Just five miles from the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is where you’ll find the trailhead for Horseshoe Bend. The Horseshoe Bend Trail can be easy to miss, however the cars parked on the side of the road will easily give its location away. The trailhead is marked with a sign that says “Horseshoe Bend Hike Read This Before You Go.” The sign covers the basics: such as wearing the proper attire and how to stay safe on the trail. From this sign, the Horseshoe Bend Trail is straightforward and easy to follow.

You’ll walk across loose desert sand that gives way to sandstone rocks that date as far back as the early Jurassic period. The first part of the trail is a gentle, uphill climb. At the top of the hill you’ll reach a gazebo area, where you can take a moment to catch your breath or continue downhill for the remaining stretch of the hike to the overlook.

When you reach the overlook for Horseshoe Bend, you’ll be looking down 1000 feet to the river below. Exercise caution when approaching the sandstone rocks. A 32-year-old hiker from Greece fell to his death after standing on a thin sandstone ledge that broke under his feet. Once you are done absorbing the stunning scenery around you, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Horseshoe Bend Trail Tips

Tip #1: For photographers: don’t forget to bring your tripod and wide angle lens to capture great photos.

Tip #2: Visit the nearby Antelope Canyon during your visit to Page. Please note that reservations are required to hike Antelope Canyon.

Tip #3: There are no guard rails at the view point. Exercise caution when posing for pictures.

Tip #4: Dogs are permitted here but must be on leashes no longer than six feet.

Tip #5: Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat and avoid hiking during the warmest parts of the day. This trail is unshaded.

Tip #6: If crowds aren’t your thing you’ll have to suck it up for this hike. This hike is packed with people most days of the week, particularly mid-day and sunset.

Driving Directions

The Horseshoe Bend Trail is south of Page. From the Glen Canyon Dam on US-89 head south for 5.1 miles. At around 5 miles from the Glen Canyon Dam, you’ll see a sign for Horsehoe Bend Overlook. Turn right into parking area.

If coming south, take US-89 north to Page and before entering town you’ll see a Horseshoe Bend Overlook sign. Turn left into the parking lot.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 1.5 miles

Trailhead address: Hwy 89 – Four Miles South of Page, Page, AZ 86040

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This short, 1-mile roundtrip trail is a new addition to the Glen Canyon National Recreation area that takes you across a desert mesa high above the Colorado River. The trail was created by the park service and leads to a rare green oasis beneath the shoulder of a row of buttes. The route is easy to follow with a path marked by rock cairns along the entirety of the route.

Just east of the Glen Canyon Bridge, follow the dirt road that leads to a small parking area. Here you’ll find a brown sign indicating the start of the Hanging Garden Trail. Follow this part of the trail away from the road and into the desert, on what used to be an old jeep trail. When in doubt always follow the narrow path between the rock formations laid across the entirety of the trail.

At about 0.6 miles the trail will bend to the right, taking you up the butte. Here is where you will have the most elevation gain, however the gain is so minimal that even beginner hikers shouldn’t experience any difficulty with the short climb. You’ll begin to see the green vegetation clinging to the walls of the ridgeline. This is the “Hanging Garden” for which the trail is named after. Hanging gardens refer to spring-fed colonies of plants that grow on the vertical wall of a cliff. They grow in cooler conditions in the surrounding desert.

At the hanging garden you can extend your journey and explore the surrounding areas. Retrace your steps and once again follow the rock cairns to return to the trailhead.

Hanging Garden Trail Tips

Tip #1: This trail is mostly unshaded and treeless. Wear proper skin protection and clothing to avoid sunburn.

Tip #2: Park in the Carl Hayden Visitor Center after hiking this trail to see the impressive Glen Canyon Dam.

Tip #3: Make sure to set aside time to check out the even more impressive Horseshoe Bend Trail nearby.

Tip #4: The Park Service offers free ranger guided tours to the Hanging Garden if you’re interested in learning more about the area. Check in at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center for more details on guided tours.

Tip #5: Poison ivy grows in the Hanging Garden. Be careful not to come in contact with it.

