Horseshoe Bend Arizona
A breathtaking meander of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend offers iconic desert vistas and a dramatic display of nature's artistry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Horseshoe Bend Arizona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking meander of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend offers iconic desert vistas and a dramatic display of nature's artistry.
"This is not a screensaver—it’s real. Raw desert beauty wrapped in a perfect curve of river and rock."
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer people.
💳 Card-Only Parking
Be prepared for a $10 parking fee, payable by card only.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 343 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Bend
Main Overlook
Witness the majestic Colorado River's dramatic 270-degree turn, a breathtaking spectacle carved over millions of years.
Sunrise/Sunset Views
Main Overlook
Experience the magic as the sun paints the canyon walls in warm hues, creating unforgettable photographic moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer people. 
💳 Card-Only Parking
Be prepared for a $10 parking fee, payable by card only.
🥾 Easy, Short Walk
The trail to the overlook is a short, mostly flat 0.75 miles.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona is a desert! Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Golden Hour Magic
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer people.
💳 Card-Only Parking
Be prepared for a $10 parking fee, payable by card only.
🥾 Easy, Short Walk
The trail to the overlook is a short, mostly flat 0.75 miles.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona is a desert! Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
📸 Capture the View
No fancy gear needed, but a wide-angle lens can help capture the grandeur.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Horseshoe Bend for its breathtaking natural beauty and iconic views, calling it a must-see. The short, accessible walk makes it a convenient stop. However, some find the parking fee steep and the lack of amenities at the overlook a drawback. Crowds can also detract from the experience during peak times.
"Stayed 2 nights during the week. It was so busy but fairly quiet. The lake is pretty. The bathrooms were a disappointment. No place to hang anything outside the showers so your bag or towel has to be left on the floor or on the sink and the shower stalls are too small to bring it in with you and it gets soaked if you try. We had a hard time locating our site and bath houses due to lack of good signs to follow. There were so many different roads! Got stuck turning around in dead end campsites thinking the road went all the way through. There was no sign saying it was a dead end. Not my favorite place."
Melissa Wisley
"I want to give this place 5 stars, but I just can’t. I assume it’s at least partly the TrumpCuts, but this place needs attention.
The bathrooms and showers are a joke/nightmare. They are filthy, full of bugs, there’s no soap or sanitizer, and over the course of a week they were “mopped” once (meaning muddy water was moved around the center of the floor and all bugs left in place).
The location is fantastic. Great swimming, paddleboarding, all sorts of watersports. Spots right on the lake! Just gorgeous.
I left a day earlier than planned because some of the spots are just too close together and alas, I was stuck in one. Frankly, this is not a state with a respectful camping culture. (Lots of outdoor TVs. Insane.)
It’s worth a trip, but bring your own bathroom setup, and choose your spot carefully."
Jessica Irwin
"The campground overall is not horrible but not great. The shower house is full of bugs and no hooks to hang up anything when you shower. Hope you are not allergic to giant murder hornets. They are living inside the electrical box and under the picnic tables at your site. Also adding the campsites had a lot of trash and debris left from campers. Needs sprucing up a bit."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horseshoe Bend is located just south of Page, Arizona. Take Highway 89 South for about 2 miles from Page. Look for the well-marked entrance on your right. The drive is short and straightforward.
The drive from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend is approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. It's a popular stop on a Southwest road trip. Consider breaking up the drive with an overnight stay in or near Page.
No, Horseshoe Bend is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. It's a separate natural landmark managed by the city of Page, located about 9 miles downstream from the park's beginning.
Yes, it's possible to visit Horseshoe Bend on a day trip from Flagstaff, but it's a long day. The drive is about 2.5 hours each way. Many visitors combine it with a trip to Antelope Canyon.
The official address for Horseshoe Bend is 9000 US-89, Page, AZ 86040. However, it's more commonly accessed via the well-marked entrance off Highway 89.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need to purchase tickets in advance. Entry is managed via a parking fee at the overlook.
There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle, which is payable by card only. This fee helps maintain the site.
Horseshoe Bend is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, the visitor services and parking lot are typically accessible during daylight hours.
The fee is for parking at the overlook. The short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint is free.
No, the parking fee is cashless and can only be paid with a credit or debit card.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours: sunrise and sunset. The light is softer and casts beautiful colors on the canyon walls. Midday sun can create harsh shadows.
A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the full scope of the bend and the vast landscape. However, even a smartphone camera can capture stunning shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Professional photography or commercial shoots may require permits, so it's best to check with the Page Parks and Recreation department if you have specific needs.
Drone usage is typically restricted in many natural areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's advisable to check current regulations with the city of Page before flying a drone.
The main overlook provides the most iconic and accessible viewpoint. There are also some smaller, unofficial trails that may offer different perspectives, but stick to marked paths for safety.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike from the parking lot to the main overlook is approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) one way. It's a relatively easy and mostly flat walk.
The trail is mostly flat and paved in sections, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some areas might have uneven terrain.
Yes, there are restrooms located near the parking lot. It's advisable to use them before heading to the overlook, as there are no facilities at the viewpoint itself.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be walking on a trail. Dress in layers, as temperatures can change. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is essential due to the desert climate.
While you can get close to the edge for photos, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution. There are no guardrails, and the drop is significant. Stay on marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit