadow. However, if you can wait until the sun drops below the horizon line, it is beautiful.
Sunset at Horseshoe Bend
As the sun has dipped below the horizon, Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona, puts on a show. Sunset is a great time for beautiful photos and amazing views. The crowds also tend to disperse as the sun disappears.
Summer Warnings
There is no shade on the Horseshoe Bend trail; and during the summer months, it can get upwards of 95 to 100 degrees F. Please be aware of your physical abilities in the heat and be prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.
Can you drive up to Horseshoe Bend?
You cannot drive to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. There is a parking lot about 0.7 miles away from the overlook. The trail is sandy and has some grade to it.
How Long of a Hike is Horseshoe Bend in Arizona?
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 380 feet
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Easy
Hike to Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona
After parking, the trail is about ¾ mile hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. The first part of the trail is the hardest. The trail is made of soft and deep sand with a fairly steep grade.
While it is the most challenging part of the hike, it is not overly difficult. It is a short hike up the hill, and from there, the rest of the hike is pretty easy. At the top of the hill, there is a shaded pavilion if you need a break.
From the pavilion, there is a short walk down a hill to the end of the trail and the lookout point.
While the hike is moderately difficult, nine out of ten people who are in reasonably good health will make it to the overlook. Our two four-year-old daughters walked the entire hike without any problems. You can hike as slowly as you would like, so take it easy and enjoy the beautiful views.
It took us about 20 minutes to walk there and another 20 minutes to walk back to our RV after enjoying the lookout.
There are concrete benches every couple hundred yards. The first part of the return hike can be challenging, so go slow and do not be afraid to take a break at the top in the shaded pavilion.
Once you get to the overlook, exercise caution at the edge, especially if you are visiting with children. There is only one small spot with a barrier.
Sun Exposure
There is no shade on this trail except for the pavilion at the top of the hill. It is a good idea to bring proper sun protection like a hat and sunscreen and be prepared with water. Even though it is not a very long hike, you will still want to make sure you are prepared for the heat.
Photography Tips
Horseshoe Bend is a beautiful and popular spot for both professional and amateur photographers. Whether you are heading in with a backpack full of camera gear or just using your phone, here are some tips to help you capture Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona.
Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: There are wide-angle lenses that are compatible with your cell phone making it so you can capture the entire horseshoe and surrounding canyon walls. You can also use something like a GoPro which naturally has a wider angle.
Check Prices for Wide-Angle Lens on Amazon Here!
Head Left or Right: After getting to the lookout, head left or right for beautiful views of Horseshoe Bend without other people in it. But be careful, there is a big drop-off. Hiking around the bend will give you a variety of different angles and perspectives.
Clean Your Lens: The trail and area around Horseshoe Bend are very dusty. Be sure to bring a cleaning cloth to avoid dusty spots in your pictures.
Bring a Sturdy Tripod: It can get windy at Horseshoe Bend, and the ground is uneven, so be sure to bring a sturdy tripod. We like this tripod because it is compatible with both cameras and cell phones.
Check Prices for Tripods on Amazon Here!
Best Time of Day for Photography at Horseshoe Bend
Sunset is a magical time for pictures at Horseshoe Bend in AZ. There are a lot of different opinions about the best time to photograph this natural wonder. At sunset, there will be shadows in your picture, which aren’t necessarily bad, just different.
After comparing different photographs at different times of day, I prefer the pre-dawn, mid-afternoon, and evening glow pictures. I like the shadows at this time best and like the glow created at dawn and just after sunset.
What To Bring to Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona
While the hike to Horseshoe Bend AZ, is not very long, it can get very hot there, and the trail is very sandy.
Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes. If the weather is cooler, hiking sandals are fine. However, in the summer, the sand can get very hot, so you will want to make sure you bring closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking in. We saw people wearing flip-flops, strappy sandals, and leather boots.
The next thing you need is proper sun protection. There is no shade, and even in the winter, the sun is warm. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.
Last, you will want to make sure you have a good water bottle and a small hiking backpack for your supplies like snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. We like the backpack plus hydration pack, so you get your water and pack in one.
Check Prices for Backpacks on Amazon Here!
Camping Near Horseshoe Bend in Page Arizona
There are a number of RV parks and primitive campgrounds near Page, Arizona. If you are looking for sites with hookups and other amenities, here are some options:
- Page Lake Powell Campground: This campground is less than 10 minutes from Horseshoe Bend and has modern amenities.
- Lake Powell Waheap Campground: There are 112 dry campsites and 90 campsites with hookups. Reservations are accepted, and it is about 20 minutes from Horseshoe Bend.
- Lee’s Ferry Campground: This is about 45 minutes from Horseshoe Bend and is first-come, first-served. It is $20 per night. There are no RV hookups or electricity.
If you are looking for less expensive camping, the National Parks Service maintains a bunch of primitive campgrounds in the area. Campsites cost $12 per night. There is no potable water or hookups. There is also no trash service.
Some areas to look into in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are Stanton Creek, Hite, Farley, and Dirty Devil.
If you need a campground with seasonal water, you can look into Lone Rock Beach.
The last option is boondocking at Lake Powell. You can camp for free along the Lake Powell shoreline. There are no toilets or trash service, and your vehicle has to be self-contained. Four-wheel drive is recommended here.
There are also lots of great hotels and private rentals in Page if you don’t want to camp. You can check out the best places to stay in Page, AZ here.
Things to do in Page, Arizona
There are a number of fun things to do in Page, Arizona.
Along with Horseshoe Bend, you can tour Antelope Canyon, a beautiful slot canyon. The canyon is on private property, so you do have to go on a tour, but it is well worth the cost of the tour. Make sure to bring your cell phone on the tour because you will take a lot of pictures.
Another fun place to take pictures is at the Glen Canyon Dam.
The Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a large red rock arch in the middle of the Navajo Nation. The monument is most accessible by boat tour. It is about 50 miles on the water to get to the base of the bridge.
Last, be sure to spend some time at Lake Powell. It is a beautiful place for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
FAQ: Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Horseshoe Bend is the type of destination that is fun to visit year-round. Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable weather for visits.
Again, there isn’t a bad time to visit this spot. If you’re hoping to get some amazing photos, we recommend visiting midday for the best lighting on the bend.
The National Park Service does not require a fee to enter the Horseshoe Bend area. That said, the city requires a $10 (multi-person vehicle) or $5 (motorcycle) fee to park in the lot.
Horseshoe Bend is a fascinating and beautiful natural landmark. It’s a fun place to visit with kids to discuss erosion and the noteworthy work of the Colorado River on display.
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are just 7 miles apart. This means these two spots make for an epic day of exploring the Arizona landscape!
One of the best things about Horseshoe Bend is that it doesn’t require very much time. You can walk to the viewpoint and explore the highlights of the area in an hour.
Conclusion: Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Horseshoe Bend is a wonderful natural treasure to stop by when exploring or passing through Page, Arizona. We hope this guide will help you best prepare and enjoy your time at Horseshoe Bend in Arizona!
Pin for Later –
2 Comments