Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander located in the state of Arizona. A meander is a bend in a river formed by erosional activity on the outer side of the river and sediment accumulation on the inner side. You’ve probably seen Horseshoe Bend before, as it is one of the most famous landmarks in America. In this article, I will guide you on how to visit this attraction and make the most of your experience.
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Horseshoe Bend – A River Bend in Arizona
The sandstone formation of Horseshoe Bend is considered one of nature’s wonders. Millions of years ago, the Colorado River carved its path here in such a way that a crescent-shaped formation resembling a horseshoe was created. The river here makes a 270° turn.
The elevation difference between the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint and the Colorado River bed is 1,001 ft.
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How to Visit Horseshoe Bend
🗺️ Where Horseshoe Bend Is Located
Horseshoe Bend is located just ten minutes by car from the town of Page in Arizona. Many people stop here on their way to the Grand Canyon, as it is on the way. And they are right to do so—the stunning view and the calming silence are undoubtedly worth it.
The most practical way to get there is by rental car, as it is a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas.
🎫 Admission to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is not part of any national park, and the site is freely accessible. There is a fee for using the parking lot, which is about 2,789 ft from the meander along a sandy path on foot. Parking along the road is prohibited.
The parking fee is $10.00 for a car and $5.00 for a motorcycle. The prices were last updated on March 18, 2025.
The parking fee is paid at the entrance station. The America the Beautiful pass is not valid at Horseshoe Bend.
🕒 Hours of Operation
Horseshoe Bend is open from dawn until sunset.
⌛ Best Time to Visit Horseshoe Bend
The walk from the parking lot to the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint and back takes about 25-30 minutes. Plan to spend about an hour at the site.
The busiest times at Horseshoe Bend are between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM and then again between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The best time to visit is right after sunrise when you’re likely to be completely alone. You can avoid crowds by arriving before 8:00 AM.
📷 How to Photograph Horseshoe Bend
The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is just before sunset. Arrive up to an hour ahead of time. It can get crowded, so be sure to avoid getting stuck in a parking lot traffic jam during sunset.
For great photos, you’ll need a wide-angle lens and a tripod. It’s windy at Horseshoe Bend, so expect to have sand in your equipment.
💡 What to Know
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to the viewpoint. It gets very hot in Arizona, especially in the summer, and collapsing near one of the most beautiful spots in America is not a pleasant experience. I recommend bringing at least 1.5 liters of water per person for every two hours of your stay.
There are no designated trails to Horseshoe Bend; you’ll walk across the hot red sand. Wearing flip-flops or sandals will burn your feet, and wearing white sneakers will lead to a cleaning project later, but it’s still a better choice.
Drones are prohibited above Horseshoe Bend.
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Tips for Organized Experiences
Enhance your visit to Horseshoe Bend with an organized experience planned by professionals. I have selected the most intriguing options for you.
🚌 Tour to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas
A bus tour is a great option for those without a personal vehicle. You’ll witness the Glen Canyon Dam, the Horseshoe Bend meander, and Antelope Canyon. The name might not sound familiar, but once you see a photo, you’ll recognize it instantly.
The advantage of this tour is the round-trip service from Las Vegas. The total experience lasts around 13 hours and includes lunch, a snack, and bottled water.
🚁 Helicopter Scenic Flight Over Horseshoe Bend
A more affordable helicopter tour option lasts 10–12 minutes, offering a bird’s-eye view of Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. The flight departs from Page, Arizona.
A few years ago, I had the chance to take a similar scenic flight over the Grand Canyon, and even after traveling extensively since then, I still cherish the memory. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter before, I highly recommend booking a flight.
🌄 Helicopter Flight with Landing on Tower Butte
This second helicopter tour is more expensive but significantly longer. The total duration is about 30 minutes, including a 20-minute landing atop the sandstone formation of Tower Butte.
During the flight, you’ll take in breathtaking views of Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam. Departures and returns are from the airport in Page, Arizona. If you’re eager for a helicopter flight and your budget allows, I highly recommend this experience.
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Photos of Horseshoe Bend
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