Horseshoe Bend — Attraction in Page City Limits

The most photographed spot in the American Southwest,wonders of the Southwest’s geology. The overlook point, which can be accessed via the town of Page, is particularly popular during sunset when the landscape is at its most vibrant, and the iconic turquoise bend glows against the orange cliffs. Although the desert hike is relatively easy, you won’t encounter much shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset; however, most people visit from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to catch the sunset. Avoid the crowds by going at sunrise or on weekdays.

The city charges $10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle to park in the lot. National park passes do not entitle you to a discount.

Here, the nation’s sixth largest river, which has eaten through the West’s rocky topography for the past 5 million years, curves at a perfect three quarters of a circle around a sandstone escarpment, creating a 270º horseshoe-shaped bend that is 1,000 feet deep and visible from a steep cliff that is accessed via a short .6 mile hiking trail. Overall the time I spent there was 2hours. There is enough parking and a short trail infront to reach the spectacular view.

You'll definitely want a camera, preferably with a wide-angle lens. (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. Drones are not allowed.

If you visit during the winter, dress in layers. You'll likely break a sweat while hiking, but expect to get cold standing on the rim, especially if the wind is blowing.

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.

Horseshoe Bend is a special place whose breathtaking beauty and natural habitats for local wildlife are worth preserving. Adhere to the Leave No Trace principles as much as you possibly can so future visitors may...

Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, is a stunning natural wonder that draws millions to witness the Colorado River’s dramatic 270-degree curve around a towering sandstone escarpment. Located just 5 miles south of Page off Highway 89, this iconic viewpoint requires a short 1.5-mile round-trip hike from a well-maintained parking lot, making it accessible to most visitors, including those with wheelchairs or strollers on the packed dirt trail. The payoff is a breathtaking panorama—standing 1,000 feet above the river, you’re treated to a mesmerizing blend of turquoise water against red rock cliffs, especially striking in the midday light when the canyon’s depths are fully illuminated. The $10 parking fee (cash or card) supports upkeep, and while the lot can fill up during peak seasons, the site’s year-round sunrise-to-sunset access offers flexibility for planning a visit.

The experience at Horseshoe Bend is both awe-inspiring and humbling, though it’s not without its quirks. The trail features two shade structures, but the overlook itself lacks cover, so sun protection and water are essential, especially in summer when temperatures soar. Crowds can swell at sunset—a prime time for photographers—but the fenced central viewpoint and open rim areas provide ample space to soak in the scenery or snap that perfect shot. For a quieter visit, aim for early mornings or weekdays. Beyond the view, its proximity to Page’s other gems like Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell makes it an easy add-on to a broader adventure. Horseshoe Bend delivers a raw, unforgettable taste of the Southwest’s geological majesty, blending accessibility with...

🙋🏻‍♂️People: The woman at the booth we went through (farthest to the left) was very kind and pleasant to talk to. There was also a nice guy who took our picture.

🎈 Experience: We were able to get a parking spot pretty easily. There were A LOT of gnats--we wish we had had some kind of bug spray. The hike wasn't too long, but we still wish we had been better prepared and worn hiking shoes instead of flip-flops. Generally, I'm not a fan of selfie sticks and may sometimes mock those with them, but I'd recommend it here so that you can get a good angle to capture the whole bend if you're trying to take a picture. You can try asking a tall person to take a picture, like I did, but make sure they use their tallness, because our guy did not (my fault for not letting him know that his height was why he had strategically been selected out of a plethora of candidates.

Even though everyone on earth wanted to be there when we were, and it was pretty busy, it was worth it to be there during sunset, especially because the clouds that night were spectacular.

I was not so thrilled that many folks had left their garbage around. I'd recommend channeling your inner Captain Planet, bringing a garbage bag, and doing a good deed by picking up after your fellow humans who are struggling to do it themselves.

,🚀 Do It Again? Of course! Although, I think I particularly enjoyed it because it was only around 75 degrees and just a few hours after a rainstorm. The blazing heat would not be...