Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend
4.5
About
This horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River is just a short hike from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park. The overlook point, which can be accessed via the town of Page, is particularly popular during sunset when the landscape is at its most vibrant, and the iconic turquoise bend glows against the orange cliffs. Although the desert hike is relatively easy, you won’t encounter much shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. To maximize your time here, join a tour that includes other picturesque sights like Glen Canyon Dam and Antelope Canyon. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- CT18 contributionsScenic and well maintained.We did a mid-morning hike down to Horseshoe Bend. The hike isn't too bad but be aware that it's a steady uphill walk back to the parking lot. Even in the morning it was warm, so bring a water bottle. The views are nice throughout. It wasn't too crowded at the time we went but I could see that during peak times it might be overcrowded and difficult to get a decent amount of time for the view. The $10.00 parking fee is pretty much in line with the other places we visited.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 8 October 2023
- Lovetotravel1959_04Montreal, Canada126 contributionsWorth it!It may look less than stellar in the pictures, but it truly is beautiful and I’m so glad we went. It’s an easy 10 minute walk to the cliff. We did it around sunset and I do recommend that time of day. There were many people jostling for the best view so you can’t be shy and you have to ask them to move so you could take a picture too.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- STraveler2New York539 contributionsStunning views - well worth a stop.Fabulous views of one of the sharpest curves in the Colorado River. 1.5 mile walk (round trip) from the parking lot on paved path to the rim. Only $10 per car to park. The view is stunning and there is a bit of walking and hiking along the rocks on the rim. Loved seeing this iconic spot. Boats below looked smaller than ants. It is only 10 minutes south of Page, AZ.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
- Nicco LSt. George, Utah98 contributionsAbsolutely stunning!This is a must do! Absolutely stunning! Very short and easy hike to an overlook. Once you get to the part of the overlook that is fenced off, keep going right. It gets very congested at the fenced part and that is not even the best view. The entrance fee is $10 a car. So worth the price.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 October 2023
- dixiepeachKansas City, Missouri9,519 contributionsTake an hour to see this siteThis was a fun place to see. The walk from the parking spot is about 15-20 minutes each way with a little bit of incline on the way back. Take care while out by the river as some areas don’t have a guard rail.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
- Hattie748Newport, Oregon281 contributionsBeautiful areaTraveling with my sister, not teens. Wonderful photo area. Not of just the Horseshoe Bend, but the entire surrounding areas. Sunset best rtime to go, but leave enough time to walk down to Horseshoe Bend, which is about a mile.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 October 2023
- Flor AquinoCarson, California13 contributionsWorth visiting!Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed places in the world and I'm grateful to have been able to shoot my very own picture of this work of nature. The place isn't hard to find, with its parking lot just a turn from the highway. The parking fee is $10 and you can stay there for as long or as short as you please. The hike is less than a mile and is easy going down, with mild difficulty going back up. There are no regular bathrooms and they only have porta-potty so make sure that you bring your own sanitary wipes. Overall, it's worth the visit - especially if you're in Page, AZ to go and see the Antelope Canyon. The proximity of these two places is within minutes from each other.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- Vicki BSouth Carolina254 contributionsLovely Views at Sunrise...Yes, the views are beautiful. Yes, the walk down is less than 15 minutes. My reason for 4 stars is because it costs $10 to get in and you cannot return on the same day. We went at Sunrise & no, they don't open so you can get to the bend by sunrise. We waited 30 minutes for them to open AT sunrise, which is fine. It is their park & they had signs stating that they are open sunrise to sunset. We just did not realize they did not open so you can see the actual sunrise happening as you have to park & walk down to the Bend. Yes, there are bathrooms in the far back corner as others have stated. We stayed about 30 minutes & would have loved to have returned later in the day to watch the sun go down, but not for another $10. ;) It wasn't terribly crowded when we arrived, but the busses started arriving about 10 minutes after they opened. We just hustled down the path & got a spot before the crowds got too heavy. It is lovely...Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 November 2023
