Horseshoe Bend: Short Walk to the Iconic Lookout
- Stephen Warner
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Horseshoe Bend is one of those places you’ve probably seen pop up on your feed at some point — a dramatic curve of the powerful Colorado River, slicing through rust-red canyon walls with the sun dipping low on the horizon. Sure, it’s popular (and yes, there's a fee), but it's hard to deny that this is a truly unique slice of nature.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Horeshoe Bend Trail |
Distance | 1.5 miles / 2.4 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | ~1 hour |
Elevation gain | 130 ft / 40 m |
Highest point | 4,300 ft / 1,310 m (Start of trail) |
Permits / fees | Yes ($10 per car) |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Yes |
Dog friendly? | Yes |
Know before you go
This trail is extremely popular. Solitude is not on the menu here. If you want that prime sunrise or sunset shot, get there early.
This trail is shadeless, so if you're visiting during the warmer months, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Even though the hike is short, the desert heat hits differently.
Other trails nearby
Distance: Varies
Details: One of the most iconic experiences in Page. You can access the slot canyons by paddling from Lake Powell, or by booking a guided hiking tour through the narrow, sculpted walls.
The Trail
There’s not much to the hike itself. A wide, sandy path leads you gently downhill to the overlook. It's straightforward and very much a destination trail.
That said, keep your eyes open. On my way back up, the sky was full of gorgeous clouds lit with the colors of sunset. It’s always worth looking around, even if you’ve already reached the main view.
And then, suddenly, you’re there. The beauty of this trail is that once you reach the overlook, you can roam around the rim for different vantage points. I ended up chatting with a fun group of women who said they liked my hat and snapped a few pictures of me. Whether they genuinely thought it was stylish or were just having a bit of fun at my expense, I’ll choose to believe it was the former :)
Like most of the crowd, I waited for that golden moment, when the sun dipped halfway below the canyon walls, and snapped some classic shots. It was one of those times where nature puts everything together just right.
SS Reflections
Page and the Lake Powell area were kind of a side quest on my four-month road trip to over 20 U.S. National Parks. I didn’t know much about it beyond seeing it on the map and recognizing the name "Horseshoe Bend."
But it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The bend itself, along with the nearby slot canyons and lakes, were unlike anything I'd seen before. The shapes, colors, and natural textures inspire a sense of awe that’s hard to put into words. If I ever find myself back in this corner of the country, it’ll be a must-stop for sure.
Other helpful resources
The official NPS webpage on Horseshoe bend
The Horseshoe Bend webpage that details logistics and fees