For the longest time, I had been wanting to capture sight of this majestic place I kept seeing on my Instagram feed. I knew I had to visit Horseshoe Bend, especially since it’s in my home state, Arizona.
Finally, one day on our southwest road trip, I stopped at this beautiful place. It quickly became one of my favorite spots to visit in Arizona. If you are planning on visiting Horseshoe Bend, read along for some tips.
About Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a beautiful viewpoint shaped like a horseshoe. It’s in Page, Arizona, and is part of Glen Canyon that runs through Arizona. The Colorado River, one of the longest rivers in the USA, runs at the bottom of the bend.
The viewpoint is part of the Navajo Reservation, but the National Park Services oversee it.
The colors of the rock walls at Horseshoe Bend come from the garnet, platinum, and hematite minerals.
There is a 270-degree curve at the bottom where the river runs, and it’s a 1,000 ft deep view from above. Below, you can see rafts and boats cruising down the river.
This incredible place is only 140 miles from the Grand Canyon but only 5 miles from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park.
Like the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend formed the same way. Millions of years ago, fast-moving water eroded the banks and formed the bend.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe bend is about 5 miles from Page, Arizona. Visitors stop here because of its proximity to the Grand Canyon and other National Parks in Utah and Arizona. To get there, look for mileposts 544 & 545 on the west side of Highway 89. There is a $10 fee to park in the lot. However, if it’s full or to save money, you can park along the road instead.
It is about a 4.5-hour drive from either Phoenix, Arizona or Las Vegas, Nevada. Once you are on Highway 89, look for the mileposts.
Once you park, you walk a dirt pathway 3/4 of a mile to the rim. The short walk takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes, depending on your fitness level. It’s not a strenuous hike, but on a hot day, it will get you sweating.
Photographing Horseshoe Bend
We went at two different times to Horseshoe Bend. First, we went at sunset and loved the view. However, it was challenging before the sun was setting because the sun was facing the lens directly.
We also tried to make it before sunrise for good lighting, but we got there a few minutes late at 5:30 A.M. There was a shadow on the part of the canyon, and the pictures didn’t come out so great.
I think the best time to go to Horseshoe Bend is before sunrise and at sunset. Otherwise, you get awkward shadows or pictures with too much exposure. I also recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the entire Bend.
Other Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend
If you visit during summer, it is hot and sunny! Wear sunscreen and bring your glasses. There is no shade. If you are spending some time there, carry water. There are porter potties at the parking lot.
There are no railings! I’m surprised deaths aren’t common since almost everyone approaches the edge of the rim for pictures. Most people, however, are cautious. No one wants to fall off the edge of a 1,000-foot drop into the Colorado River! Update: there are now rails to protect people from falling.
There are no fees to entering Horseshoe Bend and parking is free. Dogs are allowed, but not many people bring them along. Update: There is now a $10 fee to park.
Our experience visiting Horseshoe Bend
We were taken away by Horseshoe Bend and would go back. We are so glad to have added it to our road trip itinerary because this place is truly magical. Our visit took place on Memorial Weekend, so it was packed! We usually prefer fewer crowds which is why we returned bright and early. The town of Page was a fun place to explore and camp. One day allowed us enough time to explore Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.
Things To Do When Visiting Horseshoe Bend
There are quite a few things to do near Horseshoe Bend. Only 10 minutes away is Antelope Canyon, and about 20 minutes away is Lone Rock Beach Campground. Lone Beach Campground is perfect for outdoor fun, a beach-like atmosphere, and perfect for camping. Lake Powell is also nearby and offers many outdoor activities. Further away, you have the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon.
Guide to Horseshoe Bend
This seems to be a wonderful place, I would love to add a picture from there to my collection ?
You would love it and get great pictures!
Every time I see the amazing pictures, I can’t believe we missed Horseshoe Bend on our trip to Grand Canyon years ago. It’s been on my list ever since, together with Antelope Canyon.
Your picture with the people in it makes it look rather quiet too. I would have imagined that a place that is so easy to reach would be crowded with tourists.
Oh no! Yo missed a great places! That means you’ll just have to plan a new trip to visit both those places. Don’t be deceived. It was over crowded at sunset, but really nice in the morning with few people. 🙂
I have not been to Horseshoe Bend but have seen so many photos on instagram that now I really want to go. Your photos are really beautiful and thanks for sharing all the helpful tips on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
You would love it! Visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon when you go.
