Ultimate Guide to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a natural wonder in the town of Page, AZ. It has quickly become one of the most popular hikes in area. But amongst the crowds, the view is 100% worth it. Beware as there are no guard rails along the ridge, so if you are scared of heights or traveling with children, take extra precaution. In this Hiker’s Guide To Horseshoe Bend, we provide you with everything you need to know to have a successful trip.

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History Of Horseshoe Bend:

First, let’s dive into some history of Horseshoe Bend. It was formed by the Colorado River over millions of years ago. Water flowed in the path of least resistance carving out the sandstone walls of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area as we know it today.

In 1966, the Glen Canyon Dam was created to provide power and water to people in the West. The dam holds around 8.7 trillion gallons of water. But with the dam holding the water for Lake Powell, the Colorado River no longer reaches the sea, except on rare occasions. 

While it’s often thought that Horseshoe Bend is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, it is actually part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The main thing connecting these to landmarks is the Colorado River.

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How To Get To Horseshoe Bend:

Located in northern Arizona, in the city of Page, is the epic Horseshoe Bend overlook. Right off of Hwy 89 there is a parking lot for tourists. Use these GPS coordinates (36.87651902711145, -111.5011576650593) to find the parking lot or simply type in Horseshoe Bend Parking Lot.

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How Much Does Horseshoe Bend Cost:

Horseshoe Bend used to be free, but with the growing interest in the hike, the town decided to add a parking fee. The parking fee helps limit how many people can visit at one time. The average cost for a passenger vehicle is $10. But, the price ranges from $5 for motorcyclists to $140 for full-size buses. You pay at the new entrance station as you drive in.

If the lot is full, you must come back at a different time, as parking along Hwy 89 is strictly prohibited. But because the hike is relatively short, if you have the patience to wait, you might be able to snag a spot of someone leaving relatively soon.

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Hike Details:

The short hike to Horseshoe Bend Overlook is a short 1.5 mile (round trip) hike with 242 feet elevation. The path is wide, so it is easy to go your own pace and either pass by or let people pass with comfort. And because this is one of the most popular hikes in the area, it draws in many different hiking abilities. The Horseshoe Bend hike is very easy to follow and well maintained. 

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Best Time To Visit:

The best time of year to visit Horseshoe Bend is during spring, the early summer months and late fall because the weather tends to be cooler. But Page, AZ is open year-round to tourists, so there will most likely always be someone on the trail.

If you are trying to avoid the crowds, winter will be your best bet.

With the growing interest of Horseshoe Bend Hike, the travel is often very crowded during the middle of the day. Making it relatively hard to find a parking spot between late morning and early afternoon.

We highly suggest getting to the trailhead before 9am or after 6pm. Which in our opinion is best for snapping those famous Horseshoe Bend photos (more information below).

Do note, overnight parking is not allowed.

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Photography Tips For Horseshoe Bend:

If you are visiting Horseshoe Bend, then you are probably wanting to grab that famous photo. The best time to visit Horsehoe Bend is during sunrise or sunset. The lighting is best during the golden hour so there isn’t harsh lighting on the canyon walls (which happens most of the day).

Chances are if you do decide to go for sunrise or sunset, the trail should be a little less crowded than during the middle of the day. 

To truly capture the “famous” Horseshoe Bend photo, you are going to want a wide-angle lens. And we suggest putting your lens on before reaching the rim because it is sandy along the route and at the rim.

It can also be pretty windy up on the ridge, so we suggest bringing along a tripod so you can avoid any natural shakiness from your hands. And obviously don’t put it too close to the edge, so if a gust of wind comes, it doesn’t take your camera along with it. 

Be sure to walk about the rim to get different angles of the bend.

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Where To Stay Near Horseshoe Bend:

Campgrounds:

There is tons of great camping options near Horseshoe Bend.

One of our favorite places in the area to camp is at Lone Rock Beach. The campground resembles primitive camping where you can pick any spot on the sand. There are flush toilets located all along the beach. The cost is $14 per night. But you will also need an America The Beautiful Pass or pay an additional $30 to get into the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

Other campgrounds nearby are Page Lake Powell Campground, with prices ranging from $34-$60 per night. Wahweap RV & Campground with prices ranging from $30-$68 per night. Or Lee’s Ferry Campground which doesn’t allow reservations and costs $20 per night. 

Hotels/ VRBO near Horseshoe Bend:

Here are a few great hotels near Page, AZ.

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Popular Hotel Choice)
• Knights Inn (Budget Hotel)
• Lake Powell Resort (Epic Views of Lake Powell)
• Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel (great views of Glen Canyon Rim)
• Courtyard Page at Lake Powell (close to Glen Canyon Dam and Antelope Canyon)

If you prefer a rental home, use vrbo.com to find unique properties nearby! Here are some great options for accommodation near Horseshoe Bend.

• Luxury House with Hot Tub, Desert Views, Large Groups & Indoor Boat Parking (Good VRBO for large groups)
• The Grande Desert Escape Cozy 2BR/2BA Home! (Good Budget Rental Home)

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Alternative Ways To View Horseshoe Bend:

There are a few different ways you can get a look of Horseshoe Bend, such as a helicopter, horseback ride, or by water. 

Helicopter Tour:

You can view the stunning overlook from above and avoid the crowds via a helicopter tour. Most helicopter tours will take off from the nearby Page Municipal Airport and fly you over the amazing wonders of Page, AZ. On this aerial tour, you not only get to see Horseshoe Bend from the air, but other remarkable landmarks such as Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, etc.

Horseback Riding:

What not a better way to view the rim of Horseshoe Bend then by horseback. I always imagine what early settlers must have felt like when riding up to a view like of the rim back in the day. Navajo Wranglers will guide tourists along the trail through the Navajo Nation.

Rafting & Kayak Tours:

Or you can embark on an epic rafting trip. You won’t get the famous overlook photo like the pictures above, but you will get to access it amongst the tall canyon walls. Guests will meet at Lees Ferry which is a 45min drive from the overlook.

Or consider a self-guided rafting tour, like we did!

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Attractions Nearby Horseshoe Bend

Don’t miss out on other epic adventures in Page, AZ.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is one of our all-time favorite stops in Page, Arizona. If traveling with a group we highly suggest renting a houseboat for one of the most epic trips. But you can also rent a powerboat, jetski, or kayak to get into the endless side canyons.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Rainbow Bridge National Monument is another natural landmark in the area. But it is not an easy location to get to. People will either need to rent a speed boat or go on a tour. Lake Powell Resorts & Marina’s has special boat tours that takes guests the 50 miles to and from this beautiful location. Additionally, guests can experience the miles of shoreline along the Lake Powell Canyon.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is another legendary adventure in Page that should not be missed in the area. The wave-like walls that twist and turn throughout the slot canyon are mesmerizing every new turn. There are two different ways to experience Antelope Canyon. In our guide we break down the main differences between upper and lower Antelope Canyon.

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Takeaway | Everything You Need To Know

In conclusion, Horseshoe Bend is the perfect place if you seek adventure. The views overlooking horseshoe canyon are simply unmatched. Not many places in the desert can be viewed many different ways, such as a hike, helicopter tour, rafting trip, etc. If budget isn’t an issue, getting a different perspective of the area can be the ultimate treat.

We hope you enjoy your time at Horseshoe Bend and this guide teaches you everything you need to know. 

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