Last Updated on January 10, 2024 by foxintheforest
Horseshoe Bend is one of those quintessential Grand Canyon area experiences. With quick-and-easy access right from Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a must-see destination if you want to lay eyes on that iconic (and satisfying) Horseshoe Shape.
However, Horseshoe Bend isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for solitude or a real natural experience. We’ll dive into if visiting Horseshoe Bend is the right move for you, or if this quick stop can be passed over. I’ll also give my insider tips for visiting this uber-popular locale without the crowds.
I’ve been traveling all over the American Southwest for the better part of a decade. In fact, I used to be a freelance writer for the outdoors – so I’m an absolute pro when it comes to visiting hot spots like Horseshoe Bend. Throughout the years I’ve visited this landmark a few times, mostly in passing during one of my many Denver to Grand Canyon road trips.
So if you want to visit Horseshoe Bend like an expert, not a tourist, then keep reading.
About this Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend Without the Crowds
Inside this expert guide to Horseshoe Bend you’ll find:
- Tips and practical info to plan your visit
- An inside look at how to beat the crowds at Horseshoe Bend
- Learn if Horseshoe Bend is right for you
- Tours to Horseshoe Bend
- Unique ways to visit
- Things to do nearby
- Additional Arizona adventures you can’t miss
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
You can find Horseshoe Bend just south of Page, Arizona – along Highway 89. Technically, Horseshoe Bend is north of the “official” start of the Grand Canyon (Lee’s Ferry). This spot is the traditional home of the Ancestral Puebloan (a very ancient native population), Piaute, and Navajo people.
To get here, you’ll simply turn into the signed parking area (gated) to the trailhead.
Practical Info
Horseshoe Bend is a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and requires a $10 fee to visit. Since the parking is managed by the City of Page, your America the Beautiful Pass does not work here (unlike other national recreation areas).
Horseshoe Bend is a quick 1.5-mile round-trip walk to an overlook. At the overlook there are very few railings, so keep an eye on little ones. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know to visit.
There are plenty of shaded rest areas on the way and a brand-new trail that is ADA and stroller-friendly.
Parking is all paved and you can bring your trailer or RV (designated spots). However, no drop-offs are allowed.
The park is open each day from sunrise to sunset. No overnight camping or parking is allowed.
Mileage: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 137 feet
Difficulty: very easy, ADA and stroller-friendly trail to a fenced overlook
Approximate time: 45 minutes of walking time, plus however long you want to spend at the spot (30 minutes to an hour).
Highlights: 1,000-foot vertical drop to the river below. Instagram-famous photo opp, unique sense of perspective.
Low Lights: Often very crowded, not a true hike or nature experience, lots of bad behavior (leaving trash, etc).
Red tape: Fee area. NO DRONES. Open from sunrise to sunset, with star gazing times from 8:30-10:30 pm during certain summer months.
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on a leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Pro Tip: Also know that a LOT of the cliff edges are deeply under-cut, meaning if you’re standing on the edge, you’re actually standing on brittle, overhanging rock that can and does break!
Is it Free to See Horseshoe Bend?
Nope, it is not free to visit Horseshoe Bend and there is no free way to visit. You must pay to park at the entry kiosk. It’s $10 per vehicle to park, no reservations are required. However, the lot can fill up during busy hours (see below) on the weekends.
How Long Does it Take to Visit Horseshoe Bend?
Most people spend around 1 – 2 hours at Horseshoe Bend. Plan on being there longer if you’re shooting photography for sunrise or sunset. My average visit is around 45 minutes to an hour, but I’m a fast hiker and I’ve been here a few times.
Horseshoe Bend Crowds
Okay, so the crowds at Horseshoe Bend are certainly pretty intense – think Disneyland level on a busy weekend. Horseshoe Bend is the most crowded from 9 – 11 am or from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.
Finding solitude here is a bit impossible.
If you’re looking to beat the crowds, visiting for sunrise, or during the winter months are your best bet. Weekdays can be slightly less crowded, but since Page is a major tourist destination, you’ll still see quite a few people.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The top times to visit Horseshoe Bend highly depend on what you want to do.
If you’re looking for a quieter time, sunrise or a late fall through very early spring are great options.
For photography, the best times to visit are sunrise (or just after), mid-day, or sunset. The sun rises from behind the view, so if you’re looking for a sunburst shot, head out at sunset. Midday lights up the cliffs and provides the most even lighting. While sunrise and just after give the cliffs a stunning glow.
Pro Tip: It can be challenging to Photograph Horseshoe Bend due to shadows and lighting in a narrow canyon, so bring a tripod to bracket your shots.
To beat the heat, morning and evenings will be best – with the morning having a slight edge over the evening (in the evenings, the rocks radiate heat).
Is Horseshoe Bend Worth it?
That depends. I’ve been all over the American Southwest, and I think that unless you’re uniquely visiting Horseshoe Bend (more on that in a second), there are far more exciting things to see in the area. Overall, I wouldn’t plan an entire day or trip around this attraction, but because it’s so easy to access from the main thoroughfare, it’s worth the 1-hour-and-change-detour.
This is more of a tourist attraction and less of an outdoor experience, so certainly keep that in mind. If you’re looking for a cool hike with some solitude, you may want to check out some of the hikes near Kanab (nearby) instead. Or even tackling a challenging below-the-rim hike in the Grand Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend is best for:
- Photographers who don’t mind crowds and want iconic shots of the American Southwest with a little bit of a challenge.
