The Best Time to See Horseshoe Bend: Sunset
If you go to Horseshoe Bend any time other than sunset, you’re seriously missing out. The best time to see Horseshoe Bend is 100% the sunset.
It goes from being an awesome place to utterly magical.
I visited Horseshoe Bend while doing the Grand Circle road trip, which is a road trip through Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.
It blew away my expectations!
This road trip was a part of a 2-year road trip where I traveled across the USA exploring everything, and I’ve written itineraries and guides about all the adventures I’ve had.
Here, I want to share how to get to Horseshoe Bend, what to do on your trip, and where to stay for free, along with some budget hotel options.
Why is Horseshoe Bend so Special?
A river forms a canyon by cutting into the rock under it. As it flows, the softer rock erodes quicker than the harder rock, slowly creating canyons where the river flows.
At Horseshoe Bend, the softer rock that eroded just happened to form an exaggerated horseshoe canyon. That’s why the Colorado River curves so dramatically around a gigantic sandstone cliff.
What makes it so imposing is how sheer the cliffs are, dropping 1,000 feet to the river below. And you get to sit on the edge those cliffs and gaze at the view, facing west. That’s what makes sunset the best time to see Horseshoe Bend.
My favorite memory at Horseshoe Bend is getting an absolute light show at sunset. We got there just in time and sat down at the edge with a Subway sandwich in hand. There was quite the crowd, especially at the railing, but there was lots of space off to each side of the main overlook.
Where is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is just 12 minutes from Page, Arizona. It’s a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Sedona to Horseshoe Bend.
It’s also really close to some of America’s best national parks and natural wonders!
- It’s a 2 hour and 15 minute drive from Horseshoe Bend to Zion National Park.
- It’s a 13 minute drive from Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon.
- From Horseshoe Bend to the Grand Canyon is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive.
Yeah, Horseshoe Bend is smack dab in between arguably the best national parks in the American Southwest! That and its magical beauty is why Horseshoe Bend is the last stop on the Grand Circle road trip.
The Horseshoe Bend Hike
My favorite thing about visiting Horseshoe Bend is that getting to the outlook is easy.
There’s only one hike, which you access from the parking lot (open every day from sunrise to sunset). The entry fee for the Horseshoe Bend parking lot is $10 per car.
It’s also a dog-friendly hike, but they have to be leashed.
How long is the hike to Horseshoe Bend?
The hike is 1.5 miles round-trip, so just three-quarters of a mile to Horseshoe Bend. You’ll walk about 20 minutes each way, maybe less.
The hike is also easy and accessible, so almost anyone can get to the outlook!
Because of this, Horseshoe Bend can get crowded. Especially at sunset, which is the best time to see Horseshoe Bend.
However, even though I hate crowds, I thought visiting Horseshoe Bend was completely worth it! You’re always facing away from the crowd and so entranced by the view that you forget everyone’s there.
Should You Visit Horseshoe Bend at Sunrise?
Don’t do it.
Now, it will be beautiful. Horseshoe Bend is astounding at any time of the day and sunrises make the world a better place – but you’ll be missing out.
If you’re standing at the outlook gazing at Horseshoe Bend, the sun will rise behind you. It’s not as striking as the sunset, which makes the whole experience like being in a picture.
If you do go for the sunrise, I’d recommend you visit again later because the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is sunset.
What to Do Close to Horseshoe Bend
Most people don’t do much else other than hike to the outlook, take in the view, and hike back.
This is a big mistake because there’s SO much to do in the city of Page, Arizona.
Kayak or Paddleboard Horseshoe Bend
In addition to enjoying Horseshoe Bend at sunset, you can go down into the canyon, 1,000 feet below… to kayak or paddleboard around the horseshoe.
Adventure companies in Page will rent you kayaks or paddleboards and ferry you from Lees Ferry to the Glen Dam. They drop you off to float down the river on your own through the canyon, at your own pace.
It can take you about 5 hours to kayak or paddleboard from the Glen Dam back to Lees Ferry. But you can also make it a 2-day journey and camp on the beaches of the Colorado River!
There’s no better way to enjoy a marvel of nature than becoming a part of it like this!
If you’re interested, I loved this comprehensive guide to kayaking Horseshoe Bend.
Things to do in Page
- Visit Antelope Canyon: I’m 99% sure you’ve seen picture of Antelope Canyon! It’s a slot canyon with a wavy texture that makes it SO special. Catch rays of light shining into the canyon and you’ll have seen one of the world’s most gorgeous places. Coming here does require a ticket and guide! It costs $60+ depending on what tour you get.
- Visit the Glen Canyon Dam: You can explore the Dam and walk across it, but there’s also a bunch to do at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. That includes some of the Colorado River and Lake Powell, the lake created by the dam. You can hike, kayaki, boat or just lay on the beach!
Where to Stay Close to Horseshoe Bend
I feel like if you’re here, your best option is to camp.
There’s camping right by the river and in the general area around Page.
Camping by the Colorado River: Lees Ferry Campground.
Camping close to Page: Lone Rock Beach Campground.
Lala and I car camped for free on a dirt road under enormous power lines and a clear night sky. The coordinates are: 36.8956900, -111.4921901.
But there are LOTS more places to camp for free close to Horseshoe Bend!
If you’re planning any sort of trip in the Southwest, I actually made a free map with 70+ free car camping spots I found and vetted during my 2 years on the road. It’s my go-to resource whenever I’m planning where to sleep for the night.
👉 Grab the map for free below – I’ll email it to you right away!
Planning on staying at a hotel?
There are hotels all over and around Page. You can find glamping hotels around the city, the usual hotels all over, and some vacation rentals for the added comfort. Check out this map to browse for a hotel:
My 3-day Horseshoe Bend Itinerary
3 days should be enough to really get to know Page and Horseshoe Bend, so here’s what I would do during a 3-day Horseshoe Bend Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Start the day at Lees Ferry Campground
- Take the ferry to Glen Canyon Dam
- Slowly paddleboard downriver to Ferry Swale Camps
- Spend the night
Day 2:
- Continue the paddleboard downriver
- Paddleboard Horseshoe Bend
- Arrive back at Lees Ferry in the afternoon
- Go to the Horseshoe Bend outlook for sunset
Day 3:
- Start the day exploring Antelope Canyon
- Explore the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell in the afternoon
- Drive to the Grand Canyon (south) or Zion (north)
I’m already looking forward to going back! Horseshoe Bend was even more spectacular than I expected.
If you have any questions about your trip to Page or Horseshoe Bend, please comment below and I’ll be sure to answer!
Where to Next?
- The Grand Circle Road Trip: If you’re looking for one of the best road trips in the USA, the Grand Circle is a great option. It goes through Horseshoe Bend, of course, as well as 6 national parks and other incredible natural formations. It usually starts in Las Vegas!
- Las Vegas: If you’re visiting Page, it’s likely you flew to Las Vegas or are headed that way. And, though it’s known as Sin City, Las Vegas is actually paradise for outdoorsy people! I loved Las Vegas for all the rock climbing and hiking there was to do.
- The Grand Canyon: This national park is just something special, and you NEED to visit. Whether you spend one day in the Grand Canyon or more, you will not be disappointed.
- Zion National Park: For the longest time, Zion was my favorite national park! It’s an impressive place and there’s SO much to do and see. I spent 2 days in Zion National Park, but even 1 day in Zion will leave you speechless… and wanting more!
