Stroll the foot paths to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meandered on the Colorado River. Because of its unique shape and beauty, it is a favorite on social media and is one of the most visited places in Glen Canyon. Considered to be more than five million years old, Horseshoe Bend is a hotspot at sunset where many people flock here to catch the amazing landscape and colors of nature.
Horseshoe Bend was created from millions of years of erosion of the sandstone. This type of structure is known as an entrenched meander. It was formed when land under the Colorado River was uplifted by tectonic forces allowing it to erode downward into its bed. Over time, this created Horseshoe Bend.
To get to Horseshoe Bend’s overlook, you have to park and hike 3/4 of a mile (1.5 miles round-trip) on clear, dirt pathway. This pathway is spacious, firm and easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Along the way you’ll pass two shaded structures as you make your way to the bend.
Once there, it’s a wide-open area built for social media … I mean photography. Anywhere you stand will give you an amazing view of Horseshoe Bend and create stunning photo ops. We saw some creative photos from a couple of girls posing in matching hats gazing out at the bend, we noticed a couple sitting at the edge (not on the edge) taking an arial photo as they looked on, and a wedding party dressed in white capturing some incredible photos. Although you won’t need much time here, take your time and get some creative shots to will light up your social media pages.
A word of caution. Be very careful. The drop down to the Colorado River is 1000 feet and you will not be climbing back up if you happen to go over. The cliffs do not have railings around them so exercising caution is very important.
In all, you’ll hike about 1.5 miles roundtrip. It’s a pretty easy walk and it’s worth every calorie to see Horseshoe Bend up close. Sunset is the most popular time to go, but even at its busiest it never seemed crowded to us. Burn some calories, enjoy yourself, be safe and grab some great photos at Horseshoe Bend. We enjoyed it and we think many others will, too.
Cost of Adventure
- Per vehicle: $10 parking
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total distance: 1.5 miles
- Calories burned: 75 – 150
- Time suggested: 1 hour
- Family friendly: YES
Challenge Yourself
Horseshoe Bend doesn’t present a ton of challenges, but it does present a lot of photo ops. Challenge yourself to capture a stunning photo that even National Geographic couldn’t say no to. The picture is there, you just have to catch it.
Find Great Photo Ops
This is why you are here. Sure, you get a little stroll in and burn some calories, but the main attraction and draw to the area is photography. Get out your iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel or high-tech camera and snap away. Capture all the amazing colors, the beautiful landscape and tap into your inner creative to produce some sweet photos.
