The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend in 2023
Every year, millions of tourists travel to the incredible state of Arizona to soak up the never-ending supply of sun and to witness its incredible scenery.
From the jaw dropping vista of the Grand Canyon to the mystical intimacy of Antelope Canyon, Arizona is a truly extraordinary place to visit.
One of its most breath-taking attractions is Horseshoe Bend – keep reading to discover all you need to know!
What is it?
Horseshoe Bend is a natural wonder that was formed over millions of years by the meandering of the Colorado River. As the river crossed its way across the land it carved out sections in the rock which has formed the impressive structure you can see today.
Named for its apt resemblance to a horseshoe, visitors can now stand on the high cliffs that surround it and peer down towards the river almost 1000ft below!
Even though it’s not on the same scale as the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend still makes for the perfect photo op.
How To Get There
Although very close to Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend is actually inside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Although slightly less famous, Glen Canyon is definitely worth visiting as it allows you to get up close and personal with the mighty Colorado River with fewer crowds.
Horseshoe Bend is located just five miles south of the town of Page, Arizona meaning you can drive from the town centre to the site in less than ten minutes – if you are in the area there is no excuse to miss it!
Many people include a visit to Horseshoe Bend while they are in Las Vegas. Online maps will probably route you on the north road through Mesquite which will take about five hours. This route is fine if you are in a rush, however, we’d suggest taking the longer but more scenic drive on the south road through Kingman.
Although this route adds a couple more hours on, it means you can visit the iconic South Rim of the Grand Canyon on the way in addition to some other cool American Southwest stops. We suggest that you don’t do the entire trip in one day as even though it’s possible, there’s just too much driving involved, and you would miss too many interesting things.
Arrival Tips
When you turn off the road at the entrance to Horseshoe Bend you will be welcomed by a large carpark and a couple payment booths. Simply pay your entrance fee ($10 per car) and find a spot. We recommend parking close to the booths side as its quicker to get to the path entrance from here.
Once you’ve parked up you can start the half-mile downhill walk to Horseshoe Bend. The path is well maintained and there are a couple places of shaded cover with seats that you can take a well-earned pit stop at.
The path is very well defined and simple to follow so there’s no chance you’ll get lost. Just remember though that the walk down is easier than the walk back up to the car park so if you are in a rush factor this in.
Best time to visit
Horseshoe Bend is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset which makes it super simple to schedule into your itinerary.
To see it in all its glory we recommend visiting any time from late morning to mid-afternoon. If you were to visit in the early morning or once the sun started setting, the canyon will likely be in shadow and the view just won’t be as impressive. Plus, because the viewing platform faces west, when the sun sets it will be right in front of you and will likely add lots of glare to your photos.
Due to the popularity of Horseshoe Bend it will likely be busy when you visit but because there is so much space near the viewing platform you’ll always find a perfect spot.
How Much Time is Needed?
When we went, we spent about 15 minutes walking there (each way) and about 30 minutes taking in the view from lots of different angles.
Apart from the speculator Horseshoe Bend itself, there’s no visitor centre or the likes to see so we recommend you schedule one hour to visit Horseshoe Bend.
Other Useful Info
- There are free toilets available on the south side of the car park. Although a bit basic they aren’t too bad.
- When you arrive, try to park on the side close to the payment booths as its closer to the path entrance you will need to take.
- It gets hot out there! Take plenty of water and remember your hat and sun cream.
- In peak seasons it can get very busy here. Be careful when going close to the edge when there are large groups close by.
- Its massive size is deceiving so it’s worth exploring the cliffs around it to get a different view and not just sticking to the main viewing platform.
Other Nearby Attractions
The American Southwest is blessed with its geography and there’s so many things to see and do in the area.
Our top recommendations are:
Antelope Canyon – On the outskirts of Page and just inside the border of the Navajo Nation are a collection of slot canyons that just can’t be missed. Antelope Canyon is split into Upper and Lower sites and while the upper is more famous, the lower canyon is equally as beautiful and a bit more adventurous. To access you will need to book yourself on a tour – we highly recommend Ken’s Tours at the lower canyon.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook – Although not as famous as the other items in this list, if you have spare time in Page we definitely recommend you come give this spot a visit. Hidden behind some hotels just off the main highway you’ll find a small but free car park. Head down the worn path (definitely make use of the handrail) and at the bottom you will be welcomed by awesome views of the Colorado River and the Glen Canyon Dam. There’s a few benches and tables about which make this a lovely picnic spot!
South Rim Grand Canyon – If you are travelling over from Vegas then you’ll likely pass right by the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is considered the best out of all the other access points and is only a two-hour drive from Horseshoe Bend! If you travel along highway 64, you’ll find lots of small car parks then give beautiful views out into the canyon.
Monument Valley – A trip to the Southwest wouldn’t be complete without taking a tour of Monument Valley. Made famous as the setting for countless cowboy movies and sacred to the Navajo people in whose land it sits, this was our favourite stop on our USA Road Trip. When you are there you can also quickly stop at Forrest Gump Point for an iconic view point.
Where to stay
The closest town to Horseshoe Bend is Page and this is where you should aim to stay while in the area.
Although small, there are plenty of options. From cheap motels and RV parks to classier hotels, you will not struggle to find a place to rest your head.
When we visited we stayed at a midrange motel called the Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell. While it wasn’t anything fancy it was perfect for the price and in a great location next to plenty of restaurants. Hope you found the guide useful!
Why not leave a comment below if you plan on visiting Horseshoe Bend?
