“Help! I Can’t Do The Hike to Horseshoe Bend…”
“Help! I Can’t Do The Hike to Horseshoe Bend…”
As travelers plan their spring and summer vacations to Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, invariably the topic of Horseshoe Bend comes up. For some, it comes with a heaping helping of trepidation about the length and difficulty of the walk to the overlook.
Since we know you’re busy, we’ll save some of you some time right now: 9 out of 10 of you who are in reasonably good health, not afraid of heights, and who walk regularly or participate in even a moderate exercise regimen will be able to make this “so-called” hike. Wear good walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and carry water. You’ll be good to go!
As for those who aren’t so sure where they stand, you’ll be glad to know that you’re not alone. Many prospective visitors in your shoes have gone to the one place people go to either assuage their fears – or confirm them: the travel forums of TripAdvisor!
A recent poster, Kav3 asks:
“How difficult is the Horseshoe Bend hike for a 74-year-old woman with some arthritis? Trying to decide if we should skip this…”
MarianReader, a frequent poster and Destination Expert for Tempe, AZ, replies:
“You might want to skip it. The hike is uphill, a portion of it through a sandy trail, no railings at the top, no shade at any time.”
StlCardFan would seem to concur, and comes back with a very detailed and accurate description of the Horseshoe Bend Overlook trail:
“The first part, from the parking lot to the top of the rise is fairly steep, and the sand is soft and deep. You will be huffing a bit when you get to the top. (Think walking on a soft beach uphill). Then it is down to the bend itself. This is less steep, and there is some smooth rock areas on the way down. The sand is not as “deep”, but it is about three times further a hike than that first rise from the (parking) lot. This is easy to go down, but again, on the way back, even though it is less deep and not as steep, it is further, still a sand trail, and will wear you out in the sun.”
RedRox, Destination Expert for Sedona, also offers a word of caution not only for those who are a bit out of shape, but for those traveling with children:
“The Horseshoe Bend overlook is a short but challenging hike in the direct sunlight (no shade), and no barriers at the edge, so caution is advised especially with youngsters or those with height issues.”
So what’s a person to do if they’re unable to manage the walk to Horseshoe Bend? Be content to look at everyone else’s selfies or just fantasize that they saw it? Not necessarily.
Here’s what we would suggest:
How slow can you go? As slow as you want! First off, the trail to Horseshoe Bend is relatively short, a little more than half a mile (0.6 mi) each way. The uphill portion comes at the very beginning of the walk, right as you leave the parking lot. It then dips down slightly as you get closer to the overlook. The biggest challenge you’ll likely face is sand, especially if the Page area is in the midst of a summer dry spell.
Still, it’s not a race. You are welcome and encouraged to take the walk at your own pace, even if said pace is inch by inch and bit by bit. Concrete benches have also been placed every few hundred yards. Obviously, you’re not the first person who may need or want to stop and rest on the way there! Visiting Horseshoe Bend Overlook during the cooler parts of the day will also make the walk it easier to manage. As mentioned previously, make sure you protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water.
If you decide to take a chance, remember that you can always turn back if you feel as though you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, but many people who were at bit dubious at first felt the view they were rewarded with was well worth the effort expended, like Carolina R., a visitor to our Facebook page:
“(The walk) was longer than expected. Nonetheless, it was so worth it. Absolutely breathtaking!”
Still not convinced? There are other options.
Get down in it. See Horseshoe Bend up close and personal, on the Colorado River Discovery Half Day Float Trip. On this scenic, relaxing excursion suitable for children as young as 4 and people of all physical fitness levels, you’ll board motorized rafts at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam and glide down the very stretch of the Colorado River that people on the overlook are gazing down at. Give them a wave and they’ll usually wave back! You’ll travel 15 miles downstream on the last remaining intact stretch of Glen Canyon before disembarking at Lees Ferry and traveling by motorcoach back to the town of Page, Arizona.
The only part of this trip that might be somewhat strenuous for people with mobility issues is the hike to the petroglyph panel that occurs about midway through the trip. Though relatively short, here again, the trail is sandy, and shade is minimal to non-existent. Hats, sunscreen, and a towel that can be dipped in the water and placed around your neck or shoulders as an evaporative cooler are must-bring items. Water and other beverages are provided, and a bistro box lunch can be purchased at the Colorado River Discovery’s River’s End Cafe. Float Trips depart once daily at 11 AM March 1st – 31st and October 1st – November 30th, twice daily at 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM from April 1st – 30th, then at 7:30 AM and 1 PM May 1st through September 30th.
For more information or to make reservations, visit Colorado River Discovery Half-Day Float Trip.
