12 Practical HORSESHOE BEND TIPS (Important: Read Before Going)

Horseshoe Bend is exactly that a horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River.

It is often thought to be part of the Grand Canyon. However, it is actually part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Horseshoe Bend is located about 4.6 miles (8 minutes) from Paige, Arizona on Hwy 89.

Make sure to combine Horseshoe Bend with a stop at Glen Canyon Dam and a visit to Antelope Canyon. They are all practically next to each other.

If you are planning on visiting Horseshoe Band, you can fly into one of the nearby larger airports, then rent a car and drive (there is no public transportation or a bus).

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – 279 miles (4 hr and 19 min) drive from Phoenix, AZ
• Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – 137 miles (2 hr and 15 min) from Flagstaff, AZ
• Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS) – 286 miles (4 hr 39 min) from Las Vegas, NV
• Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) – 398 miles (6 hr 13 min) from Salt Lake City, UT

What you need to know is that there is an airport in Page, AZ. It is a small Municipal Airport, however, direct flights are going to Page from Las Vegas, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Phoenix. My recommendation is to look into flying to Page, it will cut down on your travel time.

Hands down, sunset is the most popular time at Horseshoe Bend. However, you will have plenty of company! Be prepared for huge crowds!

Finding a parking spot at that time is a nightmare! The parking lot is big, just not big enough. Needless to say, finding a parking spot during peak times can be very challenging.

In 2018, the local police department allocated several officers to monitor the parking area during the peak visitation hours to ensure that visitors do not park on the shoulder of Hwy 89 illegally, or attempt to squeeze into the lot when it is already full.

Furthermore, if the parking lot is full at the time of your visit, you will be asked to come back later. If a space does not free up when it is your turn to get into the parking lot, then you will be asked to leave and try again.

People park illegally on both shoulders of Hwy 89 which are not designed for parking and get stuck in sand or mud. On top of that, they get a ticket for illegal parking.

So, one of my most important tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend is to make sure you get to Horseshoe Bend Page Arizona way before sunset so that you have time to secure a parking spot.

Parking used to be free at Horseshoe Bend. Not anymore!

In 2019 a new parking lot was built. It can accommodate about 300 cars, which is still not enough during peak times. All in all, you have to pay now when you manage to get a parking spot.

• Cars or RVs – $10
• Motorcycles – $5
• Commercial Vans/Buses (depending on the capacity) – from $35 to $140

Because parking is so tough at Horseshoe Band, I am recommending that you take a shuttle.

Horseshoe and Slot Canyon Tours now offers basic shuttle service to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook from their office in Page, AZ. Shuttles depart once an hour between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM and travel to the overlook via Navajo Indian Tribal Lands.

The cost is $59, plus an $8 Navajo Permit. If you decide to take the shuttle, make sure to make your reservations way in advance.

Once you manage to secure your parking spot or decide to take the shuttle to get there, you will be faced with about a 20-minute hike.

The distance from Hwy 89 to Horseshoe Bend Overlook is about .75 miles one-way (1.5 miles round trip). To start with, the trail climbs over a hill and then gradually descends to the canyon’s edge.

It used to be a pretty dusty, sandy trail, however, a new path was constructed in 2019/2020. It is wheelchair accessible now and to top it off, there are two shaded resting points along the way.

Even though it is a pretty even path, it is a good idea to wear close-toed shoes.

First of all, the good news is that Horseshoe bend is accessible all year round.

Honestly, I do not think there is ever a “bad” time to visit Horseshoe Bend. It is an iconic, incredibly dramatic section of the Colorado River, and no matter when you go, you will enjoy the stunning views.

However, keep in mind that Horseshoe Bend faces west. Therefore, during the pre-sunrise and post-sunset hours, the view of the Colorado River tends to be in shadow.

The best view is right in the middle of the day when there are no shadows and the Horseshoe Bend is fully visible. However, you be the judge!

It is very dusty along the trail leading to Horseshoe Bend Overlook. On top of that, it gets very windy at the overlook. So, make sure to cover your face, and nose, and maybe even bring sunglasses.

If you are hiking to Horseshoe Bend Overlook in the summertime, then be aware that the temperatures can reach way above 100 degrees F. Make sure to wear a hat and put on some sunscreen and above all bring water with you.

All in all, I think you should plan to spend about 2 hours at Horseshoe Bend.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike each way, which leaves you with about 1 hour and 20 minutes at Horseshoe Bend Overlook, which is perfect to take lots of pictures.

Plan ahead and use the bathroom before starting your hike to Horseshoe Bend overlook.

There is a row of bathrooms at the very end of the parking lot. These are just basic pit toilets. The lines are long! Keep in mind that there are no bathrooms at the overlook.

This is another one of my top tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend!

Be cautious and safe at the overlook.

In 2018, a fenced overlook was built as a safety measure. But, other than that. are no railings or safety barriers along the rim.

I am sure you will see plenty of visitors standing just inches from the edge, or dangling their feet over the rim. It is dangerous because it gets very windy at the overlook and you can easily lose your footing.

If you are visiting Horseshoe Bend during inclement weather conditions, you might be able to capture some of the most incredible images. The entire area looks very dramatic when the sky is overcast.

Horseshoe Bend was made for wide-angle shots!

I really like wide-angle lenses and use them a lot for landscapes.

When taking pictures of Horseshoe Bend, do not forget to include the foreground. It adds more dimension to your image and makes it more interesting. It could be a tree or a rock, or a person sitting and looking in the distance. Including people in your shot will add a dramatic effect to your pictures and tell the viewer how enormous this place is.

Also, do not be afraid to zoom in and catch different angles of the bend.