What Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit Horseshoe Bend

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What is the best time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend?

I have had the same question.

When I was planning my Southwest road trip itinerary for April we were coming from Monument Valley to Horseshoe Bend. Most probably, this was my first and last visit to this part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so I wanted to visit the horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River at the best possible time.

After all the Google research, visiting Fodor’s travel forum, searching for advice on TripAdvisor, and reading blogs… all I could find out were various answers, which were not helpful. So what did I do?

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I planned my Horseshoe Bend itinerary and visited it twice. Yes, that is right! I visited Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon and in the morning of the next day. Before the visit to Lower Antelope Canyon (which you have to book in advance).

And, what is the verdict?
What is the best time to see Horseshoe Bend?

Let’s find out what I believe is the best time for visiting Horseshoe Bend, with a few tips to help you plan your visit and make the most of your Arizona experience.

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1. Know before visiting Horseshoe Bend

• HORSESHOE BEND OPENING HOURS
  Horseshoe Bend Overlook is open every day of the year. It opens up at sunrise and closes at sunset. No visitors are allowed at night.

• HORSESHOE BEND ENTRANCE FEE & PARKING
  There is a Horseshoe Bend entrance fee you have to pay when you enter the parking lot.
  The cost depends on the vehicle size. For cars and RVs/campervans the fee is $10 per vehicle. For motorcycles fee is $5.
  
  For commercial vehicles like vans and buses, the entrance fee is based on the passenger capacity and starts at $35 (up to 14 passengers) and goes to $140 (if there are more than 35 passengers).
  
  No parking is allowed along Highway 89. It is not safe and you WILL GET FINED. The parking lot is a fair sized but can get filled during rush hours. If that happens, you will need to return at another time. But people are always coming and going so you won’t have to wait for long. When I was there in the afternoon and in the morning, more than half of the parking spaces were empty.

2. Tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend

Visiting Horseshoe Bend was a bucket list experience for me. And while a visit to this natural site is stunning, there are a few tips that can make seeing this vista even more memorable.

• BRING ENOUGH WATER
  Horseshoe Bend is in the desert. To get to the viewpoint, you will need to walk for around 10-20 minutes each way. Plus the time spent on site. In summer, the temperatures can reach up to 92°F (34°C), so be prepared.

• USE SUNSCREEN
  Always wear sunscreen! Horseshoe Bend is 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level which means the sun is even stronger. There is no shade along the hike or at the viewpoint. Due to the altitude, without sunscreen, you will get sunburned (even if visiting in winter). Apply it before the hike and it’s best to bring it with you.

• WEAR A HAT, SUNGLASSES, AND A SMILE
  You will be walking in the desert and 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level. No matter which month are you visiting Horseshoe Bend, protect your face and eyes. Use a hat with a chin strap, since there are occasional wind gusts. And always protect your eyes. Put a smile on your face because it looks good on you and because life is for living!

• STEP LIGHTLY IN GOOD WALKING SHOES
  The hike to the overlook will take you from 10 – 20 minutes. While the trail is well-maintained and easy to walk on, the area around the overlook is 100 % natural. This means you will have to walk on sand and rocks. There are some rail guards, but many places are still without them. Watch your step and wear closed-toe shoes and shoes that can get dirty. No high heels, please!

• NO FACITILITES AT THE RIM
  There are no facilities at the overlook. It is pure nature. Use the restrooms at the parking lot before you hike. Make sure you are dressed accordingly, bring enough water for every person in your group, and wear sunscreen.

• DON’T TEST YOUR LUCK
  As mentioned earlier, there is almost nothing at the viewpoint. And only some parts have railings. The rest is what mother nature created. Horseshoe Bend is extremely photogenic, with the 1,000 ft (300 m) drop of the Colorado River from the viewpoint. I have seen people getting so close to the edge to get a perfect selfie, I was sick just watching it. It’s not worth taking that risk! Be careful and avoid standing on the edges.

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3. Where is Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is located in the northern part of Arizona, United States. The closest city is Page, which is only a short 10 minute drive away.

