Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend sits along the Colorado river just southwest of the town of Page, Arizona. It sits within Grand Canyon National Park at the far northeast corner of the park service land. However, the parking area itself sits on Page town property, and a parking fee is charged by the town, not by the National Park Service. Your National Park pass will not get you in!
MOTORCYCLE WARNING: The red sand in the Arizona desert will pull your bike down quickly. Exercise extreme caution and stick to the pavement.
Riding Through Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, & Grand Canyon National Park 🇺🇸
Overlooking the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Map 🗺️
Horseshoe Bend, Marble Canyon, & Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
History and Visitor Information 📜
Horseshoe Bend is a captivating natural landmark located in Arizona, just a few miles downstream from the iconic Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. This stunning formation occurs as the Colorado River carves a dramatic bend through the Navajo Sandstone, featuring striking red rock cliffs that rise over a thousand feet above the water. Visitors often marvel at the vivid colors and the intricate patterns formed in the rock, which are a testament to the creative beauty of the earth.
The site is easily accessible from Highway 89, with a short 15-minute hike leading visitors to a panoramic viewpoint. At the rim, spectators can view the river as it wraps around the rock formation, creating a horseshoe shape. This natural wonder provides a breathtaking view that showcases the intricate design and artistry of the landscape. Many visitors take the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, when the changing light casts vibrant hues over the rocks, further emphasizing the intricacies of creation.
Visitors are surrounded by the stark beauty of the Colorado Plateau, the vibrant contrasts between the rich red sandstone and the deep blue-green waters of the river evoke a sense of awe and reverence. The area is not only visually stunning but also rich in opportunities for outdoor activities such as photography, hiking, and exploration. You may also see kayakers paddling beneath you on the river. I would highly recommend a guided water tour as this appears to be one of the most fun activities at Horseshoe Bend. Considering it was well over 100 degrees the day I visited, I wish I had been in the water!
Horseshoe Bend draws many visitors who appreciate the natural world, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the intricate designs and the remarkable power of creation that can be found throughout the earth.
Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