- VaAlleyCatAldie, Virginia1,197 contributionsEasy to visit in PageEasy walk downhill from the parking lot to the bend. Once you reach the bend, there is 1 area with rails - in case you aren't fond of walking on the edge of the cliff without a safety barrier. We visited around 11am and the sun was starting to cast a shadow on the bend. You can walk all over to get the best view, just watch your step. The walk back to the lot is at a slight incline, so you may get a bit winded on the return walk back to your car. There are a few port-o-potties in the parking lot area, which were nice to have available. I didn't notice any other services, so bring your own water and snacks. There are a few covered benches along the trail where you can sit down and enjoy the view.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 November 2023
- Chris EFort Wayne, Indiana97 contributionsWorth the time and moneyWe decided to stop here on the way from Bryce Canyon to the Grand Canyon. This was only about 10 minutes away from the Glen Canyon Dam and was $10 to park at. The trail leading to the overlook is paved and takes about 15 minutes to walk to the end. You can take as much time as you want and there are railed areas and other areas that are open to get the best views.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 November 2023
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Gary H
Monterey, CA22 contributions
Feb 2020
Like you, I had seen the fabulous photographs of Horseshoe Bend and, when in Page last month, had to see it for myself. The city of Page has built a parking lot for a few hundred cars just south of town and will charge you $10 to park while you walk to the overlook. The walk takes 15 minutes and ends at a viewing platform right on the edge of the canyon wall. The pictures you’ve seen have all been taken from that spot. There is a railing around this platform to keep you from falling off, but you can also walk along the canyon rim for some distance and many people do. Once you leave the viewing platform there is NO RAILING. So be careful! It is not that hard to fall off the edge, and a fall will likely be FATAL!! We arrived at the overlook in the late afternoon. The canyon was in full shadow and we were looking into the sun. Afternoon is the wrong time to be there. Plan your trip so that you are there in the morning.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymond
Los Angeles, CA936 contributions
Sept 2019 • Solo
Second time going in to the Horseshoe Bend (it was free couple years ago) now they charge $10 which is not bad for the sight you’re going to see. Hike’s not bad at all, but when it’s hot, it’s really HOTTTT!
So bring plenty water if you’re planning of going mid day.
I went right before sunrise, weather’s perfect, not hot and crowded yet.
I heard it’s good or maybe even better for sunset but it gets really crowded - so it’ll be impossible to take great shots when there’s a lot of people around.
Will probably do it again towards November when it gets cooler and stay at any hotels nearby.
Definitely worth checking this place out!
So bring plenty water if you’re planning of going mid day.
I went right before sunrise, weather’s perfect, not hot and crowded yet.
I heard it’s good or maybe even better for sunset but it gets really crowded - so it’ll be impossible to take great shots when there’s a lot of people around.
Will probably do it again towards November when it gets cooler and stay at any hotels nearby.
Definitely worth checking this place out!
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rickardo
Sedona, AZ280 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
This vista view of the Colorado River as it flows from the Glen Canyon Dam is for sure one of the best in the southwest.
Easy 1.5 mile round trip walk from the large parking lot. Easy access and $10 per car bargain entrance fee.....OPEN EVERY DAY sunrise to sunset.
Easy 1.5 mile round trip walk from the large parking lot. Easy access and $10 per car bargain entrance fee.....OPEN EVERY DAY sunrise to sunset.
