Everything to know for planning a trip to Horseshoe Bend

If you're planning a road trip through the American Southwest, Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, needs to be on your bucket list. With steep & dramatic desert cliffs and sweeping view of the Colorado River, the natural horseshoe-shaped curve has become one of the most photographed spots in the U.S.

Here's everything you need to know before you go, from the best time to visit and where to park, to photography tips and nearby attractions worth exploring.

Where Is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is located just outside the city of Page, Arizona, near the Utah border and about 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and down stream from the iconic serpentine shaped Lake Powell. It's part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is a gateway to many other amazing outdoor nearby destinations.

Address for GPS:Horseshoe Bend Overlook, U.S. Route 89, Page, AZ 86040

Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend

While Horseshoe Bend is stunning at any time of day, sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting and fewest crowds. The sun rises behind the bend, lighting up the cliffs in soft golds and pinks. Sunset, on a good sunset day, the golden hour glow will be directly on the river curve making it the ideal spot for a picturesque landscape photo or selfie. 

The Hike to the Overlook

The trail to the Horseshoe Bend overlook is short but certainly not something you want to do during the middle of the day in the excessive Summer heat. There is no overhead coverage for shade so you will definitely want to plan ahead for it. 

• Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip

• Difficulty: Easy hike on a packed dirt surface 

Entrance and Parking Fees

Horseshoe Bend is not a National Park, so your American the Beautiful Pass will not apply here. 

• Passenger vehicles: $10

• Motorcycles: $5

• Commercial vans and buses: More (varies by size)

Photography Tips for Horseshoe Bend

Early bird gets the worm - get here first thing to beat the crowds and get the best lighting conditions for photos. 

• Wide-angle lens: To capture the full bend, use a wide-angle lens or a smartphone with an ultra-wide feature. 

• Zoom Lens: although the wide angle is the classic shot to capture the entire scene, a zoom lens will allow you to capture a more compressed image showing the dramatic scale of the walls. 

• Tripod: Helpful for sunrise/sunset low-light shots and even more importantly if capturing the night sky! 

  
  

Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

Horseshoe Bend is just the start of the amazing landscapes in this area. Plan an extended trip and try to visit all of these spots:

• Antelope Canyon – Just minutes away; book a guided tour to explore this otherworldly slot canyon.

  
  

• Lake Powell – Great for boating, kayaking, or simply enjoying a swim or enjoying the view from the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

  
  

• Grand Staircase-Escalante – If you're heading north toward Utah, this vast wilderness area is perfect for hiking.

  
  

• Monument Valley - head deeper into the desert and visit this amazing location. Easy for a quick trip or an overnight stay

  
  

• Grand Canyon National Park North Rim - the lesser visited area of the Grand Canyon and seasonal. Summer is the perfect time to visit both locations. 

  
  

• Grand Canyon National Park South Rim - the iconic view in the Southwest. Horseshoe bend provides a little taste of the beauty you will find at the Grand Canyon 

  
  

  

  
  

Where to Stay in Page, Arizona

Page offers a range of accommodations from budget motels to mid-range hotels and a few vacation rentals.This is a great place to stop if you are coming in from other locations like Grand Canyon National Parks in Arizona or from destinations in Utah. 

Top options include:

• Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell

• Courtyard by Marriott Page

• Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat (for a unique glamping experience)