Elevation Gain: 43 Feet

Trailhead Directions: The trailhead turn off is located one-quarter mile east of the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge on Highway 89. Parking is approximately 500 yards from the highway in a small dirt lot.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 1 mile

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The journey to the South Kaibab Trail will start in the Grand Canyon Village, by the parking in a lot near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. From there you will take a shuttle, which is the only way you will be able to access the South Kaibab Trailhead. The shuttle is a short ride, approximately ten minutes, and will drop you off right at near the start of the trailhead.

The South Kaibab Trail will begin to descend almost immediately down a well-maintained, and easy to follow dirt path. The trail starts with several switchbacks then eventually is a straight descent. Likely many other avid hikers and sightseers alike will be starting the hike at the same time as you, many of whom likely were just on your shuttle. Follow the hikers, and the well-marked trail downhill to your desired turning back point.

Ooh Aah Point

There are multiple look out spots during the first few miles of the hike downhill which are worth stopping at. The first point you will reach is Ooh-Aah Point after 0.9 miles. This point offers incredible sights and you’ll know you’ve reached it when you see a small wooden sign off to your righthand sign. The next look out point you’ll want to check out is Cedar Creek, 1.5 miles into the hike. This is good point to turn around for beginner hikers, or those who got a late start. There are restrooms available here, however there is no water. The last lookout point you’ll reach when doing a day hike is Skeleton Point, the first view of the river and 3 miles down. It is recommended not to go past this point for a day hike and this is where I stopped and turned back around. If you plan to hike to Skeleton Point, be prepared to spend at least 4-6 hours hiking.

Cedar Creek Viewpoint

For the hike back out you will follow the same trail you came down, however the ascent back up is steep and strenuous. Luckily, the stunning views along the way make for an easier hike back up.

Many argue that the South Kaibab Trail offers the best long views of the canyon, however I have not ventured other Grand Canyon trails yet to compare. A fellow hiking friend of mine recommended trekking the Bright Angel Trail which I plan to check out the next time I find myself in the gorgeous state of Arizona. If you will be doing a multi-day hike down to the Colorado River, rangers recommend hiking down the South Kaibab trail then using the Bright Angel Trail for the hike out.

Journey Down the switchbacks

South Kaibab Trail Tips

Tip 1: The South Kaibab Trail offers extraordinary views along the trail making it easy to lose track of how far you have hiked down. The steepness of the trail is also misleading on the way down. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down.

Tip 2: For a day hike, hike to Cedar Ridge(1.5 miles in) or a little further to Skeleton Point(3 miles in). Cedar Ridge has restroom facilities available.

Tip 3: Be sure to carry enough water with you. You will use a lot of energy hiking down the canyon and back up. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty and be sure to eat food.

Tip 4: According to the National Park Service, do not attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially from May to September.

Tip 5: Plan your hike before you start. Know where your turning around point and again, keep in in mind that while it is easy to go down the hike out is steep.

Tip 6: Hikers must share this trail with mules. With that being said, look where you are stepping to avoid stepping in a huge pile of mule poop. Also respect and be mindful of the mules along the trail.

Tip 7: Words of wisdom to follow, sprawled across the South Kaibab trailhead sign: “Do not attempt to hike to the river and back in one day.”

Directions to Trailhead: The South Kaibab Trail is located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus only, no private vehicles are allowed. The trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Buses provide transportation between the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, the Yavapai Geology Museum, South Kaibab Trailhead, and Yaki Point.

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance: 7.4 Miles to Phantom Ranch (mult-iday hike). For Day hikes: 3 miles roundtrip to Cedar Ridge or 6 miles roundtrip to Skeleton Point

Trailhead Address: Yaki Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

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I completed this hike in the winter, which I actually would not recommend unless you have adequate gear for snow hiking. I discovered this the hard way –hiking in soggy socks, wet pants, and moist gloves for the entire day. While there was minimal foot traffic on the trail and the pictures captured were incredibly unique, I was uncomfortable and freezing the greater majority of the time. However, reaching the top made it well worth it and I would trudge through 4-5 feet of snow and do it again – if I was properly prepared!

The trailhead begins at the small parking lot, across the wash and up a moderate slope with spires. At 0.25 mile, the trail emerges on a broad ledge with stunning views. Then it ascends steeply over bald rock and in a shallow cleft with a few toeholds notched into the rock to help with climbing in steeper places.

