Hike to Horseshoe Bend
Details
Distance
1.5 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Plenty of parking, the sheer size of the bend allows for plenty of room. Duration: 1 hour.
Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona is classic bucket list material and for good reason. Even if they don’t know what it’s called or where it is, everyone has seen this famous spot somewhere. Rest assured; pictures cannot convey the massive scale of this place. From your vantage point 1,000 feet above the Colorado River, the deep blue of the water starkly contrasts with the carved sandstone walls making for a stunning scene that you’ll never forget. The view will never look the same during your visits; the color of the walls and water change colors depending on what time of day you're there.
Getting here is simple; it’s right off Highway 89 and is hard to miss. The large lot means you never have to compete with the crowds for parking. The temperature varies greatly depending on the time of year and it can be quite windy on the edge of the cliff, so come prepared and be careful. The weather can change very quickly so be sure to check the weather report before venturing out. A wide angle lens or fish eye lens is definitely necessary if you want to capture the entire bend in your shots. Explore above the rim to get the best unobstructed view. There can be a lot of tourists here, but it’s so big that it will never feel crowded.
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Reviews
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Beautiful view
The view of the lake is really nice. The area is actually really big. There is so much to see here and the short hike makes it very easily accessible.
5.0
Beautiful Viewpoint
The hike to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook is easy and family friendly. The view of the river below is beautiful. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a stop
5.0
Amazing
Pull up to the parking lot and there is a short hike to the edge of the cliff where Horseshoe Bend is. Be careful, there are steep drop offs.
5.0
Yes!!
Just like the description and so many of the reviews before me, this place is incredible! Vast, breathtaking, vibrant, and awe-inspiring are some descriptors of this beauty! Easy to get to, free parking, and the ability to just roam around! Keep on eye on your kids. Don't be dumb with selfies and cliffs.
5.0
Bucket List Location
Horseshoe Bend is a classic bucket list location in the west. The depth of the canyon is breathtaking. It's hard to capture the grand scale of everything in photos, but seeing it in person and watching a tiny boat cruise down the Colorado River really put it into perspective! The hike to reach the bend is short and well maintained and its popularity due to social media obviously means there will be crowds. But the canyon rim is really wide so there is plenty of room to find solitude.
5.0
Americana at its best
Likely the most famous view in the west. Can be very crowded. If in the area it’s a must do. Short but semi challenging hike for some.
5.0
Beautiful, but overcrowded
Horseshoe Bend was the perfect place to get out of our vehicle, stretch our legs and go for a short hike. Beware, the trail is well-marked, but sandy and insanely overcrowded. This trail might be difficult for those with physical limitations and is around 1.5 miles round trip. That being said, the view is absolutely stunning and there is plenty of space to venture off trail and take photos of landscapes. The cost is 5 dollars per person and the parking lot is currently being renovated, so there is a shuttle that drops/picks you up from the trail head. I do not recommend you go out of your way for this, but it is a fun stop if you are passing through.
3.0
Amazing views! Sandy terrain
Stunning views! The hike on loose sand sounded a bit intimidating, but wasn’t too difficult at all. Loved it!
5.0
Breathtaking
I'd seen thousands of pictures of Horseshoe Bend, but when I actually got there it was breathtaking. Pictures cannot do it justice.
5.0
Not for Everyone
Personally not worth the crazy crowds, unless perhaps winter is a different story, for a view that has been a bit over exposed. But to each their own.
2.0
This is a high impact area.
We've identified this location as one that is highly affected by tourism. Consider visiting in off hours, or spreading the love and finding an equally impressive spot nearby.
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Explore the Horseshoe Bend Crack
Hike through Upper Waterholes Canyon
Hike the Page Mesa Trail
Hike Cathedral Canyon
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