Horseshoe Bend, Arizona – A Gem of the Colorado River
Horseshoe Bend is a spectacular place to visit near the Grand Canyon. Though technically (and often mistakably attributed) it is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, which begins a few miles downstream at Lees Ferry. Nor is it Marble Canyon quite yet. Horseshoe Bend is in Glen Canyon, and sits about halfway between the Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry.
In September of 2022, we took 50 people on an amazing 4-day tour of multiple parks in celebration of the 25 years Canyon Ministries has been leading Grand Canyon Christian trips and tours from a biblical creation perspective. Part of this tour included a half-day float trip on the Colorado River around Horseshoe Bend and through Glen Canyon.
This was a personal highlight for me, as it was the first time I’ve done it, and I can now say I’ve gone from “lake to lake” on the Colorado River from Lake Powell to Lake Mead. Due to the thrill and majesty of a Glen Canyon float trip on the Colorado River as we did for the Celebration Tour, we are now working to provide that opportunity for group tours, and perhaps more special events!
If you’re not familiar with Horseshoe Bend, or would like to visit it yourself while in the area on a Canyon Ministries trip or tour, read on to learn a bit more.
The Horseshoe Bend formation is made predominantly of Navajo Sandstone seen in much of Northeastern Arizona. It was made famous in large part by photographers like Ansel Adams, who took stunning black-and-white photos of it. Since then and in the past decade, the site has become very popular due to pictures of it appearing on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media outlets.
But the history of Horseshoe Bend goes back a long way before cell phones and selfie sticks. The landscape was first inhabited by Native American groups like the Ancestral Puebloan Hisatsinom (Anasazi), Paiute, Navajo, and perhaps others, who used the area as a hunting ground and campground, especially the shoreline delta areas below.
There are ancient routes into the horseshoe on its northern side, and stunning petroglyphs left behind by numerous tribes who have called the region home. In modern times, it has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning views and easy access from nearby places like Page, Flagstaff, Kanab, and the Grand Canyon.
The 270º horseshoe-shaped bend itself measures about 2.5 miles long and 1000 feet deep. Flowing water around it is in the form of a large horseshoe shape—hence its name!
The Colorado River that flows through Horseshoe Bend begins in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where it flows southwesterly through Utah before going through Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam, and then into Lake Mead and through the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas, Nevada. It then continues south until it reaches the Sea of Cortez. In recent years, the Colorado River doesn’t even make it all the way to the sea, being used up entirely mainly for agricultural purposes.
Hiking at Horseshoe Bend
The Horseshoe Bend area is a beautiful place to explore. There is a 1.5-mile handicap-accessible trail that will take you to the overlook. Once at the overlook, there are plenty of places to spread out along the railing area.
Some also find moving away from the crowds to be more enjoyable, although caution is definitely needed around unprotected cliff edges. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes while hiking as they like cool places like underneath large rocks and in shadows during summertime, so look where you’re stepping or when leaning against a boulder backrest!
Photography at Horseshoe Bend
The best time to photograph Horseshoe Bend is early morning or late afternoon. The sun will be behind you in the morning, giving your photos a dramatic look and allowing you to capture the full beauty of this natural wonder. Sunset in the west (left side of the bend) can provide a dazzling view, especially if the clouds are lit up.
Tips for Photographers:
-Bring a tripod with you so that you can take long exposures without having motion blur appear in your images.
-Use a wide-angle lens so that everything fits into the frame without distortion (this also makes it easier for viewers who want prints made).
-If using a cell phone, don’t forget to capture a wide pano shot, as this is really the only way to get the whole thing at once.
Exploring the Surrounding Area of Horseshoe Bend and Page, Arizona
While you’re in the area, it’s worth exploring some of the other sights.
Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon on tribal land that is accessible only via a tour from the Navajo Nation. It features 3 main distinct sections, Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X. Read our Things to Do Near the Grand Canyon page for descriptions of these 3 canyons and their differences.
If you’re looking for something free to do, Glen Canyon Dam is only about 10 minutes from Horseshoe Bend. The dam itself is impressive enough but there are also several trails nearby that lead to gorgeous scenery, and even a route into Glen Canyon from the southwestern side below the Dam. While there, check out the Hanging Garden Trail. It’s short, easy, and great for the whole family!
Nearby Lake Powell is America’s 2nd largest manmade lake and offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing as well! You can even rent boats or take guided tours around the lake if you want.
Wildlife at Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is home to a variety of wildlife. Mammals include coyotes, jackrabbits, and kangaroo rats. Birds include bald eagles, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, owls, turkey vultures, and the incredible California condor with up to a 9-foot wingspan.
Reptiles include rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, collared lizards, and desert tortoises. Morning or especially evening is often the best time to see these animals, as the desert “comes alive” when the sun goes to bed.
Visiting Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is open throughout the year. There is no fee to visit Horseshoe Bend, but you do pay for parking. No highway or offroad parking is allowed anymore. No pets are allowed at Horseshoe Bend because they could cause damage to the environment or themselves by falling into the canyon below (yes, it has happened). Lastly, please don’t litter or carve your name into the rocks—keep things as natural as God gave us!
Horseshoe Bend is a must-see for anyone traveling through Arizona. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the state, and with good reason! The views are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset when you can see all of the colors reflected off the rocks. For a roadside stop that doesn’t take long to visit, I definitely would recommend you add it to your list of things to do when you’re here in Grand Canyon country.
–Nate
