20 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is among the most popular and recognizable natural attractions in Arizona, and that’s saying a lot considering this is the Grand Canyon State.

The famous bend is a particularly strange curve in the Colorado River, framed perfectly by the sandstone chasm that is Glen Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend has absolutely blown up in recent years thanks to social media.

There are people who worry about over-tourism, which is understandable. However, Arizona has done a great job handling the demand, and it’s awesome so many people want to get outside and explore nature.

So, strap on your hiking boots and check out why everyone’s raving about Horseshoe Bend!

Below I’ve answered commonly asked questions and mapped out everything you need to know before visiting Horseshoe Bend. 

Things To Know Before Visiting Horseshoe Bend

Is Horseshoe Bend Open To The Public?

Yes! Anyone can visit and no tour is necessary.

Horseshoe Bend Cost

Horseshoe Bend is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and is free to enter.

However, the parking lot is in the City of Page and requires a fee.

As of 2025 the cost is $10 per vehicle or RV, $5 per motorcycle. 

Upon entering the lot, you’ll pay at a manned station with either cash or card. There are some days when the lot is cash only, double check City of Page Horseshoe Bend before heading out.

Note: There’s no parking discount with a National Park Pass. 

Horseshoe Bend Parking

There’s a large, ample lot for regular vehicles as well as a smaller, separate lot for RVs.

The lot has recently been expanded to keep up with demand, it’s unlikely it will be full when you visit. However, if it is, you will be turned away and asked to return later. There is no street parking in the area.

There’s no overnight parking or camping allowed. 

Parking is less than 5 miles outside of Page. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to get here.

When Is Horseshoe Bend Open?

Everyday from sunrise to sunset. 

Are There Services On Site?

Services are very limited.

Anything you need for the hike, plan to bring in yourself. 

There’s no gift shop or general store to buy a water bottle, snacks, or a cool sticker.

There are vault restrooms in the parking lot though.

Best Time To Visit Horseshoe Bend 

Anytime of the year is great, but know that summer gets very hot. 

In regards to time of day, late afternoon and sunset are best. During this time, light hits the canyon just right, the sandstone looks extra red, the river glistens, and the weather (usually) is nice. 

Midday, the sun washes out the red hues and it’s miserably hot, so most avoid the area. However, if you’re visiting in winter, midday weather will be lovely, so it’s worth a visit. 

Morning is a great time to see the bend without crowds, but know the bend is shaded, so it’s suboptimal for photos. Nonetheless, we visited in the early morning anyway. There was hardly anybody around so we enjoyed an incredibly peaceful walk with a beautiful backdrop. 

What’s The Weather Like?

It’s windy here!

Aside from wind, summer heat is biggest thing to note about weather. It’s very hot and there’s no shade. 

Summer highs reach the upper 90°F’s, with lows into the 60°F’s and 70°F’s. Brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms are common July – September. 

Winter highs reach the mid 40°F’s and see lows in the low 30°F’s. Snow is uncommon.

Spring and fall are both mild, averaging highs in the 60°F’s and 70°F’s with lows in the 50°F’s and 40°F’s. 

Note: No matter the time of year, temps drop quickly at night. Be sure to bring layers if you’re visiting Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or sunset.  

How Long Of A Hike Is Horseshoe Bend? 

To see Horseshoe Bend, you’ll have to go for a quick, 1.5 mile round trip hike. Most spend about an hour hiking, 30 minutes each way. 

How much time you’ll need at the overlook is up to you.

Is The Horseshoe Bend Hike Difficult?

Nope! It’s short, flat, and the trail is packed dirt. It’s even suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. 

Here’s a few tips to make the hike more enjoyable:

• Bring water! It’s recommended that you bring 1 liter per person for every two hours. 
• There is no shade on this hike, I repeat no shade. Midday sun + 98°F + no shade = bad time if you aren’t prepared.
• Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals with good traction. (Behind every Influencer hiking in Tory Burch sandals is a rapidly forming blister and regret).
• The overlook sits 1,000+ feet (305 m) above the winding Colorado River. There’s a railing section which allows you to safely peer over the edge.
• On either side of the railing, however, you’re free to walk along the sandstone with nothing standing between you and the cliff edge. If you plan to do this use extreme caution and be sure you’re wearing shoes with good traction. The sandstone is slick, unfortunately deaths have occurred here.

If You’re New To Hiking, Here Are A Few Additional Tips: 

First of all, welcome to the world of hiking! You’re going to have a great time.

