Road Trip Guide: San Francisco to Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona is one of the most traveled to destinations for road trips. This amazing natural wonder amasses flocks to gaze at its wonder yearly and it is a must visit for any family road trip. AVR Van Rental is starting the year off by highlighting some of the top traveled to destinations and then creating full-fledged road trips, start to finish, from our locations to the most amazing vacation spots you must see to believe.

Our first trip takes us from bustling San Francisco where many locals and those that come to visit, find themselves in the perfect geographic location to visit many nearby natural wonders. This road trip guide will feature must see stops along the way to make the most out of your family, romantic, or even friendly road trip vacation from San Francisco to Horseshoe Bend, Arizona.

What is Horseshoe Bend?

Located about 14 hours away from San Francisco on a wonderful site laden drive is Horseshoe Bend, Arizona. Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist destination located just outside of Page, Arizona. It is a dramatic bend in the Colorado River that has been shaped over time by erosion. The bend is accessible via a short hike from a parking area off of US Route 89 and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

The overlook at Horseshoe Bend is located about 1,000 feet above the river and offers a unique perspective on the Colorado River as it winds its way through the canyon. The area is particularly popular for photography and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Stops and Sites to See Along the Way

AVR Van Rental is here to showcase some hand-chosen stops and sites to see to maximize not only comfort but make the most out of the journey. Depending on how many days you have dedicated to your road trip you can always extend or shorten the recommendations.

1.      Bakersfield, California which is located 4 hours and 30 minutes from San Francisco and the first major city you run into driving south through California.

·         Top 17 things to do in Bakersfield

·         Best lodging options

·         Best local favorite food places

2.      Las Vegas, Nevada is home to some of the most amazing entertainment and nightlife any city has to offer. Though normally not known to be family friendly, especially around the strip with all the gambling, Vegas offers plenty of family fun and is 4 hours from Bakersfield, CA.

·         Best Family Activities to do in Las Vegas

·         Best Family Friendly Hotels in Las Vegas

·         Best Adult/Gambling Hotels in Las Vegas

·         Top Local favorite Restaurants

3.      Hoover Dam, which is located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of modern engineering. You can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and construction.

 4.      Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is home to one of the  largest concentrations of petrified wood in the world. This is an amazing site to behold and totally worth-while.

·         Top things to do while visiting

·         Top Lodging Near Petrified Forest National Park

·         Camping options within the park

·         Food Options nearby

5.      Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous natural wonders in the United States, the Grand Canyon is a must-see on any road trip through Arizona.

·         Best activities to do while visiting

·         Guided Tours of the canyon

·         Lodging offered within the park

·         Camping options available

·         Best Local Restaurants

More Stops and Sites for Longer Road Trips

1.      Sedona: This town in central Arizona is known for its beautiful red rock formations and vibrant arts scene. You can take a scenic drive through the area or go on a hike to see the stunning views.

2.      Flagstaff: Located in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a charming mountain town with a vibrant downtown area and easy access to nearby national forests and parks. You can explore the town's history and culture or take a trip to nearby attractions like the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

These are just some of the many amazing stops along the way that we have highlighted and be sure to check back for the next ultimate road trip guide to a top traveled destination!

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