Emerging on a small knob, cairns guide the way up and across several ledges toward the deep drainage ahead, forcing a moderately steep climb to the top of a wide saddle between two spires. This was frozen over during my trek, making it much more difficult to climb. My hiking partner had an even more difficult time since he has longer legs. This was a time when being short and having a lower center of gravity had its advantages!

Continue uphill along the cairn-marked path until you reach the top. The views down along the way were amazing, however nothing beats the view at the very top. An unmaintained path leads south along the west base of the spires allowing access to two more saddles between sheer rock faces and an up close and personal view of an exposed lava dike. You will follow the same route downhill to return to the trailhead.

View at the top of the Cathedral Rock Trail.

In the winter when the snowfall was heavy, we simply followed the footprints left behind from other hikers who were crazy enough to hike Cathedral Rock in the snow. Bundles of wood also were found about the trail which we later learned served as markers. I am unsure if these are also present in the spring and summer months.

Cathedral Rock Trail Tips

Tip 1: The parking lot at the trailhead is very small. Plan to arrive early to snag one of the few spots. Some hikers have reported that they’ve been told they would get towed if they parked on the street.

Tip 2: Parking is $5 per car, and by a self-service machine. The fine is steep if you’re caught without a parking permit on your dashboard, don’t risk it!

Tip 3: Be certain to follow the markers to stay on the trail. It is easy to lose track of where you are going and get lost, particularly on the way down.

Tip 4: There is one part of the trail that is difficult to get up but do not get discouraged. Many other hikers have said they’ve seen 80-year-olds with walking polls climb up this section, hopefully that provides you with extra motivation!

Tip 5: Wear appropriate clothing. You will be exposed to the sun during the majority of this hike.

Tip 6: The trailhead has picnic tables, charcoal BBQ grills, restrooms, and an area to wash your feet if needed.

Tip 7: If you are afraid of heights, consider this an opportunity to conquer that fear!

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 1.5 miles

Trailhead address: Back O’ Beyond Road, Sedona, AZ

GPS (Map): 34°49’30.7″N 111°47’18.3″W

Driving Directions: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back O’ Beyond Road on the right. Go 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking turnout on the left.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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Don’t let the name fool you; this heavenly sight is something you don’t want to miss.

In warmer months the main Devil’s Bridge trailhead can be accessed by driving down Dry Creek road to make this a 2 mile roundtrip jaunt; however this is only accessible to larger 4WD vehicles. The last bit of the road leading to the trailhead has large pot holes, so a midsize car wouldn’t cut it even if it had 4WD. This entrance was closed when I went in winter and all vehicles had to park on Long Canyon Road.

2WD parking is 1.1 miles away from the main trailhead and provides an alternate starting point at the Long Canyon Trailhead, from a recently created path known as the Chuckwagon Trail, connecting with the Devil’s Bridge trail. This trail has very little elevation gain, is mostly level, provides scenic views and you can avoid the dust and noise from ATVs zooming along Dry Creek Road.

Alternatively, instead of taking the Chuckwagon Trail you can also walk along Dry Creek Road for about one mile, however, this path is less scenic and you need to be wary of jeeps/ATVs plowing down the road.

Trekking down Dry Creek Road

Once you get to the main Devil’s Bridge trail, there is a mere 400 foot climb in altitude during this moderately difficult trek, meaning the journey to the top won’t leave you breathless. However, the views you witness at the top may!

Along the wooded trail

The main trailhead starts in a wooded area and takes you up and down small includes and across dried out river beads. Follow the cairns of rocks to stay on course as there are a few areas along the trail that weren’t clearly marked. The trail splits about ¾ a mile up offering you two options. If you veer to the right at the split you will climb a rock staircase that leads to the top of the arch. If you veer to the left the trail goes beneath the arch. I’d recommend doing both to take in this truly spectacular sight from multiple vantage points.

View from beneath the arch

Devil’s Bridge Tips

Tip 1: Devil’s bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. One yelper reported seeing 200 people during midday in the spring. If you are looking for solitude, this hike isn’t for you.

