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On the Cliff’s Edge: Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids

You’ve probably seen photos of the iconic Horseshoe Bend somewhere. This is the aptly named horseshoe-shaped area of the Colorado River as it twists through sandstone cliffs in a 270 degree angle. But, what is it really like trying to take these pictures and with kids in tow? Come along with us on this adventurous journey to see Horseshoe Bend with Kids.

Horseshoe bend
This area has been high on our travel wish list for awhile now and we finally made the trip a few weeks ago. The bend was in the same area as the Lower Antelope Canyon which we visited the day before. It is located about 5 miles (8.5 km) from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell near the Utah/Arizona border. Can you see all the people in the photo below?

Horseshoe bend Arizona trail

We drove into a dirt parking lot off US Hwy 89 near Page around 9 AM. It was already filled including a parked tour bus. So, go early. The ¾ mile one way trailhead was an initial walk up on red sand to a small covered gazebo for some viewpoints of the area.

Horseshoe Bend trail
The remainder of the trail to the rim was downhill with a combination of sand and stone. We didn’t spot any animals but did see some florals. There appears to be nothing until you reach an area where it just drops off.

Horseshoe Bend flowers
I was unprepared for the phenomenal view of Horseshoe Bend as we approached the rim. I don’t know what I was expecting after seeing countless pictures but I wasn’t prepared for its size. Pictures make it look smaller than it actually is. It was immense, incredible and very scary.

Horseshoe Bend Arizona

Unlike other tourist overlooks, there were NO guardrails that separated visitors from the 1,000 ft ( 305 m) drop into the Colorado River. This is a free attraction and maybe there aren’t any funds or not enough complaints to warrant the government to build a barrier to protect visitors here. We felt so vulnerable standing at the edge of this overlook.

Horseshoe Bend dropoff

My heart skipped a beat as I looked down while firmly holding my very active 8-year-old son’s hand. I don’t have a fear of heights or suffer from vertigo but looking down that sheer cliff drop off made my heart race and I felt dizzy. This isn’t for the faint-hearted. I would be very hesitant taking active toddlers here.

Horseshoe Bend cliff

It was amazing to see the layers of smooth Navajo sandstone, sand and other particles that created this cliff, eroded by natural elements, over thousands of years.

Horseshoe bend sandstone

The Colorado River is an astonighing force that cut through these sandstone layers in the canyon to naturally form this unusual bend.

Horseshoe Bend Arizona

There were many vantage points on the cliff to see Horseshoe Bend. But, many flock to the center area which also got a bit crowded.

We saw various angles of the sandstone cliffs and the river below by walking to some uncrowded spots. We stayed for awhile taking in the scenery. There may have been a crowd here but there was also a sense of peace and serenity surrounding the area.

Horseshoe Bend AZ

Despite what this calm scenery may look like, it was also very windy here. It almost felt like anything that wasn’t nailed down was going to be blown over. I was too pre-occupied and stressed to videotape.

It was strong enough that our rafting trip down that river below was cancelled an hour earlier due to high wind advisory. So, we will need to go back one of these days and try to do that rafting trip. I can’t even begin to imagine how all of these must look from below.

Horseshoe Bend

The kids and I decided to stay as far away from the edge as possible. There weren’t many kids there and it was easy to know where they were. Moms, like me, were yelling at them to stay back or stay put.

It was stressful watching some of those kids stray from their parents. It was a relief to see my son actually stay in one area for once…far away from the rim.

Horseshoe Bend with children

At some point, it got so windy and with sand flying everywhere that my kids huddled into one area and covered themselves. I felt bad for this poor, little girl who started crying so hard after she was sandblasted. Those specks of sand were painful!

Horseshoe Bend with kids
While my kids and I waited for my husband as he took endless pictures from different angles, I found people watching here quite interesting. Some people really do have nerves of steel to get that tourist picture. They were all making me nervous as they stood too close to the rim of the steep cliff.

Horseshoe Bend with tourists
Yes, that is my crazy, gutsy husband who couldn’t resist doing this shot despite my protest. He insisted I take the picture from a higher ledge. Thank goodness for zoom lens! He felt left out watching those other people posing. He slowly crawled on his stomach to the rim to get into that position. Would you dare?

Horseshoe Bend with tourist

Of course, we couldn’t leave without some jumping shots to add to our tacky tourist photos collection.

Horseshoe Bend with kids

It was a nerve-wracking experience standing at the overlook but worth it for one of the most amazing natural views of the winding Colorado River. Horseshoe Bend was a grand spectacle. The hike wasn’t long and not too strenuous and may only take a few minutes to see the bend but it made for a memorable adventure.

Horseshoe Bend with kids

Tips for Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids

  • There is plenty of parking on the dirt lot. Trash cans, restrooms or food concessions are NOT available here.
  • Bring plenty of water (especially if traveling during the summer months) and snacks for everyone.
  • Leash your pets if you are planning to bring them here.
  • Weather can change dramatically here. We experienced sprinkling, high winds, sun and cloudy all within an hour.
  • Dress in layers for wind and sun protection. Bring head cover since there are no shades anywhere in the area.
  • Bring binoculars to see boats and campers down the river.
  • Wear closed toe shoes since you’ll be walking in sand for the most part of the trail.
  • There is a “Leave Nothing Behind” message at the beginning of the trail and a great one to keep in mind when visiting this beautiful area.
  • This tip is from my husband who took most of the photos here. Use a wide-angle lens and change your lens carefully since it could get quite sandy. You should also take a camera with panoramic features to get the entire Horseshoe Bend scene. I’d like to thank him for having enough nerves to be at the edge and snap away.

