If Arizona isn’t on your travel list yet then it sure will be after knowing about the famous Horseshoe Bend Hike. We’ve gone hiking in Phoenix, Tucson, and the iconic Grand Canyon so we felt like we couldn’t miss out on Horseshoe Bend.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend has become way more accessible over the years which makes it so much easier to hike up to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. With tourism at an all-time high the world knows about Arizona’s beauty for more than the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam by now, and places like Horseshoe Bend have turned into photoshoot hotspots.
In this post, you can find lots of information about the hike that you may need. We’re also gonna share when the best time of the day to go is, what you should bring, and things you should know about before going.
Practical information about Horseshoe Bend Overlook Hike
Distance: 2.1km return / 1.5 miles return
Elevation: 61 m / 200 ft. elevation gain
Type: Out and back
Length: 30 minute return
Difficulty: Very easy (But it can be very hot out)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Other related posts
- Seven Falls Tucson – Waterfall Hike
- A Day Trip From Flagstaff to Grand Canyon
- 10 Epic Things to Do in Page, Arizona
- Camelback Mountain – The Best Hike in Phoenix
- Hiking Checklist
Here’s a map of the beginning of Horseshoe Bend Overlook
Horseshoe Bend Hike in Arizona
The trailhead begins just 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Page along US 89. It’s very easy to find and there is a big car park but you can use these directions to make sure you don’t miss it. It will cost you $10 to park your car which is valid for one entry only. It might seem like a lot for parking but it’s totally worth it. Spend the money and enjoy an awesome view!
The hike itself is very easy and it’s only 2.1 km (1.5 miles) from the parking lot to the overlook where the hike ends. The path is very well maintained and there are guard rails over certain sections overlooking the bend so it is safe to bring anyone in your family. Just make sure you stay in the designated areas. It’s safe to say you can see how much the hike has evolved over the years and how it’s become more tourist friendly.
Speaking of tourist friendly, you can expect a lot of tourists. A quick Google search told us that Horseshoe Bend has around 2 million visitors a year (!) Which means that roughly 5500 people visit it every day. (Check out our Instagram highlights for Arizona if you want to see what we’re talking about.) At least the $10 entry fee goes to helping preserve and maintaining this wonder from the masses of tourists that come visit it every day!
Horseshoe Bend Overlook trail
The Horseshoe Bend overlook is where the trail ends and it’s where you’ve seen all the amazing pictures from. We wanted to share with you the reality of the overlook and what it can look like at busy times but also amazing photos you can get with a little bit of patience. The overlook is fascinating and the fact that it curves in a 270-degree angle makes for some incredible pictures.
We recommend staying near the rails and taking pictures there. But if you do want some pictures with fewer people then you can definitely go off to the side like we did as long as you’re nowhere near the cliffs. It may seem safe standing on a huge rock but it may be a big overhang and the next minute the rock cracks off and it’s gone. So don’t go too close. Just stay in the designated areas and you’ll still get amazing photos of Horseshoe Bend.
Camping near Horseshoe Bend
Thankfully, Page is only a few miles down the road. Page is a small town that is known for it’s famous Glen Canyon Dam. It should also be known for its camping because we stayed at one of the most beautiful campgrounds right outside of Page.
Wahweap Campground
Staying at Wahweap Campground was one of the best parts of our trip to Page. We actually found it last minute when we were looking for a place to camp and Powell Lake Campground was all booked up. But only a few minutes north of town lies the gem of Wahweap Campground and it is only a 20 minute drive to the Horseshoe Bend trailhead.
The facilities were very well maintained and the staff was easy to get in touch with even though we got to the campsite after closing. Each individual campsite was spacious and clean.
We ended up only staying two nights at the campground but we could have easily spent a week there. And I bet you that still wouldn’t have felt like enough. The prices were super reasonable being roughly $30 a night which is absolutely worth it for what you get.
Powell Lake Campground
Powell Lake Campground is another beauty and it’s only 10 minutes from Horseshoe Bend. You will be right on the edge of town with red rocks in every direction.
It’s a little bit more on the pricey side but a great campsite if you need a place to stay for the night. You will get what you pay for. Standard tent sites are $35 and then go up from there for full hookups. If you do have time though stay in Page for a few nights. There is so much to do in and around the area that you will not regret it.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend
From anywhere in Las Vegas
- It’s about a 4 and a half hour drive from the centre of Las Vegas. So plan to camp a night in Page before you drive back or continue on your road trip.
- Directions can be found here.
From anywhere in Flagstaff
- It’s roughly a 2 hour drive from Flagstaff to Horseshoe Ben – another reason why it’s a good area to stay and camp in. Then drive to the trail head early in the morning or late at night.
- Directions can be found here.
What to bring on the hike
Since it’s a short and sweet hike you don’t need to worry about bringing too much. You can also just walk back to your car if you forget anything. Something we’ve found useful since we’ve started hiking quite a bit is to bring a tripod for pictures and a LifeStraw water bottle which is amazing for cleaning your water while helping the planet by not wasting plastic.
Hiking boots aren’t needed (Jo was wearing her Birkenstocks). But plan accordingly with the weather, especially if you plan to be at the overlook for a while. Bring some food and enjoy a romantic sunset at the overlook.
When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend
Since Page is located in a desert it can get very very hot. So if you plan to visit Horseshoe Bend during the summer months try and go in the evening. You will miss the crowds of tour busses and family’s going earlier in the day. Although you might not miss the rest of the tourists, hopefully, you’ll get an amazing sunset!
For those who are traveling during the off season it’s not as big of a deal, especially since the weather also won’t be as warm. But don’t expect to get the place to yourself. We went in October and there were still a ton of people around.
