Page Arizona
Type of Hike : Loop ~ Off-Trail
Length: 4 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Off-Trail slick rock and soft sand.
Elevation Gain: 200 Feet
Dog Friendly: Yes – Leash and Off-Leash once clear of Horseshoe Bend Area
Park Pass/Permit Required: No
Directions to the Horseshoe Bend ~ 9 Mile Draw Hike Trailhead
Park at a dirt pullout for a dirt road at mile marker 545.75 in between the electric transformers that go over the road. This dirt road requires a 4 wheel drive. The pull out is just a short distance south of the Page welcome sign and the junction of Highway 98 and 89. If you have a 4×4 you can zig zag your way to 9 mile draw where the road ends and this will cut off about 1.5 miles from the total hike.
Description ~ Horseshoe Bend ~ 9 Mile Draw Loop Hike
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular hikes in the Grand Circle and one of the most iconic features carved by the Colorado River. This 4-mile off-trail loop, located just two miles south of Page, Arizona, leads you to Horseshoe Bend from a much quieter approach before contouring the rim of mighty Glen Canyon and the Colorado River. From there, the route turns toward 9 Mile Draw, where you can drop into the shaded narrows and explore until the canyon ends at a steep pour-off.
You’ll finish the loop by crossing rolling sand dunes and otherworldly rock formations reminiscent of The Wave. The hike is rated moderate, with stretches of soft sand and sections of crumbly slickrock domes and cuts. Use extreme caution near the cliff edges, this rock is very soft, and some overhangs can break under body weight. Unfortunately, accidents do occur here every year.
Route-finding is the crux of this hike, especially for those unfamiliar with navigating off-trail, so bring a map or a GPS-enabled phone to help guide your way back. Summer temperatures can be intense, and the only real shade is inside 9 Mile Draw. There are no water sources on this route, so carry more water than you think you’ll need.