Written 7 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dalia361
Winter Garden, FL45 contributions
Sept 2020
One of the few national parks (if not the only one in the area at the moment) that is currently open. To enter you pay a fee of $10 dollars, park your car and then you walk towards the site for about 20 minutes. They have two shaded areas to sit either to enjoy the view of the desert or just to catch your breath before continuing towards the view of the horseshoe bend. They have guard rails but still be careful of some parts that can easily be climbed into that if not careful you can lose your balance and fall. Keep a close eye on children. Pets are allowed inside as long as they are on a leash. Please bring your own baggies to pick up after your pet waste. There is no bathrooms nor refreshments for purchase at the site. Bring your own water and keep well hydrated. Once you get to that view… it is breathtaking. I noticed at the bottom there were people kayaking not sure if it is offered through the park or separately but it seems worth to look into. Plenty of spots for great pictures.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer
Fort Thomas, KY3 contributions
Feb 2020
Short distance from Grand Canyon and perfect add on if you are going to Antelope Canyon. It does now cost $10 and a short easy hike around the hill (older reviews will tell you a moderate hike up a hill). Once they started charging they created a nice wide easy path around the hill. We went for sunrise and the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon K
Flagstaff, AZ2,024 contributions
June 2020
This is a famous view of a bend in the river that has created a horseshoe. There are two ways to see this significantly different in effort. You can get a backhaul up the river to float through the bend, or you can pay the City of Page to take a 15 minute hike up on the roadway to an overlook. My wife has done the backhaul in the last year, and I did it decades ago in a school raft trip. The overlook costs $10 a carload and has decent parking and some restrooms. Take advantage of the restrooms before you walk as that is your only option. Also, read and listen to the signs saying to take water and good shoes. This is not a flip flop or even a loose sandal hike. The water is for anyone not realizing how hot this place really is. Add on top of that the winds blowing sand sideways and it was a definite effort to get there and back, but the view is worth it. I agree with the other poster that morning would have been a much better time to go.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
San Francisco, CA6,642 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
The view is definitely beautiful. It's a simple walk from the parking lot to the overlook. There are plenty of clean public bathrooms. It will cost you $10, but I guess that's reasonable as long as the money is being spent to support the site.
This isn't the place you'll spend more than about 10 or 15 minutes. If you're staying in page, this is easily doable as an impromptu jaunt from the hotel.
I'm not a photography expert, but I think the best time to visit would be if the sun is directly overhead or just about to set. When I visited there were some significant shadows making a panoramic photo less than perfect.
This isn't the place you'll spend more than about 10 or 15 minutes. If you're staying in page, this is easily doable as an impromptu jaunt from the hotel.
I'm not a photography expert, but I think the best time to visit would be if the sun is directly overhead or just about to set. When I visited there were some significant shadows making a panoramic photo less than perfect.
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddeparis
New York199 contributions
Feb 2020
We LOVED this site. What an incredible natural wonder. Please be careful as this site does cause vertigo if you look down! There is a $10 car fee (more for larger vehicles types) and the parking lot has port a potties. It is an easy 20 minute walk from there along a paved walkway. Once down at Horseshoe, there are various points to take fantastic pictures. The sun sets there so if you want great sunset pictures, visiting in the later afternoon will give you the best shots. I consider this a must see attraction in the area.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david12sc
Torrance, CA56 contributions
Nov 2020
We drove from Flagstaff up to Page to take a look at the Horseshoe Bend. The drive up there is beautiful as well ( if you like desert views and canyons). I actually missed the entrance because they were doing roadwork right in front of the entrance, so i drove right by it. There is a $10 parking fee and they do recommend you to use the restroom and to take plenty of water just in case. They said it was a mile and a half hike, I honestly don't think it was that, but maybe my watch didn't record the distance properly, I don't know. Once you hike down to the area, the view is amazing. It definitely does not disappoint. We were there early in the morning, so we didn't have big crowds. We also had cooler temperatures so that was a plus. The only bad thing about going that early is the sun lights up about half of the canyon, so the pictures come out a little weird. Other than that, it's great to now have big crowds and enjoy more private time in the place.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMPTexas
Tucson, AZ845 contributions
Aug 2020
What more can be said than what you don't already see in pictures. It's BEAUTIFUL, especially at sunset. What you don't see is how high up you are! From the viewing area to the river below, you're right at 1,000 feet (100 stories). First, you'll pull off Highway 89 about 4 miles southwest of Page, AZ. The entrance to the parking area is well marked. You'll pull up to the entrance shacks and pay the $10.00 fee and park in the paved parking lot. Restrooms are in the parking area, so use them if you need them, as the hike to the viewing area is about 3/4 mile there, and 3/4 mile back to your car. The hike is easy with a slight hill and some benches along the way if those that need them get winded. This trail is dirt and gravel and probably not wheelchair accessible, unless the chair has "off-road" tires to not get bogged down in the dirt and gravel. Once at the viewing site, you and the other 500 people or so will vie for the best views of the canyon. We got there early enough, about 1 hour before sunset, to claim our spot. You will see people climbing the rocks and trying to get that "perfect Instagram" photo, but be advised, people have fallen here. Not pretty! If you choose a sunset, also know that the sun will be squarely in your lens as you are looking west. Sunrises, the sun will be at your back; you choose. Take water as there are no facilities at the viewing area--no restrooms, no water, no cafes or food trucks! This is the wild west!!
