Horseshoe Bend, rim and river

The overlook near Page, Arizona, is a 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking lot, 1,000 feet above the Colorado River. To see the bend from below, a five-hour raft trip floats through it on calm water.

Rim walk: 1.5 miles round trip

No booking for the rim

Raft trip: 5 hours

Raft: 4.9 from 94 GetYourGuide reviews

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The rim walk needs no booking. The raft trip is booked with the operator through GetYourGuide, and we may earn a commission.

Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River from the rim under a clear blue sky

The raft trip through the bend

A half-day float on calm water, under the cliffs you stood on at the overlook.

Time

5 hours, Page to Page

Water

Calm all the way, no rapids

Stops

Petroglyph Beach and Horseshoe Bend

Cancellation

Up to 2 days before, with a fee

Children

Age 4 and up

Check-in

45 minutes before departure

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Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 94 GetYourGuide reviews, November 2026.

Rafters on a motor raft on the calm Colorado River below red canyon walls

Kayakers on the Colorado River between the red walls of Glen Canyon

The Colorado River curving through Glen Canyon, seen from the canyon rim

Red canyon walls reflected in the calm Colorado River, seen from a kayak

Bus from Page to Lees Ferry

Check in 45 minutes early at the Wilderness River Adventures office in Page. The ride takes about an hour.

Motor up the Colorado

The raft runs upriver between the walls of Glen Canyon. Watch the banks for bighorn sheep.

Stop at Petroglyph Beach

A short walk from the sand leads to a panel of ancient rock art.

Drift through the bend

The raft floats back under Horseshoe Bend, 1,000 feet below the overlook.

The walk to the rim

From the parking lot a wide path climbs a low rise, then drops to the overlook. There is a railed platform at the main viewpoint. The rest of the rim is open rock.

Distance

1.5 miles round trip

Drop

About 1,000 feet to the river

Hours

Sunrise to sunset

Cost

Parking fee per vehicle, paid at the lot

Booking

None needed

Check visitor information on nps.gov

Stacked rocks on the rim above the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend

The bend in every light

Morning leaves the river in shadow, noon turns it green, and a storm front can put the whole canyon under one cloud.

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Horseshoe Bend from the rim under scattered clouds

Wide view of Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River from the rim

Sunburst over Horseshoe Bend with the railed viewing platform in the foreground

Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River in afternoon light

The full curve of the Colorado River around Horseshoe Bend

Before you go

Horseshoe Bend dusted with snow in winter

Water and sun cover

The path is exposed and summer heat passes 100°F. Carry drinking water even for the short walk, and wear a hat.

Shoes with grip

The sandstone at the rim is uneven and dusted with sand. Leave the flip-flops in the car.

Room from the edge

Outside the railed platform nothing stands between you and the drop. Plant your feet before you raise the camera.

A jacket in winter

From December to February the rim sees frost and the occasional snowfall, and the overlook is all the better for it.

Raft trips run rain or shine

The raft leaves on time whatever the weather, so dress for the day you get.

Slot canyons and the lake nearby

Sculpted sandstone curves under an opening to the sky in a slot canyon

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

Two slot canyons on Navajo land, a short drive from the overlook. You walk both with a Navajo guide.

Compare the canyon tours

Antelope Canyon boat tour

Two hours on Lake Powell with six guests at most, into the canyon from the water.

See the boat tour

Raft trip dates for Horseshoe Bend

The half-day trip leaves from Page and runs rain or shine. See which days still have seats.

Check raft trip dates