After we left the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we drove northeast to visit the very famous Horseshoe Bend. I’ve seen so many gorgeous photos of Horseshoe Bend, and I was eager to see the unique rock formations and the gorgeous water below for myself. I’m happy to say that Horseshoe Bend did live up to my expectations, so in this travel guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know before you go, so you can have the best experience possible,
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Horseshoe Bend is located in Northern Arizona in the small town of Page, Arizona. It is a 4-hour drive from the Grand Canyon and is a popular destination for those visiting both the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. In addition to Horseshoe Bend, this area is full of other interesting activities including visiting Lake Powell and seeing the gorgeous rock formations at Antelope Canyon. Visiting Antelope Canyon does require taking a tour though, so some great tour options are listed below.
5 Things You Will Love About Horseshoe Bend
From the incredible red rocks to the stunning green water, there is plenty to love about Horseshoe Bend. Below, we listed five things that you will love about visiting Horseshoe Bend as well as our best tips for getting the most out of your experience.
1. Horseshoe Bend will not break the bank
I loved that Horseshoe Bend will not break the bank. The entry fee is $10 per vehicle, so you can have as many people in your vehicle as you would like and still pay the same low price.
There are no overpriced cafes or concession stands at Horseshoe Bend so you will need to bring your own water and snacks. Going to Horseshoe Bend involves a 1.5-mile roundtrip walk from the parking lot which takes about 20 minutes each way. The trail is relatively flat and easy, however, because the trail is in full sun, it can be a challenge to people who are sensitive to the heat.
The trail does have two shaded shelters where you can rest during your hike. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare for your hike by bringing plenty of water, snacks so you have the energy to make the journey, and every type of sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. The sun here can be intense!
2. There's plenty of room to spread out at Horseshoe Bend
Although nearly 4,000 people a day visit Horseshoe Bend, there is a lot of space to spread out and have a little piece of the view all to yourself! At Horseshoe Bend, you are able to walk around a significant part of the rim and get very close to the edge. This is great because it makes it easier to get nice photos without other tourists in them.
Just be careful because the majority of the rim does not have a guard rail, so there is a risk of falling off the edge if you are not careful with your footsteps. I do believe the risk is worth it though because the unobstructed photos are truly amazing!
Want to see what Horseshoe Bend is like for yourself? Check out our full video guide below!
3. You Will Love Seeing How Horseshoe Bend Was Formed
For the last 5-6 million years, the Colorado River has been craving this Horseshoe Bend into the vibrant red rocks of Arizona. Although the Horseshoe Bend is impressive in pictures, in person, it’s much easier to see each layer and striation and marvel at Mother Nature’s handy work.
Plus, when you look over the edge to see the 1000-foot drop, you can feel the power of Mother Nature for yourself. Viewing the steep drop might even give you goosebumps.
4. You will love that there is so much to do in the area
Going to Horseshoe Bend is not a very long activity. It will take you an hour or two maximum, so if you want to find more to do with your day, there are plenty of activities to choose from.
The most popular attraction in the area is to go to Antelope Canyon, which has rock formations so beautiful that they are frequently used as computer screensavers. You also can relax and swim at Lake Powell, which is an artificial lake created by Glen Dam.
In the area, there are also several hikes you can take. The Chains hike will lead you to a nice swimming area by the dam. Alternatively, you can hike to The New Wave if you love seeing intricate striations in red rock sandstone. You can also check out nice viewpoints like Wahweap Overlook, so there really is a lot to see and do in this area of Arizona.
5. You will love how beautiful it is!
Although Horseshoe Bend has many benefits, the biggest one is its beauty. The canyon is filled with vibrant colors, stunning water, and jaw-dropping cliffs. It really is as impressive as the pictures show.
Hotels Near Horseshoe Bend
Because there is a lot to do and see around Horseshoe Bend, you may want to spend the night in the area. Luckily, there a lots of affordable motels just 3 miles away from Horseshoe bend. Find the best Horseshoe Bend Hotels here.
Can you fly a drone at Horseshoe Bend?
No, drones are not allowed at Horseshoe Bend. There are signs clearly posted saying so, however, we did see someone try to fly his drone anyway. However, as soon as his drone was in the air, he was immediately told that he could not fly his drone. I do not know the penalties for breaking the rules in the parks, but I would not risk being banned from these amazing parks to fly my drone.
Please keep in mind most rules are set in place to keep everyone including the wildlife safe. So try to enjoy the view at Horseshoe Bend without the buzz of your drone.
Is Horseshoe Bend Worth Visiting?
Yes, Horseshoe Bend is definitely worth visiting because not only is it a great photo opportunity, it’s a unique natural wonder that will make you feel how powerful and beautiful nature is. So, make sure to add it to your list when you are in Arizona.
Now that you know about Horseshoe Bend, check out these other great Southwest destinations!
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