Horseshoe Bend - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
United States
Arizona (AZ)
Page
Things to Do in Page
Horseshoe Bend
See all things to do

Horseshoe Bend

See all things to do
See all things to do
Horseshoe Bend
4.5
About
This horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River is just a short hike from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park. The overlook point, which can be accessed via the town of Page, is particularly popular during sunset when the landscape is at its most vibrant, and the iconic turquoise bend glows against the orange cliffs. Although the desert hike is relatively easy, you won’t encounter much shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. To maximize your time here, join a tour that includes other picturesque sights like Glen Canyon Dam and Antelope Canyon. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Horseshoe Bend
See all
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 3 miles
Subway
23
2.2 mi$ • Fast Food
Jack in the Box
114
2.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Gone West Family Restaurant
315
2.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Taco Bell
151
2.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Fast Food
McDonald's
167
2.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
New York Teriyaki
80
2.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Sonic Drive-In
195
2.3 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Subway
72
2.5 mi$ • American • Fast Food • Vegetarian Friendly
Mandarin Gourmet
280
2.5 mi$ • Chinese • Asian
Burger King
51
2.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
See all
Attractions
19 within 6 miles
Water Holes Canyon
229
2.3 miCaverns & Caves
Lower Antelope Canyon
7,007
Canyons
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
900
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
1,812
Dams
Tse Bighanilini Tours
343
Canyons
Carl Hayden Visitor's Center
362
Visitor Centers
Glen Canyon Dam
913
Dams
Antelope Point Marina Village
692
2.6 miMarinas • Bodies of Water
Black Streak Canyon Tours
33
Canyons
Lees Ferry
143
Canyons • Hiking Trails
See all
See what travelers are saying
  • Y746IClisag
    43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see when in Page, Az
    This is a very easy detour off of Highway 89 near page Arizona. It’s $10 to park per carload and then the walk into the overlook is a short .6 mile walk which is a flat dirt trail. The view is spectacular and you can spend as little or as much time there. You should keep an eye on small children because there are not a lot of safety rails.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 15, 2023
  • Lee H
    Williamsburg, Kentucky48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Convenient stop off 89 in Page, AZ! Awesome! You must see it!
    My husband and I hiked to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. It was a moderate hike down to the overlook and back to the parking lot. They had benches along the path that are covered so you can rest in the shade if needed. The gentleman at the parking gate was so pleasant! I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and kind demeanor. The view of Horsebend was beautiful! Definitely a “must visit”!
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 19, 2023
  • Lynette K
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful view
    There's a $10 per vehicle entrance fee. They have a walking path to the overlook with 3 covered resting stations. It's about a half mile walk each way and more uphill coming back. Take water and a hat. The view is gorgeous but hard to get the whole thing in.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • jhvcpa
    Knoxville, Tennessee48 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Convenient stop for a cool natural beauty.
    Its a bit expensive to get in and a good walk down to the edge. The picture shown is from a drone and I believe enhanced. The real view is not so stunning. It is interesting and worth a visit but misleading. We hiked up to some of the higher points to get a better view and to get away from the crowd.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written May 21, 2023
  • bigredtraveler
    Bowling Green, Kentucky49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must-do in Page
    Great experience at sunset. It was crowded, but it's a large area so there were plenty of places for everyone to spread out and get a good view. I'd recommend some bug spray and comfortable walking shoes as it's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the overlook.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 5, 2023
  • Demon Mike
    Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Horseshoe Bend
    Do bot bother to take a tour to Horseshoe Bend if you have your own car. Just drive there and pay the City's $10.00 parking fee. There is a short walk from the carpark to the lookout. The view is fantastic. Take photos. Do not miss this if you are in Page
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 7, 2023
  • farmpony84
    Fredericksburg, Virginia90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Horseshoe Bend Trail Ride - perfect experience
    We took the 2 hour horseshoe Bend trail ride. It was a walk trail on well kept horses with a terrific guide. He gave us a small history lesson and shared some of his culture with us. We had the best view of the Bend. On the ride we saw several lizards and hawks. I think this was my favorite part of the trip.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 15, 2023
  • Jazz Gumbo
    London, United Kingdom847 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    We were not sure whether to undertake this but decided for $10 it was worth a look. Approx an easy 20 minute hike from car park to a location that is quite breathtaking. Also feels precarious watching where some people stood at the edge. Quite a fabulous overlook though, well worth a visit.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 21, 2023
  • A K L
    Nottingham, United Kingdom286 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing view
