Hikers Guide To Horseshoe Bend Trail In Arizona
Horseshoe Bend has become one of the most visited places in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This iconic sandstone rock formation is carved by the Colorado River, which has formed a 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270º horseshoe-shaped incised meander in Glen Canyon. Horseshoe Bend can be viewed from the canyon rim via a walking trail and gets around 2 million visitors annually.
Difficulty:Â Easy
Length:Â 1.5 miles / 2.4 km (round trip)
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Signage:Â Signs throughout
Facilities: Entrance gate with fees, restrooms and garbage
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Key Features Of Horseshoe Bend
- A famous meander of the Colorado River
- Known for its horseshoe-shaped bend and stunning views
- Requires a short hike to reach the overlook
- Offers a picturesque photo opportunity with the river below
- A popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts
- Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Dog-friendly (on leash)
Facilities And Services
- Tollbooth – paid parking area
- Restrooms
- Garbage cans
Before You Start Hiking Horseshoe Bend
There are a few things to note before you begin hiking Horseshoe Bend. The first is that there are no fees to enter Horseshoe Bend. However, the parking lot is owned by Page, and therefore, you need to pay per vehicle to park. It costs $10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle. Park passes are not accepted. During the holidays or weekends, the city of Page encourages visitors to take a shuttle bus due to limited parking availability.
The trail is relatively easy to hike and consists of packed dirt and sand, making it accessible for mobile devices and strollers. There is little to no shade along the trail, with the exception of a sheltered designated rest spot (photo below for reference).
Be sure to bring water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. In the warmer months, temperatures can reach over 100°F (37°C). Hikers should avoid or take extreme precautions when hiking during the hottest time of day. As well, do not leave pets or animals in your car while hiking. The trail is dog-friendly as long as they are on a leash. You will need to fill your water bottles before arriving, as there is no place to fill up your water or buy water at the trail.
The trail is open year-round. Many people go at dawn or dusk to catch a sunrise or sunset over Horseshoe Bend. We went around noon on a Saturday in November. Due to the colder weather, it was not overly busy.
Once you reach the Horseshoe Bend lookout, there is an area with a railing. Visitors are encouraged to stay behind the railing, though they can walk along the canyon rim to get better views and photos. If you explore outside the barrier, take precautions and do not get too close to the canyon’s edge.
Items not permitted on the trail include:
- Drones
- Skateboards
- Bicycles
- Rollerblades
It is important to follow the Leave No Trace Principles whenever you are out enjoying nature. Whatever you take in, be sure to take out. Do not feed any wildlife or leave any trash. In addition, please stay on the designated trail.
Our Experience Hiking Horseshoe Bend
Hiking Horseshoe Bend was something we had on our bucket list, and while it is a short and relatively easy walk, it’s well worth it for the breathtaking views. After having driven 4.5 hours from Nevada to Page, Horseshoe Bend was a great way to start our day in Arizona! It took us around 35 minutes to complete the full trail, including time spent admiring the views.
It was quite a chilly day in Page, so we were happy that we layered up and arrived at a decent time (12:30 p.m.). We were pleasantly surprised to see how groomed the trail was. It was easy to make good time, considering the trail was very flat. We visited in November, so the sun was welcomed to help keep us warm.
When we reached Horseshoe Bend, we enjoyed our first view behind the gate before exploring the canyon rim to get a better view. There were many different vantage points around the canyon. From the top, we could see people below kayaking in the Colorado River around Horseshoe Bend. Although it was a short walk, the views were incredible! After this, we drove to Antelope Canyon (around a 12-minute drive away) to begin our walking tour.
Checklists And Recommended Gear
The following is our recommended gear list for Horseshoe Bend.
- Water Bottle
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes – Women’s // Men’s
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Cascade Hiking Poles (optional)
Related Hikes
Nearby Hikes
- Antelope Canyon
- Hanging Garden Trailhead
- Cathedral Wash Trailhead
