Exploring iconic Horseshoe Bend is a must on the top things to do near Lake Powell, Arizona. This popular place is extremely busy and it is best to try to avoid the rush of visitors between 9 am and 6 pm. View photo galley of Horseshoe Bend.
Improvements have recently been made to the area. A safe viewing platform with rails has been installed and a new accessible trail created. The parking area has been expanded and a parking fee has been implemented. A car will cost $10. There is parking for 310 cars and 18 buses. If the parking is full, do not park on highway US 89 or you will be ticketed and towed. The city of Page operates a shuttle occasionally, but there is no shuttle available at this time.
Horseshoe Bend viewing area
The trail to the viewing platform is down a hill about 1.5 miles/2.4 kilometers from the parking area. Much of the rim does not have a safety rail. Watch your footing. You can easily fall or trip. The only shade is at the top of the hill so be sure to pace yourself accordingly.
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Discover iconic Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell, Arizona. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Keep Safe at Horseshoe Bend
- The terrain is very rough and uneven in areas. Be aware of your footing.
- Use extreme caution when viewing the rim from areas where the safety rails have not been installed. Ledges and overhangs may look sturdy, but they are not stable and can crumble or collapse into the canyon below taking you with it.
Discover iconic Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell, Arizona. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Make sure to keep an eye on your children.
- This can be a very dangerous place, remember that there is a 1,000 feet/305 meter drop to the Colorado River below.
Discover iconic Horseshoe Bend near Lake Powell, Arizona. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Plan your visit to avoid the hottest time of the day.
- Remember to use sunscreen and wear a hat as there is no shade along the trail. Two new shade shelters opened in 2018.
- Take drinking water.
- Wear good sturdy hiking or walking shoes. We have seen many people wearing sandals or flip flops at the site.
- Watch where you walk and place your hands. There are rattlesnakes in the area.
- Weather can rapidly change. Be aware of dark clouds that may form and bring lightning. Return to your car immediately if this happens.
Quick Facts:
- There is a 1,000 feet/305 meter drop to the Colorado River below.
- The Colorado River is at a 279 degree curve at the viewpoint.
- Navajo sandstone is the name of the orange-coloured stone in the area. Made from Jurassic age sand dunes, this sandstone layer is the largest in the United States.
Getting there
From the Glen Canyon Dam and Carl B. Hayden Visitor Center, it is about a 10 minute drive to the parking lot travelling along Highway US 89.
Take a float trip
Take a half day 15-mile float trip down the gentle Colorado River to some of the most incredible sites in the area. The trip starts at the foot of the Glen Canyon Dam and includes Horseshoe Bend as viewed from the water, historic Lees Ferry and a road trip back passing Vermillion Cliffs.
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