How Long Horseshoe Bend Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Horseshoe Bend trail is a short

1.3-mile

round trip hike that should not to be underestimated. Like mentioned above, most of the trail is covered in deep sand with a few rocky areas and the only location to escape from the desert sun is the small pavilion.

How hard is the Horseshoe Bend hike?

It’s

not too difficult

although summers can be very hot as there is no shade with the exception of a small gazebo structure halfway to the overlook. The hike will start from the parking lot and is extremely easy to follow. The first part of the trail up to the gazebo is all uphill, but it is a gentle climb.

Is Horseshoe Bend hike easy?

Experience this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail near Page, Arizona.

Generally considered an easy route

, it takes an average of 36 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Can you hike Horseshoe Bend without a tour?

Short Answer:

Yes! It is possible to visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour

or guide. Many visitors to Horseshoe Bend make a point to see the neighboring Antelope Canyon, which requires you to book a tour through a certified Navajo tour company.

Can you swim in Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend Campground is situated on the north side of Lake McClure, only 3 miles west of Highway 49 and Coulterville.

Campers at Horseshoe Bend enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and relaxing along the water’s edge

. A boat launch ramp is nearby.

Can you go to Horseshoe Bend at night?

Be aware that

the roads to Horseshoe Bend are extremely dark at night

, so you want to start your journey early in the morning and enjoy the beautiful sunset on your way.

Is Horseshoe Bend part of Grand Canyon?


Horseshoe Bend is not part of the Grand Canyon

. It is about 140 miles from the South Rim and the North Rim. However, it is only about 5 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.

How far is Grand Canyon from Horseshoe Bend?

It is located approximately

140 miles

from both the South Rim and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon – but only 5 miles from the beginning of Grand Canyon National Park. You can experience Horseshoe Bend when traveling from Rim to Rim via Highway 89/89A by simply taking a short 18 mile up to Page, Arizona.

Is Horseshoe Bend better sunrise or sunset?

“Horseshoe Bend is best viewed

late morning or mid day

. The ‘bend and river are in shadow at other times. At or just before sunset, the sun will be in your eyes and the bend will be in shadow. It’s best viewed mid day to early afternoon.”

Is Horseshoe Bend open now?

Horseshoe Bend NMP is

open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day

. The park boat ramp is open from dawn to dusk daily. For park emergency closure information select Option 4 after calling 256-234-7111.

Can you kayak in Horseshoe Bend?

KAYAK HORSESHOE BEND

For Day Trips we suggest utilizing our backhaul service from the Parking Lot at Lee’s Ferry to Petroglyph Beach just upstream of Horseshoe Bend, where folks can then spend the next 4-6 hours kayaking around Horseshoe Bend and back to their awaiting car at Lee’s Ferry.

Is Horseshoe Bend worth visiting?


If you love dramatic landscapes and unique topography, absolutely yes

. If you are averse to crowds and hiking, maybe it’s not for you. Regardless, it is one of the most well known iconic spots in the USA and a must-visit site on any Southwest USA Road Trip.

Is Horseshoe Bend Az open during Covid?


Horseshoe Bend is open

, but there are closures at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Can you do Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in one day?


Yes, it can be done

. Total time required for all 3 is around 5-6 hours. I recommend you start with Horseshoe bend early in the morning (1-1.5 hrs). Then do the Upper Antelope Canyon (~1.5 hrs) and end with the Lower Antelope Canyon (1hr).

Can you drive around Horseshoe Bend?


you can drive

and from the carpark is about 15 – 20 minute walk up over a hill to horseshoe bend. Is only about a 5 minute drive from page.

Can you jet ski into Antelope Canyon?

At the time, I wished I wasn’t so tired from the strenuous kayak and I could’ve spent more time exploring the slot canyon.

You can rent jet skis or boats from the Antelope Point Marina

, the same place you would rent the kayaks.

Is Horseshoe Bend man made?

Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell,

man-made

reservoir created by damming the Glen Canyon on the Colorado River, on the border between Arizona and Utah, United States.

Why is Powell receding?



We have been experiencing a fairly severe drought over the last 20 years

,” Heather Patno, hydraulic engineer for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages Glen Canyon Dam at the Arizona end of the lake, told KSL-TV. “It is a really dry year — 41% of average following a 54% of average year in 2020.

Can you picnic at Horseshoe Bend?


There are two picnic areas at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park

, with the main one being located near the Visitor Center and a smaller group of tables located at Miller Bridge on Highway 49. All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis. Grills are also available.

How far apart are Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon?

Horseshoe Bend is

less than 5 miles

from Antelope Canyon, and is a must do if you are in the area. If it free to visit, and is only a . 75 mile hike to the overlook. Horseshoe Bend is a meander in the Colorado River that forms a horseshoe shape.

Is Antelope Canyon free?


Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options

. The price generally—but not always—includes taxes and the $8 Navajo permit fee. (Check with your tour company if you have any questions about additional fees.)

What is special about Horseshoe Bend?

1. What’s so special about Horseshoe Bend?

It was formed over time by water erosion

. The cliff walls are made of Navajo Sandstone, during the long process of erosion the sandstone acted as a natural barrier forcing the water to make the sharp bend that can be seen today.

What time does Horseshoe Bend close?

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Our busiest times of the day are between 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning and 4:30pm to

6:30pm

in the evening. If you enjoy fewer crowds, try scheduling your hike around these busy times.

How deep is the water at Horseshoe Bend?

Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly

1,000 ft (305 m)

deep, 270o horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.

Does Horseshoe Bend cost money?

Although the national park service doesn’t charge an admission fee to Horseshoe Bend, the parking lot is located on property owned by Page. The city charges

$10 per vehicle or RV and $5 per motorcycle to park in the lot

. National park passes do not entitle you to a discount.

Is Upper Antelope better than lower antelope?

If you want to visit both canyons, I recommend visiting

Upper Antelope Canyon

at 10:30 am (best chance to see those light beams but make sure you book your tickets well in advance!) and Lower Antelope Canyon at 1:30 pm (even with a reservation, you might have to wait 30 minutes or longer to enter Lower Antelope Canyon …

Do you need a reservation for Horseshoe Bend?


Advance reservations are strongly recommended

for all guided tours to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.