Horseshoe Bend Sunset and Sunrise: Hours and Access
What the daylight-only opening hours, parking and trail mean on the ground
The Horseshoe Bend parking lot and overlook are open from sunrise to sunset. For any horseshoe bend sunset visit, the trail and overlook are open in daylight hours only, and visitors cannot stay after dark.
Hours, camping and parking
Opening hours at Horseshoe Bend run from sunrise to sunset for both the parking lot and the overlook. The trail and overlook admit visitors in daylight only, and overnight camping is not allowed at Horseshoe Bend.
Parking fees and the shuttle
Trailhead parking carries a charge from the City of Page. The lot is on city land and run by the City of Page, and America the Beautiful and National Park Service passes do not apply to it. Once the lot is full on a holiday or busy weekend, Page may require visitors to use a shuttle.
Where the bend and the trailhead are
The Colorado River created a bend roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep with a 270-degree horseshoe-shaped curve. The Horseshoe Bend Overlook is inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, while the trailhead parking lot is located in the City of Page. The parking lot and trailhead are off US Highway 89, about 5 miles (8 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
On the trail and at the rim
A hardened path leads to the overlook, and the walk there and back totals 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Two shade structures stand along the trail, and none is at the overlook. No drinking water is available on the trail, and visitors must bring their own.
Edges and summer heat
Railings guard the edge of the viewing platform, and the trail itself has none. The rocky edge beyond the viewing deck has no railings either. In summer the parking lot and trail are too hot for bare feet and paws, which matters for dogs.
At a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Overnight camping | Not allowed |
| Round-trip walk | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on a hardened path |
| Shade structures | Two along the trail, none at the overlook |
| Trailhead location | Off US Highway 89, about 5 miles (8 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center |
| Parking | Charged by the City of Page; National Park Service passes do not apply |
Tours around Horseshoe Bend
Tours and activities
Questions about sunrise and sunset visits
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours at Horseshoe Bend?
The parking lot and overlook are open from sunrise to sunset, and the trail and overlook are open in daylight hours only.
Is camping allowed at Horseshoe Bend?
No. Overnight camping is not allowed at Horseshoe Bend.
Which parts of the rim have a barrier?
Only the edge of the viewing platform is protected by railings. The trail has none, and the rocky edge beyond the viewing deck is also without railings.
Is the trailhead lot covered by a park pass?
No. The lot is on city land and run by the City of Page, which charges for parking. America the Beautiful and National Park Service passes do not apply.
What happens when the parking lot is full?
On holidays and busy weekends, Page may require visitors to use a shuttle once the lot is full.
What does the trail offer in the way of water and shade?
No drinking water is available on the trail, and visitors must bring their own. The trail has two shade structures, and the overlook has none.
How far is the trailhead from the Carl Hayden Visitor Center?
The parking lot and trailhead are off US Highway 89, about 5 miles (8 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
How hot do the lot and trail get in summer?
In summer the parking lot and trail are too hot for bare feet and paws.