Horseshoe Bend Trail,
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Located 3.2 miles from Page, Arizona (AZ)
4 Stars
1,150 Steps 1  (0.5 mi)
Trails National Recreation Areas Glen Canyon Horseshoe Bend Trail

One of the most popular places to photograph in the Grand Canyon area, along the Colorado River and within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is the Horseshoe Bend. The Horseshoe Bend trailhead is located off highway 89, just 1.5 miles south of the highway 98 junction in Page, Arizona. The parking lot is difficult to miss, there are often several large tourist buses parked at the trailhead. The trail begins with a short uphill hike and then gradually descends to the edge of the canyon where the Horseshoe Bend is visible. Be careful, there are no guard rails at the viewpoint. On sunny days, as the river flows, the water sparkles and shines in varying shades of blue and green. Visit Horseshoe Bend early in the morning and you can beat the heat and the tourists that flock here in the afternoon.

Horseshoe Bend TrailHorseshoe BendHorseshoe Bend

Elevation

The Horseshoe Bend Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,366 ft., a minimum elevation of 4,221 ft. and an elevation range of 145 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
0.5 mi4,221 ft4,366 ft145 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
14 min4.554 ft141 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
15 min11.8141 ft54 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Horseshoe Bend Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Big Water, UT
  2. North Topo Map: Lone Rock, NV
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Warm Creek Bay, UT
  4. West Topo Map: Water Pockets, AZ
  5. Topo Map: Ferry Swale, AZ
  6. East Topo Map: Page, AZ
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Navajo Bridge, AZ
  8. South Topo Map: Lees Ferry, AZ
  9. Southeast Topo Map: White Dome, AZ

FAQ

What is the length of the Horseshoe Bend Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) or 1,150 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Horseshoe Bend Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 14 minutes in one direction and in 15 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.