    We were staying in Page and took a short drive out to visit this outlook. The cost of entry was $10. Take your own water as none is available on site. It is an easy 15 minute walk down to the viewpoint with a couple of shelters for shade on the way. Well worth it got the stunning view. Be sure to squeeze this short trip in to your schedule.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 28, 2023
  • joaniemaria
    Eldridge, Iowa2,449 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I recommend a stop. Worth it!
    We went late afternoon. I think morning sun is the best for photos of the canyon. It costs ten dollars to park in the lot. Walk about a half mile or so to the viewing area. The path is wide and sandy, and relatively flat. It can get busy, but the viewing area is quite large allowing you to take the photos you want.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles15,435 reviews
Excellent
11,744
Very good
3,003
Average
548
Poor
88
Terrible
52
Gary H
Monterey, CA23 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Horseshoe Bend, Colorado River
Feb 2020
Like you, I had seen the fabulous photographs of Horseshoe Bend and, when in Page last month, had to see it for myself. The city of Page has built a parking lot for a few hundred cars just south of town and will charge you $10 to park while you walk to the overlook. The walk takes 15 minutes and ends at a viewing platform right on the edge of the canyon wall. The pictures you’ve seen have all been taken from that spot. There is a railing around this platform to keep you from falling off, but you can also walk along the canyon rim for some distance and many people do. Once you leave the viewing platform there is NO RAILING. So be careful! It is not that hard to fall off the edge, and a fall will likely be FATAL!! We arrived at the overlook in the late afternoon. The canyon was in full shadow and we were looking into the sun. Afternoon is the wrong time to be there. Plan your trip so that you are there in the morning.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymond
Los Angeles, CA732 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Breathtaking
Sep 2019 • Solo
Second time going in to the Horseshoe Bend (it was free couple years ago) now they charge $10 which is not bad for the sight you’re going to see. Hike’s not bad at all, but when it’s hot, it’s really HOTTTT!
So bring plenty water if you’re planning of going mid day.
I went right before sunrise, weather’s perfect, not hot and crowded yet.
I heard it’s good or maybe even better for sunset but it gets really crowded - so it’ll be impossible to take great shots when there’s a lot of people around.
Will probably do it again towards November when it gets cooler and stay at any hotels nearby.
Definitely worth checking this place out!
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rickardo
Sedona, AZ279 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
ONCE AGAIN A HIT !
Nov 2020 • Family
This vista view of the Colorado River as it flows from the Glen Canyon Dam is for sure one of the best in the southwest.
Easy 1.5 mile round trip walk from the large parking lot. Easy access and $10 per car bargain entrance fee.....OPEN EVERY DAY sunrise to sunset.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dalia361
Winter Garden, FL47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Breathtaking!
Sep 2020
One of the few national parks (if not the only one in the area at the moment) that is currently open. To enter you pay a fee of $10 dollars, park your car and then you walk towards the site for about 20 minutes. They have two shaded areas to sit either to enjoy the view of the desert or just to catch your breath before continuing towards the view of the horseshoe bend. They have guard rails but still be careful of some parts that can easily be climbed into that if not careful you can lose your balance and fall. Keep a close eye on children. Pets are allowed inside as long as they are on a leash. Please bring your own baggies to pick up after your pet waste. There is no bathrooms nor refreshments for purchase at the site. Bring your own water and keep well hydrated. Once you get to that view… it is breathtaking. I noticed at the bottom there were people kayaking not sure if it is offered through the park or separately but it seems worth to look into. Plenty of spots for great pictures.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer
Fort Thomas, KY3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
INCREDIBLE
Feb 2020
Short distance from Grand Canyon and perfect add on if you are going to Antelope Canyon. It does now cost $10 and a short easy hike around the hill (older reviews will tell you a moderate hike up a hill). Once they started charging they created a nice wide easy path around the hill. We went for sunrise and the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandon K
Flagstaff, AZ1,964 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great view, worth the walk/heat
Jun 2020
This is a famous view of a bend in the river that has created a horseshoe. There are two ways to see this significantly different in effort. You can get a backhaul up the river to float through the bend, or you can pay the City of Page to take a 15 minute hike up on the roadway to an overlook. My wife has done the backhaul in the last year, and I did it decades ago in a school raft trip. The overlook costs $10 a carload and has decent parking and some restrooms. Take advantage of the restrooms before you walk as that is your only option. Also, read and listen to the signs saying to take water and good shoes. This is not a flip flop or even a loose sandal hike. The water is for anyone not realizing how hot this place really is. Add on top of that the winds blowing sand sideways and it was a definite effort to get there and back, but the view is worth it. I agree with the other poster that morning would have been a much better time to go.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott
San Francisco, CA5,352 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Obviously beautiful
Feb 2021 • Solo
The view is definitely beautiful. It's a simple walk from the parking lot to the overlook. There are plenty of clean public bathrooms. It will cost you $10, but I guess that's reasonable as long as the money is being spent to support the site.

