Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic attractions of the American Southwest. It's famous view is an overlook 4,200 feet above seal level and 1,000 feet above the Colorado River. The name was inspired by horseshoe-shaped bend of the Colorado River within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Horseshoe Bend’s rock walls have a variety of minerals, including hematite, platinum, and garnet. There are no fees or permits needed to visit Horseshoe Bend.The parking lot is about 4.5 miles from Page, AZ, where visitors can find hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and anything else one would need when traveling. From the parking lot, there is a 3/4 of a mile hike to the overlook. Most visitors generally spend about 1-1.5 hours at the overlook. There is no drive-up access and dogs are premitted to join you as long as they are on a leash and cleaned up after. There is a pack-in pack-out policy (so please don't litter) and bring plenty of water as it can get quite warm, especailly during the summer months.
The closest town to Horseshoe Bend is Page. Just drive or walk down Lake Powell Blvd for 2 miles then turn left on 89A for about 2.5 miles before you take a right at highway marker 545 leadding into the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. If you are coming from Sedona or Flagstaff, you will just take the 89A to Horseshoe Bend.There are also several Horseshoe Bend tours from Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and Page. You'll find there is plenty of time in a day to visit both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in the same day. That is why most tours include both attractions. Having said that, you must hire an official tour guide company in order to visit Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation and permits given only to tour companies are required. But visiting Horseshoe Bend is logistically simple and worthwhile.
Horseshoe Bend can be enjoyed 365 days a year. There really is no one "best" time to visit, and a lot depends on the time of year, weather and if you're planning on taking that iconic photograph. The default answer is late morning, midday to early afternoon because the bend and river are in shadow the rest of the times. During sunset the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. Regarding time of year, Page has pretty moderate weather. During the winter, the daytime highs are in the 40-50 F and in the 90s F during the summer. Sun protection and staying hydrated will be important during the warmer months.
Parking at the Horseshoe Bend parking lot is free, though it does get very busy. Vehicles often have to wait for a spot to open up, especially during the busy times of the year. The parking lot is suitable for RVs and large vehicles. Also, visiting Horseshoe Bend is free. There is no entrance fee, but you may visit Horsehoe Bend as part of a combination/multi-destination tour, which will then have a total tour guide fee. The 3/4 mile hike each way will take on average 15- 20 minutes and the path is unpaved with steep and sandy sections making it difficult for visitors with wheelchairs or strollers. Always be mindful of your step, especially when taking photographs with the bend behind you.
Tours from Flagstaff
Tours from Las Vegas
Why do 2.2 million people visit a Riverbend each year? Find out with this self-guided tour of the unforgettable Horseshoe Bend! This jaw-dropping canyon, cut through by the stunning Colorado River, is famous for a reason. See it up close and learn how this one-of-a-kind feature formed! … More
Why do 2.2 million people visit a Riverbend each year? Find out with this self-guided tour of the unforgettable Horseshoe Bend! This jaw-dropping canyon, cut through by the stunning Colorado River, is famous for a reason. See it up close and learn how this one-of-a-kind feature formed! And since you are here, we also suggest dropping by the town of Page for our bonus tour. Explore Horseshoe Bend & Page at your own pace with over 27 stories.
Family-Friendly
Tours from Sedona | Family-Friendly
Explore three of Arizona's most visited natural wonders in one day on this extended day trip from Las Vegas. Hike to Horseshoe Bend for a spectacular view along the Colorado River, admire the unique light beams at Antelope Canyon, and marvel at the Grand Canyon from the South Rim viewpo … More
Explore three of Arizona's most visited natural wonders in one day on this extended day trip from Las Vegas. Hike to Horseshoe Bend for a spectacular view along the Colorado River, admire the unique light beams at Antelope Canyon, and marvel at the Grand Canyon from the South Rim viewpoints. Along the way, drive along part of Route 66, and stop at the atmospheric town of Seligman.
Tours from Las Vegas
Tours from Flagstaff | Family-Friendly
Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Tours from Flagstaff
Tours from Sedona
Tours from Flagstaff
Experience breathtaking Upper Antelope Canyon. Known to the Navajo as “the place where water runs through rocks," this spectacular slot canyon features some of the most awe-inspiring geological formations ever created by nature. Also stop by Horseshoe Bend and take your time wandering a … More
Experience breathtaking Upper Antelope Canyon. Known to the Navajo as “the place where water runs through rocks," this spectacular slot canyon features some of the most awe-inspiring geological formations ever created by nature. Also stop by Horseshoe Bend and take your time wandering along the view. Guests have the opportunity to upgrade to a Limousine Tour at Page, Arizona. Please ask the tour guide for details on the tour.
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Tours from Las Vegas
Come Explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Jump onboard your private tour vehicle from Las Vegas and we will transport you to a magical place! Experience Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, with private transportation. The original Navajo name Tsé bighánílíní means … More
Come Explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Jump onboard your private tour vehicle from Las Vegas and we will transport you to a magical place! Experience Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, with private transportation. The original Navajo name Tsé bighánílíní means "the place where water runs through rocks." Antelope Canyon's sculpted sandstone walls offer memorable photo opportunities with a walkable corridor at the bottom of the canyon floor. It was formed by flash flood waters that rushed into the cracks of the Navajo sandstone along with the power of wind erosion. With the daylight dancing through the narrow openings from the top provides multiple kinds of light reflections and colors. This amazing changing color show makes this area a popular destination for photographers and tourists. From the canyon, you will visit an area where the Colorado River makes a 280 degree turn around the Horseshoe bend shape of the rock, hence its name of Horseshoe Bend.
Tours from Las Vegas | Private Tour
Visit all the major sightseeing attractions, including the enigmatic waterhole canyon, in the American Southwest in a short two days. First travel to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and on to Waterhole Canyon in the comfort of a bus. At Horseshoe Bend you will have access to the best vi … More
Visit all the major sightseeing attractions, including the enigmatic waterhole canyon, in the American Southwest in a short two days. First travel to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and on to Waterhole Canyon in the comfort of a bus. At Horseshoe Bend you will have access to the best view of this stunning meander of the Colorado River. Capture all the wondrous colors inside Waterhole Canyon. Take your time exploring this windswept monument, the natives say that no one comes out of the canyon the same person as when they went in. An experienced and knowledgeable Navajo guide directs hiker(s) through the canyon offering great tips and the best camera setting advice to help capture memorable images.
Tours from Las Vegas
Get out of Las Vegas for the day, soak up the views of some of the country's most striking landscapes, and be back on the Strip in time for a show. This guided tour takes you to the sandstone slot canyon of Antelope Canyon and to the dramatic Horseshoe Bend, carved from Navajo sandstone … More
Get out of Las Vegas for the day, soak up the views of some of the country's most striking landscapes, and be back on the Strip in time for a show. This guided tour takes you to the sandstone slot canyon of Antelope Canyon and to the dramatic Horseshoe Bend, carved from Navajo sandstone.
Tours from Las Vegas