Horseshoe Bend's Emerald Canyon Driving & Walking Tour
Horseshoe Bend's Emerald Canyon Driving & Walking Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- Page-Lake Powell Hub
Start in downtown Page at the free visitor center, and hear how a whole town was carved out of the desert in 1957.
- Powell Museum
Learn about John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War veteran who explored these canyons by wooden boat in 1869.
- Glen Canyon Dam Bridge
Drive across a bridge that hangs about 700 feet above the Colorado River.
- Carl Hayden Visitor Center
Step inside for free exhibits on how Lake Powell was made, and what it buried forever.
- Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
Take in a bird's-eye view of one of the most powerful, and most debated, dams in America.
- Horseshoe Bend Partnership Trail
Park the car and walk on Navajo Sandstone, the frozen remains of giant desert dunes from 200 million years ago.
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook
Stand on the rim as the emerald Colorado River wraps 270 degrees around a sandstone peninsula, 1,000 feet below.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Horseshoe Bend tour take?
The drive takes about 30 minutes without stops, plus a short walk at the end. Plan two to three hours if you stop at the visitor centers and overlooks.
- How long is the walk to Horseshoe Bend?
Less than a mile and a half round trip on a wide, mostly flat trail. There is no shade, so bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to visit a museum, take photos, or rest at the gazebo, and press play when you're ready to keep going.
- How much does it cost to park at Horseshoe Bend?
Parking was $10 per car at the time this tour was made. National park passes like the America the Beautiful Pass are not accepted.
- Are there any other fees?
No. The Page-Lake Powell Hub, the Powell Museum, the Carl Hayden Visitor Center, and the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook are all free.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Page-Lake Powell Hub on Lake Powell Boulevard in downtown Page and ends at the Horseshoe Bend Overlook.
- Are there restrooms?
Yes. There are restrooms at the visitor centers and at the Horseshoe Bend parking lot, but none on the trail.
- When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend?
Early morning is cooler and less crowded. Sunset is beautiful but busy. In summer, avoid the midday heat.
- Is this tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids love the dam and the big views. Keep them close at the overlook, since parts of the rim have no railing.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
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