Horseshoe Bend Hike (Arizona)
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Hiking Trails

Horseshoe Bend Hike (Arizona)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
1.5 miles
Time
1 Hour
Total Climbing
130 feet
Difficulty
Easy
Crowds
Crowded
Dogs
Leashed
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Horseshoe Bend, just 9 miles upstream from the Grand Canyon, has become one of the most iconic spots in the American Southwest. It's a short hike but worth every second. And recent improvements have made Horseshoe Bend accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Where is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend Hike Arizona Location
The biggest challenge about the Horseshoe Bend hike is getting there. It's roughly 4.5 miles from Phoenix and Las Vegas and 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Horseshoe Bend is located just outside of Page, Arizona. Use this trailhead address:
Horseshoe Bend, Page, AZ 86040

Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 1
There's a $10 entry fee charged by the city of Page. No federal passes are accepted.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 2
The parking lot is massive but does get full on weekends and in the summer. The parking lot has toilets but no other facilitates.

Horseshoe Bend is open from sunrise to sunset, with the busiest times being 9:00am to 11:00am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm. I recommend going early in the morning or at noon when the sun is overhead, making it easy to see into the canyon.

Gear Recommendations

This is a short hike and you can really do this in casual street clothes. The summer can get hot and I recommend bringing at least a small water bottle and sun protection.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Horseshoe Bend Trail Maps

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CalTopo
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GPX
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Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions

Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 3
The hike starts in the far end of the parking lot, close to the auto entrance.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 4
The trail is easy to spot. It's important that you stay on the trail and take all your trash out with you.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 5
The trail winds around from the start.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 6
And then opens to an expansive view. It's a gradual downhill that you'll have to climb on the way back out.

Along this stretch you'll leave the City of Page and enter Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. And to the south of the trail is Navajo Nation.

Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 7
There are two shelters where you can take in the views and get a break from the sun.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 8
At the bottom of the hill, look for the metal fence. This is the viewpoint.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 11
This is the view from the fence. 1000 feet below is the Colorado River.

Just nine miles downstream from here is the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park.

Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 10
Most of the area around the fence is wide open. PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN AND DIED HERE. Think about whether your life is worth a picture next to the edge.
Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions 9
You can explore the rock formations around the viewpoint. Take care, it's easy to get close to an edge without knowing it.

Originally published February 4, 2024