The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

Are you planning a road trip through Arizona? Then make sure to add Horseshoe Bend to your bucket list for an epic and unforgettable experience! I visited last year and was completely blown away by this natural wonder!

Here’s a travel guide to help you plan your visit to Horseshoe Bend:

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

WHAT IS HORSESHOE BEND?

Horseshoe Bend is a popular meander within the Glen Canyon, just outside of Page, Arizona. The bend is widely known for its dramatic 270 degree curve in the Colorado River, which makes a horseshoe-shaped canyon. You can view this natural wonder from the steep cliff-side lookout that sits at 4,200 feet above sea level and has a 1,000 foot drop.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is sunrise and sunset. However, sunset attracts massive crowds, so try to make it out by sunrise if that’s a problem for you. I personally don’t mind the crowds, I think they give certain places a lot of life, so I visited in the afternoon/evening and my pictures still came out amazing!

HOW TO GET THERE

The exact address to Horseshoe Bend Overlook is: 1001 Page Parkway, Page, AZ 86040

If you’re visiting from out of state, then you will most likely fly to Las Vegas or Phoenix. Horseshoe Bend is a little over a 4 hour drive from both of these cities. Also, both of these routes have some incredible stops and attractions along the way!

PARKING FEE

The overlook is completely free, but you do have to pay a small parking fee of $10 per vehicle. Not much for this incredible place! You can find more information here.

Want to add more epic stops to your American southwest road trip? Read this blog post next: Nevada & Arizona – 5 Day Road Trip Guide and Itinerary

stops to make on an American southwest road trip

HIKE DETAILS

The hike is about 3/4 of a mile from the parking lot to the edge of the cliff. But don’t worry about wearing hiking clothes or bringing hiking gear, the trail is mostly flat and super easy. It’s really more of a short 10 minute stroll.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED?

You only need about 1-2 hours, depending on how many pictures you are trying to take. I wanted to enjoy the moment, sit back and admire the beauty, take a few pictures, climb out to the edge, and soak it all in. It all took me about 3 hours.

Follow me on Instagram and watch my reels for some BTS of this destination!

PHOTO TIPS

+ Everyone tries to take pictures from the center, right in the middle of the canyon and river curve, but make sure you walk as far right and left for even better photo ops! These areas are usually a lot emptier, too, since the crowds tend to stay back and near the railing.

+ Use a wide angle lens to capture the entire panorama.

+ Use a polarizer for your camera! It can get pretty bright out there and you don’t want to lose detail in your photos so make sure to use a polarizer/ND filter!

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Other nearby attractions include Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, The Wave, Zion National Park, and Ojai Monument Valley. Read Nevada & Arizona Road Trip Guide and Itinerary next to learn more about things to do and see on an American southwest road-trip!