Last updated: October 21, 2020
Thing to Do
Take a stroll to Horseshoe Bend Overlook
NPS / Brent&Dawn Davis
A social media darling, Horseshoe Bend has become one of the most recognized and visited places in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The parking lot and trailhead is located off US Highway 89, approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
Hiking
The hike to the overlook is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip over a hardened path. The trail is accessible under the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are two shade structures along the length of the trail, but not at the overlook. There are railings at the edge of the overlook's viewing platform, but not along the trail.
Parking Fees
Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. National Park Service passes do not apply for the parking lot. Contact the City of Page for questions about the parking at Horseshoe Bend at their website here.
PLEASE NOTE: On Holidays and busy weekends, the City of Page may require all visitors to use a shuttle to visit once the parking lot is full. Check with them if you plan to visit during busy times.
Details
Duration
1-8 Hours
The Horseshoe Bend trail and overlook is only open during daylight hours. From sunrise to sunset you can spend as little or as much time as you would like there. There is no overnight camping.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The hike to the overlook is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip over a hardened path. The trail is accessible under the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are two shade structures along the length of the trail, but not at the overlook. There are railings at the edge of the overlook's viewing platform, but not along the trail.
As with any hike, be prepared with plenty of water, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and other basic hiking essentials. Know that there is little shade along the Horseshoe Bend Trail. Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
Age(s)
All ages are welcome. The trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a leash six feet or shorter. Pick up after your pet. During the summer season, the parking lot and trail is too hot for bare feet and bare paws. Consider booties for your furry friend. Do NOT leave your pet in your vehicle for any amount of time without you there. Bring enough water for you and your dog.
Activity Fee
Yes
Horseshoe Bend itself is in the park, but the parking lot is on city land. The City of Page requires visitors to pay for parking at the Horseshoe Bend trailhead. National Park Service passes do not apply for the parking lot. Contact the City of Page for questions about the parking at Horseshoe Bend at their website here.
PLEASE NOTE: On Holidays and busy weekends, the City of Page may require all visitors to use a shuttle to visit once the parking lot is full. Check with them if you plan to visit during busy times.
PLEASE NOTE: On Holidays and busy weekends, the City of Page may require all visitors to use a shuttle to visit once the parking lot is full. Check with them if you plan to visit during busy times.
Location
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend has been featured as a landmark for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, the Cities of Page AZ, Kanab UT, St George UT, and the Navajo Nation. Boundary lines are very close in some places. Horseshoe Bend itself, and that part of the Colorado River, are a part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. About nine miles downstream is where Grand Canyon National Park begins. US Highway 89, the land north of the trail to the Horseshoe Bend overlook, and the parking area for the trailhead are in the City of Page. The land south of the parking area and the trail and overlook are on the Navajo Nation. This mixture of jurisdictions provides a unique opportunity in the management of this magnificent trail and overlook.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The parking lot and overlook is open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The trail from the parking lot to the overlook is made of a sand-based mixture hardened with salts, in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations for low mobility accessibility, while maintaining the desert aesthetic look. The trail is lined with native rocks, no railings. There are two shade structures along the length of the trail, but no shade structure at the overlook viewing platform.
The viewing deck at the end of the trail is flat and has railings at the edge. it is compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act. Beyond the viewing deck, the edge is rocky and has no railings.
The viewing deck at the end of the trail is flat and has railings at the edge. it is compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act. Beyond the viewing deck, the edge is rocky and has no railings.