Visiting Horseshoe Bend: Tips and What to Expect
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Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona
When planning a trip to Page, Arizona, I initially just put visiting Antelope Canyon on the list. I was going ot drive over 4 hours from Phoenix just to see the canyon, but then I saw all the social media photos of Horseshoe Bend and knew I needed to add it to the list.
The pictures look surreal, almost like a postcard, a very edited postcard.
In person, after the daunting walk in the July heat, I stood there, staring down at the Colorado River, making its way through the red cliffs, and was in awe. It was picture perfect, just like I had seen on social media. There are so many points at the overlook to see it from all the angles and
In this post, I am sharing everything about my experience and what I would do differently next time I head there, so that you make sure you know everything, and even tell you about a local sight nearby so that you can make the most of your time in Page, Arizona.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is located Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
The horseshoe bend parking fee is $10 for cars, and they take both cash and cards. If you are on a motorcycle or on a bus, there is a different cost.
In the parking lot, there are portapotties if you need to use the bathroom beforehand. If you prefer, I would suggest stopping at the Shell gas station that has the Shell Gas Station cave; they have a bathroom there before heading to Horseshoe Bend.
Once you park, you are able to start your hike. There are signs that tell you where to head to start the hike. I would say the hike is fairly easy to moderate, depending on your current fitness levels, but it is 1.5 miles round-trip.
What to bring for Horseshoe Bend Hike
1.5 miles in the heat is no joke if you are taking your trip during the summer. There is only one shaded area during the hike, which can be full of people taking a break on their way back or there. I was able to grab a spot on the way back for a few minutes to help brace me before heading back to the car.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you have asthma, is that the ground is red clay, and at times it was a little hard for me to breathe because of the dust in the air. I would recommend bringing your inhaler.
Clothes, Shoes, and Skincare for Horseshoe Bend
I would avoid white shoes if you want them to be white when you leave. I would wear shoes that are comfortable for the hike and that you do not mind being dirty afterward. In addition, I would not wear sandals so that my feet are not covered with the red clay. Also, the cliffs are slippery, so do not get too close to the edge.
I would recommend loose-fitting breathable clothing for this hike. I wore a gymshark set and it worked well, but I wish the clothing allowed a little more air in so that it was not sticking to me in the heat.
I hate carrying things, so I decided not to bring water, and I regretted that on the way back. I needed water so badly by the time we got back to the car. I would recommend bringing a water bottle to sip on as you do the hike.
I did see many people having umbrellas to block them from the scorching heat, so that is an option if you are interested.
Sunblock is a must before heading out on the hike, or even wearing a hat! I am not a hat person, but a bucket hat would have been the perfect choice for the July heat on this hike.
Finally, it might be helpful to bring a fanny pack to carry keys, sunglasses, and possibly a handkerchief for those who may need it.
Tip: I would even bring something to wipe your camera lens to make sure you get clear and crisp photos, so that the dust does not affect the quality of the photos.
Restricted Items for Horseshoe Bend
You are not allowed ot bring drones, bikes, skateboards, or motorized vehicles.
Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend in the Summer Heat
If you are going in the summer, I highly advise going closer to sunrise or sunset. If you must go during the hottest part of the day, please bring water and take your time!
In addition, the busiest times to visit are between 9 am – 11 am and 4:30 -6:30, so if you want to avoid the crowds and get those solo shots, I would try to schedule around those times.
Photo Tips at Horseshoe Bend
Since I went in the middle of the day, probably the hottest time of da,y there are some tips I would recommend for your photos.
Your phone is going to overheat, so I recommend taking as many photos as you can and then covering your phone to help cool it down.
We started taking videos as well to decrease the amount of time. In addition, before we left the car, I had the girls look up poses so they knew what they wanted, and all we had to do was help pose them to decrease the amount of time that our phones were exposed to the heat.
Make sure to wipe your camera lens before taking photos after the hike, cause it will cause them to look dusty.
If you want to get more of an aerial view of the cliffs, use Panorama on your phone. You can also try shooting in .5.
Conclusion: Visiting Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is a must-visit if you are heading to Page, Arizona. The views from the overlook alone make the hike well worth it, and if you are driving from Phoenix and debating it, just do it! But do not just do Horseshoe Bend, add in the Antelope Canyon and the Shell Gas Station cave to make your trip complete.
Other Posts about Arizona
3 Things to do in Page, Arizona
Tips for Visiting Shell Gas Station Cave
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Saving this for one of our next winter roadtrips to Arizona. Antelope Canyon has been on our list, but not Horseshoe Canyon.
Bookmarking this for my next trip to Arizona. I hadn’t heard of this canyon but I would love to hike and explore there.