Horseshoe Bend is that picturesque view of the Colorado River on just about every screen saver. The iconic viewpoint atop the 1000-foot overlook is visited by over over one million people each year. If you are visiting the American Southwest, a trip to Horseshoe Bend is an absolute must! To help guide your adventures around this iconic geological wonder, our adventure travel family is bringing you our ultimate guide for visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids! Join our adventures as we guide you through the planning your visit to Horseshoe Bend.
What is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is the result of millions of years of the mighty Colorado River eroding away at the bedrock. This “incised meander” is essentially a river channel with steep slopes on both sides.
But, as you stand at the top of the 1000-foot overlook, you cannot help but gasp its awe-inspiring beauty.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #1:
Getting to Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is located just outside of Page, Arizona. From Page, drive southeast on Highway 89 for approximately 5 miles. There is a large parking lot with signs that direct you to Horseshoe Bend.
It is important not to park on Highway 89 or drop anyone off along the road.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #2:
The Basics
| Hours | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Entrance Cost | $5 per motorcycle and $10 per car, truck, RV |
| Tour Time | 1-2 hours |
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #3:
What to Bring
Remember you are out in the desert. There is no shade at the viewpoint. There are however, two shade structures alone the trail to reach it.
Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and sun glasses. While the path is grated dirt, you really need sturdy shoes as well.
Remember to keep an eye on the weather and try to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #4:
Bathrooms
There is no running water at Horseshoe Bend. But, they do have buildings that contain pit toilets. There are no sinks for hand washing afterwards.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #5:
The Hike
Once you have paid your fees and parked, it is now time to walk through the desert landscape along the Horseshoe Bend Trail. This is an moderate 0.75 mile walk along a grated dirt path. The hike takes about 20-30 minutes and is suitable for strollers.
| Hike Distance | 1.5 miles round-trip |
| Elevation Gain | 137 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids Tip #6:
Railings & Safety
Once you reach the end of the trail, there is a section of concrete that is equipped with steel railings. This is the only spot along the edge that has railings.
It’s important to exercise caution near the other viewpoints. While you may be able to capture stunning photos and enjoy breathtaking views of Horseshoe Bend, be mindful of the surroundings. The sandstone can be surprisingly slippery, especially near the edges. Play with camera angles and prospectives, rather than moving closer to the edge.
It’s especially important to keep a close eye on children in these areas to ensure their safety.
The Family Verdict
Horseshoe Bend was well worth the hike! It was really beautiful and so big! To put the great size of the canyon in perspective, you can see a tiny spec of a boat cruising the river below.
Make sure to check out our adventures in nearby Lower Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, 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.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
Basics:
Outdoors:
- Pocket Binoculars
- Travel Umbrella
- Adult Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Kid’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Water Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Microfiber Towels
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
