Just don't venture too close to the edge! The sandstone can be slick, and the fall is more than 1,000 feet to the river below. There, you can appreciate the iconic scenery, set up a tripod to capture the sunset or pose for a picture with your travel companions. For a barrier-free view of the blue-green waters below, venture to either side of the overlook. 6 miles from the north end of the parking lot to a fenced overlook added in 2018. You'll likely break a sweat while hiking, but expect to get cold standing on the rim, especially if the wind is blowing.Ī new trail that meets Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards winds. If you visit during the winter, dress in layers. (Most cell phones can capture the view using a wide-angle setting or in panorama mode.) If you don’t have a telephoto lens, consider bringing binoculars to watch rafters navigating the river's bend below. You'll definitely want a camera, preferably with a wide-angle lens. National park passes do not entitle you to a discount. The city charges $10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle to park in the lot.

Sunscreen-there's very little shade on the trail or at the rimĪlthough the national park service doesn’t charge an admission fee to Horseshoe Bend, the parking lot is located on property owned by Page.

Pack light snacks, and dress appropriately for a desert hike. Bring 1 liter per person for every two hours. Water is a must, especially during the summer. You'll encounter fewer visitors in the early afternoon, but temperatures peak during these hours, and the canyon walls lack the vibrant colors they have earlier and later in the day thanks to the intensity of the sun's rays. Avoid the crowds by going at sunrise or on weekdays. Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset however, most people visit from 9 to 11 a.m. You are not allowed to park on the side of the road or drop anyone off. If the lot is full, staff will ask you to return later.

Watch for the parking lot on the west side of the road at mile marker 544, just before entering the town of Page.

To get to Horseshoe Bend from Flagstaff, take Highway 89 north approximately 125 miles.

Start in Flagstaff, Arizona's third-largest city about two hours north of Phoenix. Not an easy feat, considering nearby is Antelope Canyon and the second-largest manmade lake in the United States, Lake Powell. Formed when the Colorado River looped around an impassable sandstone escarpment, Horseshoe Bend is one of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's more famous highlights.

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