Does Horseshoe Bend Get Busy?
In our last post, we discussed Antelope Canyon and what it's known for. In this article, we'll discuss another location that you must visit when in Vegas. It's called Horseshoe Bend, and it’s less than five miles away from Antelope Canyon. So, how busy does it get, and when is the best time to visit? Let’s dive in!
What Is Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona. It is accessible via a short drive (about seven and a half hours) from the U.S. Route 89, but the best way to visit it is to book an Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas.
Horseshoe Bend can be found five miles downstream from Glen Canyon Dam and just north of the Arizona-Utah state line.
Does Horseshoe Bend Get Busy?
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed spots in the American Southwest. On a typical day, there will be hundreds of people at the site–this is especially true at sunset, which is always busy, no matter the season.
The busiest times tend to be between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is typically in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM. This will give you enough time to hike to the site and enjoy the sunset. The place may be crowded, but by arriving later in the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sunset.
If you're visiting during the summer when crowds are larger, we recommend getting there by around 3:00 PM.
If viewing the sunset is not a priority for you, we recommend planning your trip in the morning. If you can reach the parking by 5:00 AM, you'll have the entire place to yourself. However, later in the morning will also work and should still help you avoid the crowds.
No matter when you visit, make sure to bring your camera! Horseshoe Bend is one of the most beautiful places in the world and you'll want something to remember it by.
How to Avoid Crowds at Horseshoe Bend
The best way to avoid the crowd is to be there at the right time. In addition to the times mentioned above, try visiting during the week instead of the weekend. You can also visit during the off season, which is from October to February, though Horseshoe Bend is always a popular destination year round.
Another tip is to arrive during bad weather–most people don't want to hike in the rain, so if you don't mind getting wet or cold, then this is a great way to avoid the crowd.
If you arrive and find yourself trapped in a massive crowd, don't worry. Try getting to the far left or right of the viewing point–you might not find the perfect viewing spot, but you'll still be able to take great photos and enjoy the location peacefully!
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most beautiful places on earth and definitely worth a visit, but make sure to plan your trip either early morning, at night, or during the off season. Make sure to check out our recent post on whether or not Horseshoe Bend is open for tours for more information!
