A GUIDE TO HIKING HORSESHOE BEND ARIZONA: YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL OVER THE MEDIA AND NOW IT’S TIME TO SEE IT FOR YOURSELF!
So, I’m sure you’ve seen the magnificent Horseshoe Bend Arizona all over social media, and it’s time for you to get out there and go see!
Well, it’s your time, and I’ve gone ahead and given this resource to help support you throughout your travels and filled it with what you’ll need to get out there and be able to see it with your own eyes.
Enjoy, have fun, laugh lots, and love your journey dear one.
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BEST TIMES TO GO
Overall, the best times to go to Horseshoe Bend Arizona is during the spring and fall, as the sun won’t be nearly as direct and Horseshoe Bend gets snow in the winter time.
As far as the best times of day, late morning or midday offer the best views without any shadowing. However, some do say that they really saw the color pop at sunset, but run into lots of shadowing for photography.
So, ultimately the choice is yours! Also, no need to worry about hours, they seem to be open 24 hours, every day of the week.
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
Of course, there are so many ways to get to Horseshoe Bend Arizona, but here are a few popular routes to help give you a general idea.
If you’re coming from Vegas, you’ll be heading east, with an average drive of about 4 to 5 hours, and about 275 to 300 miles of a drive.
However, if you’re driving from Phoenix, you’ll be heading north, with an average drive of about 4 to 5 hours and about 200 to 300 miles as well.
Depending upon what part of Lake Powell you’re coming from, the journey can be upwards of about 20 minutes or about 10 miles, if on the outskirts of the lake.
Lastly, if you’re driving from the Grand Canyon, and depending upon which side of the Grand Canyon you choose to go to, it’s on average about a 2-hour drive.
Looking for additional resources for Road Trips? Here are a few to elevate your road trip!
Be sure not to miss anything when preparing for your road trip, read PACKING FOR A ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST
Not sure what foods to pack for your road trip, check out this article on PACKING THE BEST ROAD TRIP FOOD.
Still feeling like you need to really be on top of your road tripping prep beyond what to pack? Maybe safety and car needs are a part of that? Read this article on MASTERING ROAD TRIP & LONG JOURNEY PREP
FLYING TO PAGE ARIZONA
Another way to get there is also by airplane, surprisingly the flight was quite fast and extremely easy. The airport in Page, Arizona was actually the smallest airport I had ever been to or even seen.
However, it was also extremely affordable and ridiculously close to the Horseshoe Bend hike, with only being about 12 minutes or 5.6 miles away.
Please just also note, that if you do decide to take a flight, just know that there aren’t any Ubers or Lyfts because it’s fairly rural. So, be sure to arrange a ride ahead of time.
TIP: We highly recommend downloading the map onto your phone before you leave. Reception can be spotty for long stretches of the trip.
PERMITS AND FEES
Upon arrival at Horseshoe Bend, there will be an entrance fee of about $10, which is also the parking cost roped together as one.
Thankfully, it’s a pretty low entrance fee, and is only per vehicle, so you could carpool right before getting to horseshoe bend and all hop into one vehicle and ride on in!
HORSESHOE BEND ARIZONA HIKE
HIKING SPECS
Rated: Easy
Miles: 1.4 miles round trip
Trail Style: Out and Back
The trail itself is partially paved and graded. It has some mild uphill/downhill movement, and good for most skill levels. Towards the end of the trail, there are quite a few slopes and cliff sides to reach before the view actually opens up fully.
I also highly suggest roaming around the different edges and even climbing up on some boulders and mixing up the direction of views, they all have something a little different to offer.
PS:I found the best spot to get centered with a full and expansive view of Horseshoe Bend was to the far right and close to the edge.
Disclosure: Please be aware that there is a risk when getting close to the edge, use your best judgement and tune into your comfort levels when exploring.
WHAT TO PACK
If you’re looking for what to pack, check out this article I had written on WHAT HIKE ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR A DAY FULL OF ADVENTURE!
Also, I wanted to really recommend sun protection, there aren’t areas with shade or any kind of cover.
The desert is extremely exposed, and the sun is extremely direct, so being over-prepared for the sun is definitely worth it.
Oh, and when in the desert, be sure to bring twice as much water as you think that you’ll need too!
A great article to read to help better prepare you for the heat and for the sun is 25 TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN THE HEAT OF THE SUMMER – Manifesting Serenity.
Alright, now it’s time for you to get out there, love your journey and see this magnificent wonder for yourself!
Be sure to take lots of pictures, share this article with friends so that they can enjoy it with you, and check out the “Travel with me” page to join us on the next adventure!
I hope to see more of you here! ♡
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