Tip 2: It may look terrifying to cross the bridge however it is about 5 feet across and 45 feet long, not quite as daunting as it appears.

Tip 3: Soak in the sweeping views from the top and then head down and get a view of the arch below. A short path leads to underneath the bridge where the trail splits.

Tip 4: Start this hike early because it gets packed! Luckily we went in the winter when it was snowing like the crazy avid hikers that we are but during non-snowy parts of the year flocks of hikers come to check this arch out.

Tip 5: Parking is free!

Tip 6: Bring a lot of water and plenty of sunscreen, especially if you will be journeying midday or during the warmer summer months.

History Note: Its name can be deceiving as the formation is an arch rather than a bridge – created by wind and weather erosion and not by flowing water

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 2 miles round trip from the Devil’s Bridge parking area. 4 miles roundtrip from the parking area on Long Canyon Road. 6 Miles roundtrip from the Dry Creek Vista parking area.

Trailhead address: Dry Creek Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336

GPS: N34° 54′ 10.26″, W-111° 48′ 49.716″

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View of Walnut Canyon from the Rim Trail

From the moment you walk out the Visitor Center’s doors you will be able to look down into the breathtaking canyon below before you start your journey. There are two options for trails. The one I’d recommend doing first is the Island Loop Trail.

The 0.9 mile Island Trail loop will take you down into the winding canyon where you will encounter 25 cliff dwelling rooms constructed by the Sinagua – Spanish for “without water” a tribute to the people who were able to live in such a dry region. The steep hike down is on a fully paved trail and winds through various cliff dwellings with a few rooms along the way you can walk into for a photo op. This trail can be challenging for those who do not regularly exercise with the sheer number of steps to get down and the high elevation (nearly 7,000 feet).

Placards with informational facts can be found along the Island Trail

A second trail, known as the Rim Trail, does not take you down into the canyon but simply provides you with views of the canyon. The 0.7 mile trail is entirely paved and almost perfectly flat that overlooks Walnut Canyon. The trail includes a covered pit house, protected beneath an oversized wooden canopy, and the walls from a two-room pueblo.

The thought provoking sights may transport you back in time, prompting you to imagine the people living here on a veritable cliff face. If anything it will give you an appreciation of the lifestyle and challenges presented to the residents in living and surviving in this difficult terrain. More information on the history of the Sinagua people can be found by clicking here.

Although Walnut Canyon National Monument is located in Arizona, don’t be fooled by the dry desert hype. Walnut Canyon has snow in the winter and blazing hot sun in the summer with afternoon thunderstorms. In the spring, strong gusty winds on the rim and/or in the canyon add an additional challenge to the hike. With that being said, prepare for the weather beforehand to fully enjoy this hike.

Unlike most of the surrounding geology, this area is not volcanic. It is wind-blown sandstone layered with weathered limestone, and the boundary between the two types of rock is dramatic.

For a small fee of $5.00 – which grants you 7 days of access to the Walnut Canyon National Monument – you can spend the day or multiple days exploring the majestic cliff dwellings that were once considered home to people.

Just outside the Visitor Center

Start your visit at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center where you can pick up informational brochures, view museum exhibits and artifacts on display, or chat with a ranger before getting started on your hike. Guided walks are also available to get an in depth understanding of the Sinagua people.

Walnut Canyon Tips

Tip 1: Water is available at the Visitor Center however there is no food service in the monument.

Tip 2: Pets are not allowed on monument trails or in buildings, so leave your furry critters at home.

Tip 3: If you have time or are heading to Phoenix, stop by the Montezuma Castle monument to check out another dwelling of the Sinagua people.

Tip 4: Keep a close eye on your children as there are a few steep drop offs without railings that could be a hazard.

Tip 5: Be prepared to walk down several sets of stairs (240 steps in total). Guardrails are provided for assistance.

Tip 6: The walk back up can be strenuous but is not terribly long given the short distance the trail covers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 0.7 miles for the Rim Trail or 0.9 miles for the Island Trail

Trailhead Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Another great benefit of the Walnut Canyon National Monument is the fact that it is located close to many other desirable attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona hiking trails, and the town of Flagstaff. It’s a worthwhile stop you won’t want to miss when touring Arizona.

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