Below are a few tips to help you:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need. 
• Stay to the right, let people pass you along the left if they so wish. 
• Wear cozy shoes with socks so you don’t get blisters.
• Your shoes will get dirty, don’t wear white ones. 
• Pack in, pack out. This means there’s no trash cans, any item you bring — water bottle, tissue, chocolate bar wrapper — must come back with you. 
• Don’t ever feed the critters, no matter how cute they are, it’s really bad for them.
• Nature is amazing, leave it as you find it, and have fun!

Can You Drive Up To Horseshoe Bend?

Nope.

Are Pets Allowed? 

Yep! As long as they’re on a leash. Don’t forget, they’ll need extra water as well.

Sunset At Horseshoe Bend

If visiting at sunset you’re in for a treat, Horseshoe Bend puts on a great show around sundown!

A few things to know about sunset at Horseshoe Bend:

• Expect significant crowds. 
• Get to the lot at least 1 hour before sunset. This allows time for parking, walking, then finding a spot to sit. 
• If you’re visiting during peak times — summer weekends, holidays —  arrive even earlier. 
• Bring water and snacks to enjoy while waiting for the sun to set. 
• Be sure to pack out ALL trash. 
• Wear layers or bring a blanket, the temp drops quickly at night even during summer. Also, the viewpoint can be quite windy!
• Last, sit back and enjoy the incredible show.

What To Bring To Horseshoe Bend

Below are a few things to consider bringing to Horseshoe Bend:

• Camera with wide angle lens.
• Binoculars to watch the rafters below.
• Snacks.
• Water.
• Proper footwear. 
• Your cutest but most practical outfit.
• Sun protection – sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc. 

No drones, sorry. 

What’s So Special About Horseshoe Bend?

Huge sandstone cliffs towering over the powerful Colorado River are a dime a dozen around these parts, so what makes Horseshoe Bend so unique? 

First, the main draw is the sharp bend in the river, which inspired the name “Horseshoe Bend.” It’s not exactly common and it’s definitely worth seeing. 

Second is accessibility. There are only so many places you can safely and clearly view the Colorado River from these steep sandstone cliffs, this is one of those spots! 

Horseshoe Bend Rafting Tour

Did you know you can raft the Colorado River below Horseshoe Bend Overlook? How cool!

This is a great way to break from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day on the calm water. You can book a Horseshoe Bend Rafting Tour here: Horseshoe Bend Rafting Tour. 

Horseshoe Bend Helicopter Tour

Interested in flying over the bend instead? That’s one way to ditch the crowds, and you’re in luck because there’s options for that as well!

This quick tour is less than $200 and flies over Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. You can book through Horseshoe Bend Helicopters.

There’s also a longer flight option which, in addition to the above, includes a Tower Butte landing. This is kind of a big deal because Tower Butte rises up 5,000 feet from the surrounding desert floor and there’s no way of getting to the top unless you’re in a heli. Check out tour options at Arizona Helicopter Tour.

Things To Do Near Horseshoe Bend

There’s so much more in the area than just Horseshoe Bend, be sure to get out and explore. Some the most popular things to do near Horseshoe Bend are:

• Tour the Glen Canyon Dam
• Kayak to Antelope Canyon 
• Eat tasty Mexican food
• Rent a house boat on Lake Powell 
• Hike Potato Hill Overlook or Hanging Gardens
• Tour Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend To The Grand Canyon 

Horseshoe Bend is only about a 2.5 hour drive (roughly 130 miles) from both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

It’s possible to see Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon in one day, but I highly recommend splitting it into two days. Grand Canyon National Park (north or south rim) is deserving of at least one full day in itself.

Additionally, Horseshoe Bend has tons of nearby attractions, such as the famous Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell, it’d be a shame to come all this way and skip so much. 

Is Horseshoe Bend Part Of The Grand Canyon? 

The official answer is no, however the two are connected. The Grand Canyon “officially” begins about 5 miles from Horseshoe Bend.

Visiting Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular things to do in the region. I hope you’ve found this information helpful in planning your trip!

Any questions? Please feel free to leave a comment below!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Page and US Southwest guides below or head on over to Visit Arizona!

More Information For Your Trip To Page, Arizona:

• Antelope Canyon Tips: What To Know Before You Go
• Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which Should You Choose?
• Page, AZ: 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
• Top Hotels In Page, Arizona

More Information For Your Northern Arizona Vacation:

• Flagstaff, Arizona Guides
• Grand Canyon Guides
• Sedona, Arizona Guides