Arizona – Horseshoe Bend
If you’ve done any research for a trip to the American Southwest, then you’ve seen a picture of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona. Located just south of Page and Lake Powell area of Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. By walking/hiking in, you reach a scenic viewpoint of the bend and it is stunning. When looking on Googlemaps, I assumed the bend was right off of the road, but that is not quite the case. From the parking lot right off the road, it is a 1.25 mile round trip hike to visit the bend. It is worth the walk – just be sure to bring some water!
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Horseshoe Bend
To reach Horseshoe Bend, prepare for a walk that is a little over a half mile each direction. The trail is gentle, but is quite sandy with a few hills to conquer. When we visited, it looked like they were doing some trail construction to make the trail even more gradual, add shade and sitting spots. Although generally accessible, the heat and the walk could be tough for some people.
When approaching Horseshoe Bend, you do not see it until you are practically on top of it. That is because you are viewing the bend from a steep cliff above the bend. It is a geological wonder how the river has carved this deep canyon into the horseshoe-shape. We took our time and enjoyed the view of the river. There were kayakers camping out on the center of the bend, which were also fun to watch.
There is a formal viewing platform with railings, which I recommend viewing the bend from if you want to lean over and get a good view. Many others would venture onto the rocks surrounding, but it was very nerve-wracking with the giant cliff. I do not have a fear of heights, but the slippery footing made me worry for the people trying to get the “perfect shot”. Our guide in Antelope Canyon mentioned how there are at least a few serious injuries each year at this location and I could understand why. You can see the bend and enjoy its beauty without being a daredevil, so don’t let this hold you back from visiting!
At a Glance:
- Rating: 3 (out of 4) stars, would go back in the early morning
- Intensity: Casual clothes and shoes to walk in for 1.25 miles on a sandy trail
- Location: Northern Arizona
- Cost: Free
- Restrooms: None
- Timing: 45 mins to 1 hour
Highlights:
- Gorgeous view of the Colorado River
Lowlights:
- No shade and very hot in the summer
- Very busy
Shop the Look
Why visit Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is a lovely quick stop that you can do at any time of day (mind the heat). It is a great way to gently stretch your legs, of you’ve been driving for long periods of time. It is an activity that can be squeezed in to see more of the area and wonder at the power of nature. Of course, it is great for families. If you are staying in Page or Lake Powell area, give it a go!
Unless you go at sunrise, do not expect to have solitude on the trail. This is a heavily trafficked trail with tour buses often in the parking lot. I wouldn’t let this dissuade you though because the bend itself is large with people spread out. If the parking lot is full, try another time of day.
Getting There
We drove to Horseshoe Bend using googlemaps. It took us about two and a half to three hours to reach Horsehoe Bend from the Grand Canyon North Rim. For detailed directions to the North Rim, you can take a look on the National Park website.
Overall Thoughts: Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is busy, yet fun way to experience the Colorado River. Although only a scenic viewpoint, the bend is pretty spectacular. I didn’t let the crowds bother me and I really enjoyed our visit to Horseshoe Bend. From Lake Powell, we did a loop to apply for the wave permits (we arrived an hour late – whoops!) and visit the following areas:
- Playing with Kittens at the Best Friends Visitor’s Center in Kanab
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
- Grand Canyon North Rim
This was a big driving day, but boy was it a beautiful drive. You go from the desert area of Lake Powell to the forests surrounding the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and gorgeous landscapes in between. Having these stops along the way, including Horseshoe Bend made the day special instead of just passing by in the car.
What other places in the Lake Powell/Page area have you visited? I think it would be fun to rent a houseboat on Lake Powell for a few nights and see some of the areas that are better accessible by boat. Have you done something like this? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
