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Horseshoe Bend is one of the most beautiful spots to photograph in the American Southwest. This incised meander in the Colorado River has a perfect horseshoe shape, which you can see from the 1,000-foot-tall Horseshoe Bend overlook.
Guide to visiting Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
You’ve probably seen photos of Horseshoe Bend, but they can’t capture the full magnitude of the canyon. You must visit in person and stand at the edge to take it all in. That’s what we’ve done over five times now, and it never gets old!
Besides, the convenient location of Horseshoe Bend makes it the perfect place to stop while visiting Antelope Canyon. It’s also close to some of our favorite attractions, like the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. And while you can see Horseshoe Bend in about an hour, there are tours and activities in the area that you can also take advantage of.
In this guide, I’ll help you plan your trip to Horseshoe Bend:
- Directions to Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Horseshoe Bend visitor information
- Things to do at Horseshoe Bend
- Things to do near Horseshoe Bend
- Where to stay near Horseshoe Bend
- Horseshoe Bend map
Our experience exploring the Horseshoe Bend area
The first time we visited Horseshoe Bend was during our 10-day Western USA road trip. I was so excited to see Antelope Canyon, and since Horseshoe Bend is super close by, we decided to check it out afterward. The canyon took my breath away, and it was a nice way to wrap up our busy day!
In the morning, we explored Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, capturing amazing photos of the slot canyon’s walls and shadows. After our tours, we stopped by Lake Powell for a much-needed break.
Then, in the late afternoon, we headed to Horseshoe Bend and brought our camera gear to photograph the sunset. The hike from the parking lot to the overlook wasn’t difficult, but it was super hot because we visited in August. There’s no shade, so I highly recommend planning your trip for fall or spring when temperatures are more manageable. If you visit in summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and always bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Our experience exploring the Horseshoe Bend area
Walking up to the 1,000-foot overlook, I was blown away. Back then, there wasn’t a safety fence, so we could get closer to the edge and take in the enormity of the canyon and its distinct horseshoe shape. We could also count four tripods that had fallen to the bottom of the canyon, which gives an idea of why they decided to install the fence.
We arrived before sunset and had no problem finding a good spot to set up. As we waited for the sunset, the light got more dramatic, with the sandstone cliffs taking on different shades of red, orange, and brown.
Since that first visit, we’ve returned four more times (October and May are my favorite months), and while the view remains spectacular, some things have changed. Apart from the new fence, there’s also a large new parking area that charges a fee. While convenient, this has led to a noticeable increase in visitors, and from my experience, it’s often overcrowded now.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend, Arizona – Location & directions
Horseshoe Bend is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona, right off Highway 89. Many people stop by Horseshoe Bend while visiting Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, or even Las Vegas. Here’s how far Horseshoe Bend is from several popular landmarks:
- Page, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 5 miles (11 mins)
- Lake Powell to Horseshoe Bend – 6 miles (16 mins)
- Antelope Canyon to Horseshoe Bend – 9 miles (13 mins)
- Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend – 135 miles (2 hrs 24 mins) from Grand Canyon Village; 120 miles (2 hrs 15 mins) from North Rims; 346 miles (5 hrs 31 mins) from West Rim
- Zion National Park to Horseshoe Bend – 118 miles (2 hrs 21 mins)
- Bryce Canyon National Park to Horseshoe Bend – 153 miles (2 hrs 45 mins)
- Flagstaff, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 130 miles (2 hrs 9 mins)
- Sedona, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 159 miles (2 hrs 45 mins)
- Phoenix, AZ to Horseshoe Bend – 274 miles (4 hrs 18 mins)
- Las Vegas, NV to Horseshoe Bend – 275 miles (4 hrs 22 mins)
The easiest way to get to Horseshoe Bend is from Page, Arizona. The driving directions are simple:
- Head south on US-89.
- Drive about 5 miles until you see a sign that says, “Horseshoe Bend Overlook.”
- Turn right into the parking lot.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas
The closest international airport to Horseshoe Bend is Las Vegas Airport. Horseshoe Bend is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, and you can either book this tour or rent a car in Vegas and drive there yourself.
It’s about a 4.5-hour drive to Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas:
- Get on I-11/US-95 N.
