Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River (with Map & Photos)

Horseshoe Bend is an amazingly beautiful bend (or, scientifically, a meander) of the Colorado River, which has broken through a symmetrical channel in the shape of a huge horseshoe, for which it got its name. It is located about six kilometers southwest of the small town of Page in the US state of Arizona, on the territory of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Many US travelers come here every day and walk about a kilometer off Route 89 across the sand to get to Horseshoe Bend and see this picturesque horseshoe canyon. Especially a lot of people gather on the high bank of the Horseshoe Canyon in the evening before sunset to take a bird's eye view of the Colorado River flowing somewhere far below, in the waters of which the rays of the setting sun are reflected.

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River
Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

The most spectacular meander in Arizona and probably in the United States is the Horseshoe Bend or Curve of the Horseshoe. Have you thought about visiting it? Do not hesitate for a moment. It is a must-see in the Grand Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River
Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

Visit to the Horseshoe Bend


Horseshoe Bend and that portion of the Colorado River are in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Grand Canyon National Park begins nine miles downriver. I wrote an article where I told you all about my visit to Grand Canyon. Getting to Horseshoe Bend is very easy from the town of Page. It doesn't matter if you're coming from the South Rim or if your home address is Monument Valley.

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander carved by the Colorado River. This river rises in the Rocky Mountains and has a length of two thousand three hundred kilometers. From its source to this place in Arizona, the river has traveled almost a thousand kilometers.

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River
Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

At Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a horseshoe-shaped bend approximately 1,000 feet deep.

Horseshoe Bend has become one of the recognized and visited places in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The full view of the riverbed from this vantage point on a plateau above the Colorado River is amazing. This enclave is managed by the Navajo Indians and by the local administration.

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River
Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

If you are coming from the Grand Canyon you have to follow all the signs to get to Page without leaving Highway 89. Before reaching the city you will see a sign that indicates 'Horseshoe Bend Overlook Trail'. Once you have left the car in the parking lot, you have to walk about eight hundred meters to the viewpoint.

Horseshoe Bend Map