I’m not surprised you went back the second time. This is the kind of place you can’t stop taking pictures of, even if its the exact same spot again and again.
You’re right! I couldn’t stop taking pictures!
Wow, that is breathtaking! I’m with you – I’m kind of surprised there are no railings either! I think I’d be a little nervous about getting that close to the edge!
There are many ways to get great pictures without getting to close to the edge. 🙂 This place is so incredible!
What a great place to have a drone to take pictures! Would love to invest in one! Definitely want to see Horseshoe bend one day! I like the idea of going twice for sunset and sunrise! Would have been awesome to just camp out there! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
This was the first place we tried the drone out so we didn’t get the best pictures, but still great views! When you go, check it out during different times. It’s like the Grand Canyon, it looks different during different times. 🙂
Love the pictures. This is indeed a beautiful natural creation and also a popular one.
It most definitely is! 🙂
This is definitely nature at its best. Thanks for the tips on what time to go. It must be amazing to see the sunrise there! Worth waking up early for!
Probably one of the best places to stare out in awe of nature. It’s a great stop during a southwest road trip.
I have been wanting to go to Horseshoe Bend for a really long time. I would love to combine the place with other spots in southwest Utah and northern Arizona. Thanks for the useful tips! #WeekendWandelust
You should do it! Many great places nearby that you would enjoy. 🙂
I’d love to see this for myself one day. Had no idea there was such a drop-off and crowd scene there. Great drone shots too.
I hope you do soon! You’ll love the scenery.
Very comprehensive post about Horseshoe Bend. I visited this place some years ago and I found it fascinating. #THeWeeklyPostcard
Right!? It’s pretty amazing.
Awesome tips! I will be visiting this area for the first time in October – I’m waiting to see if I got a Wave permit so I can start building my plans around that!
Thanks! I just heard about Wave needing permits. So bummed because I’ll be there again next week and won’t be able to see the Wave. Hopefully next time though. Enjoy your trip in October!
that looks so cool! i would be petrified to stand near the edge but it would still be awesome to go there!
Perhaps you’ll lose some of the fear when you face this beauty haha! 🙂
Like you, I’ve seen so many photos of Horseshoe Bend and wondered if it would be worth a visit. Sounds like it would be fun to visit at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds. Was it hard to get a good photo with so many people around?
So worth the visit! Plus, there are many great things to do nearby such as Antelop Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. It wasn’t hard taking a photo even though I went on crowded day. It’s quite spread out and you can find your own little spot.
Thanks for sharing these tips, this is such a beautiful looking place to visit! I’ve also kept seeing it pop up every now and then on my Insta feed and wanted to visit!
You should go see it! It was worth it. No wonder there is a hype about it on Instagram.
I really wish I had time to fit this in on my trip to Utah and Arizona. One day I will be back though and I will get to see it. Its on my bucket list and I keep seeing so many pictures, I can’t wait to be there.
Definitely worth a trip back to see it. Many great things to do nearby too. 🙂
It is a beautiful place; no wonder you went twice in one trip! Thanks for the photography tips as well, those both seem like good times to go with less tourists!
Glad it was useful. 🙂 If you haven’t been, you’ll want to check it out someday.
I can’t get over how stunning your photos are! I would totally go back a second time too. Horseshoe bend is totally going on my list.
Yes, add it! You’re going to love it the day you visit.
This place is stunning, the photos are amazing! I didn’t realize it was so close to Phoenix, that’s really neat
It’s a jaw dropping place! Hope you get to see it sometime if you haven’t already.
Wow I didn’t know about this place! This is incredible – the rock formations and colours are magnificent and what fantastic photos! You really get the sense of the horseshoe in these pictures. Must have been great having the place to yourselves…
It is definitely beautiful. We truly enjoyed our time there as we took in all the beauty. You would love it!
Great shots, guys! I haven’t been to Horseshoes since I was a kid, and Ann’s never been. Obviously, time to plan a trip! Great place for a drone, too. Thanks for the photo tips, and also about finding the place. I seem to remember driving past it a few times… 😉 #TheWeeklyPostcard
You’ll have to plan a new trip out there, especially to take Anne since she hasn’t been there. We loved it there and recently went back with some friends. Spent a lot of time just taking in the view.