Horseshoe Bend, Arizona is the perfect stop to include on a tour of the American Southwest. It’s a scenic curve in the Colorado River that has quickly become a popular location for capturing photographs of a stunning southwestern landscape.
You’ve presumably seen plenty of pictures of Horseshoe Bend, but photos just don’t do justice to this natural marvel. When we stopped at Horseshoe Bend on our 10-day West Coast USA road trip, we were astounded by how stunning this horseshoe-shaped canyon is.
Horseshoe Bend is situated in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, near Antelope Canyon, another scenic location worth exploring. This article provides the information needed to plan a trip to Horseshoe Bend, covering:
- Directions to Horseshoe Bend
- Details on opening times and entry costs
- Activities to enjoy at Horseshoe Bend
- Lodging near Horseshoe Bend
- Horseshoe Bend map
Table of Contents
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is found in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona. Frequently guests travel to Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon, from other pieces of Arizona, or even from Las Vegas. Below is a listing of distances from popular surrounding spots to Horseshoe Bend:
- Page, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 4 miles
- Lake Powell to Horseshoe Bend – 5 miles
- Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend – 9 miles from the national park boundary; 140 miles from the North and South Rim
- Antelope Canyon to Horseshoe Bend – 7 miles
- Zion National Park to Horseshoe Bend – 107 miles
- Flagstaff, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 130 miles
- Sedona, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 159 miles
- Phoenix, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 274 miles
- Las Vegas, NV to Horseshoe Bend – 275 miles approximately.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend – How to get to Horseshoe Bend
The simplest way to reach Horseshoe Bend is from Page, Arizona. To get to Horseshoe Bend from Page, merely:
- Head south on US-89.
- Travel about 5 miles and look for a sign indicating, “Horseshoe Bend Overlook.” Turn right into the parking area.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas
One of the closest airports to Horseshoe Bend is the Las Vegas Airport, so many travelers end up passing through Las Vegas on their route to Horseshoe Bend.
If you’re lodging in Vegas, one of the finest day trips from Las Vegas is visiting Horseshoe Bend. Day tours to Horseshoe Bend from Vegas frequently incorporate a stop at Antelope Canyon as well, so you can check both delightful spots off your to-do list.
You could also lease an automobile in Las Vegas and drive to Horseshoe Bend. It is 275 miles from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend or approximately a four-and-a-half-hour trip. To arrive at Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas:
- Get on I-515 North/US-95 North.
- Take exit 76B and merge onto Interstate 15 North which also carries US-93 North toward Salt Lake City.
- Travel north on Interstate 15 for around two hours. Then take exit 16 to merge onto Utah State Route 9 East/West toward Hurricane.
- After about 10 miles, turn left onto UT-59 South/E 100 S. Stay on UT-59 South for around half an hour and then continue onto AZ-389 East.
- Stay on AZ-389 East for about half an hour and then turn left onto US-89A North.
- After around 10 minutes, turn right onto US-89 South/E 300 S.
- Travel south on US-89 for approximately one hour and 15 minutes. You will see a sign indicating the “Horseshoe Bend Overlook.” Turn right into the Horseshoe Bend lot.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon
The approximate travel time from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend is two-and-a-half hours (140 miles).
To get to Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, follow these directions:
- Travel eastbound on AZ-64 for around an hour`s time.
- The 3rd exit at the traffic circle will need to be taken to turn left onto US-89 North after AZ-64 East concludes.
- Travel north on US-89 for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. You will see a sign indicating the “Horseshoe Bend Overlook.” Turn left into the Horseshoe Bend parking area. .
Visiting Horseshoe Bend
This segment covers all the logistical details necessary for preparing the excursion, like Horseshoe Bend`s operating hours, parking arrangements, entrance fees, and weather together with the best time to visit.
Horseshoe Bend opening hours
Horseshoe Bend’s opening hours are from sunrise to sunset, year-round, so you can visit at any time of the year.
Horseshoe Bend parking fee
Access to Horseshoe Bend does not require any fees, but you must pay for parking or shuttle transportation.
The parking area is run by the city of Page, and payment for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead can be made. Overnight parking is prohibited. The fee for a car/RV is $10.
If the parking area is complete, visitors must take a shuttle to the trail. The shuttle costs $5 roundtrip and leaves from downtown Page.
Horseshoe Bend best time to visit
The ideal moments to visit the horseshoe shaped landform by the Colorado River is anytime between sunrise and sunset. Prior to the sun`s ascension above the horizon or once it dips below, the flowing body is cloaked in shadow, making it troublesome to see much of anything and attain high-quality photographs. The busiest epochs of the day at the overlook spotting the horseshoe shaped feature are from 9 in the morning until 11 and 4:30 in the post-meridiem until 6:30, so to avoid crowds, arrive before or after these times frames.
If you want to capture the best Horseshoe Bend photos, sunset will provide the most dramatic lighting. The sun goes down behind Horseshoe Bend, so you`ll be able to take pictures of the sun setting on the horizon and the light framing Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend weather
In Horseshoe Bend, summers spanning May through September tend to be intensely hot, with temperatures usually rising above 86°F. July is the warmest month on average, with high temperatures of 96°F and lows averaging 73°F.
The period of winter in Portland ranges from November to February, with temperatures commonly below 55°F. January sees the coolest weather on average, with a high of 46°F and a low of 31°F typical. Dry conditions tend to predominate throughout the entire year.
If you’re visiting an area known for its scenic views of a horseshoe-shaped river bend in Arizona during winter, dress in layers and wear/bring a hat and gloves. During the summer, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat .
