Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking spot that overlooks views of the Colorado River only 4 miles south of the Glen Canyon Dam and 9 miles downstream of where the Grand Canyon begins. It lives up to the name, as the Colorado River wraps around a canyon in the shape of a horseshoe. A hike to the overlook spans about 1.5 miles round-trip, and the terrain is hard and rugged. The path has two shade structures along the Way, but not at the overlook, and there are railings at the viewing platform, but not along the trail.
This place is highly recommended as a beautiful sight to see, and it’s a nice spot to bring your dogs along for good exercise. Dogs are allowed at this location, but a leash is required with no more than six feet extended per Arizona law. It’s good to have a leash, considering the terrain is rugged and there are steep cliffs.
These attributes make for great views, but the hike can be dangerous if not careful. Watch your dog closely and be sure that they are always close by. Keep in mind that there are also no park rangers or other officials at this site, just signs with rules and regulations.
Since Arizona can get extremely hot in the summers, bring lots of water to keep your dog hydrated and cool them off. Dogs are more prone to heat exhaustion, especially longer-haired or thick-furred dogs. Horseshoe Bend is appealing because of the shorter hike of only about 20-30 minutes, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much time in the sun.
Bring along bags for your pet’s waste as well to create a clean environment for yourself and other hikers. As with any hike, just be prepared with water, solid footwear, sunscreen, and other hiking necessities.
Be sure to have fun with this fantastic hike, but also do your research to guarantee a great day. This includes finding a time to hike, preferably not the hottest part of the day, especially if you’re bringing dogs along, and knowing where parking is located. Parking is $10 per vehicle, and the parking lot is about a 10-minute walk to Horseshoe Bend. In my opinion, the best time to go is at sunset to capture amazing pictures of the golden sunlit canyon and for better temperatures.
Your dogs will love coming with you on this hike, and it’s enjoyable to experience it with them. By staying safe and looking out for your dogs, you will ensure a fun day and great memories. The views don’t disappoint. It’s also fun learning about the history of the canyon and how this spot formed many, many years ago.
There are also a wide variety of other dog-friendly places to check out in the area. The Southwest is full of many gorgeous canyons. For the rest of the day, try visiting Antelope Canyon, Page Arizona, or the Grand Canyon right down the road. The trip is totally worth it!
