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Bucketlist Bri

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9 Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 · Southwest, USA

Visiting the jaw-dropping Horseshoe Bend was on my bucket list for quite a while. So when we set off on a 2-week road trip through Utah and Arizona, you can bet the Horseshoe Bend hike was one of the first things we did when we arrived in Page!

But, to be honest, Horseshoe Bend both overwhelmed and underwhelmed me. The 1,000-foot drop, the 270-degree bend, the vastness of the canyon, the rich color of the Colorado River below – all of that comes together and is simply breathtaking.

I could easily have stayed there for a while just taking in the view, but that’s also where the problem lies. It can be fairly stressful and sweaty to visit with the heat and the crowds.

After our visit, I realized there was a lot about the Horseshoe Bend hike that wasn’t apparent to people like me who were searching for information online beforehand. I had read many times that the hike was “only a 5-minute walk” from the parking lot. But that’s not accurate! I saw a lot of people who were expecting a short hike and because of that, didn’t prepare to bring enough drinking water or comfortable walking shoes (I even spotted a girl in black leather and knee-high boots..).

That said, I created this guide to make visiting Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona a little more transparent.

Here is updated information you need to know about the Horseshoe Bend hike!

Entry into Horseshoe Bend is separate from the US National Parks Pass. But, if you plan on visiting national parks during your trip, go ahead and purchase an America The Beautiful park pass to save on national park entry fees (valid for one calendar year).

Table of Contents show
What to Know About the Horseshoe Bend Hike
1. Entrance Fee
2. Trail Length
3. Crowds
4. How to Get There
5. Parking
6. Best Time of Day to Visit
7. Sun Exposure
8. What to Bring
9. Photography Tips
Final Thoughts

What to Know About the Horseshoe Bend Hike

woman wearing hat posing for photo at horseshoe bend in page, arizona
girl sitting on rock at horseshoe bend attraction in page, arizona

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

  1. Entrance Fee
  2. Trail Length
  3. Crowds
  4. How to Get There
  5. Parking
  6. Best Time of Day to Visit
  7. Sun Exposure
  8. What to Bring
  9. Photography Tips

1. Entrance Fee

It costs $10 USD per vehicle (car, truck, SUV, RV, motorhome) and $5 for motorcycles to access the Horseshoe Bend hike and park in the recently renovated parking lot. Unfortunately, you cannot use your America The Beautiful National Park Pass since Horseshoe Bend is managed by the city of Page, Arizona.

If the parking lot is full when you arrive, you simply have to come back at another time. Parking alongside the highway US 89 is not allowed.

2. Trail Length

How long is the Horseshoe Bend hike? The Horseshoe Bend hike is approximately 1.3 miles round trip in length from the parking lot to the end of the trail (about 0.6 miles each way). At a normal walking pace, it will take 15 minutes to walk there and another 15 to walk back.

Horseshoe Bend hike

The dirt trail is relatively flat, but there are a few natural inclines. The trail isn’t difficult, but it can be challenging if you are not well-prepared! Make sure to go slowly and not push yourself if you’re feeling weak from the heat. Many people mistakenly think the trip will only take 30 minutes total, but that is the total hiking time without any time for actually enjoying the view and taking a few photos.

For that reason, many people experience symptoms of heat exhaustion because they’re out in the sun for much longer than 30 minutes. The weather in the summer is extremely hot and dusty with sands that sting in high winds. In the winter, the trail can be brutally cold. Make sure to check the weather and prepare accordingly.

3. Crowds

It wasn’t that long ago that the public at large didn’t know about the stunning 270-degree bend and 1,000 ft drop that makes Horseshoe Bend the icon it is today. So how did this amazing geological formation get discovered after 5 million years? Hint: Instagram.

Horseshoe Bend Instagram
Horseshoe Bend Overlook

Horseshoe Bend was still considered a local secret until Instagram and social media posts from 2016-2017 encouraged others to visit the area as part of their tour around the Southwest. Almost overnight, tourists began to arrive in droves, bringing the number of visitors to around 4,000 per day. Visitation to Horseshoe Bend has only increased since then.

