The Colorado River's most iconic bend
Over millions of years, the Colorado River cut nearly 1,000 feet into the Navajo sandstone of the Colorado Plateau, carving a horseshoe-shaped curve so dramatic it defies belief. Today, a 0.6-mile hard-packed sand trail leads from the parking lot to the rim — one of the most awe-inspiring views in the American West.
Located 5 miles south of Page, AZ, Horseshoe Bend sits within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The overlook is self-guided, no permit required. The parking lot charges $10 per vehicle, operated by the City of Page.
Everything you need to know
Parking & fees
$10 per vehicle · Open sunrise to sunset · No National Park Pass accepted
The trail
0.6 mi packed sand · ADA accessible · Limited guardrails at rim · Bring water
Best time to visit
Sunrise or late afternoon · Avoid 9 AM–2 PM peak crowds in summer
Getting here
US-89 Mile Marker 545 · 5 mi south of Page, AZ · 4.5 hrs from Las Vegas
Antelope Canyon
10 min away · Guided tours required · Book well in advance
River & water tours
Float the Colorado · Kayak from Glen Canyon Dam · Lake Powell boat tours
See the bend on your terms
Can't make the hike? Want a different perspective? Guided tours from Page give you more of the Grand Circle in less time.
Kayaking from $80 Kayak the Colorado
Paddle the emerald Colorado River beneath 800-foot canyon walls below Horseshoe Bend — calm flat water, no experience needed. Backhauls for Kayak Trips depart daily March–November from Lee's Ferry.
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Combo from $135 Antelope Canyon Combo
Pair Horseshoe Bend with a Native American-guided cultural tour through Lower Antelope Canyon — Navajo guides share the stories, history, and sacred significance of these ancient sandstone passages.
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On the water from $113 River Rafting Tour
Board a guided raft at Lees Ferry and cruise upriver past Horseshoe Bend toward Glen Canyon Dam — smooth water, towering canyon walls, and the bend you just looked down at from the rim.
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Secret Canyon from $140 Horseshoe Bend & Secret Antelope Canyon
A private Navajo-guided tour through Secret Antelope Canyon — swirling sandstone corridors and magical light beams without the crowds — paired with an overlook at Horseshoe Bend via off-road transport.
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Helicopter from $204 Horseshoe Bend Heli
Soar 500+ feet above the bend in an EcoStar EC-130 with stadium seating, oversized windows, and noise-canceling headsets — sweeping views of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and the 270° Colorado River curve below.
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Scenic Flight from $189 Horseshoe Bend Air
A 30-minute fixed-wing flightseeing tour from Page with plush seating, oversized windows, and multilingual narration — sweeping aerial views of Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River's 1,000-foot bend.
Check Availability NowGetting to the overlook
The 0.6-mile trail from the parking lot is well-maintained, hard packed sand, and achievable for most visitors.
Park & pay
Pull into the City of Page lot off US-89. Pay the $10 vehicle fee at the booth — cash or card accepted. No roadside parking.
Hit the trail
Follow the hard-packed sand path from the trailhead, with cement at the viewpoint platform. The graded surface is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance.
Reach the rim
After about 20–25 minutes, the canyon opens before you — a 1,000-foot drop to the Colorado River's emerald bend.
Stay safe
There are limited guardrails at the overlook edge. Keep children close. The drop is sheer. Do not approach the edge for photos.
Page, AZ live conditions
The desert environment changes fast. Check the current temperature and forecast before you leave — and arrive early to beat the heat.
Get directions →4 miles from Horseshoe Bend · Page, AZ
Best Antelope Canyon Tours
The world's most-photographed slot canyon is 10 minutes from the parking lot. Navajo guides lead you through towering corridors of orange and crimson sandstone — light beams pour from above, swirling walls rise 120 feet, and no two visits look the same.
- Upper · Lower · Canyon X · Secret Antelope Canyon
- From $80 per person · All ages welcome · Permit included
- Navajo Nation · Books out weeks in advance — reserve early
More wonders within a day's drive
Horseshoe Bend sits at the heart of the American Southwest's greatest road trip circuit.
Antelope Canyon
The most-photographed slot canyon on earth. Guided tours only — book weeks in advance.
Lake Powell
475 miles of shoreline backed by red canyon walls. Boat tours, houseboats, kayaking.
Grand Canyon
The South Rim is a natural extension of any Horseshoe Bend itinerary heading south.
Monument Valley
The Mittens and Merrick Butte — sacred Navajo land and an American icon.
Ready to go?
Make it a trip to remember
Pair Horseshoe Bend with Antelope Canyon, a river float, and two days in Page for the full Grand Circle experience.