Horseshoe Bend is a horse-shoe shaped meander found in the state of Arizona. Meander means a bend in a river formed by lateral erosion, which sounds like the phrase of some crazy geology professor. You’ve probably seen Horseshoe Bend before, it’s one of the most famous places in America. In this article, I’ll give you tips on how you can visit the attraction and enjoy it to the fullest.
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Horseshoe Bend – A Bend in the River in Arizona
The Horseshoe Bend sandstone formation is considered one of nature’s wonders. About 200 million years ago, the Colorado River carved its way here in such a way as to create an arch formation resembling a horse shoe. The river bends 270 degrees here.
The elevation difference between the Horseshoe Bend overlook and the Colorado River bed is 1,001 ft.
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How to Visit Horseshoe Bend
🗺️ Where Is Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a ten minute drive from Page, Arizona. People heading to the Grand Canyon often stop at it because it’s on the way. And they do well to do so, the amazing view and soothing silence are undoubtedly worth it.
The only reasonable mode of transportation is a rental car, Horseshoe Bend is a 4.5 hour drive from Las Vegas.
🎫 Admission to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is not part of any national park, the place is freely accessible. The pay to use is the parking lot, from which it’s about a 2,789 ft walk to the meander along a sandy path. Parking along the road is prohibited.
The fee for using the parking lot is $10.00 per car and $5.00 per motorcycle. I last updated the prices on June 19, 2024.
Parking fees are paid at the entrance station. The America the Beautiful card is not valid at Horseshoe Bend.
🕒 Opening Hours
Horseshoe Bend is open from dawn to sunset.
⌛ Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend
The drive from the parking lot to the Horseshoe Bend overlook and back takes about 30 minutes. Allow about an hour at the site.
Most people are at Horseshoe Bend between 9:00 and 11:00 am and then between 4:30 and 6:30 pm. The best time to visit is just after sunrise, when you will most likely be all alone at the site. You can still avoid the crowds at 8:00.
📷 How to Photograph Horseshoe Bend
The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is just before sunset. Arrive up to an hour in advance. It tends to be very crowded, so don’t spend the sunset in traffic in the parking lot.
You’ll need a wide angle lens and a tripod to get nice photos. It’s pretty windy at Horseshoe Bend, so expect to have sand in your gear.
💡 Good to Know
Be sure to bring a water bottle, sunscreen headgear and sunglasses to the overlook. Especially in the summer months, Arizona tends to be hot and collapsing near one of the most beautiful places in America is not a good experience. I recommend bringing at least 1.5 liters of water per person for a 2 hour stay.
There is no trail to Horseshoe Bend, you walk on hot red sand. You’ll burn your feet in slippers or sandals, and white sneakers will set the agenda for an evening at the sink, but it’s still the better option.
Flying a drone over Horseshoe Bend is prohibited.
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Best Horseshoe Bend Tours
You can enhance your tour of Horseshoe Bend with an experience organized by someone else. I’ve chosen the one that most appealed to me.
🚌 A Trip to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon From Las Vegas
The bus trip is a good option for those who won’t have their own car. You will see Glen Canyon Dam with the meander of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon with your own eyes. The name may not tell you anything, but once you see it in a photo, you’ll definitely recognize it.
The advantage is leaving and returning back to Las Vegas. Total experience time is around 13 hours, lunch, snacks and water are included.
🚁 Helicopter Tour Over Horseshoe Bend
A cheaper version of the helicopter scenic flight takes 10-12 minutes, during which you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. The flight departs from Page, Arizona.
I enjoyed a similar helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon years ago, and although I’ve traveled much of the world since then, I fondly remember the experience. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter, I recommend paying for a flight.
🌄 Helicopter Flight With Landing in Tower Butte
The second sightseeing helicopter flight is more expensive, but also significantly longer. It takes around 30 minutes in total, with the helicopter landing on the sandstone top of Tower Butte for another 20 minutes.
During the flight, you will of course see Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. Departure and return is to the airport in Page, Arizona. If you desire a helicopter flight and are not constrained by budget, I highly recommend this experience.
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Photos of Horseshoe Bend
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