- Take the US-95 N ramp to I-15 N.
- Follow I-15 N toward Salt Lake City, then take exit 16 for UT-9 E toward Hurricane.
- After about 10 miles, take State Hwy 59 S/E and continue onto AZ-389 E/N State St.
- Turn left onto US-89A N/S Main St.
- After about 7 miles, turn right onto US-89 S/E 300 S. Continue following US-89 S for 72 miles.
- Take the 2nd exit onto US-89 at the traffic circle and stay on US-89.
- Turn right onto Page Pkwy.
- Turn left to stay on Page Pkwy.
- You will see a sign that says, “Horseshoe Bend Overlook.” Turn right into the parking lot.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend from Antelope Canyon
There’s less than 10 miles between Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, so it’s worth combining them both into one day trip:
- From Antelope Canyon, head northwest on AZ-98 W toward Indian Rte 6195.
- Turn left onto US-89 S.
- Turn right onto Page Pkwy.
- Turn left to stay on Page Pkwy.
- Turn right into the parking lot.
Directions to Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon
The South Rim is the most visited rim of the Grand Canyon, and since Grand Canyon Village is only a 2.5-hour drive from Horseshoe Bend, many visitors make the trip. These are the directions to Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center:
Horseshoe Bend important visitor information
Here, you’ll find all the essential info you need to plan your visit to Horseshoe Bend, such as opening hours, parking, entrance fees, and what to pack.
Horseshoe Bend opening hours and best time to visit
Horseshoe Bend is open from sunrise to sunset year-round so you can visit any time of year.
The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is sunset when the lighting is most dramatic. Post-sunset, it’ll be too dark to capture the scenery. On the other hand, if you get there before sunrise, there will be a lot of shadows in the river, so your pictures won’t turn out great.
Horseshoe Bend opening hours and best time to visit
The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend to avoid the crowds is early afternoon, around 12-4 p.m. You can also take some lovely photos since the sun will be high in the sky, bathing the Colorado River in light.
The best time of year to visit is in the fall or spring, when there are fewer people and the weather is still decent (I loved my visits in May and October). If you can, avoid the summer months, which get unbearably hot. I visited Horseshoe Bend at midday during July and almost had a heatstroke, and I wasn’t even there that long.
Finally, plan your visit for a weekday, as the weekends are always busy.
Horseshoe Bend entrance & parking fees
There is no entrance fee for Horseshoe Bend, but you have to pay for parking. It costs $10 per car or RV; you can pay at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Weather at Horseshoe Bend and what to bring
The weather at Horseshoe Bend gets hot during the summer—I mean, very hot. Temperatures often reach the 90s, and there is very little rain. Factor in the heat index and humidity, and it feels even hotter.
Weather at Horseshoe Bend and what to bring
Horseshoe Bend in the winter is cold (in the 40s), and while snow isn’t common, it’s not unheard of. Primarily for safety reasons, I don’t recommend visiting in winter. Spring and fall are the best times to go weather-wise.
As for packing, it depends on the time you visit, but here’s what I bring when I visit Horseshoe Bend:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sturdy shoes/hiking boots
- Loose clothing (summer)
- Base layer, jacket, puffer coat (winter)
- Camera
Things to do at Horseshoe Bend
The Horseshoe Bend overlook is the star of the show, but there are different ways to experience it. From hiking to the viewpoint to flying overhead and kayaking along the river, there are plenty of fun things to do!
Hiking to the Horseshoe Bend overlook
People come to Horseshoe Bend mainly to hike to the viewpoint. The sweeping panorama from 1,000 feet above the Colorado River is breathtaking!
The hike to the lookout point is easy, but you’ll need comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. The distance from the parking lot to the overlook is about 0.6 miles, and it takes about 15 minutes.
Hiking to the Horseshoe Bend overlook
It gets hot here, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. Also, the path is sandy/gravelly, so closed-toed shoes are a must. There aren’t any trees along the trail, so wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water for your visit because there aren’t any places to buy water.
As you near the Horseshoe Bend overlook, you’ll see a safety fence blocking off the steep drop-off. Don’t climb the fence! No photo or Instagram video is worth risking your life!