- Families or road trippers who are looking to make an easy stop that’s accessible.
- People who like to visit Instagram-famous places and don’t mind the crowds that follow.
Horseshoe Bend is not for you if…
- You want solitude or a unique experience
- You’re short on time
- You’re looking for an actual hike or more natural experience
What to Bring
Although the hike is short, it’s best to be prepared. Here’s a look at what to bring on your hike.
- Closed-toed shoes that you’re comfortable walking in
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunshirt). There is NO shade aside from a few man-made structures along the trail.
- Camera
- Water – at least 1 liter will work for hot days. Bring a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic.
- Snacks
- A small baggy or hiking bag to hold your belongings AND for PACKING OUT YOUR TRASH. There are no trash cans at the overlook.
Leave No Trace
After having visited Horseshoe Bend several times over the years, the influx of litter and trash is astounding. If you are NOT prepared to pack out all of your trash back to the car, please stay home.
Be sure to pick up any pet waste AND CARRY IT WITH YOU. Leaving pet waste on the trail is not okay.
If you need to use the toilet, there are bathrooms at the trailhead. There’s not much coverage if you have to go on the trail, but you are EXPECTED TO PACK OUT ANY TOILET PAPER THAT CANNOT BE DISPOSED OF IN THE BATHROOM.
Can You Go To Horseshoe Bend without a Tour?
Yes absolutely! Although there are several Horseshoe Bend Tours you can take (that usually include other locales). But if you don’t want the hassle of driving or you’re coming in for a day trip a tour might be the best option for you.
Horseshoe Bend Tours & Unique Experiences
Tours are great for day trippers from other destinations or if you’re looking to also visit Antelope Canyon (which you must have a tour for). Here’s a look at a few of my top picks for tours as well as a few really cool ways to experience Horseshoe Bend.
Secret Horseshoe Bend Tour from Page
This secret tour features visiting a “secret” Antelope Canyon that’s largely undiscovered (unlike the completely over-run Antelope Canyon proper) as well as a secret Horseshoe Bend Overlook hike that can only be viewed on this tour with special access as it’s on Navajo land.
Pros: Far fewer crowds, small groups only, and a unique look at Horseshoe Bend that few people see.
Cons: You don’t see the most popular areas you see in IG photos.
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon from Vegas
It’s totally possible to visit both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend as a day trip from Las Vegas. This small group tour from Las Vegas includes pickup from your Las Vegas hotel, a trip to Antelope Canyon with a Navajo Guide, a stunning view of Lake Powell, and a trip to the iconic Horseshoe Bend.
Pros: Small group (max 13 people), includes both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, hotel pick up/drop off.
Cons: Pricey, long drive times, minimum number of travelers must participate for the tour to run, and must pay for your own food.
Tour of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff
Many people opt to stay in Flagstaff so they can experience both the Lake Powell area and the Grand Canyon. If you want to take the hassle out of planning your day trip to the best things to do near Page, then consider booking this half-day tour. You’ll stop at both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, as well as the famous Lake Powell overlook. This is a great option for solo travelers or groups who do not want to deal with driving all the way to Page from the Grand Canyon.
Pros: Amazing guides, lunch at the Glenn Canyon damn, photo tips for your time in Antelope Canyon
Cons: Minimum number of people required to participate, no hotel pick up, the tour will explore either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, but not both.
Day trip to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon from Sedona
Sedona is another amazing home base for exploring the best of Arizona’s natural scenery. If you’re looking for a day trip tour to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, consider booking this experience. Unlike other tours on this list, you’ll get the opportunity for a scenic drive through the Painted Desert, which is a cool bonus. All tours use a Navajo guide, giving you valuable insights into the incredible culture of the area.
Pros: Painted desert drive, hotel pick up and drop off in Sedona, includes lunch and bottled water, Cameron trading post stop.
Cons: Long drive times
Boating Horseshoe Bend
If you want a different view of Horseshoe Bend, consider booking a boating trip or a kayaking trip. Kayaking the canyon is a half-day affair, but you can beach your boat right on the apex of the bend, which is honestly a really cool experience. This is an ideal route if you want to beat the crowds at Horseshoe Bend and do a little physical activity.
Horseshoe Bend by Air
If you want a real thrill, take a scenic flight to experience Horseshoe Bend. There are a few ways to catch a glimpse of this landmark by air, with options to check out other incredible desert landscapes by plane or chopper. It’s a unique perspective that delivers a lot of cool photo opportunities you won’t get on the edge of the canyon!
Things to Do Nearby
Page is a surprisingly awesome hub for desert hiking, slot canyons, and other adventures nearby. Here’s a look at other amazing things to check out:
- Antelope Canyon (available by tour only)
- The Wave hike (by extremely competitive permit only)
- Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass – the longest slot canyon in the world
- White Pocket (cooler than The Wave in my opinion)
- Boating on Lake Powell – becoming harder and harder to do as water levels reach record lows.
- Go on an amazing sunset tour of the Grand Canyon
Additional Arizona Hiking Adventures
Looking to get outside in Arizona? I’ve got a wealth of expert guides to plan the ultimate Arizona adventure.
