Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The walk to horseshoe bend is an easy hike that overlooks the most iconic viewpoint of the Colorado River. You'll walk up a sandy hill on the way to the viewpoint. As you reach the top of the hill the sand will turn to a mixture of gravel and sand. The pathway will slowly start turning into sandstone, and before you know it you will have reached the edge of the viewpoint. 

Pictures can't convey the size of this place. Bring a wide angle or fisheye lens to capture it's full essence in one single photo. You'll see it from a different perspective as light and shadows change throughout the day. Dawn will give you beautiful hues and less crowds. Shortly after sunrise you'll get back light (the pictures posted here were shot close to dawn). Some say the best time to go is during sunset: Because the view faces west, you'll be able to capture a beautiful sunset in the background. Whatever time of day, you can't go wrong. 

There are no safety fences or ropes, so explore carefully because you are 1,000 feet above the Colorado River. After you done, take a tour of nearby Antelope Canyon!

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

One of a kind viewpoint. Free.

Cons

Lots of people.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Big vistas
Geologically significant

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

08/26/2018
Absolutely stunning place. But do be careful. Some of the edge is undercut and you can't tell from above. Before you venture out "just a little more" to get that perfect shot try to see the area you plan to walk on from a side view. You just might discover that the seemingly solid rock isn't as thick and sturdy as you thought.
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