Specifically, Horseshoe Bend is situated within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Contrary to popular belief it is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, which is only 5 miles (8 km) away.

It is a popular tourist destination very often included in the American Southwest road trip itinerary.

Horseshoe Bend is around 2 hours drive away from Flagstaff, less than 3 hours from Monument Valley, Zion and Bryce national park, and Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim. Las Vegas and Phoenix are less than 5 hours away by car. 

Due to the proximity to the Page, the visit to Horseshoe Bend is often combined with other activities around the area, like Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell.

4. How to get to Horseshoe Bend

Getting to Horseshoe Bend is easy. Especially if this site is part of your road trip itinerary and you have your own car. That was our case. We rented a car with Discover Cars in Las Vegas for our Southwest itinerary.

You can visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour. But if you come to Page without a car or don’t want to drive anymore, you can visit Horseshoe Bend as part of a tour. Or you can do both!

If you come with a car or with most tours, your adventure will start at the parking lot. Here is where a short hike will take you to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. You won’t have to hike if you book one of the helicopter tours or kayaking.

4.1. From Horseshoe Bend parking lot to Horseshoe Bend overlook

From the parking lot to Horseshoe Bend overlook there is a 0.6 miles (0.96 km) long trail each way. Trail is wide, firm, slip-resistant, stroller and wheelchair friendly. On the way TO the Horseshoe Bend, the trail goes slightly downwards. On the way FROM Horseshoe Bend to the parking lot, trail goes a bit uphill. You will need from 10 to 20 minutes to hike the Horseshoe Bend trail, each way. 

4.2. Visiting Horseshoe Bend with a tour

If you come to Page on a shuttle between Grand Canyon South Rim and Page or want a carefree experience and a relaxed holiday you can visit Horseshoe Bend with a tour. There are tour options from Page, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon South, Flagstaff, Sedona, Scottsdale, and others.

4.2.1. Horseshoe Bend tours from Page

Most of the tours starting from Page offer amazing combo deals, that include other attractions in the area. For Example, you can visit Horseshoe Bend with a combination of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour.

To get a new perspective, you can book a helicopter flight and get a birds-eye view of the bend from above. You can combine a visit of the Colorado River meander with Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon.

Or perhaps, go on a tour to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell that includes lunch. There is even an option to go on a trail ride. If tours aour not your thing but you like some guidance, get a Self Guided Horseshoe Bend tour.

4.2.2. Horseshoe Bend tours from Las Vegas

There are a lot of tours from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend. Do note that tours include 10 hour-long bus ride. If you only have one day to spare, then visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend with lunch is a good choice. If you don’t mind a bit longer drive and would like to cramp in even more, go for the one that includes Grand Canyon or Lake Powell.

If you can spare more than one day away from Las Vegas and want to see more things, book a 2-day tour, which also includes Zion National Park. If you have 3 days, you are in for a treat. You can choose a tour that will take you to Sedona, Page, and Valley of Fire, or join a tour, where you will see all the most iconic Southwest National Parks.

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4.2.3. Horseshoe Bend tours from Sedona or Flagstaff

Going on a Horseshoe Bend tour from Sedona or Flagstaff will mean at least 4 hours on a tour bus (from 2h each way). Most of the tours combine Horseshoe Bend with Upper Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon X.

4.2.4. Horseshoe Bend tours from Scottsdale or Phoenix

Visiting Horseshoe Bend on a tour from Scottsdale or Phoenix will mean being in a vehicle for 4,5 h each way. Not ideal but perfectly doable. The tours combine Horseshoe Bend, admission to Lower Antelope Canyon, and lunch.

4.2.5. Horseshoe Bend tours from Grand Canyon South

You can also visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon after your night in Grand Canyon South Rim. This is a great way to relax a bit, after your moderately paced South Rim itinerary. You can only use a shuttle service from there or book a whole combo deal.