On the way back to the parking lot, the trail has a slight incline, so it may take longer to reach your car. Overall, the hike is about a mile round-trip and beginner-friendly, so you’ll be fine on your own.
Helicopter tours at Horseshoe Bend
If you want to see Horseshoe Bend from a new perspective, I highly recommend the helicopter ride we took.
Helicopter tours at Horseshoe Bend
This 45-minute flight departs from Page and takes you over Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument. We even landed on Tower Butte near the Arizona-Utah border, where we had some time to take photos and admire the views from 5,000 feet above sea level.
It’s not a cheap experience, but it’s one of the most unforgettable Horseshoe Bend tours.
Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend
To get a different perspective of Horseshoe Bend, rent a kayak and paddle down the Colorado River. You’ll see the beautiful, imposing cliff walls and the towering height of Horseshoe Bend above you.
Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend
You can find kayak rentals and tour packages at Kayak the Colorado, Horseshoe Bend Kayak Rentals, and Kayak Horseshoe Bend. They’re located at the Lee’s Ferry marina, a 45-minute drive from Horseshoe Bend.
Rafting at Horseshoe Bend
Another way to see Horseshoe Bend is by taking a rafting tour like the one I hope to do soon from Wilderness River Adventures. The 5-hour excursion starts near the Glen Canyon Dam and takes you along 10 miles of the Colorado River. You’ll pass Petroglyph Beach, the Vermillion Cliffs, and Horseshoe Bend, but also keep your eyes peeled for rainbow trout and bighorn sheep. It’s a family-friendly activity led by a professional guide, so it’s perfect if you want a calmer way to explore the area.
Things to do near Horseshoe Bend, Page
The breathtaking location of Horseshoe Bend boasts other fascinating sites, so if you have some extra time, there is plenty more to see.
Antelope Canyon and other slot canyons around Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are super close to each other, so we always combine the two attractions in one day.
We’ve seen Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon many times, and they’re both worth a visit. The sandstone formations are otherworldly, and when the sunlight shines through the canyon walls, it’s mesmerizing. You may have seen pictures of this place, but they don’t do it justice!
Antelope Canyon and other slot canyons around Horseshoe Bend
Unlike Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon requires visitors to book a tour. Since spots are limited, make sure you book in advance. There are several options, but I recommend this Upper Antelope Canyon tour if you want to see the famous light beams that appear midday in summer and this Lower Antelope Canyon tour if you prefer a longer and slightly less crowded experience.
If you can’t get tickets to one of those, consider this tour of Canyon X, a quieter and more private part of Antelope Canyon. Our guide to visiting Antelope Canyon has more details and tips to help you plan your trip and decide which part of the canyon to visit.
Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Lake Powell is one of the best places to visit near Horseshoe Bend, and it is only about 6 miles away in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. During the warm months, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming here or book a tour to explore the beautiful surroundings.
The first time we visited, we booked this kayaking excursion that departed from the Wahweap Marina and took us to Water Antelope Canyon. It was a workout but also lots of fun! This boat tour departs from that marina, too, and explores the sandstone walls of Glen Canyon and its dam, as well as Waterhole Canyon, a less-crowded alternative to Antelope Canyon.
Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
If you prefer to go on your own, you can rent a boat and navigate 34 miles to Reflection Canyon. While we’ve hiked to this landmark overlook, it might not be the best option if you’re looking for something else to do the day you visit Horseshoe Bend. The hike is brutal, and the trailhead is located 6 hours from Horseshoe Bend, along Hole-in-the-Rock Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. But don’t worry; the views of Reflection Canyon from the lake are also incredible, and along the way, you’ll pass the starting point of the short trail that takes you to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, one of the longest natural bridges in the world, spanning 275 feet.
One of the Lake Powell overlooks that I recommend you visit during your stay in Page is Alstrom Point, as it offers incredible panoramic views. It is not far, but make sure you bring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. We rented a Toyota 4Runner and were just fine.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness straddles the Arizona-Utah border and is one of the best places in the area for hiking. The North Coyote Buttes is full of gorgeous rock formations and dinosaur tracks, but the highlight is the sloping, striated sandstone of The Wave.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness
To get there, follow the Wave Trail, which passes other geological structures like Twin Buttes, Buckskin Gulch, and petroglyphs. The Wave is a photographer’s dream, but it’s an intense hike to get there, and you must apply for a permit through a lottery system. Only 64 people can visit The Wave per day, and you can apply for a permit 4 months in advance. You can learn more about the process here.