If you’re feeling up for it you could try and get to the overlook for sunrise and catch an amazing view. There will likely be others doing it too but if you’re camping close by and can manage to get up early it’s worth a shot!
Other related posts
- Seven Falls Tucson – Waterfall Hike
- A Day Trip From Flagstaff to Grand Canyon
- 10 Epic Things to Do in Page, Arizona
- Camelback Mountain – The Best Hike in Phoenix
- Hiking Checklist
Summary
- Horseshoe Bend is totally worth visiting! It’s such an iconic place to visit in Arizona, and it’s so beautiful!
- The hike is short and it’s crucial to pick a good time to go to avoid the crowds a bit. Even better if you can go during shoulder or off season.
- Be safe at the overlook and take some awesome pictures, maybe even during sunrise or sunset.
- Make sure to bring your water bottle so you can stay hydrated.
And let us know what you think about the Horseshoe Bend hike and if there’s anything else we should know about the hike! Besides that, enjoy the hike and the amazing views.
Have fun and stay safe out there!
Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures
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Stormy says
Those pictures are phenomenal! I actually haven’t visited Arizona properly, I’ve only been through it. I found it super helpful that you included the map in this post, and your photos are just stunning. Thanks so much for sharing!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Stormy,
Thanks for the awesome feedback, we don’t want anyone getting lost on their way to the hike haha!
-Dom
Hannah says
We plan to visit my SIL for the first time in Arizona soon, will have to check here out. I’ve never seen anything like it, from England originally. It looks breathtaking and I’m sure is even more amazing in person!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Hannah,
Growing up in the Rockies I’ve been surrounded by mountains and awesome nature but nothing quite like this.. Arizona, Utah, and Nevada are all quite special!
-Dom
Joanna says
This looks like a very easy hike rewarded with such beautiful views! Indeed the high price for parking is worth it, when you get that view at the end.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Joanne,
Thanks! Its definitely worth the 10$. We spend 6$ on a coffee that last 10 minutes haha. So we better be able to spend the money on a memory. =)
-Dom
Dasha says
The pictures you took are beautiful! Horseshoe Bend is definitely on my travel list.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Dasha,
Thanks so much! Editing is also a big part of making pictures pretty! That’s awesome! Come back in a few years or when you go and let us know what you thought of the overlook!
-Jo
Cyndi Buchanan says
I wanted to visit Horsehoe Bend when we were in Arizona. We just ran out of time. Looks amazing!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Cyndi,
I guess you can add it to your list for next time! =)
-Dom
Luna S says
I love Arizona because of the beautiful areas we have like this! Have you been to antelope canyon? Gorgeous views.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Luna,
We did not! The tours were actually all sold out for when we were there. Apparently you have to book it months in advance!
-Dom
supermompicks says
Oh wow, this place is beautiful! I’ve been to the Hoover Dam, but I missed this place!
redwhiteadventures says
Hoover Dam is super fun as well! There’s always next time!
-Dom
Carriann says
Looks amazing..want to go. Definitely on bucket list.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Cariann,
Make it happen and go to Arizona one day, you’ll love it.
-Dom
Dominique Walton Brooks says
The pictures are stunning! And it’s an easy hike? That’s one I might be able to do. I am not much of a hiker but I would be willing to try an easier one to get the views! Thanks for sharing!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Dominique,
Very easy! Only takes about 10-15 minutes each way. This is totally manageable for anyone. I’d even take my 82 year old grandma to it haha.
-Dom
Fransic verso says
It’s good to see picture of this place, but its another experience to be there and take pictures. You got amazing pictures.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Fransic,
Yeah it’s a blast to take pictures in beautiful places like this! A memory captured by technology we’ll never forget!
-Dom
Lavern Moore says
Arizona is one state that I have never visited and would love to—especially Tucson as you suggest.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Lavern,
Yes Tucson, Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Page are all awesome places you should go visit. Make sure to go but maybe not in Summer haha. It will be way to hot.
-Dom
Vasundhra says
This hike seems pleasant and doable! Definitely would add to my itinerary for Arizona. Thanks for sharing!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Vasundhra,
YES! These are some of the best places to visit in Arizona! It’s super touristy but totally worth it.
-Jo
aisasami says
I wonder if my Uncle has been here. He loves hiking and lives in Pheonix. I have to ask him one of these days.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Aisa,
Maybe! Let him know and share it with him if anything!
-Dom
Adi says
Did not know about the Horseshoe Bend hike in Arizona. Definitely adding it to our list of places to see.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Adi,
Yes yes yes! Check out our Page post as well for amazing places to see in AZ!
-Dom
Danielle Rice says
The views are absolutely beautiful.
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Daniella,
Thanks so much! Horseshoe Bend is definitely worth visiting!
-Dom
Bee says
These pictures are incredible. Makes me want to visit. You look so stunning
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Bee,
Thanks girl! The Bend was amazing!
-Jo
Kelsey says
I loved my trip to Horseshoe Bend several years ago! We went for sunrise instead of sunset, and it was still pretty crowded! I can only imagine how many people are there for sunset. It was gorgeous, though!
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Kelsey,
What no way! I can definitely see it being busy most of the day especially during summer. I guess it’s best to try and go during shoulder season if you want it to be a little bit quieter.
-Dom
Trisha says
What a beautiful place!!! And your pictures are lovely 🙂
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Trisha,
Thanks! We actually thought the pictures for this post turned out really well so it’s nice to see our friends agree! =)
-Jo
Adventures with Shelby says
This hike has such amazing views!! Adding this to my bucket list
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Shelby,
Thanks! Horseshoe Bend is a magical little place (Not so little place) haha.
-Jo
redwhiteadventures says
Hey Charlene,
It was a dream for us too. It was such a cook experience!
-Jo