When we pulled up to the Horseshoe Bend parking lot it was mostly empty and the weather was overcast but we figured it was such an easy walk in that it was worth a shot at a view. We were also pretty bummed from our experience at the Grand Canyon earlier in the day and four hours of sitting in the car. It turned out this stop was just what we needed!

View of the parking lot.

The trail is well marked and established leading away from the parking lot and towards the rim of the canyon rim. The trail is about 3/4 of a mile long and leads to a 270 degree curve in the Colorado River. It is an extremely well photographed location and all for good reason!

Sign at the start of the hike.

The trail itself is a wide and flat trail that meanders up a hill from the parking lot and then up and over the crest and back down towards the canyon rim. The hike is easy and something that can be accomplished by pretty much anyone. Lucky for us it was pretty late in the day by the time we arrived and the weather was crummy so it was overall pretty empty. Normally this particular vista is mobbed with people and tour buses, so off hours may just be the best time to visit and experience it with relative peace and quiet.

View of the trail leading to the rim.

View of the trail after cresting the hill.

Before too long we reached the rim of the canyon and were greeted by a truly beautiful and unique view. The colors of the rock contrasted by the green of the foliage and the blue of the river make for a truly beautiful and photogenic vista. We stayed for a while taking in the views and exploring the surrounding area before heading back towards the car. The only downside is that the hike is short and once you are there, there isn’t much more you can do or see with limited time. Although I did hear that there is an alternate trail on the opposite side of the river which leads you to the more secluded section of canyon and the opposite view that most people usually get. I would love to get back here soon to check that out.

The classic view of Horseshoe Bend

View of the interesting rock formations along the canyon rim.

A group of tourists doing whatever this is.

Looking down the river.

View of the trail along the rim of the canyon.

Our travel partners setting up to take that perfect shot!

Lego Ranger was explaining the intricacies of how this beautiful canyon was formed!

All in all Horeshoe Bend is a pretty easy and simple place to visit and offers a whole lot of bang for your buck. If you are passing through I would absolutely recommend taking a few minutes to stop and take it all in!