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 Las Vegas
Tours from Flagstaff
Tours from Sedona