Is Horseshoe Bend Worth The Drive?

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.

Can you drive around Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is technically open 24 hours, but they won’t let cars in the parking lot past sunset. Once you’re in, you can spend as much time exploring the rims as you’d like! We suggest allotting at least an hour and a half at Horseshoe Bend.

What time is best for Horseshoe Bend?

“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.”

Can you see Horseshoe Bend without hiking?

No, you can see horseshoe bend travelling independently. It is quite a walk to get there, 20 mins walk at a brisk pace, but so worth it! Enjoy!

Can you see Horseshoe Bend for free?

Horseshoe Bend entrance fee
Currently, the cost is $5 for motorcycles and $10 for all other passenger vehicles and you can pay at the visitor center. For commercial vans with a capacity of 14 people or less, the cost of admission is $10. Unfortunately, National Park Service passes do not apply for the parking lot.

How long do you spend at Horseshoe Bend?

How Much Time do you Need at Horseshoe Bend? Ideally, you should spend around an hour and a half (90 minutes) at Horseshoe Bend. This includes your time parking, walking to and from the overlook, taking in the views, and taking some photos.

Why is Horseshoe Bend so popular?

At Horseshoe Bend, the National Park Service operates a visitor center located at Coconino Sandstone, and at the top of the layer is Hermit Shale. Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist destination in Colorado, due to its natural beauty and close proximity to the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.

How long of a walk is Horseshoe Bend?

1.5 miles
The hike to the overlook is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip over a hardened path. The trail is accessible under the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are two shade strctures along the length of the trail, but not at the overlook.

Can I drive to Antelope Canyon by myself?

CAN I GO TO ANTELOPE CANYON BY MYSELF? No, the Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon.

Is it cold inside Antelope Canyon?

Since Antelope Canyon is located in the Southwest of Arizona, it stays fairly warm all year round. This makes it a great destination during any time of the year since it is accessible during the winter months.

How difficult is Horseshoe Bend walk?

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.

What can I expect at Horseshoe Bend?

Most people will not find the Horseshoe Bend trail to be difficult, except in hot weather. It is wide, mostly flat, and ADA accessible. The trail is about 1.5 miles roundtrip, with gentle slopes. Plan for about 10-20 minutes each way.

Does Antelope Canyon cost money?

Most 90-minute tours of Upper Antelope Canyon cost between $50 and $90 (slightly less for children), although some operators offer discounts on their early bird and last chance tours. Hour-long tours of Lower Antelope Canyon cost $40, and up to $80 for deluxe options.

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

You can easily visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in one day. A Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Trip is the best way to see the amazing landscapes in this area.

How long does it take from parking lot to Horseshoe Bend?

The Horseshoe Bend hike is approximately 1.3 miles round trip in length from the parking lot to the end of the trail (about 0.6 miles each way). At a normal walking pace, it will take 15 minutes to walk there and another 15 to walk back.

Is Waterhole canyon free?

As opposed to paying lots of money to a tour guide and going to a short, but beautiful canyon like Antelope that is crowded with other people, Water Holes Canyon can be explored for only $5 per person by getting a permit at the Navajo office about 3 miles down Coppermine Road (now 89T).

Can you do Grand canyon and Horseshoe Bend in one day?

All in all, it will take around 20 hours to do the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon in one day.

How long should you spend at Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon guided tours usually last one to two hours. The Upper Antelope Canyon tours usually last 90 minutes. The overall time you have in the canyon does vary depending on how your group and the groups in front of you move through the slot canyon in Page, Arizona.

Is Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon the same?

Although Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are both in the Navajo Nation, they are not in the same park, so if you buy a tour to Antelope Canyon in the various Navajo tourist agencies located in Page, Horseshoe Bend is not included in the tour. Read our in-depth article to find out how to visit Navajo Nation!

What do you wear to Horseshoe Bend?

There are lots of beautiful places to sit on the rocks and enjoy the view, so make sure that you wear something you will be comfortable in. Sure, you could make the hike in your cute midi-skirt or your skinny jeans, but you will probably not enjoy it nearly as much. I prefer to wear my long hiking pants.

Are there restrooms at Horseshoe Bend?

There are bathrooms at the Horseshoe Bend parking area. There are no facilities at all near the viewing platform.