Horseshoe Bend Arizona

Horseshoe Bend Overview

Located near the town of Page, Arizona, and Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend is a sharp, curvy turn, bent into a horseshoe shape from which it gets its name.

Every year, over a million visitors, travel to see the surprising rock formations and different types of animals and plants, making the Horseshoe Bend Hike destination incredibly popular.

Horseshoe Bend Stats

Route Type: Out and Back

Distance: 1.25 miles round trip

Starting Elevation: 4214 feet

Elevation of Peak: 4373 feet

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Horseshoe Bend Trail Information

Hiking Time: You can explore the Horseshoe Bend Hike trail from 30 minutes to an hour.

Difficulty: It’s a beautiful and easy hike.

Terrain: The terrain around the area of Horseshoe Bend is sand and sandstone.

Accessibility: Year-round

How to Get to Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend Coordinates

The Horseshoe Bend area is located in Page, U.S. with the GPS coordinates of 36° 52′ 44.6556” N and 111° 30′ 36.72” W.

Directions to Horseshoe Bend

Around 5 miles away from Glen Canyon Dam, there is a sign that says Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Turn right at the sign and ascend until you reach a small hill. There’s a parking lot at the base of the hill for vehicles; cars can’t go beyond this point. Horseshoe Bend is located just south of Page, Arizona.

Trailhead Elevation

The elevation at the trailhead is 4327 feet.

Parking at Horseshoe Bend

Parking is available at 10 a.m. or between 4 and 6 p.m.

Vehicles can park at the base of the hill. However, on holiday season weekends, the parking lot may fill up early so be there early if you can.

Fees

Motorcycle: $5
Passenger vehicles (car, truck, SUV, RV, motorhome): $10
Commercial vans with a passenger capacity of 14 or less: $35*
Mid-sized commercial and tour buses with a passenger capacity of 15-35: $70*
Full-size buses with a passenger capacity of 35 or more: $140*

*commercial and touring vehicle fees are determined by vehicle size, not the number of passengers it is carrying

Horseshoe Bend Weather

The climate in the area changes according to the season because of its high elevation.

Sign transcription:
Horseshoe Bend Hike – Read This Before You Go

You are about to take a 3/4 mile (1.21 km) hike up and down a hill to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. This viewpoint is of a 270° curve in the Colorado River.

There are no railings at the viewpoint. It is a 1,000 foot (305 m) drop to the river below. The rocks below are not always stable. Be aware of where you are standing. Watch your children.

There is no shade of any kind on this trail. Please protect yourself from the desert sun. Wear a hat and use sunscreen. Bring water with you and drink it.

The terrain is rough. The trail begins sandy, then become rocky and uneven towards the viewpoint. Watch your step.

The weather can become dangerous and can change very quickly. Look out for dark clouds – lightning may not be far behind. In the event of a storm, quickly return to your vehicle.

There are no restrooms or trash receptacles on this trail. Please use a restroom elsewhere before you begin your hike. There are restrooms at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Pack out any trash you bring in. Leave this area as beautiful as you found it.

In an emergency call 911 or 928-608-6300.