What is the difficulty level of the Horseshoe Bend hike?

The Horseshoe Bend hike is considered easy effort, spanning 1.5 miles with a total of 130 feet of climbing.

Are dogs allowed on the Horseshoe Bend hike?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Horseshoe Bend hike, but they must be kept on a leash.

Is there a fee to enter Horseshoe Bend?

Yes, there is a $10 entry fee charged by the city of Page for the Horseshoe Bend hike.

What gear is recommended for the Horseshoe Bend hike?

For the short hike, casual street clothes are sufficient. However, during summer, it's recommended to bring at least a small water bottle and sun protection.

Grand Canyon Hikes

Horseshoe Bend Hike (Arizona)

Q: What are the operating hours for Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is open from sunrise to sunset.

1.5 miles - Easy Effort
1 Hour (Total)
Can Get Very Busy
130 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 4,330 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

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.

In this Guide:

How to Do the Hike
Where to Park
Insider Tips

Quick Links:
Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Dec 2024 Gear

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.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated December 2024)

Horseshoe Bend Trail Maps

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Horseshoe Bend Hike Directions

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.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.