Top 25 Questions about Visiting Horseshoe Bend

When is Horseshoe Bend open?

Horseshoe Bend is open daily from sunrise to sunset. 

Where is Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is located just outside the city of Page, Arizona.

How do I get to Horseshoe Bend?

Day Tours from Las Vegas include visits to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. 

How far is it from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend?

It is about a 4 ½ hour drive from Las Vegas.

Horseshoe Bend vs. the Grand Canyon

Horseshoe Bend is upriver from the start of the Grand Canyon. Although they both share the Colorado River, and some people think that Horseshoe Bend is located at the beginning, they are actually separate areas. There are only a few areas of the Grand Canyon that offer views of the Colorado River, so this particular view is unique and worth a visit. 

How was Horseshoe Bend formed?

The Colorado River carved the path through the canyon now known as Horseshoe Bend. It is a natural turn in the Colorado River. 

Is Horseshoe Bend a National Park?

Horseshoe Bend is not part of the United States National Park System. One half of the U-shaped bend is owned by the city of Page, Arizona. Most visitors see this section. The other half is own by the same family that owns Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, also called Secret Antelope Canyon. This company offers combination tours to Secret Antelope Canyon and the private side of Horseshoe Bend, both of which will make guests feel very special.

Is Horseshoe Bend worth it?

Oh yes! No one visiting Page area should miss a visit to Horseshoe Bend. It will be a great memory and provide some fun photos to share. 

Is Horseshoe Bend free?

The entrance fee is $10 per car. It is run by the City of Page. 

Can I visit Horseshoe Bend on my own?

Yes, visitors can drive themselves into the Horseshoe Bend parking lot and walk the path to the overview point. No planned tour is necessary. 

Can I go to Horseshoe Bend without a tour?

Yes, you can. Whether it is part of a full day tour or just a separate visit on your own, you can visit the area either way.

Can you drive to Horseshoe Bend?

You can drive your own car or a rental car to the Horseshoe Bend parking lot and walk along the path to the overlook.

Are Horseshoe Bend tours open?

Horseshoe Bend tours are open daily, sunrise to sunset.     

Who owns Horseshoe Bend?

One half of the Horseshoe Bend is owned by the City of Page, Arizona. The other half is privately owned by the same family that operates Secret Antelope Canyon (Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours).

Why is it called Horseshoe Bend?

There is a natural, U-shaped turn in the Colorado River. It forms a horseshoe-shaped canyon in the red rocks. Some people have seen photos of the area and thought that the photos were modified to show the Grand Canyon with a fisheye lens. Incredibly, photos from the overlook are real and display the dramatic scenery. 

How far is it from Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon?

It is only about a 15-minute drive between Horseshoe Bend and Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon and about 25 minutes for Antelope Canyon X. 

Can I visit Horseshoe Bend without a guide?

Yes. Visitors do not need a guide to walk along the 20-30 minute path to arrive at the overlook. 

Horseshoe Bend is near what city?

Horseshoe Bend is just outside of Page, Arizona, in Northern Arizona. 

Is Horseshoe Bend near Sedona?

From Sedona, it is about a 3-hour drive to Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend is in what state?

Horseshoe Bend is in Arizona, near the border with Utah. 

How far is it from Horseshoe Bend to the Grand Canyon?

It is about a 2 ½ drive from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to Horseshoe Bend. 

Is Horseshoe Bend part of the Grand Canyon?

Although not part of the National Park, Horseshoe Bend is part of the same natural canyon system that the Colorado River created. The area is upriver from Grand Canyon National Park.

Horseshoe Bend vs. Zion National Park

Zion is a large, wide valley with steep canyon walls on both sides. Horseshoe Bend is a narrow, U-shaped canyon with the Colorado River running through it. They are very different and should both be visited. 

Horseshoe Bend vs. Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is actually not a canyon. Bryce is a natural amphitheater with wonderful shapes called hoodoos. Horseshoe Bend is a U-shape turn of the Colorado River through Glen Canyon. It offers an amazing overlook from high above the Colorado River. 

Can I visit both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon?

Yes, both destinations are combined in a day tour from Las Vegas. If you are driving yourself, you can also visit both in the same day. 

What is the difference between Horseshoe Bend and the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is a wide, expansive area of the Colorado Plateau. Horseshoe Bend is a smaller section of the natural Grand Canyon area. The Colorado River helped to create both areas. While not part of Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend is part of the natural river and canyon area, created by a variety of natural forces.