Horseshoe Bend is that picturesque view of the Colorado River you have probably seen on countless screensavers and travel photos. From the roughly 1,000-foot overlook, the Colorado River curves dramatically around the sandstone below. If you are visiting the American Southwest, Horseshoe Bend is an easy stop to add to your itinerary.
To help plan your visit, our adventure travel family is sharing what we learned from visiting Horseshoe Bend with kids, including how to get there, what to bring, what the hike is really like, and important safety tips for families.
What is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend was formed over millions of years as the Colorado River slowly eroded through the surrounding sandstone. The result is an incised meander, where the river curves dramatically through steep canyon walls.
Standing at the roughly 1,000-foot overlook, it is hard not to be impressed by the scale of the landscape and the Colorado River far below.
Getting to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is located just outside Page, Arizona. From Page, drive south on US Highway 89 for about 5 miles. The turnoff for the Horseshoe Bend parking lot is well marked, between mile markers 545 and 544.
Use the designated parking lot rather than parking or dropping anyone off along Highway 89. The parking area is operated by the City of Page, while Horseshoe Bend itself is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The Basics
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Parking Fee: $10 per car, truck, SUV, RV, or motorhome; $5 per motorcycle
Plan to Spend: 1–2 hours
There is no separate admission fee or reservation required for Horseshoe Bend, but the City of Page parking fee is mandatory, and National Park passes are not accepted.
What to Bring
Remember, you are hiking through the desert, and there is very little shade along the trail or at the viewpoint. Two shade structures with benches provide some relief along the way, but you should still come prepared for the sun.
Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and choose sturdy walking shoes for the trail. Keep an eye on the weather and, especially during the warmer months, try to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Bathrooms
Restrooms are available near the parking area and trailhead, but they are vault toilets rather than full-service bathrooms. There is also no drinking water available at Horseshoe Bend, so make sure to bring enough water.
The Hike
Hike Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Trail: Hardened, accessible path
Once you have parked, it is a 0.75-mile walk to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail follows a wide, hardened path through the desert and is generally an easy walk for families. The trail is accessible, though the heat and lack of shade can make the hike more difficult during the warmer parts of the day.
We found the walk manageable with the girls, but this is definitely one of those hikes where the desert conditions matter more than the distance itself.
Railings & Safety
Once you reach the overlook, there is a designated viewing platform with steel railings. However, much of the surrounding rim remains completely exposed to the roughly 1,000-foot drop.
Be extremely cautious if you leave the protected viewing area, especially with children. Keep everyone well back from the edge and do not move closer simply to get a better photo. The sandstone terrain can be uneven, and there is no barrier along most of the rim. Play with camera angles and perspective instead of taking unnecessary risks.
The Family Verdict
Horseshoe Bend was well worth the hike. The overlook is even more impressive in person, and seeing the tiny boats far below really helped put the canyon’s size into perspective for the girls. It was an easy stop to add to our Southwest road trip and one of those views that absolutely lived up to the photos.
Make sure to check out our adventures in nearby Montezuma Castle, Slide Rock, Sedona, Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, Petrified Forest National Park, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. Also, follow along on our road trip through the American Southwest!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