This isn't the place you'll spend more than about 10 or 15 minutes. If you're staying in page, this is easily doable as an impromptu jaunt from the hotel.

I'm not a photography expert, but I think the best time to visit would be if the sun is directly overhead or just about to set. When I visited there were some significant shadows making a panoramic photo less than perfect.
Written February 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ddeparis
New York182 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Must See!
Feb 2020
We LOVED this site. What an incredible natural wonder. Please be careful as this site does cause vertigo if you look down! There is a $10 car fee (more for larger vehicles types) and the parking lot has port a potties. It is an easy 20 minute walk from there along a paved walkway. Once down at Horseshoe, there are various points to take fantastic pictures. The sun sets there so if you want great sunset pictures, visiting in the later afternoon will give you the best shots. I consider this a must see attraction in the area.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david12sc
Torrance, CA58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Horseshoe Bend is a must
Nov 2020
We drove from Flagstaff up to Page to take a look at the Horseshoe Bend. The drive up there is beautiful as well ( if you like desert views and canyons). I actually missed the entrance because they were doing roadwork right in front of the entrance, so i drove right by it. There is a $10 parking fee and they do recommend you to use the restroom and to take plenty of water just in case. They said it was a mile and a half hike, I honestly don't think it was that, but maybe my watch didn't record the distance properly, I don't know. Once you hike down to the area, the view is amazing. It definitely does not disappoint. We were there early in the morning, so we didn't have big crowds. We also had cooler temperatures so that was a plus. The only bad thing about going that early is the sun lights up about half of the canyon, so the pictures come out a little weird. Other than that, it's great to now have big crowds and enjoy more private time in the place.
Written December 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMPTexas
Tucson, AZ835 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Spectacular Views!!
Aug 2020
What more can be said than what you don't already see in pictures. It's BEAUTIFUL, especially at sunset. What you don't see is how high up you are! From the viewing area to the river below, you're right at 1,000 feet (100 stories). First, you'll pull off Highway 89 about 4 miles southwest of Page, AZ. The entrance to the parking area is well marked. You'll pull up to the entrance shacks and pay the $10.00 fee and park in the paved parking lot. Restrooms are in the parking area, so use them if you need them, as the hike to the viewing area is about 3/4 mile there, and 3/4 mile back to your car. The hike is easy with a slight hill and some benches along the way if those that need them get winded. This trail is dirt and gravel and probably not wheelchair accessible, unless the chair has "off-road" tires to not get bogged down in the dirt and gravel. Once at the viewing site, you and the other 500 people or so will vie for the best views of the canyon. We got there early enough, about 1 hour before sunset, to claim our spot. You will see people climbing the rocks and trying to get that "perfect Instagram" photo, but be advised, people have fallen here. Not pretty! If you choose a sunset, also know that the sun will be squarely in your lens as you are looking west. Sunrises, the sun will be at your back; you choose. Take water as there are no facilities at the viewing area--no restrooms, no water, no cafes or food trucks! This is the wild west!!
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 9,996
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Horseshoe Bend - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Horseshoe Bend
All things to do in Page
Day Trips in PageSpas & Wellness in Page
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.
Terms of UsePrivacy and Cookies StatementSite MapHow the site worksContact us

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.