Horseshoe Bend Is So Insta-Worthy, It Added an Entrance Fee
One of Arizona's most famous overlooks is no longer free for gawking. Effective immediately, the city of Page has instituted a "parking fee" to stop to see -- and photograph -- Horseshoe Bend, a landmark in the American southwest and part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Parking fees are $10 per car and $5 per motorcycle, while commercial vans or buses are $35 (up to 14 passengers), $70 (up to 35 passengers), and $140 (over 35 passengers).
For those road-tripping from Grand Canyon National Park's north rim to Monument Valley, pausing in the area surrounding Antelope Canyon has long been a must. In the age of Instagram, what was always a photogenic (and easy to reach) spot has drawn added fame and crowds. Park administrators and the City of Page say that "monies collected will be utilized for future improvements at the site," but details are slim.
Worse, National Park Service passes are not valid, as the parking lot is managed by the city of Page, not the park service.
The pathway which leads to the overlook from the parking lot is on public land, with the portion of the new American Disability Act (ADA) trail closest to the rim opening for use earlier this month. Horseshoe Bend will not be fully ADA accessible until the portion of the trail from the parking lot is completed. Per the National Park Service, construction continues on the remainder of the trail "which will include two shade shelters and connect the new parking lot to the rim."
Leveraging social media to make the most of your travels was a recent topic on our Miles Away podcast. While the power of Instagram is great for finding locales that have remained best-kept secrets, it's also chipping away at the number of places left untouched by influencers.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
All photos by Darren Murph / TPG.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.