Horseshoe Bend photographer

Have you stood at the edge of Horseshoe Bend?

Where to Stay/Lodging in Page/Lake Powell

  • Best Western Plus at Lake Powell – We stayed at this hotel and were happy with it. It was close to many of the attractions, shops and restaurants. Rooms were spacious and the heated pool was great. Complimentary wifi is available and full, hot breakfast.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Page – Lake Powell Area – This looked like a newer hotel. Great location and the hotel offers complimentary high-speed, wireless Internet access, an outdoor pool and hot Express Start Breakfast Bar

  • Courtyard Page at Lake Powell– This looked like the nicest hotel in Page and was in a great location. They offer free wifi. If you want to splurge a bit, this may be worth it.
  • Save up to 50% on  hotels on Booking.com
  • Find the best Page hotels and read reviews on Tripadvisor.

Flights/Vacation Packages

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Horseshoe Bend Arizona

35 thoughts on “On the Cliff’s Edge: Visiting Horseshoe Bend with Kids”

  1. Great write up! We are planning to visit Horseshoe Bend later this year and this was really helpful. Thank you!!

  2. I definitely need to make a trip out there soon, spectacular and this with the Antelope slot canyon wow what a trip, thanks for the background and I didn’t even get sandblasted :)

  3. I’ve never seen pictures of Horseshoe Bend, but it looks spectacular! And no, I wouldn’t be lying on my stomach trying to get that perfect shot. I got nervous just looking at the photos!

  4. All I can say here – your photos of the Antelope Slot Canyon should be featured in National Geographic magazine, seriously. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!

  5. Mary, Stunning photos. I did not know where Horseshoe Canyon was…and I don’t know when I’ll get there, but get there I will. This is an extremely informative post, and I would have been just as nervous…wow!

  6. Wow. I got kind of stressed out reading your post (I’ve had similar experiences with my family, except that I’m the only one who is worried about people falling and my boys like to torture me by standing on the edge). These photos are remarkable and you do a really good job of describing the entire experience.

  7. Hey Mary, it looks really really scary! Like you could fall of anytime with nothing you can hold on to. I’ve seen pictures of the horseshoe bend, but nothing that gives a “close-up” look of how deep the water is. Your pics are gorgeous!

  8. This place is on my list to visit! It looks sooo beautiful, like I can’t believe nature created it! It’s too bad about the rafting trip, that would have been amazing. The picture of your son sitting on the cliff looks quite scary, ha ha!

  9. Great photos! I probably would have crawled to the edge – but only with someone holding onto my legs! The rafting trip would have been amazing….next time;)

  10. I’ve never heard of or seen photos of Horseshoe Bend, Mary, so thanks for the intro and tour.
    You know, the first thing that came to mind when I saw your photo is, there probably isn’t a guardrail here. I’m not afraid of heights either but with kids, I can just imagine how nervous, excited, and on guard you must have been.
    There really is a lot to see in our backyards, isn’t there?

  11. Stunning photos – I love the red Arizona canyons! It’s been a while since I’ve seen them in person. I know what you mean about the weather out there – we visited Monument Valley a few years back. One second sunny, next second thunderstorm. It did make for some great photos though- the red with almost black storm clouds in the back. Too bad it was in the days before my “real” camera!

  12. The Horse Shoe Bend looks incredibly beautiful but also very scary as you rightly pointed out. It must get more scary if there is quite a crowd excited to get to the front to see the natural wonder! Beautiful photos Mary :)

  13. Fabulous, fabulous photos Mary. I have a hard time watching beloved family members get too close to a drop-off though I’ll get down flat and get quite close myself. Would love to visit and your photos did a great job at showing me the size of the place.

  14. Beautiful pics, and great tips even if you do not travel with kids. What an amazing place, I remember seeing pics of it but didn’t really know where it was. Does it see far fewer tourists compared to other big US parks? I love how close you can get to the canyon itself, and wow you’re so brave for looking down!

  15. The reds in your photos are simply stunning! I’m not sure if I would crawl out to the edge, as I am not the biggest fan of heights. Looks like a great spot for a family trip – thank you for sharing :)

  16. I am freaking out just looking at your photos of your kids there. If you had not told me, I would have thought that your son was right on the edge. My kids would be like your daring husband and want to hang over a bit. I might have a heart attack going with them. The layers of sandstone look so cool, though. Perhaps a trip to the bottom and looking up is what I should do.

  17. What a great post. I would love to see this in person. I enjoy seeing pictures of the red, colorful desert. Your picture turned out beautiful. I am sure it will be something your children can appreciate as they get older!

  18. Hi Mary, I don’t think I have seen a photo of Horse Bend before. Oh gosh, it’s so spectacular!! How could I miss that all this time? I love the color of the sandstone. But not sure though if I would be courageous enough to get close to the rim. I feel my knees softened just looking at the photos of your husband and other visitor doing those crazy shots by the edge. So thank you for taking us on this virtual tour I get a good glimpse of the Horseshoe Bend. Your photos are stunning.
    Happy Mother’s Day!

  19. Wow that is really surprising that they don’t have any barriers between you and the drop. Just looking at your photos made me nervous and my palms a bit sweaty. I’m not sure how I would handle it when there in real life! I definitely want to check it out though – it’s so gorgeous!

  20. Gorgeous place, and really nice photos. I don’t have a fear of heights or vertigo, but just looking at your photos make me nervous. Glad to see that you are extending your tacky tourist photos collection. I love them :)

  21. Your photos are absolutely stunning. I can only imagine it is difficult to grasp just how large this area is, but your photos did it justice! I would love to visit here someday. I would be a bit scared up there as I have a slight fear of heights…but it would be well worth going despite my fears!

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