Horseshoe Bend is at the beginning of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River flows out from the Glen Canyon dam. This is just south of the Arizona-Utah border. Many travelers like to visit Horseshoe Bend at sunrise and sunset to capture the best photos and video.
A healthy person will need about 10-15 minutes to walk from the parking area to the end of the 700 foot cliff. You’ll have to go uphill and then downhill, so make sure to bring some water with you and good shoes, although some people do hike in sturdy sandals.
The azure and purple skies around the rocks are so unique, you won’t be disappointed. The majestic feeling you’ll get from standing at the edge is unsurpassed. Some “daredevil rocks” jut out over the canyon, and some brave souls are now hash-tagging #DaredevilRock on social media while standing or doing yoga on them (reference photos on this blog).
Horseshoe Bend has been a free site to visit, but may begin charging a fee to travelers going in 2019. On some days, the parking lot is completely full, so you may have to be patient, and come back later. In the meantime, you might try going to the Hanging Gardens hike, or swimming by the northside of the Glen Canyon dam.
WARNING: be careful when you’re taking pictures or have children with you. On average, one person falls into this part of the canyon every year. There has only been one, single survivor from the accidental, long plummet to the bottom.