Things to Do in Horseshoe Bend for First-Time Visitors

Page, ArizonaVIEWPOINTViewpoint

Horseshoe Bend is a spectacular 1,000-foot deep meander of the Colorado River, accessible via a short hike offering panoramic views of the canyon.

iHighlights

Info

VIEWPOINT

Info

Viewpoint

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Horseshoe Bend is a dramatic, horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River located near Page, Arizona. Visitors walk along a 1.5-mile round-trip accessible trail that leads from the parking lot to the canyon rim. At the edge, you look down a 1,000-foot drop to the emerald-green waters of the river winding around the massive sandstone escarpment. The viewpoint provides an unobstructed, panoramic sight of the canyon walls displaying ancient layers of Navajo sandstone. There are safety railings at the main viewing deck directly at the end of the paved path, but much of the rim remains exposed, allowing for various viewing angles along the cliff edge. People visit to observe the sheer scale of the canyon, watch rafts navigating the river below, and view the changing colors of the rock formations during different times of the day. The terrain is a mix of packed dirt, sand, and smooth rock, with two small shade pavilions located along the walking route.

Contact Information

Phone: +1-928-608-6200

Why This Place is Special

• 1,000-foot deep horseshoe-shaped canyon carved by the Colorado River
• Steep Navajo sandstone cliffs with exposed geological layers
• Accessible 1.5-mile round-trip walking trail to the canyon rim
• Emerald green waters of the river contrasting with red desert rocks
• Panoramic landscape photography opportunities
• Viewings of river rafts and boats navigating the bend from above

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersGroupsPhotographersNature lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Drinking water
• Wheelchair access
• Ramps
• Seating areas
• Information center

Visitor Tips

• Visit during mid-morning or early afternoon to see the river fully illuminated without deep canyon shadows
• Avoid visiting between 10 AM and 2 PM during summer months to escape extreme desert heat
• Carry at least one liter of water per person for the hike, as shade is extremely limited
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes because the trail and rim areas are sandy and rocky
• Stay away from the unprotected edges of the rim; sudden gusts of wind or crumbling rock can be dangerous
• Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to capture the entire bend in a single photograph
• Arrive early around sunrise to secure parking and experience the location with minimal crowds

Rules & Restrictions

• No flying of drones allowed anywhere near the canyon
• No pets allowed without a leash
• No throwing objects into the canyon
• No climbing over the safety railings
• No camping or overnight parking
• Alcohol is prohibited on the trail and rim

Safety Information

• Stay firmly behind the safety railings at the main viewing platform
• Do not approach the unprotected edges of the cliff, as the sandstone can break away without warning
• Carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration in the dry desert climate
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion during summer months; there is shade at two small pavilions on the trail, but otherwise, the path is fully exposed
• Keep children close and hold their hands near the rim
• Wear proper footwear with good grip; avoid flip-flops or high heels on the sandy, rocky path

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Location & Address

Mile Marker 545, Highway 89, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona, USA

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Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May are the most comfortable times to visit. During these spring and autumn months, daytime temperatures range from 15-25°C, making the unshaded hike pleasant. Summer (June-August) brings extreme desert heat often exceeding 38°C, making the exposed trail difficult. Winter is quieter with fewer crowds, though it can be freezing. Sunset is heavily crowded year-round, so early mornings offer a quieter experience.
Peak Crowd: March-October, especially during sunset and holiday weekends, due to peak travel seasons and ideal lighting
Moderate Crowd: November and February, during mid-day hours when winter weather is mild
Low Crowd: December-January, particularly early mornings, due to cold winter temperatures

How to Reach

Air

Page Municipal Airport is 8 km away, roughly a 10-minute drive, offering regional flights. The nearest major international airports are in Phoenix (440 km) and Las Vegas (445 km).

Train

There are no train stations in or near Page. The closest major Amtrak stations are in Flagstaff, Arizona, about 210 km (2.5 hours) south of the site.

Road

Located directly on US Highway 89, making it easily accessible by road. It is 210 km north of Flagstaff (2.5 hours), and 445 km from Las Vegas (4.5 hours). The entrance is clearly marked near Mile Marker 545.

Local Transport

Private vehicles or rental cars are the primary mode of transport. Local shuttle services and guided tour vans operate from the city of Page. Ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft) and standard taxis have very limited availability in this region.

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Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near Horseshoe Bend

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Your Questions, Answered

Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Exact times change throughout the year based on daylight. The parking lot closes after dark, and no overnight parking or camping is allowed.

Yes, photography is permitted and highly encouraged. Drones, however, are strictly prohibited over the entire area. Commercial photography or filming requires a special use permit from the National Park Service.

Arrive right at sunrise or early morning before 9:00 AM. Sunset is the busiest time of day, and midday sees heavy traffic from passing tour buses.

Lower Antelope Canyon is 10 km away (15-minute drive). Glen Canyon Dam is 8 km away. Lake Powell is about 12 km away, offering boating and water activities.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for the sandy trail. During summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect against the harsh desert sun.