Horseshoe Bend
4.8(23K)google
4.7(872)yelp
River
Overview
Horseshoe Bend is an iconic, horseshoe-shaped meander carved by the mighty Colorado River over millions of years near Page, Arizona. Standing on the sheer sandstone cliffs looking down 1,000 feet, visitors are treated to a monumental panorama of emerald green river waters flowing in a dramatic 270-degree curve around a massive rock pedestal. The hike from the parking area is short but exposed to the desert sun, culminating in an awe-inspiring overlook. Photographers flock here during sunrise and sunset when the shifting light paints the Navajo sandstone canyons in rich shades of orange, gold, and deep purple, capturing the essence of Southwest geologic grandeur.
Practical Info
Mon5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tue5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wed5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thu5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Fri5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sat5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sun5:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeIt's highly recommended to go at sunset, when the setting sun slowly dips right in front of Horseshoe Bend, rendering the entire red-brown canyon and the green Colorado River incredibly magnificent; going at midday lets you photograph the emerald river water without shadows
Getting ThereLocated beside US-89 just a 5-minute drive south of downtown Page. The site entrance is very conspicuous; entry requires a government parking fee per vehicle, and the U.S. National Park annual pass is not valid here
Travel Tips
- This is a perfect 270-degree super bend formed by the Colorado River as it flows around a giant red-sandstone mesa, carved by hundreds of millions of years of violent erosion—extremely visually stunning
- Walking from the parking lot to the clifftop overlook requires a one-way paved trail of about 0.75 miles (1.2 km), with absolutely no large trees or buildings for shade along the way; the summer sun makes heatstroke very easy
- The cliff has a vertical drop of up to 1,000 feet (about 300 m), and apart from the main overlook, most of the edge has no guardrails at all; be sure to stand firmly when taking photos and never get too close to the edge chasing a thrilling angle
Reviews
Positive
- When you actually stand at the thousand-foot cliff edge and look down, the emerald river wraps around the red boulders, and that grand sense of space instantly gives you goosebumps—so stunning!
- The trail is built very smoothly, so easy that even strollers and wheelchairs can get there easily. The sunset glow paired with the great canyon bend is one of the most stunning views in the U.S.
- The U-shaped horseshoe bend of the Colorado River is spectacular; seeing it in person is far more powerful and massive than in pictures.
- The trail from the parking lot to the overlook has been paved into a flat, accessible pathway, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Sturdy safety railings have been installed at the main cliff edge, ensuring visitor safety without ruining the photographic angles.
- The rim area is vast, so even with many tourists around, you can easily find a spot to take a clean photo without people in your shot.
Heads up
- There are super many visitors, and the overlook railing is packed with people; taking a photo with no random passerby in the background requires great patience. Walking that stretch in summer really feels like sitting in an oven
- They now charge a hefty parking fee per vehicle, yet there are no other amenities except for this single overlook, making it feel like a cash grab.
- Even though it's only a 15-minute walk, the intense desert summer heat and total lack of shade can cause rapid dehydration.
- Aside from the cliff itself, the surrounding area is barren with minimal commercial facilities; you must use the restroom or buy water at the entrance.
- Direct midday sun creates harsh shadows in the canyon and flat lighting; early morning or sunset is much better for photography.