Get up above it. How would you like to see Horseshoe Bend, the Glen Canyon Dam and much more? How many steps will you need to take? Two: one up, and one down. Fixed wing airplanes take flight over Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell daily from the Page Municipal Airport. In less than an hour’s time, you’ll gain a true appreciation for the true scale and scope of Horseshoe Bend as it relates to the surrounding landscape, and soar past the towering monoliths of Lake Powell, including Lone Rock, Romana Mesa, Castle Rock and the Historic Crossing of the Fathers. The man-made wonders of Glen Canyon Dam and the Steel Arch Bridge round out this aerial sightseeing bonanza that many people regard as being better than the Grand Canyon!
This bird’s-eye perspective is one shared by only a select few. If you would like to be one of them, visit Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Air Tour. Tours operate weather permitting and may require a certain number of passengers to guarantee operation.
Wait awhile. In February 2017, the Page, Arizona City Council announced that it had awarded a contract to a Scottsdale architectural firm to handle a series of improvements at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook.
Plans in the works include:
- An accessible 1-mile long trail and rim viewing platform
- Visitor restrooms
- Trailhead orientation structure
- Potable water source
- Parking lot expansion
- Improved signage
Construction is slated to begin in the near future and the entire project should take 5-6 months. So by next year, people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to make the walk to Horseshoe Bend will be able to marvel at this extraordinary view alongside their families and friends. We’ll keep you posted on this.
‘Til next time, happy traveling!
25 Comments
This was the most helpful information I’ve come across so far in researching a trip out to AZ/UT. Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome, Kellc – have a wonderful trip!
[…] visit this spot by yourself at no cost or you can sign up for a tour. There is a little bit of a hike to reach Horseshoe bend, but if you’re in relatively good health you should be […]
VERY HELPFUL INFO.THANK YOU FOR THE EXCELLENT WRITE UP
I AM HANDICAP AND WAS WONDERING IF A GUY COULD GET TO THE HOURSESHOE BEND USEING LIKE A RIDE ON ELECTRIC POWERD HANDICAP SCOOTER ? LIKE A HOVERROUND ? THANK YOU LORNE
Hi Lorne,
Thanks for visiting today!
At the present time, getting to the overlook on a scooter or hoveround *might* be possible, but not ideal. At the present time, the trail to the overlook consists of sand, which, depending on recent rainfall, or lack thereof, can be quite sandy. Your chair might get stuck, or get sand in its wheel bearings. You might want to have someone with you who is prepared to assist if need be.
Now the good news: changes are in the works that will make Horseshoe Bend more easily accessible to all. Contractors and Park Service officials just broke ground, and expect to have many of the improvements in place in a few months time. Check out this article on the Lake Powell Chronicle that go into the proposed changes in more detail.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
[…] https://horseshoebend.com/2017/04/13/help-cant-hike-horseshoe-bend/ […]
Hi there, I am planning to be in pay around mid April. I will be 6 months pregnant then and trying to decide if I should do the horse shoe bend. Any suggestions? Thank you
Hi Pragati and congratulations on your impending “bundle of joy.”
At such a late stage of your pregnancy, the walk to Horseshoe Bend might be a little too much to handle. Though it’s not a particularly long (1.2 miles round-trip) or super-difficult hike, daytime high temperatures are starting to warm up quite rapidly, so you might try the walk during the cooler morning hours to avoid overheating. Be sure that you’re wearing appropriate walking shoes and that you and every member of your party carry plenty of water so you don’t become dehydrated.
Keep in mind that there is no shade on the trail until you get to the new viewing platform, and that trail conditions can range from wet and compacted soil to deep sand.
Normally, I would recommend that those unable to manage the hike consider flying over Horseshoe Bend, but tour aircraft are not pressurized and women in the later stages of pregnancy are discouraged from flying in unpressurized aircraft.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on.
Alley 🙂
For an average “walker” (not avid hiker) how much time should I allot for this hike?
Hi Maura,
Hello and thank you for your question.
For the “average” person, reasonably fit and not requiring a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid, it’s recommended to allow 60-90 minutes to make the walk to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook and back.
Hope that helps 🙂
Have a wonderful trip,
Alley
[…] Horseshoe Bend Observation area is only 10 min drive from Lower Antelope Canyon. Unfortunately, we actually didn’t make it to Horseshoe Bend due to our hectic travel schedule. If you do have some free time, try to make it to this iconic spot around sunset. What you see is one of the Colorado River turns downstream from Glen Canyon Dam. For FAQ and more info about Horseshoe Bend, read them here. […]
[…] Horseshoe Bend Observation area is only 10 min drive from Lower Antelope Canyon. Unfortunately, we actually didn’t make it to Horseshoe Bend due to our hectic travel schedule. If you do have some free time, try to make it to this iconic spot around sunset. What you see is one of the Colorado River turns downstream from Glen Canyon Dam. For FAQ and more info about Horseshoe Bend, read them here. […]
[…] Horseshoe Bend Observation area is only 10 min drive from Lower Antelope Canyon. Unfortunately, we actually didn’t make it to Horseshoe Bend due to our hectic travel schedule. If you do have some free time, try to make it to this iconic spot around sunset. What you see is one of the Colorado River turns downstream from Glen Canyon Dam. For FAQ and more info about Horseshoe Bend, read them here. […]
Do we have to make a reservation to visit the Bend and Antelope Canyon? Is there fees to pay to entrance to those parks? We are planning on driving there from Minnesota.