The South Coyote Buttes is a less crowded alternative, and while it also requires a permit, it’s easier to get. One of the best routes in this area is the Cottonwood Teepees Trail, which leads to The Southern Wave. If you drive south along Cottonwood Spring Road from the trailhead, you can get to White Pocket Road and do the hike to White Pocket. It’s a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail, but it’s moderately difficult since it’s in a remote location. Still, it’s worth seeing the domes, gullies, and hoodoos of the Navajo sandstone, which is white but also brown, pink, orange, and red.
Grand Canyon
Horseshoe Bend isn’t part of the Grand Canyon, but you can visit the Grand Canyon before or after seeing Horseshoe Bend. Grand Canyon Village is 135 miles away, so it’s about a 2.5-hour drive. The North Rim is slightly closer (120 miles) but takes more or less the same to get there.
Grand Canyon
The national park has many hiking trails, so it’s worth staying in the Grand Canyon overnight to make the most of your visit. If you’re overwhelmed by all the driving, this full-day excursion from Las Vegas takes you to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Grand Canyon. It’s a long day, but it’s the best way to see all three of these attractions quickly without having to drive yourself.
Where to stay near Horseshoe Bend, Page
There are many places to stay in Page, Arizona, including hotels and campsites. Staying in Page is super convenient since you’ll be close to both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Best Horseshoe Bend hotels
You’ll find a range of hotels close to Horseshoe Bend, but the two I recommend are:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Located 5 minutes from Horseshoe Bend, this is one of the nicest accommodations in Page with free parking, a gym, a pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant. The rooms are clean and spacious, and many offer mountain views.
- Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This is another top-rated hotel in Page where you can book a room with a view. The property offers complimentary breakfast and parking, pet-friendly rooms, a gym, a pool, and a restaurant.
Horseshoe Bend camping areas
Another option is to go camping near Horseshoe Bend. In that case, your best bet is the Page Lake Powell Campground, just 10 minutes away. In addition to tent and RV sites, it offers tiny home rentals and glamping experiences in covered wagons.
Where to stay near Horseshoe Bend, Page
There’s also Beehives Campground by Lake Powell (13 minutes away), Wahweap RV & Campground (21 minutes away), and Antelope Point RV Campground (19 minutes away). You can find more info here.
There are other Horseshoe Bend campgrounds along the Colorado River. They’re super remote and accessible by kayak rental. You can learn more about them here.
Horseshoe Bend map
You can find all the nearby attractions, hotels, and campsites I mentioned above in this downloadable map:
Expert tips for photographing Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most stunning natural landmarks to photograph. Here are some insider tips and things we learned during our trips there:
- The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is sunset, especially if you want dramatic images and a sunstar in the background.
- Get to the Horseshoe Bend overlook well in advance to set up and avoid fighting the crowds for a good vantage point.
- There is now a safety fence at the overlook, so getting a clear shot is more challenging. Bring a tall tripod so you can capture photos without interference from the fence.
- Most people take pictures from the center of the overlook, but you’ll get better photos if you move further right or left. It makes for a more interesting composition, and there are usually fewer people in those spots, too.
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire panorama of the canyon and the Colorado River.
- Depending on the time you visit, it can get pretty bright out there, so use a polarizer for your camera. If you’re lucky enough to see some high clouds, use an ND filter to capture their movements. Using a polarizer/ND filter will ensure you don’t lose the detail in your images and can help you create more interest.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get the most incredible photos of Horseshoe Bend that you’ll want to show everyone!
FAQs – Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
To finish up, here are the answers to the most common questions about visiting Horseshoe Bend, AZ:
How much is the entrance fee to Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend has no entrance fee, but parking costs $10 per car or RV.
How long does it take to hike to Horseshoe Bend?
The hike to Horseshoe Bend from the parking lot is 0.6 miles and takes around 15 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend?