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Стоит ли посещать в ноябре ( День благодарения) все каньйоны или лучше выбрать другое время года ( свет не тот, снег/ дожди)? Is it worth going for Thanksgiving, // a birthday (to visit all the canyons), they say there is bad light in the canyon, snow, rain / or is it better to go in the spring or summer??
Written 13 September 2023
I assume you are asking about Antelope Canyons. I went inJune when it was sunny. I imagine that if there is poor light you will not get the best appreciation of the canyons.
Written 14 September 2023
Can you walk your dog on the 20 minute walk to the Horseshoe Bend lookout point ?
Written 4 September 2023
There was no one stopping one from taking a dog on a leash. It is an overlook so hopefully the dog would not want to leap. Some of the path has limited areas for passing as it is a two way path.
Written 7 September 2023
Maria Gabriela Aguirre Zesati
Denver, Colorado
Do you need a reservation to get to the horseshoe bend and antílope canyon ?
Written 18 February 2022
We just went to horseshoe bend a few days ago and no reservations needed. It's $10 fee per car . Great time of year to go is now before spring break! It wasn't overly crowded and we got great photos.
We booked canyon X tour a day before our tour but if you're going anytime after March 1 definitely book ahead of time!
Written 19 February 2022
We will be traveling as a family of 4 to Horseshoe Bend in mid April. What are must do's in this area? Are there any closures we should know about? We are very interested in fishing this area. We will have an Arizona fishing license for Lee's Ferry. Does anyone have advise about fishing location and lures as it's too late to get a guide.
Thank you.
Written 10 April 2021
Can you park a truck with a trailor in the parking lot for Horseshe Bend?
Written 10 April 2021
I would contact the NPS to verify but it is a very large and paved parking lot. Like Disneyland....
Written 11 April 2021
I am planning on taking my dad in a wheelchair to horseshoe bend. I know it is wheelchair accessible but is the ground smooth enough and hard enough to push a wheelchair? Or is it soft like beach sand?
Written 15 February 2021
The trail is hard packed all the way to the railing at the edge of the drop off.
Written 17 February 2021
We Are planning a trip for spring 2022. One of our party has moderate mobility issues due to back problems and can only walk about 50 yards over moderate terrain before needing to rest. Should we even plan on visiting? Are there areas for viewing accessible by car? Is there a place he could wait on the rest of us?
Written 9 January 2021
Unfortunately, there are no vistas that can be seen from a vehicle...the parking lot is about a 1/2 mile walk to the overlook. There is a large, covered seating area about 1/3 of the way down the trail where your guy could stop & rest. Also, the trail is wide and pretty flat, you could easily just bring a lightweight folding lawn chair with you, and your guy could take as many stops as he needs on the way. That’s what I would do if my Dad really wanted to see it, he has back issues too. Good luck! 🙂
Written 9 January 2021
My friend and I will be hiking in Sedona and the Grand Canyon in November. I read that Antelope Canyon is closed due to the pandemic. Is Horseshoe Bend closed as well?
Written 19 October 2020
There are also great views at the Navajo Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam that are close by Horseshoe Bend.
Written 22 October 2020
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