Hi Patricia,
Reservations are not necessary to visit Horseshoe Bend as it’s open 24/7/365, but you must make reservations with a Navajo Tribe-authorized guide service to tour Antelope Canyon. How to Book A Tour For Antelope Canyon Your tour price for Antelope Canyon includes your Tribal Park Entrance Fee.
Alley 🙂
[…] Hit the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Located just 5 miles South of Page, AZ, the parking area at Mile Marker 545 on US89 is easy to spot. A .6 mile walk takes you to the overlook, where a reasonable physical effort is rewarded with a now-iconic view of an incised meander of the Colorado River. A fairly steep incline starts the hike off from the parking lot, then mild uphill/downhill sections make up the remainder of the trail. Strategically placed benches can help break up the hike for anyone in your party who might be hard-pressed to tackle it all in one go. Water and sun protection are a must in this exposed desert environment, as is footwear suitable for walking a trail whose texture can vary from packed dirt to unwieldy “sugar” sand. Another caveat: the drop to the river below is 500’+ and at the present time, there are no guardrails. Children and dogs should always be kept in sight and under control. There are restrooms near the parking lot. Give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to take in the view of this hairpin turn in the river before grabbing lunch or checking into your motel. Can’t manage the walk? Here’s how you can still enjoy Horseshoe Bend. […]
Great page with really good info. Thanks
I read that ADA access is planned for Horseshoe Bend. The dates mentioned were beginning in Feb 2017 and expecting to take 5 – 6 months.
Can you tell me if those upgrades have been made as of today? We’re planning a visit in about 2 weeks and are hoping the access/hike is now easier.
Thanks very much
Hi Jeani,
Unfortunately, there have been some delays with the project due to weather and other factors, so the accessible trail is not expected to be completed until the early part of next year 🙁
However, in the interim, some local businesses have come up with ways that can help people in your situation experience Horseshoe Bend without undue exertion or inconvenience.
Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, for example, offers basic shuttle service from the town of Page that would transport you to the overlook via an alternate entrance on Navajo Indian Land. Your inquiry doesn’t state whether you have a wheelchair, scooter or other mechanical mobility aid, but if you do, I’d strongly recommend contacting the tour company by phone to address your concerns with someone on site.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
I live in Australia and will be visiting the Page area in April/May 2019. I have MS and some mobility problems – I can walk but only short distances. The information on this is wonderful – so informative. Thanks for taking the time to do it, as it is much appreciated.
Your website says that an accessible path was to be constructed to Horseshoe Bend. Can you tell me if this has happened and if it has, could I use my small travel scooter on it?
We travelled to the Page area many years ago, when I was totally mobile, and we had an amazing time. We can’t wait to return in 2019.
Warm regards
Sharon
Hi Sharon and thank you for revisiting our beautiful area! You’ll find that a lot has changed, and one of those impending changes is the construction of the ADA-compliant path to Horseshoe Bend Overlook. That phase of the construction has been delayed by weather, mainly excessive heat and unhealthy air from nearby forest fires, but they do expect to have it done by February 2019. If you’re on Facebook, you might want to “like” the page for the City of Page, as they regularly post updates on the project. Another good source of local information is http://www.LakePowellLife.com, or the local newspaper, the Lake Powell Chronicle.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Are you able to hike in and paddle board anywhere around and or on the horseshoe?
Hi Courtney, this is a really good question!
Unfortunately, there is no trail leading directly to Horseshoe Bend. If you wish to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through it, however, you can engage a “backhaul” service from Lees Ferry to the Glen Canyon Dam, and float down from there. Wilderness River Adventures would probably be the most logical one to book with as they run the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip daily from Page, AZ. Other companies providing similar services include but aren’t limited to: Kelly Outfitters, Lees Ferry On The Fly, and Lees Ferry Backhaul.
Best wishes for safe travels, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley, is that accessible pathway now underway? I know in your last response regarding it you had said they expect completion by February.
Hi Shivali,
In the interim between the time that piece was written and now, delays have occurred due to weather and other factors. The expected completion date has been moved to April. In the meantime, another development has taken place that can be of help to individuals who may not be able to make the hike is the offering of a shuttle service from Page, AZ. The company that operates the service takes people to Horseshoe Bend via a section of land that flanks the overlooks on the Navajo Indian Reservation. The walk is much shorter, but the view is no less spectacular.
For more information on Horseshoe Bend Shuttle Service, visit http://www.HorseshoeBendTours.com
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