The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is between sunrise and sunset. You’ll get the best photos in the afternoon. Fall and spring are the best seasons to go to Horseshoe Bend.
How far is Horseshoe Bend from Page, Arizona?
It’s just 5 miles to Horseshoe Bend from Page, AZ, about an 11-minute drive.
How far is Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas?
Horseshoe Bend is 275 miles from Las Vegas, about a 4.5-hour drive.
How far is Horseshoe Bend from Antelope Canyon?
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are just 9 miles apart, about a 13-minute drive.
How far is Horseshoe Bend from the Grand Canyon?
Horseshoe Bend is 135 miles from Grand Canyon Village, about a 2.5-hour drive. From the North Rim, it’s 120 miles away, and from the West Rim, it’s 346 miles away.
Can I go to Horseshoe Bend without a guide?
Yes. You don’t need a guide to visit Horseshoe Bend. Some people book a day tour to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
What should I bring with me to visit Horseshoe Bend?
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes to Horseshoe Bend. Wear loose clothing in the summer and a system of layers (base layer, jacket, coat) in the winter.
How long does it take to see Horseshoe Bend?
Most people spend about an hour at Horseshoe Bend.
Can I visit Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend on the same day?
Yes! On three separate occasions, we’ve visited Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend on the same day. You will have plenty of time to visit both attractions in one day.
That’s everything you need to know about visiting Horseshoe Bend, Arizona. If you have any other questions or concerns, leave a comment below. I’d love to help you out!
Stay safe and enjoy the magnificent Horseshoe Bend overlook!
Hi. Is horseshoe bend closer to West rim or South rim? Can we start from West rim, do the horseshoe and head to South rim?
South Rim. If you want to visit everything it makes more sense to do West Rim – South Rim – Horseshoe Bend 😉
This article was really helpful. How strenuous is the “hike” to see these views and what would you suggest as the best time of year to visit?
Hi,
No strenuous at all, more than a hike is just a 20-25-minute walk. As for the best time of the year you can visit it at any time 😉
Hi,I’m planning to be in Sedona on 11/15 ,and Grand Canyon on 11/16.How can I go from Grand Canyon (South Ring)to Horseshoe Bend? Is it open the way through there?I understand tours are close,but at least to go and see it will be wonderful!
Thanks!?
Hi Sylvia,
Both Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are currently open, so you shouldn’t have any problem driving from the South Rim to Page.
All the Navajo Lands attractions are closed, which means that you can’t visit some nearby attractions like Horseshoe Bend.
Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Dan
Hi! This is very helpful. I was wondering if there is an option to take a commercial flight from this place back to LA? We are trying to avoid driving back to vegas and then to LA, but i couldnt find any resource of alternative route?
Hi Faye,
The closest commercial airport is Las Vegas, so you will need to drive there at least.
Hey!
Do you need to do horseshoe bend and antelope canyon by tour or can you do the walk and sightsee solo?
Thanks
Hi Jessica,
You can do Horseshoe bend on your own but for Antelope Canyon you need to take a Tour with one of the guiding companies. You got all the info in the article 😉
Best,
Dan
Would travel guide information on Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley and the National Parks of Utah.
We have posted that information in our blog. Please read! 🙂
Thank you for sharing, the information is very helpful. I failed to book upper antelope canyon in the morning, just wondering if it would be feasible to visit Horseshoe bend in the morning then antelope canon afterwards? need to travel back to LV that day. I hope you could give me some advice. Many thanks.
Leanne
Hi Leanne,
You can perfectly visit Horseshoe bend in the morning and Antelope Canyon in the afternoon, just make sure you book your tour beforehand if you are going during the high season.
From Page to LV there is a 4 hours trip by car.
Cheers,
Dan
Another beautifully presented and insightful article, thank you so much.
Thank you Keren,
I am sure you are going to enjoy your visit to Horseshoe Bend.
Let us know if you have any question.
Ascen.
I also spent a really good time there during my last summer holidays and came back with smiley faces.
I’m glad you like it!
Ascen.
Brilliant site – very helpful info – thank you and all the best
Thanks Dave for your feedback and your beautiful words! 😉
Dan