Horseshoe Bend- Page, Arizona

NATURE IS NOT A PLACE TO VISIT. IT IS HOME.

–Gary Snyder

NOTICE: THIS IS A HIGH ALTITUDE ATTRACTION. PEOPLE USED TO LIVING IN LOWLAND AREAS SHOULD BE AWARE OF AND PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL BREATHING AND EXHAUSTION ISSUES.

  1. Horseshoe Bend- https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/horseshoe-bend.htm
  2. LEAVE NO TRACE
  3. Area Map: Horseshoe Bend
  4. Horseshoe Bend within Glen Canyon Recreational Area https://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htm
  5. Topographic Map of Horseshoe Bend Area
  6. Review:
Photo by: Kim Meehan

Horseshoe Bend- https://www.nps.gov/glca/planyourvisit/horseshoe-bend.htm

The Horseshoe Bend is part of the Glen Canyon Recreational Area; however, the parking lot resides in the city of Page. There is a fee to park your car-$10 in 2022. The parking lot is 4 miles south of Page, Arizona towards Bitter Springs. Take a right off of Highway 89 and follows the signs for Horseshoe Bend Overlook.

LEAVE NO TRACE

From the Parking Lot- follow the pathway which eventually turns to hardened sand/gravelly rocks for approximately 1-1.5 miles to the overlook. The path can handle strollers/wheelchairs etc-but be prepared for a bumpy ride. Elevation change is 984 feet- so take the hike back to your car slow. Beware- there is NO SHADE along the pathway nor at the observation railings- so make sure you have sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water.

The observation railings are generally crowded- so you might need to wait your turn- this is especially true at sunrise and sunset. If you are visiting from Utah during Daylight Savings Time- remember Arizona is one hour BEHIND.

Area Map: Horseshoe Bend

Map Courtesy of Travel Awaits

Horseshoe Bend within Glen Canyon Recreational Area https://www.nps.gov/glca/index.htm

Courtesy of: Glen Canyon Recreation

Topographic Map of Horseshoe Bend Area

Courtesy of: National Park Service

Review:

This can be a very crowded overlook, hot, and the parking fee is relatively steep given the length of time you are at the site. It does, however, have a view that is UNFORGETTABLE! The walk can be quite windy- so beware of flying sand- hats/bandanas are helpful. Many people were crossing over the winding pathway and walking over ground under restoration to make a direct line to the observational railing. Please stick to the pathway- reinforcing ground restoration prevents erosion- making the experience possible for future generations. Don’t be fooled by the “quick” stop- the walk back to your car is uphill and in the hot sun- so grab some water before heading out. Hot, sweaty conditions can make for a rough time at the railing- so be patient and respectful. If you want to see the view from the water level- a great opportunity is a half day Horseshoe Bend Rafting trip (all calm water!). We used Wilderness River Adventures and seeing the it from below and above was magnificent. See page on menu. Link to their website: https://www.riveradventures.com/

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