A few miles below Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River swings in an almost complete circle around a sandstone outcrop, a thousand feet below the rim. The overlook, just south of the town of Page, has become one of the most famous viewpoints in the United States — and one of the easiest to reach.
Horseshoe Bend lies within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, upstream of the Grand Canyon proper. It is about two and a half hours’ drive from the Desert View entrance of the South Rim, which makes it a natural stop between the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell or Monument Valley.
What to see and do: Horseshoe Bend
Walk to the overlook
A wide, mostly level path of about 0.75 miles leads from the parking area to the rim, where there is a viewing platform with a railing. Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour in total.
See it from the river
A half-day rafting trip from Page floats through the bend at water level, with a stop to see ancient petroglyphs.
Private Navajo viewpoint
Some small-group tours visit a viewpoint on Navajo land with a different angle on the bend, often combined with a less-visited slot canyon.
How to get to Horseshoe Bend
- The parking area is on US Highway 89 just south of Page. A parking fee applies (check the current amount). From the South Rim, drive east via Desert View and Cameron; from Las Vegas it is roughly four and a half hours.
Insider tips
- Late afternoon gives warm light, but the sun is behind the bend at sunset and the canyon falls into shadow — midday shows the green river best.
- There is no shade on the trail; carry water in summer.
- Keep away from the unfenced edges. The sandstone is crumbly and the drop is sheer.
Best tours & tickets for Horseshoe Bend
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Horseshoe Bend:
River float trip from US$150 Page: Horseshoe Bend Colorado River Half-Day Rafting Trip
The easiest way to get onto the Colorado River in canyon country: a serene half-day trip on the river that passes through Horseshoe Bend itself, with a stop to see petroglyphs. A completely different view of the bend from below.
- Raft through Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River
- Ancient petroglyphs
- Wildlife spotting
Small-group tour from US$149 Page: Secret Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
Two highlights of Page in one tour: a quieter slot canyon and a private overlook of Horseshoe Bend on Navajo land, away from the main viewing area. Small groups.
- Less-visited slot canyon
- Private Navajo viewpoint over Horseshoe Bend
- Groups of 12 or fewer
Coach day tour from US$398 Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend
Three of the Southwest’s most famous sights in one very long day from Las Vegas, with over two thousand reviews and a 4.8 rating. Expect a pre-dawn start and a late return; the reward is the South Rim, a guided walk through Antelope Canyon and the view over Horseshoe Bend.
- Grand Canyon South Rim
- Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide
- Horseshoe Bend overlook
Coach day tour from US$160 Las Vegas: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend with Lunch, WiFi
If you have already seen the Grand Canyon, this popular day trip from Las Vegas goes to Page for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend instead, with entry and lunch included.
- Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide
- Horseshoe Bend overlook
- Lunch and entry fees included
Small boat tour from US$199 Lake Powell: Antelope Canyon 2-Hour Photo Boat Tour
A small-boat cruise on Lake Powell into the flooded reaches of Antelope Canyon, with a guide who helps with photos. Rated 4.9.
- Small open-bow boat into Antelope Canyon on the lake
- Glen Canyon Dam and Wahweap Bay views
- Photo tips; swimming in warmer months
