Arizona - American Southwest Obsessed

Horseshoe Bend Hike and Horseshoe Bend Trail In the heart of the American Southwest lies a geological wonder so spellbinding that it leaves even the most seasoned travelers awestruck. This remarkable natural wonder, tucked away in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area just a stone's throw from Page, Arizona, is more than just a bend in the river. Join us on a journey to discover the secrets of Horseshoe Bend, where the raw beauty of the desert landscape collides with the emerald embrace of the Colorado River. From breathtaking vistas to essential hiking tips, our comprehensive guide unveils the magic of this iconic destination. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and let's embark on an adventure to Horseshoe Bend – where nature's artistry knows no bounds. Horseshoe Bend, nestled within the captivating landscapes of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon, is a remarkable destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Located just 5 miles from the Glen Canyon Dam in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this iconic natural wonder is easily accessible from U.S. Route 89. How to Reach Horseshoe Bend Overlook Getting to Horseshoe Bend is a breeze, whether you're coming from the north or the south. Horseshoe Bend Overlook is conveniently situated just 5 minutes outside of Page, Arizona. From Phoenix or Mesa: If you're flying into Phoenix or Mesa, a scenic five-hour drive north on U.S. Route 89 will lead you to the Horseshoe Bend scenic area. Keep an eye out for the left turn sign before reaching Page. From Las Vegas, Nevada: Alternatively, you can fly into Las Vegas, Nevada, and embark on a five-hour eastbound drive to reach Page, Arizona. From Utah: For those coming from Utah, a southeast journey on U.S. 89 will lead you into Page. For a complete guide to the attractions around Page, Arizona, including Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, check out my detailed post on "Things to do in Page, Arizona." Tips for Hiking to Horseshoe Bend Guide Horseshoe Bend is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a 45 minute round trip hike but note that it is dry and hot (in the summer) and make sure you know what you are getting into before you start. Here are a few tips for Horseshoe Bend hiking: Bring a reusable water bottle and lots of water! Remember you are in the sun and you will need to drink lots of water. I love my LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle. I can refill this bottle anywhere and it comes with a carabiner to connect it to my daypack. Check the Weather – days over 100 degrees are very common. Make sure to check. I spoke to the ranger at the entrance. He said he rescues several people per day from heat exhaustion. Go early! Hiking boots or sandals that will protect your feet! I love good shoes. I need all the support and help I can get. I actually love these sandals for hiking and have a whole post on Merrell vs Keen shoes for hiking. I also love these hiking boots which I used for Hiking in the Grand Canyon. Bring hiking poles for balance and to protect your knees. I know many experienced hikers (and even amateur ones) think that hiking poles are for old people who lose their balance. Actually, hiking poles can help when going down steep inclines or when scrambling over rocks. They are great to hike with even for the most experienced hiker. Wear a sunhat. I feel like this whole post is about how high you are in the mountains and how much closer you are to the sun but it is so true. At elevation, you are closer to the sun and more likely to burn. Wear sun protection such as a sun hat and sunscreen. Start Early – If you want to avoid the traffic and the heat you will need to start your hike early. That way it will be nice and cool and the smog will not affect you either. Leave no trace. If you are new to the concept of Leave No Trace it is all about preserving the environment to ensure it is in the same or better condition when you leave it. This means that you should stick to the trails and carry out everything that you carried in. This is a great explanation of the Leave No Trace principles! tips for visiting horseshoe bend horseshoe arizona My Personal Experience on the Horseshoe Bend Hike I recently hiked on the Horseshoe Bend hike and here's what I learned from my visit: Tips for a Rewarding Horseshoe Bend Hike The Horseshoe Bend hike offers a 1.5-mile loop that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. While the hike itself isn't physically demanding, the desert heat can be challenging, especially in the summer months. Here are some valuable tips for your adventure: Stay Hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and stay well-hydrated. The sun can be relentless, and drinking plenty of water is essential. I personally recommend the LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle for its convenience and reliability. Check the Weather: Days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees are common. Plan accordingly and start your hike early in the day to avoid the sweltering heat. I spoke to a ranger at the entrance who emphasized the importance of being prepared for extreme temperatures. Choose Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots or sandals that offer support and protection for your feet. I found Merrell hiking shoes to be an excellent choice for the terrain. Consider Hiking Poles: Hiking poles can provide balance and protect your knees, especially when navigating steep inclines or rocky terrain. They are a valuable companion for hikers of all experience levels. Sun Protection: The higher elevation increases your exposure to the sun. Wear a sunhat and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Start Early: To beat the traffic and the heat, begin your hike early in the morning. This ensures a cooler and more enjoyable experience. Leave No Trace: Preserve the environment by sticking to the designated trails and packing out everything you bring in. Familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact. The Horseshoe Bend Trail Itself The hike to Horseshoe Bend is relatively easy. You'll start by ascending a sandy hill from the parking lot and then descend approximately 200 feet to the viewpoint. The trail consists of sand, gravel, and a paved pathway, but beware, the sand can get scorching hot in the sun. While there's no shade along the way, there's a small canopy at the top where visitors gather to seek respite from the sun. I believe the city of Page could enhance the experience by providing more shade. Safety Precautions Exercise caution while at Horseshoe Bend, especially at the viewpoint. The area can become crowded with people trying to capture the perfect shot. Be mindful of your surroundings, and if you have a fear of heights, stay close to the railing. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be leashed. Keep in mind that heat-related incidents are not uncommon, with someone sent to the hospital about once a week due to the extreme conditions. It's crucial to carry enough water to stay hydrated, as water is not available at the site or in the parking lot. Practical Information for Your Visit Here's some practical information to make your Horseshoe Bend visit enjoyable: Visit Early: To avoid the midday heat and crowds, plan to visit Horseshoe Bend early in the morning. Bring Water: Carry your water supply, as there are no water sources available at the site. Parking Fee: There's a $10 per car parking fee, which is a one-time payment valid for the day. Restrooms: Long drop toilets are available in the parking lot for visitors to use. Capturing the Perfect Shot Horseshoe Bend's photogenic beauty is a major draw for photographers. Here are some tips for getting that stunning shot: Camera and Equipment: Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the entirety of Horseshoe Bend. Time of Year: Consider visiting during less crowded seasons to get the best shots. Explore More in Page, Arizona If you're journeying to Page to experience Horseshoe Bend, why not extend your stay and explore other captivating outdoor activities in the area? Here are some suggestions: Dam Overlook: Just 4 miles from the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. Lake Powell: Enjoy a wide range of water activities at this stunning lake. Antelope Canyon: Explore the lesser-crowded Canyon X for an unforgettable adventure. Glen Canyon Recreation Area: Discover the wonders of this expansive recreation area. Rainbow Bridge: Another natural marvel to explore in the vicinity. Where to stay near Horseshoe Bend Horseshoe Bend makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying in Page and even treating yourself with a cabin with a spa pool to relax at night. There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs in Page. There are many beautiful places to stay in Page and this allows you to spend most of your time experiencing the area instead of driving from another place. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. This is one of the best Bryce Canyon Hotels and it has amazing amenities and is close to everything. Plus its reasonably priced. If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .