BEST TIME OF DAY TO SEE HORSESHOE BEND

When it comes to visiting an iconic location like Horseshoe Bend, it can be hard to know when to go. Whether you have expectations built up in your mind or it just happens to be on the way to your next road-trip stop – we think this is a must-visit. And, it can be as quick or as long as you want it to be. The hike from the parking lot is an easy trail, and less-than-two-miles roundtrip. It’s dog and family-friendly, so it’s a great stop for everyone in the car. That being said, let’s get into the best time of day to see Horseshoe Bend!

In order to get the maximum use out of our $10 entrance fee, we stayed from sunrise to sunset at Horseshoe Bend. Of course, this was easier since we were in our self-built campervan. And that also means we had the opportunity to see this magical view at many different times of day! We could experience how the crowds, the lighting with the sun, as well as how the shadows changed. It also meant completing the hike three times in one day – so that tells you how easy it is.

TLDR; Midday is the most crowded and sunrise is least crowded. For photographers, sunrise and sunset are best for lighting.

HORSESHOE BEND ENTRY AND COST

Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is managed by the National Park Service, and is inside of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The park does not require any fees to visit. However, the parking lot to visit Horseshoe Bend is owned by the city of Page and requires a $10 single-day parking fee. This fee is only good while in the park. Once you leave, the fee is no longer valid, and you would need to pay another $10 to re-enter. So if you plan or hope to visit this beautiful site multiple different lightings or times of day, we’d recommend staying on-site for the day.

The parking lot is large, but fills up quickly. There is a designated area for RVs and campers, which can fit between 15-20. There are a number of bathrooms on-site as well.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, so make sure to check the times for your visit, as they change throughout the year. We opted to arrive at sunrise, and stay until sunset so as to see Horseshoe Bend at all times of day.

HORSESHOE BEND AT SUNRISE

If you are looking to skip the crowds – sunrise is the time to go! This is definitely when the fewest people are out exploring, so you’ll have no problem finding parking or getting the perfect view of Horseshoe Bend. Since the parking lot technically opens at sunrise, you likely won’t be “at” Horseshoe Bend when the sun comes over the horizon. But you can still arrive while the light is soft and before the sun illuminates the canyon.

Sunrise is typically the best time of day to visit for photography. The sun comes up behind you if you’re looking at Horseshoe Bend, which means that in the golden hours, the horseshoe can be covered in shadows. The soft lighting is our favorite but the contrast of bright versus shadow can be difficult to capture. By the time the sun illuminates the canyon with the horseshoe, depending on the time of year, it will already be in the harsh midday light.

HORSESHOE BEND MIDDAY

Midday Crowd at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona

By far the most crowded time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend. The nearby and more popular Antelope Canyon requires a timed reservation, so most will visit Horseshoe Bend around their tour time. This is also when the tours and families start arriving, the parking lot fills, and the trail is bustling. But if you’re just checking this spot off of your list, it’s an easy visit any time of day.

We love that in midday photos, the entire canyon is bright and you can catch some activity in the waters below. But that bright light is harsh for photography and our least favorite time of day to see Horseshoe Bend.

HORSESHOE BEND AT SUNSET

Sunset is our favorite time of day to see Horseshoe Bend, and in our opinion it is also the best! The sun will go down over the canyon meaning that you’ll be looking into the sun. This creates a beautiful spot to just watch the sunset! There are fewer crowds than the middle of the day, but you certainly won’t be watching alone. If you are lucky, you’ll get a colorful sky or a sunburst on the horizon, making for an epic photo of this incredible destination!