The southwest United States is blessed with some of our country’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders. And in a crowded field of world-famous sites, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular — and most photographed! Around two million people visit this iconic meander in the Colorado River every year, and it never fails to amaze.
Some of our tours from Las Vegas visit Horseshoe Bend. Of course, the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour is the obvious one, but it features in some of our highly popular multi-day tours too. Find out which ones at the end of this guide!
For now, let’s focus on your visit to Horseshoe Bend. Below, we have taken a closer look at this awe-inspiring landmark to help you prepare for your tour. Let’s get started! And if you have any questions for our team, please feel free to get in touch.
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most celebrated natural wonders in the American Southwest, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. Just outside the town of Page, this dramatic meander of the Colorado River forms a near-perfect horseshoe shape, framed by towering sandstone cliffs.
For travelers departing from Las Vegas, Horseshoe Bend is approximately 280 miles (about a 4.5-hour drive) to the east, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip or part of a longer adventure through the region’s national parks. It’s also conveniently located near other must-visit destinations like Antelope Canyon (just minutes away), Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, and the Grand Canyon.
Our seven-day Southwest Highlights Tour is the perfect itinerary for anyone looking to take in as much of the region’s breathtaking beauty as possible. This exhilarating journey starts and ends in Las Vegas and is your gateway to experiencing some of the Southwest’s most renowned natural wonders.
Horseshoe Bend’s dramatic curves and sheer cliffs are the result of a remarkable geological transformation. The Colorado River, carving its way through layers of Navajo sandstone, created this horseshoe-shaped bend over millions of years. The river’s path was shaped by natural erosion, gradually cutting through rock while sedimentary layers built up over time.
Around 5 to 6 million years ago, plate tectonics caused the uplift of the Colorado Plateau. This raised the rocks here flat and high. The Colorado River was then able to cut down into the landscape, slowly creating deep canyons and winding bends like this one. Today, Horseshoe Bend stands as a monumental example of the forces of nature at work, with its 1,000-foot cliffs offering a striking view of the river below.
While Horseshoe Bend is accessible year-round, the best time to visit depends on the experience you’re looking for. Read a little more about the seasons below so you can find the ideal time of year for you.
For the best lighting and photography conditions, visit in the late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky, casting warm hues over the canyon.
If you’re looking for a winter experience and have numerous days to play with, we think you’ll love our National Parks Winter Hotel Tour, a three-day excursion that includes a trip to Horseshoe Bend as well as nearby Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, and Zion National Park.
Preparing for your visit to Horseshoe Bend is essential for a comfortable and safe experience. After all, you want to remember your trip for the right reasons! Here’s what you’ll need:
To make the most of your visit to Horseshoe Bend, keep these helpful tips in mind:
If Horseshoe Bend is only one of the spectacular sights you plan to see on your US Southwest adventure, look through our full range of destination guides for advice and tips about visiting some of the region’s other unmissable attractions!
As one of the most photographed spots in the US Southwest, preserving Horseshoe Bend’s natural beauty is crucial. Follow these Leave No Trace principles:
Incredible Adventures offers unforgettable tours that take you to Horseshoe Bend and beyond. Departing from Las Vegas, our expertly guided tours ensure you see the best of the Southwest with convenience and comfort.
Check out our excursions featuring Horseshoe Bend below and choose the adventure that captures your imagination!
Ready to witness one of the most spectacular views in the Southwest? Join us on an adventure to Horseshoe Bend and experience its beauty firsthand! And remember, our team is here to help however we can, so please just contact us if you have any questions.
Get update to special deals and exclusive offers.
Sign up to our newsletter!