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Did you know that Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed landscapes in the United States? Did you know that it gets over two million visitors a year? This landmark is an iconic part of the U.S. and it’s considered a must-see bucket-list destination for any serious traveler. But is it really worth all the hype?

If you’re wondering if Horseshoe Bend is worth visiting, you’ve come to the right place. After experiencing Horseshoe Bend ourselves, on two separate occasions, we can answer that question with confidence. YES — it’s worth visiting! The scenery is literally breathtaking! And the cherry on top? No difficult hike is required to get there.

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What is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking natural wonder located in northern Arizona, where the Colorado River takes a sharp turn and twists itself into the shape of a horseshoe. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend has become the most recognized and visited place in the area, thanks in large part to social media.

For a small fee, you can park at the overlook and walk the 3/4 mile trail to the viewpoint, anytime between dawn and dusk. You’ll take the same trail back to the parking area, making it 1.5 miles round trip. Most visitors spend a little over an hour here. This is a really popular spot to visit, so it’s very unlikely that you’ll have the trail to yourself.

Where is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is located in northern Arizona, just a short drive from the tiny town of Page. It’s about four hours from Las Vegas, two hours from the Grand Canyon, and just a few minutes from Antelope Canyon. The parking area for Horseshoe Bend is right off Route 89, the main route into town, making it hard to miss.

The town of Page has a population of less than 10,000 people, but the surrounding area has so much to see and explore, that it sees more than four million visitors annually! People come from all over the world to explore the nearby canyons, lakes, dams, and Navajo lands. It’s also considered the gateway to the very popular Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, as well as Lake Powell.

Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are all great cities to start your journey from if you plan on taking a flight to get to Horseshoe Bend. These major airports all offer international and domestic flights and plenty of car rentals. Once you arrive, just pick up your rental vehicle and you can start your Arizona or Utah road trip.

Is Horseshoe Bend Free?

Horseshoe Bend is ‘technically’ free to visit, but parking costs $10 per vehicle. Since the fee is only for parking, National Park Passes do not get you in for free. You are not allowed to park on the side of the road, so if the lot is full, you will be asked to return at a different time. We’ve also heard that visitors are not allowed to be dropped off, although this is likely an uncommon occurrence given the rural location.

The parking lot at Horseshoe Bend was expanded in 2018 because the site became some popular that visitors were parking all along Route 89, causing safety and traffic concerns. A fence was also built into a portion of the canyon rim in 2018 after multiple deaths were reported of people falling off the canyon’s edge. Much of the rim is still open though, so it’s important to watch your footing.

The National Park Service continues to maintain and improve the area today, with plans to expand parking even further in the coming years. It’s certainly become a tourist hot spot and that won’t change any time soon. So with the large crowds and increased tourism, is Horseshoe Bend still worth visiting? We say yes!

Is the Hike to Horseshoe Bend Hard?

Horseshoe Bend is very easy to access — just park in the large parking lot found at the beginning of the trail, just off Route 89. From there, it’s just a short trek to the overlook from the parking lot. The trail is relatively easy and flat, with a very gradual incline leading down to the canyon rim. This means you’ll be walking uphill on your way back to the parking lot, but it’s very mild. The breathtaking view of the Colorado River makes every step worth it.

The trail to the overlook is 3/4 mile. You’ll take the same trail back to the parking area, making it 1.5 miles round trip. Horseshoe Bend is open from dawn to dusk every day of the week. The walk itself takes about 20 minutes one way. The trail is wide, with plenty of room to pass, so if you need to take your time, there’s no need to worry. You’ll also find two shaded rest areas along the way. Apart from the two small shaded areas, there is no protection from the sun on this trail.

Once you reach the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of a unique and distinctive bend in the river that was formed over thousands of years by the Colorado River. Most people spend a little over an hour here during their visit, sometimes longer. It’s just so beautiful that once you arrive at the viewpoint, it’s hard to leave.

Is Horseshoe Bend Worth Visiting?

Jake Standing at Horseshoe Bend Overlook

Horseshoe Bend may not be the hidden gem it once was, but it’s still absolutely worth visiting! After all, things are usually popular for a reason, right? It’s a short and easy trail with an epic view, and it’s close to several other worthwhile attractions, so how can it not be worth it?

It just wouldn’t make sense to skip Horseshoe Bend if you’re in the area. And this place is perfect for any road trip that involves Utah or Arizona. Within just a few hours of Horseshoe Bend, you’ll find numerous national parks, including the Grand Canyon, several stunning lakes, deep and dramatic canyons, hidden sandstone caves, and so much more.

Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Most people visit early in the morning, or between 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to watch the sunset. To avoid the large crowds, it’s best to visit in the late morning or early afternoon.

The canyon is deep, so the sun doesn’t do much for it unless it’s right overhead, so you’ll also get the best lighting if you visit midday. Although, some of the dramatic canyon colors fade in the bright light, so some people prefer it when the sun’s not overhead. We visited once at sunrise, and once midday, and both trips were equally stunning.

Has Anyone Died at Horseshoe Bend?

Sadly, too many people have lost their lives at Horseshoe Bend from falling over the cliff’s rim. In 2018, the National Park Service installed a railing to prevent falls, but it only covers a small portion of the overlook. Even after the railing was installed, several people have fallen,

Despite the small fenced area, you’ll still find plenty of fence-free areas where you can take photos. Just don’t go too close to the edge! The fall is more than 1,000 feet to the river below. You can get really great photos without jeopardizing your safety. A photo is never worth the price of your life.

Things To Do Near Horseshoe Bend

Can You See Antelope Canyon Without A Tour

Because Horseshoe Bend is such a short and easy trail, it makes for a relatively quick stop. It’s best to include it as part of a road trip while exploring other parts of Arizona or Utah. The nearest popular attraction to Horseshoe Bend is the incredible Antelope Canyon.

You’ll also find the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area nearby, as well as Lake Powell. Some of the popular activities to do in the area include canyon tours, boating, kayaking, fishing, and ATV adventures. If you’re interested in making the most of your time in this area, you can read about the various activities, tours, and houseboat rentals here.

Where to Stay Near Horseshoe Bend

Page is a small town of fewer than 10,000 people, but it has no shortage of hotels. Visitors come to this tiny remote town from all over the world to see Horseshoe Bend and the famous surrounding slot canyons, so there’s a large number of hotels in the area. In fact, it seems like the town is made up of nothing but hotels as you’re driving through it.

You won’t find any luxury options here though. It’s a simple town with standard chain hotel options. Fortunately, there are a few highly-rated chain hotels that will meet every traveler’s needs though. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and had a great experience.

OUR TOP HOTEL PICKS NEAR ANTELOPE CANYON

▶︎ Want to see more hotels in Page, Arizona? Head here to Booking.com

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!