How To Visit Horseshoe Bend Arizona (And Why You Really Should)

The first time I walked up to the edge of Horseshoe Bend Arizona, my jaw pretty much hit the floor. Photos don’t prepare you for how massive it feels, or how close you can get to the edge of that drop. Everything I saw in pictures was nothing compared to seeing it in real life.

If you’re planning a Southwest trip or passing through Page, Arizona, this is one of those quick stops that is definitely worth it. It’s easy to get to, doesn’t require a huge time commitment, and it’s totally doable with kids.

But it also helps to know a few things ahead of time – like the best time to go, how to avoid the heat and the crowds, and what to bring. So here’s everything I learned from my visit, plus tips to help you make the most of your own.

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Where Is Horseshoe Bend, Arizona?

Horseshoe Bend is tucked into the corner of northern Arizona, just outside the town of Page. It’s right along Highway 89, about 5 minutes south of Page and less than 2 hours from the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.

If you’re planning a family road trip like we took, through Northern Arizona or Southern Utah, this is a super easy stop to work into your route.

On our road trip, we stopped at Horseshoe Bend, and then made our way to the secret hidden cave behind the Shall gas station in Page. Yes, there’s really a hidden cave, and yes it’s totally worth stopping at!

How to Visit Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is incredibly easy to visit, which is part of what makes it so popular. There’s a dedicated parking lot right off US-89, just south of Page. You’ll spot the signs well before the turnoff, and it’s hard to miss.

Parking & Fees

There’s no admission fee to visit, but parking costs $10 per vehicle, and National Park passes aren’t accepted. You can pay at a kiosk in the lot before walking to the overlook.

The Trail to the Viewpoint

From the parking lot, it’s a 0.6-mile walk each way on a mostly flat, sandy trail. There’s a small uphill stretch at the start, and it can feel longer in the heat.

Overall it’s manageable for most visitors, including families with kids. My 6 year old was perfectly fine, we just made sure to slather some sunscreen on him first.

The path is wide and exposed with no shade, so bring water, wear sun protection, and avoid the midday heat if you can. (Trust me, Arizona sun doesn’t mess around.)

When to Visit Horseshoe Bend

You can visit Horseshoe Bend any time of year, but your experience will totally depend on the season, time of day, and even the weather.

Best Time of Year

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal. The temperatures are more manageable, especially if you’re hiking with kids or just want to enjoy the view without melting into the sandstone.

Summer can be brutal, with temps soaring above 100°F and no shade on the trail. If you’re visiting in the hotter months, go early in the morning or close to sunset. Whatever you do, avoid midday in summer. And bring lots of water.

Winter can be chilly, especially early in the day, but it’s less crowded and still totally worth it if you’re bundled up. Plus, the sun angle in winter makes for some gorgeous golden-hour photos.

Best Time of Day

If you want that iconic sun-glinting-off-the-water shot, mid to late morning is great, around 9 to 11 a.m. That’s when the sunlight hits the Colorado River just right.

But if you want fewer people, try going right after sunrise or later in the evening near sunset. Just keep in mind the canyon walls will cast long shadows across the bend later in the day, so photos may look different than the bright ones you see online.

I visited in the morning and found the lighting pretty good. Had some shadows right at the bend but the water shimmered, the sandstone glowed, and it wasn’t too hot yet. I highly recommend aiming for that sweet spot!

What To Bring To Horseshoe Bend

Even though the walk to Horseshoe Bend is short (just under 1.5 miles round-trip), the Arizona desert is no joke. Here’s what I recommend bringing, especially if you’re visiting with kids or during warmer months:

• Water – There’s no shade or water stations along the trail so bring your water bottles.
• Sunscreen & sunglasses – That sun is intense. Even on a cooler day, it’s easy to get sunburned.
• Hat – Wide-brimmed hats are a lifesaver, especially for younger kids.
• Sturdy shoes – The trail is sandy, slightly uphill, and can be slippery in spots. Leave the flip-flops in the car, and wear sneakers instead.
• Camera or phone – You’ll want to capture that view! And if you have a wide-angle lens, now’s the time to use it.

Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend

This was one of the most jaw-dropping stops on our Southwest US road trip, and a surprisingly easy one too. Still, there are a few things I wish I’d known before we went.

Here are my top tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Go early or late for the best light

We were there in the morning. The view was incredible, it wasn’t too crowded, and the sun wasn’t killing us yet.

If you want a little space to yourself, plan for early morning or just before sunset. The lighting is better for photos, and it’s easier to find a good spot at the rim.

Be prepared for heat

Even in spring or fall, the sun can be intense. There’s no shade on the trail, and the exposed rock radiates heat.

Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and toss on a hat, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Parking is easy but not free

There’s a designated lot right at the trailhead, and when we visited, it cost $10 per vehicle. You pay at a kiosk and they only accepted credit cards.

It’s a quick, flat walk from there, a little more than a half mile each way, but the surface is sandy and dry, so closed-toe shoes are a good idea.

Stay behind the railings or step carefully

There’s a main viewing area with guardrails, which is a great place to take photos safely. If you decide to venture away from the crowds for a different angle, just know there are no barriers.

The cliffs drop straight down. It’s not somewhere to let kids run ahead. I cannot stress this enough.

Seriously, look at that drop off!

Consider a wide-angle or pano shot

The river bend is way bigger than it looks in photos. If you’re hoping to capture the full curve, a wide-angle lens or a phone pano setting makes a big difference. The scale is hard to believe when you’re standing there.

Make it a stop, not a full-day destination

Horseshoe Bend only takes about an hour or two, including the walk and photo time. We did it as a quick stop between Zion National Park and Four Corners during our family road trip, and it worked perfectly.

Leave no trace

Listen, it should go without saying, but alas, it needs to be said. Leave no trace! Pack out what you pack in, leave nature alone, and be considerate of others.