As the Outside Online reported, the sudden spike in attention and popularity from underprepared travelers has had long-lasting harmful effects. Not only are there dozens of emergency calls now being made on the trail due to cases of heat exhaustion and stroke, but people are wandering off-trails and trampling the delicate fauna while leaving their own trail of trash behind. It is terribly unfortunate and sad to see beautiful natural landmarks become overwhelmed by underprepared visitors. Please, when you visit Horseshoe Bend and other natural wonders and national parks, practice the seven Leave No Trace principles and learn about the ways in which you can be an eco-friendly traveler.

4. How to Get There

Horseshoe Bend trailhead is just off the US 89 highway about 5 miles south of Page, Arizona. If you’re coming from a visit to the Grand Canyon North Rim via 89A, you’ll cross Marble Canyon and the Navajo Bridge and drive up and over some cliffs to reach Horseshoe Bend just before Page. If you’re coming from the northwest, from Kanab / Bryce Canyon National Park / Lake Powell side via 89, then you’ll reach the town of Page first. At the round-about in Page, there are a number of fast-food spots, plus a convenient Wal-Mart, if you need to stock up on water and snacks.

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

Two kayakers spotted from Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

5. Parking

There is parking at the trailhead of Horseshoe Bend, but you need to pay the $10 entrance fee to pass. Drive up to the ticket booth and purchase your entry ticket. Save your receipt and place your parking pass on your dashboard so the parking attendants can see you’ve paid. Tip: There is no shade in the parking area, so it is wise to bring a sunshade for your car windshield. Don’t forget to put your ticket somewhere visible!

6. Best Time of Day to Visit

The best time of the day to visit Horseshoe Bend is from morning to early afternoon when the canyon walls and the Colorado River below are in full sun. Any later, and the bend will be partially covered in the shade. Sunrise and sunset are popular times to visit to capture the beautiful golden light.

Horseshoe Bend photos
Horseshoe Bend photography

We visited just before noon, and the sun illuminated the canyon walls and Colorado River perfectly! Note: Please remember to bring plenty of drinking water and hydrate yourself regularly. The sun is pretty relentless during this time of the day!

7. Sun Exposure

Apart from two wide structures offering shade from the sun, there is no other shade on the Horseshoe Bend hike. Even though the hike is 15 minutes each way, prepare to be exposed to the sun for at least 45 minutes – 1 hour. This may seem like a short period of time, but heat exhaustion can set in quickly. A carefree situation can suddenly become a dangerous one.

Horseshoe Bend hiking trail

8. What to Bring

Since there is such little shade, you should bring sunglasses, a hat, and wear sunscreen! Also, plan to bring at least two bottles of water per person and store it in a small day pack.

9. Photography Tips

If you plan on taking photos, you should also plan to bring your camera (here’s the Sony I use), action camera, tripod (compact Manfrotto), and/or selfie stick. There are dozens of people who make a bee-line to the end of the Horseshoe Bend hike to capture their photos then leave. As always, crowds come in groups so if you arrive during a busy time, enjoy the view while waiting for your turn to get “the shot.” There is only one guardrail to help prevent accidental falls and deaths in Horseshoe Bend, but there are areas that remain open without guardrails. Please be careful if you are taking photos or videos while near the ledge. Just one misstep can be fatal (and sadly has happened in the past).

Horseshoe Bend Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend Overlook

Final Thoughts

The Horseshoe Bend hike is short and sweet but needs to be taken seriously to avoid emergencies. If you don’t want to hike Horseshoe Bend, you can also see it from the sky with a helicopter tour or via horseback.

Is Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona on your bucket list? If so, and if you have any questions about visiting, feel free to reach out by email or ask me in the comments. Enjoy your hike in Horseshoe Bend!

Pin this guide to Horseshoe Bend for later!

woman wearing hat posing for photo at horseshoe bend in page, arizona
girl sitting on rock at horseshoe bend attraction in page, arizona
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By: Bri · In: Southwest, USA · Tagged: Hiking

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Comments

  1. Chrestine Bate says

    August 17, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    Is kids allowed? is the hike stroller accessible? and wheelchair accessible too? so can we go there as early as like 6am? thank you.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      August 18, 2021 at 11:29 am

      Hi Chrestine! You can go from sunrise to sunset. Kids are allowed and the hike is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Hope you have a good time!

      Reply

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
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📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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