Horseshoe Bend Overlook
If you are anywhere near Page, AZ, you have got to take a look at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Standing high above the Colorado River at the edge of the Horseshoe Bend cliff is breathtaking!
Table of contents
So what exactly is Horseshoe Bend?
It’s a horseshoe-shaped, meander of the Colorado River, located near the town of Page, Arizona. The overlook, sometimes called the East Rim of the Grand Canyon, is 4,200 feet above sea level, and the Colorado River is at 3,200 feet above sea level.
How was it formed?
Six million years ago, the region around Horseshoe Bend was much closer to sea level, and the Colorado River was a meandering river with a nearly level floodplain. Around that time, the region began to be uplifted, trapping the river in its bed, and the river rapidly cut downwards to produce the Horseshoe Bend we see today.
Where is it Located?
Horseshoe Bend is located in North-central Arizona in Page, AZ. Page is in the very top of Arizona not far from the state line with Utah.
Page is a great place to stop and enjoy the attractions. As highlighted on the map below, you have the Horseshoe Bend overlook, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours and Slot Canyon, along with the Glen Canyon Dam.
We drove, about 3.1 miles from the hotel we stayed at, which is the Holiday Inn in Page, to get to the viewpoint.
What to Expect at Horseshoe Bend?
This is a self-guided tour of the viewpoint, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset. You do not have to pay a fee to go into Horseshoe Bend, but there is a $10 fee, at least for cars and RVs for parking.
Parking and The Walk In
Once you pay for the parking and find a spot, you have a 0. 7-mile walk downhill, not very steep, to the observation area.
There is no shade except at the Gazebos on the trail.
Observation Area
The Observation area does have handrails and provides you with a great location for pictures of Horseshoe Bend.
Other Views
Many visitors, including ourselves, walk closer to the edge of the drop-off, away from the viewpoint and away from the handrail, to try and get better pictures. Be very cautious and keep a close eye, especially for children, as the sandstone can be unstable and a thousand-foot fall would almost certainly be fatal.
Walk back to the Car
Once you are through viewing, you have a 0.7-mile walk back uphill. Please note the walkway is not steep and is flat, hard-packed, and ADA-compliant.
There are a few shaded gazebos, uh, for those wishing to rest on the ascent or descent.
Horseshoe Bend attracts two million visitors every year. It’s one of the most photographed sites in Northern Arizona. Horseshoe Bend is an absolute must-do if you go to the Page, Arizona area. In between that, the Upper Antelope Slot Canyon, and the Glen Canyon Dam, you’re guaranteed to have a great epic adventure in Page.
Key Takeaways
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook, located near Page, AZ, offers stunning views of the Colorado River’s horseshoe-shaped meander.
- Visitors enjoy a self-guided tour of the overlook from sunrise to sunset, with a $10 parking fee.
- The 0.7-mile walk to the observation area is mostly flat and ADA-compliant, with shaded gazebos available.
- The observation area provides handrails, but caution is essential near the edge for safety reasons.
- Horseshoe Bend attracts two million visitors annually, making it a must-see destination in Northern Arizona.
Conclusion
If you like this content, check out my post on the Navajo Upper Antelope Slot Canyon and the Glen Canyon Dam. Also, check out all the Epic Arizona Trip videos. You will also like our entire collection of Arizona attractions from our YouTube Channel.
