Horseshoe Bend is a natural wonder located in the town of Page, Arizona. It is a horseshoe-shaped area carved by the Colorado River, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. When something is photographed and shared as much as this, you sometimes wonder if it can live up to the hype. In this case, Horseshoe Bend does!
The bend is about 1,000 feet deep, and it offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding desert landscape.
We visited in April 2023 when the air was chilly and the wind was whipping around at warp speed. But it was all worth it! We were traveling through the area when we realized that if we stopped in Page overnight, we could visit Horseshoe Bend on Monday morning in between conference calls for work.
Thankfully, the Walmart in Page loves RVers and caters to all types. We counted more than 40 rigs in the parking lot on Monday morning. Some folks have said that if you try to stop there in the summer, you may not find enough room in the lot depending on the size of your rig.
The Walmart is only about 2 miles from Horseshoe Bend, so it’s a great spot to stock up on supplies and then hit the Bend or one of the other many beautiful places around Page.
There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Horseshoe Bend. First, the hike to the overlook is about 1.5 miles round-trip, and it can be strenuous in the heat of the day. (A ranger told us it’s usually a 15-minute hike in and a 20-minute hike out. We assume that’s because on the way out you’re going a bit more uphill.)
Second, the overlook is located on a cliff, so it is important to be careful and not to get too close to the edge. This is especially true when it’s very windy.
Third, the area is very popular, so it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Despite the challenges, Horseshoe Bend is a truly breathtaking sight. It is a must-see for any visitor to Arizona.
Here are some tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for hiking.
- Be careful not to get too close to the edge of the cliff.
- Respect the natural environment and leave no trace.
Here are some additional things to do in Page, Arizona:
- Visit Antelope Canyon.
- Take a boat tour of Lake Powell.
- Go hiking in the Navajo National Monument.
- Visit the Glen Canyon Dam.
- Take a scenic flight over the Grand Canyon.
If you want to see some video of our visit to Horseshoe Bend, go to https://youtu.be/pZcoX5GzqJU.
Keep on trekin’ and we’ll see you out there!
