T
The Daily Insight

Who died at Horseshoe Bend

Author

Rachel Hickman

Published Mar 26, 2026

The death of 33-year-old Zachary Wallace — who, as the Associated Press reported, fell from the Colorado River overlook the afternoon of Sunday, May 6 — is a tragic reminder of the need to take safety precautions at Horseshoe Bend and other remote Arizona locations.

Has anyone died at Horseshoe Bend?

A 14-year-old girl visiting from California fell to her death at one of Arizona’s most popular Colorado River overlooks late last month. The death was the second at Horseshoe Bend in 2018; in May, a 33-year-old man fell 800 feet to his death. …

Why is Horseshoe Bend famous?

With its incredible views and natural beauty, Horseshoe Bend, Arizona is a popular tourist attraction in the American Southwest today for its 270° bend in the Colorado River (called an “incised” or “entrenched meander”).

How many people have fallen at Horseshoe Bend Az?

Since that unfortunate incident nine years ago, six others have died while falling over the steep edges of Horseshoe Bend. Seven deaths in nine years actually isn’t much considering the Grand Canyon, just two hours away, has averaged 16 deaths per year for the past decade.

How deep is the water in Horseshoe Bend?

Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270º horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.

Can you swim in Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend (and by extension Glen Canyon) offers a variety of different activities. Because Lake Powell is within the recreational area, visitors can bring a boat or jet ski and swim in the lake as a great family outing.

How many people died at Antelope Canyon?

Eleven hikers died Aug. 12, 1997, when a wall of water from a rainstorm miles upstream thundered through Lower Antelope Canyon, a narrow, twisting series of corkscrew-curved walls located on Navajo land near Page. No one was charged in the deaths.

Do you have to pay to see Horseshoe Bend?

For the first time in its relatively short history as an international tourism destination, Horseshoe Bend now has an entry fee. Visitors must pay $10 per vehicle to park in the newly improved and expanded lot. Motorcyclists will pay $5, and fees for buses range from $35-$140, based on the number of passengers.

Can you sleep at Horseshoe Bend?

Overnight camping is not allowed in the Horseshoe Bend parking lot. Visitors are invited to enjoy city parks in Page and day use areas at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The half-mile hike from the parking lot to the rim provides little relief from the sun.

What type of rock is Horseshoe Bend?

This exposed the Navajo Sandstone, the surface rock found throughout the Horseshoe Bend area, which also forms the entire depth of the canyon walls of the Grand Canyon at Horseshoe Bend. This sandstone is notable for its crossbedding and iron concretions.

Article first time published on

Can you visit Antelope Canyon on your own?

No, the Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the canyon. … One cannot go alone; you have to be with an authorized tour company.

Who owns Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend is located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is managed by the National Park Service. The parking lot is located in and managed by the City of Page.

Can you kayak in Horseshoe Bend?

Want another epic adventure? Paddle the Colorado River around Horseshoe Bend! Paddle through majestic Glen Canyon and around Horseshoe Bend on a kayak, packraft or paddleboard at your own pace, or if you prefer, take a kayaking tour of Horseshoe Bend!

How deep is the Colorado River in Horseshoe Bend?

Here at Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River created a roughly 1,000 ft (305 m) deep, 270º horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon.

How many Indians died in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend?

Women and children were not exempt from the carnage and more than 200 fleeing Red Stick warriors were killed while swimming across the Tallapoosa to safety. The battle of Horseshoe Bend was a disaster for the Red Sticks, with more than 800 of their 1,000 warriors killed in the fray.

What happened 1997 Antelope Canyon?

One of the deadliest floods happened Aug. 12, 1997, when a 40-foot-high wall of water swept through Lower Antelope Canyon near Page in Coconino County, killing 11 hikers. The group was washed 4 miles down the canyon, which is only 3 feet wide in some places. … “All of a sudden, there was water sweeping down on them.

Is Antelope Canyon Safe?

It is not always safe The safety, of course, depends on where you are, but in the case of Antelope Canyon, the concern is the possibility of flash floods. Sadly, in August of 1997, 11 people drowned in the Lower Canyon during a flash flood.

Do people live in Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is Actually Two Canyons The entire area is located on land owned by the Navajo Nation, whose people have lived there for hundreds of years. The only access to the canyons are though guided tours with knowledgeable, personable Navajo guides.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Powell?

(Yes, you can swim) Lake Powell is a marvel of cliffs, towers and bluffs sculpted from stone smoothed by eons of wind and rain. Visitors can spend days aboard a houseboat exploring the many coves and bays along its shores, setting anchor in a secluded spot and enjoying the gentle lap of water against the hull.

Can you get to the bottom of Horseshoe Bend?

Horseshoe Bend Hike is a 1.5 mile hike loop. … The hike itself is not hard, it is the heat that will kill you. From the car park you must first hike up a sandy hill and once you get to the top you will then hike down 200+ feet to the bottom where you can take photos of Horseshoe Bend.

Is Horseshoe Bend better sunrise or sunset?

Horseshoe Bend is better in the morning. … Some facts to keep in mind: the Horseshoe Bend Overlook faces due West. Therefore, during the pre-sunrise and post-sunset hours, the view of the Colorado River below – and the reason most people visit this world-famous attraction – does indeed tend to be in shadow.

Are there bathrooms at Horseshoe Bend Az?

Honestly, the bathrooms at Horseshoe Bend are not great. You’ll find a row of pit toilets at the far end of the parking lot.

Can you camp at Horseshoe Bend Az?

Camping in the Horseshoe Bend area is an awesome way to get to know Northern Arizona and explore the nearby hiking areas at your own pace. So, pack up your tent or fuel up your RV, because it’s camping season!

Is Horseshoe Bend still open?

Horseshoe Bend NMP is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The park boat ramp is open from dawn to dusk daily.

Is Horseshoe Bend a difficult hike?

It’s not too difficult although summers can be very hot as there is no shade with the exception of a small gazebo structure halfway to the overlook. The hike will start from the parking lot and is extremely easy to follow. The first part of the trail up to the gazebo is all uphill, but it is a gentle climb.

Does America the Beautiful pass cover Horseshoe Bend?

Re: America the Beautiful Annual Pass for Northern Arizona Trip? If you visit all of those it will just about pay for itself. It’s good for a year at any other National Park or national Monument in the USA. There is no fee for Horseshoe Bend.

Is Horseshoe Bend open year round?

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Our busiest times of the day are between 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning and 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the evening. If you enjoy fewer crowds, try scheduling your hike around these busy times. There is no overnight parking or camping allowed.

What river runs through Horseshoe Bend?

Located only 5 miles downstream from Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend is, in geological terms, a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River. It is a classic and spectacular example of water following its natural path of least resistance.

Is the horseshoe bend part of the Grand Canyon?

Horseshoe Bend is not part of the Grand Canyon. It is about 140 miles from the South Rim and the North Rim. However, it is only about 5 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park boundary.

Is Horseshoe Bend a desert?

Horseshoe Bend is located just south of Page, AZ on US-89. It is a quite, peaceful place in the desert to watch the river go by. …

How long is the walk through Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Page, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. The cost to enter Navajo Park is $8 and the MANDATORY tour is $40-$68.