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Photo locations · Page · United States

Horseshoe Bend Overlook: sunset photography forecast

Horseshoe Bend is vast, but the useful foreground is right at your feet: fractured sandstone, desert plants and the curve of the rim. Sunset is dramatic, though the canyon itself can fall into deep shadow before the sky finishes.

Will tonight's sunset be worth it?

Horseshoe Bend Overlook · forecast for sunset

Sunset: Good

Sun clearly visible

18:40

in 12h 9m, local time

Forecasts have different ratings: 2/5 and 4/5

Exactly at sunset: Fair
Best-light moment: Very good, 18:47
Second forecast: Very good

Why: Light corridor is open (0% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.

2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 kmNear-ground relative humidityConnected cloud layer · 21–21% cover · 10–25% visual uncertaintyhigh cloud · 85% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 85% is somewhere between 8 and 12 kmhigh cloud · 100% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 100% is somewhere between 8 and 12 kmmid cloud · 72% reported, 21% resolved on a pressure surface — 51% is somewhere between 3 and 8 kmhigh cloud · 100% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 100% is somewhere between 8 and 12 kmmid cloud · 73% reported, 21% resolved on a pressure surface — 52% is somewhere between 3 and 8 kmhigh cloud · 100% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 100% is somewhere between 8 and 12 kmhigh cloud · 100% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 100% is somewhere between 8 and 12 kmhigh cloud · 24% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 24% is somewhere between 8 and 12 km-5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light0 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light20 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch red light20 km · the model says the unresolved high cloud may catch red light · exact underside height unknown within 8–12 km50 km · the model says the unresolved high cloud may catch red light · exact underside height unknown within 8–12 km100 km · the model says the unresolved high cloud may catch red light · exact underside height unknown within 8–12 km-5You · 052050100150200300350

The sky along today's light path — cloud density by altitude, from 5 km behind you to 350 km toward the sun. Rendered by the live app.

Current sunset outlook for Horseshoe Bend Overlook: Good (3/5). Light corridor is open (0% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.

  • • Light corridor is open (0% blocking cloud out to 350 km) — reddened light can reach your sky.
  • • Very thick mid/high cover (97%) — colour likely only at cloud edges.
  • • Most clouds above you sit in shadow — their undersides are unlikely to catch colour.
  • • Moderate aerosol load (AOD 0.06) — good scattering for saturated reds.

Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunset · create a free account and run a full forecast for a place you choose — sunrise or sunset, free, before any card.

The orange line runs toward tonight's sunset, sampled out to 350 km.Open in Google Maps ↗

Today's sky is already decided.

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For photographers: shooting Horseshoe Bend Overlook

Best months

March to May and September to November for comfortable temperatures. Summer heat is serious; winter can bring ice and sharp wind.

Suggested focal lengths

14–24 mm for the complete bend from close to the rim; 24–70 mm for tighter river and cliff patterns.

Composition

A centred horseshoe is obvious but effective. Try a vertical with foreground cracks, and bracket exposures because the sky and canyon separate by several stops.

Recommended arrival

Reach the rim 60–90 minutes before sunset; allow time to find a safe position away from the main railing.

Access planning

The rim beyond the fenced platform has fatal exposure. Carry water, avoid the edge in wind or darkness and follow City of Page rules.

Parking: Official paid Horseshoe Bend parking lot off US 89; roadside drop-off and parking are not allowed.

Approach: About 1.5 miles / 2.4 km return on a broad exposed trail with little shade.

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