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4.3. Visiting Horseshoe Bend by car

If you are on an epic USA road trip or doing the Golden Circle itinerary you can easily visit Horseshoe Bend without a guide. We rented our car at Discover Cars in Las Vegas, which was the start and end point of our ultimate Southwest USA road trip.

We were coming to Page from Monument Valley, but depending on your road trip itinerary, the direction for you might be different. Below you will find distances from Horseshoe Bend to other popular tourist spots.

4.3.1. Distance from Horseshoe Bend to 

• Antelope Canyon: 7.6 miles (12.2 km)
• Zion National Park: 118 miles (190 km)
• Bryce Canyon: 156 miles (251 km)
• Monument Valley: 138 miles (222 km)
• Grand Canyon North Rim: 111 miles (178 km)
• Grand Canyon South Rim: 134 miles (216 km)
• Las Vegas: 275 miles (443 km)
• Phoenix: 283 miles (455 km)

4.3.2. Drive from Page to Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is only a short 10 minutes or 4.5 miles (7.2 km) drive from Page. Start by driving South on Highway 89. Between the 544 and 545 mile, you will see a well-marked sign saying “Horseshoe Bend Overlook”. The parking lot will be on your right side.

4.3.3. Drive from Zion National Park to Horseshoe Bend

Head northeast on UT-9 E/Zion Park Blvd and then turn Right on US-89 S/S State St. Stay on this road and follow the signs for Kanab and then Page. This route has tolls and the whole drive from Zion to Horseshoe Bend will take you around 2,5 h for 118 mi (190 km).

4.3.4. Drive from Monument Valley to Horseshoe Bend

Start by driving South on Highway 163 to Kayenta. In Kayenta take Highway 160 towards the West. After 32 miles (51,5 km) turn right on AZ-98 W. Follow that road for 67 miles (107 km) and turn left on Highway 89. The whole journey will take at least 2 hours and a half for 138 mi (222 km).

4.3.5. Drive from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend

Start by driving North towards Salt Lake City. After entering Utah, follow the signs for Kanab. There take State Hwy 59 S to US-89 S and follow signs for Page. Between the 544 and 545 mile, on Hwy 89, you will see a well-marked sign saying “Horseshoe Bend Overlook”. The drive from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend will take you around 4,5 h for 275 mi (443 km).

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5. Best time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend

5.1. Visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning

One of the best times to visit Horseshoe Bend is in the morning. The early morning light can provide a soft and dramatic lighting effect, making it the ideal time for photography. Additionally, the crowds are usually smaller in the morning, which means you can take your time and explore the area without feeling rushed.

We arrived at Horseshoe Bend around 9 am and left around 10:30 am. So the photos below were taken in that time frame. We didn’t have any problems finding a parking spot, but the longer we were at the Horseshoe Bend, the more people were coming.

If you choose to visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning, the sun will be behind you. And the higher the Sun will be, the more light will be inside the meander. The Colorado River will be out of shadow and fully visible in blue-green colors, to perfectly contrast the orange-red colors of the canyon.

5.2. Visit Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon

Another great time to visit Horseshoe Bend is in the afternoon. The afternoon light can provide a warm and golden lighting effect, making it another ideal time for photography. Additionally, the crowds tend to be smaller in the afternoon than during midday.

On the first day, we arrived at the Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. We were there from 7:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The photos below were taken during that time frame in the middle of April. There were more people coming towards the bend closer to the sunset.

If you choose to visit Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon, the Sun will be in front of you in your eyes. Closer to the sunset and in the evening, less light will come inside the river canyon when the Sun is setting behind the Bend. The face of the Horseshoe Bend will be in shadow, the same as the Colorado River 1,000 ft (305 m) deep.

6. Things to do around Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is only one of the amazing natural formations found around Page in Northern Arizona. You will need from 1 to 2 hours to see the famous Colorado River meander, so check out some other popular attractions when in the area.

• WALK IN ANTELOPE CANYON
  You have seen photos of this site everywhere. It was one of the Windows screen savers. You can choose between visiting Lower Antelope Canyon (that is what I did), Upper Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon X. These famous slot canyons are all located on Navajo land. Therefore can only be accessed with a guided tour. Book yours in advance because you DO NOT want to miss out.
  
