Horseshoe Bend

“It is a sight so simple, yet so iconic” – Davis Fryhoff (ASU student).

A Panoramic View (Dollarhide)

With a name inspired by its horseshoe-like shape, Horseshoe Bend is a part of the Colorado River and located up in Page, Arizona inside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (1). From personal experience, it takes approximately 5 hours to drive from Tempe, Arizona to Page, Arizona. Horseshoe Bend is located off of Highway 89 between the 544 and 545 mileposts (2). Check out a Page area map here.

Being just outside of the tourist town of Page, there are plenty of hotels to accommodate a one-night stay. I have personally stayed at the local Super 8 and the Holiday Inn Express during my stays. However, since it is only a five-hour drive, you can make the trip in one day. I have done this as well and while it makes a long travel day, it can be worth it to sleep in your own bed.

It now costs money to enter Horseshoe Bend. For motorcycles it is $5, private vehicles (cars) it is $10, commercial vans/buses: $35 for up to 14 passengers, $70 up to 35 passengers, and $140 for over 35 passengers (5). Fair warning: the parking lot is on the smaller side and may be full upon arrival. Horseshoe Bend is busiest from 9am to 6pm daily (4).

Once parked, a short hike takes you to the overlook. Approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip, the hike is not long, but challenging to some (5). I recommend comfort over style when picking shoes, at least while heading over because the trail is mostly sand. According to ConnieB on TripAdvisor, the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is “late morning or mid day. The ‘bend and river are in shadow at other times. At or just before sunset, the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. It’s best viewed mid day to early afternoon” (3). I agree with this because while the sunset is nice, you’ll be sure to want your sunglasses otherwise it is right in your eyes.

Extra Things To Do

• Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours: a six-mile off-road adventure to the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon where you will be the only group there at the time. A great advantage if you want a quieter, more preserved slot canyon experience. The guided-trip through the slot canyon will take one hour. The total duration is about two and a half hours. It costs $90 for adults and $65 for children (this includes the Navajo Nation Park Fees). A water bottle is provided. (6)

• Horseshoe Bend Trail Rides: a guided horseback tour to Horseshoe Bend, Lee’s Ferry Overlook, Waterhole Canyon and Loom Rock Range by a Navajo Wrangler. There’s a two-hour Horseshoe Bend Trail Ride. This is limited to six riders per tour and priced at $100 per person. The guide will take you to Horseshoe Bend’s south corner and back to its center. There are also several one-hour Horseshoe Bend Trail Tours. The times range from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The 1-2 p.m. time is not recommended during summer while the 6-7 p.m. is during the summer months only. These tours are also limited to six riders per group and cost $60 per person. This tour will take you to the center of Horseshoe Bend, 50 yards away from the general public for a more private viewing. Find more information here. (7)

Fun Facts

• Horseshoe Bend’s walls contain minerals like hematite, platinum, and garnet (1)

• The overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level (1)

• The Colorado River is 3,200 feet above sea level (1)

• The view is a 1000-foot drop (1)

• A viewing platform and hand rails were added in the Summer 2018 (5)

“A social media darling” (5).

@jasploch

@tinakinnerup

@asudeltagamma