Things to do at Horseshoe Bend
There exists numerous things one can do at Horseshoe Bend: one is able participate in hiking, take a helicopter tour, go kayaking, embark on a rafting tour, and even visit the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon.
Hiking Horseshoe Bend
Taking a walk to view the remarkable Horseshoe Bend formation does not require advanced hiking skills, but some preparation is still advised given what you will experience along the route. The distance covered to reach the overlook of Horseshoe Bend from the trailhead is 0.6 miles one way, and the total time generally needed for a round trip hike varies between approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on one`s pace.
The Horseshoe Bend trail is a sandy path with a gentle upwards slope. During the hot summer months, this sand becomes very warm, so open-toed shoes or sandals should be avoided. Be certain to carry water, particularly in summer, as there are no facilities selling water or where water bottles can be refilled, and wear sturdy walking footwear.
At the Horseshoe Bend overlook, there is a fenced region for further protection, as there is a steep drop-off of over 1,000 feet down to the Colorado River. If you depart this fenced region at the overlook, take supplemental care because the sandstone terrain can be unstable.
Horseshoe Bend Helicopter Tour
If you want to see Horseshoe Bend from a completely new perspective, book a Horseshoe Bend helicopter tour such as this one. This tour departs from the heliport in Lake Powell, so, in addition to obtaining a bird`s-eye view of Horseshoe Bend, you’ll additionally fly over Lake Powell.
This Horseshoe Bend excursion takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes and should be reserved ahead of time.
Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend
To gain an alternate perspective of Horseshoe Bend, you can rent a kayak and glide down the Colorado River. Doing so will allow you to see the beautiful, imposing cliffs and the towering height of Horseshoe Bend above from below.
There exist numerous Horseshoe Bend kayak rental companies, such as Kayak the Colorado,Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals, and Kayak Horseshoe Bend.
Horseshoe Bend Rafting
Another way to view Horseshoe Bend is by participating in a Horseshoe Bend rafting excursion. This tour, from Wilderness River Adventures, lasts half a day and begins at Glen Canyon Dam. You’ll pass by Petroglyph Beach, Vermillion Cliffs, and, naturally, Horseshoe Bend before concluding at Lee’s Ferry.
This boat excursion along the Colorado River near Horseshoe Bend is ideally suited for families since the stretch of water is remarkably calm.
Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon
One of the best things to do at Horseshoe Bend is to visit the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon. This canyon is similar to Antelope Canyon but is less well-known and far less crowded, so it’s a great way to see a gorgeous natural wonder up close without being surrounded by lots of other visitors.
This canyon, located on Navajo lands, necessitates booking a Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon tour for visiting. Additional data about the canyon can be found on the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours website.
Things to do near Horseshoe Bend
Indeed, if you wish to venture somewhat farther away from Horseshoe Bend, there are many potential activities close by. You could tour Antelope Canyon, swim at Lake Powell, or hike portions of the Grand Canyon.
Antelope Canyon
The Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend scenic areas can easily be experienced together since the drive from Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon takes only 10 minutes (7 miles) in total.
As we discussed in our guide about visiting Antelope Canyon, we travelled to both Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, and we were entranced by the beautiful sandstone structures and beams of light that illuminate the walls of this slot canyon. If the chance arises, you should absolutely make a stop at Antelope Canyon because the experience will be unforgettable.
Take into account that you will need to book a Navajo excursion to visit this wonderful site. Consider planning well in advance to book tickets because there are limited access permits per day and they are likely to sell out (we reserved them two months in advance for visiting the Upper and Lower Canyon in August).
Lake Powell
Lake Powell is only 5 miles away from Horseshoe Bend, and the drive from Horseshoe Bend to Lake Powell only takes about 10 minutes, so you won’t have to travel far at all.
Lake Powell features beautifully sculpted sandstone walls amidst its man-made waters. It acts as an ideal place to unwind and cool off, particularly during the heat of summer, allowing activities such as kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, and even camping.
Grand Canyon
Including visits to both the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend during the same trip is definitely feasible. Horseshoe Bend is found just 9 miles from the boundary of the Grand Canyon National Park, near the East Rim Area.
It’s around two-and-a-half hours by vehicle to get from the Grand Canyon South Rim to Horseshoe Bend or from the North Rim to Horseshoe Bend, so you could easily stay in the Grand Canyon, take a day trip to Horseshoe Bend, and return to the park.
Consult our guide to visiting the majestic Grand Canyon for additional tips when planning your trip .
Where to stay near Horseshoe Bend
Lodging choices near Horseshoe Bend vary depending on if you prefer camping nearby or a hotel, with both options available.
Horseshoe Bend Hotels
The finest hotels near Horseshoe Bend are:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: This hotel is situated 5 minutes from Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, making it an incredibly convenient selection.
- Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This inn is likewise profoundly appraised and is found in the focal point of Page, just a 10-minute drive from Horseshoe Bend.
For more choices, check our guide on where to stay in Page, Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend Camping
If preferring to camp near Horseshoe Bend, the best option is the Page Lake Powell Antelope Canyon Campground. This campground near Horseshoe Bend provides both tent and RV sites. Staying in a covered wagon is even an option to “glamp” for those so inclined. .
Horseshoe Bend Map
Below is a map of Horseshoe Bend that can assist trip planning.
We hope that you found this article helpful and that it aids in making your visit to Horseshoe Bend unforgettable. If you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below. I will be pleased to assist. Safe travels!