  Travel tip & friendly reminder: Book your Antelope Canyon tour as soon as you know, you will be visiting it. Tours sell out weeks and even months in advance. I was buying my tickets beginning of March for the end of April, and there were two tickets available only for 1 time slot! So I had to plan a whole itinerary around it. Make sure to check availability with GetYourGuide and Viator.

• JOIN THE HORSESHOE BEND HELICOPTER TOUR
  Once you saw how the meander looks from the viewpoint, you can hop on a helicopter and see the dite from above. The flight also includes flying over Lake Powell, seeing Tower Butte and some even include landing.

• EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC NATIVE AMERICAN DINNER SHOW
  If you still have energy inside you after all the sightseeing, then book an authentic Native American Dinner Show. You will see natives storytelling, dancing and singing while enjoying in delicious Navajo Tacos and Frybread with many toppings.

• HAVE A BEACH DAY AT LAKE POWELL
  Lake Powell is a man-made lake between Utah and Arizona. It was created as a result of Glen Canyon Dam, which provides water and power to surrounding residents. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or doing other water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.

• GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE & RAINBOW BRIDGE NATIONAL MONUMENT
  If you are willing to drive further out, you can visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This is a great place for hiking. Another great site is a large red rock arch, The Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It is on Navajo Nation land, so it is best to visit it on a tour. 

• ZION, BRYCE & GRAND CANYON
  Relatively close to Page is also Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National park. In the same direction, you can also visit North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Going towards the East you can visit Monument Valley, where they filmed a part where Forrest Gump stopped running. South of Page you have Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona and other amazing sites.

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7. Where to stay when visiting Horseshoe Bend

The best and closest town to stay near Horseshoe Bend is Page. To get from Page to the attraction takes less than 10 minutes to drive since the distance between both is just 4.5 miles (7.2 km).

Staying in Page is a perfect starting point to explore the surroundings, like Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. It is also a great way to save time and allows you to visit Horseshoe Bend at the best possible time. A good budget option is Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell, Canyon Colors Bed and Breakfast, and Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell for mid-range travelers. For anyone looking for a more upscale desert stay Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell is a place to be.

If you are tight on time, and your Grand Circle road trip itinerary does not allow you to stay in this small desert city, book accommodation in towns that are a short desert drive away. The closest ones are Kayenta if you are coming from Monument Valley, Kanab if coming from Zion or Bryce Canyon, or even more further out Flagstaff.

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Best time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend, in a nutshell

So, what is the best time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend according to Anja On Adventure?

I saw this Arizona Natural wonder site in the morning and in the afternoon.

During morning hours the whole bend will be visible, including the bottom of it with green-blue Colorado River and river beds. In late afternoon hours, the sun will be in your eyes, or behind the bend, so the whole site will be in the shadows.

Colors might be softer in the morning, and have a more golden effect before the sunset. At midday with the sun high above the Horseshoe bend the colors might not be that intense. They might look washed and it will be harder to distinguish shades.

In the morning the whole bend will be dressed in light and at sunset, you will get light flare in your photos if shooting west.

Despite that fact, in my opinion, Horseshoe Bend is best viewed in the hours around midday. Which also includes the hours of late morning and early afternoon. I loved the whole bend in light with the contrast of the green Colorado River and red rocks.

No matter the time of day, seeing Horseshoe Bend is never bad. It is just different!

Shine on,
Anja

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Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

If you are planning a visit to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, you might be wondering what is the best time of day for a visit. If you have already done some online research, you are now probably overwhelmed and know that the answers differ. I visited this Colorado River meander in the afternoon and in the morning. Above you can also see the difference in photos. In the morning and towards midday, the whole canyon will be visible and in the afternoon, towards sunset, the river below will be in shadows off the canyon walls.

Inside the article, you can also find tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend, tours you can do if you want to see the site from Las Vegas, and other things to do near Horseshoe Bend. 

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❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.

Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.