Golden Hour at Horseshoe Bend
Arizona, United States — Dramatic meander of the Colorado River near Page.
Golden hour at Horseshoe Bend varies from 40 minutes in the morning to 40 minutes in the evening during peak months (December, January, June). Sunrise ranges from 07:37 in January to 07:31 in December. Dramatic meander of the Colorado River near Page. This guide shows computed sunrise, sunset, and golden hour times for every month of the year, with compass bearings to help you plan your composition. Milky Way core visibility data is included for astrophotography planning. All times are calculated with a precision astronomical engine. Use Heliora to see terrain-adjusted times from any exact vantage point.
Monthly Sun Times & Golden Hour
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Gold AM | Gold PM | Sunrise ° | Sunset ° |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:37 | 17:32 | 39m | 39m | 116° ESE | 244° WSW |
| Feb | 07:14 | 18:05 | 36m | 36m | 105° ESE | 255° WSW |
| Mar | 06:36 | 18:32 | 34m | 34m | 92° E | 268° W |
| Apr | 05:51 | 18:59 | 35m | 35m | 77° ENE | 283° WNW |
| May | 05:18 | 19:26 | 37m | 37m | 65° ENE | 294° WNW |
| Jun | 05:06 | 19:46 | 39m | 39m | 60° ENE | 300° WNW |
| Jul | 05:18 | 19:45 | 38m | 38m | 62° ENE | 298° WNW |
| Aug | 05:43 | 19:18 | 35m | 35m | 72° ENE | 288° WNW |
| Sep | 06:08 | 18:34 | 34m | 34m | 86° E | 274° W |
| Oct | 06:33 | 17:50 | 35m | 35m | 100° E | 260° W |
| Nov | 07:04 | 17:17 | 38m | 38m | 113° ESE | 247° WSW |
| Dec | 07:31 | 17:10 | 40m | 40m | 119° ESE | 241° WSW |
Best months for golden hour: December, January, June. Times shown for the 15th of each month.
See the sun's path with real terrain horizon for any date
Milky Way Visibility at Horseshoe Bend
Hours of Milky Way core visibility per month (galactic center above horizon during astronomical darkness). Peak: August
| Month | Dark Sky Hours with MW Core |
|---|---|
| Jan | |
| Feb | |
| Mar | |
| Apr | |
| May | |
| Jun | |
| Jul | |
| Aug | |
| Sep | |
| Oct | |
| Nov | |
| Dec |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is golden hour at Horseshoe Bend?
- Golden hour at Horseshoe Bend varies by season. The longest golden hour sessions are in December, January, June. Morning golden hour lasts 40m and evening 40m during the peak month.
- What time is sunrise at Horseshoe Bend?
- Sunrise ranges from 07:37 in January to 07:31 in December.
- What direction does the sun rise and set at Horseshoe Bend?
- Sunrise bearing shifts from 119° ESE in winter to 60° ENE in summer. Sunset shifts from 241° WSW to 300° WNW.
- What is the best time of year to photograph Horseshoe Bend?
- For golden hour photography, the best months are December, January, June when golden hour is longest. For Milky Way photography, the best months are August, June, July.
- What time should I arrive to photograph sunrise at Horseshoe Bend?
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to catch blue hour and set up. In January, that means arriving by 06:57. Use Heliora to check terrain-adjusted sunrise, as mountains may delay the actual moment the sun appears.
- Does the terrain affect sunrise or sunset times at Horseshoe Bend?
- Yes. Mountains, ridges, and buildings can delay sunrise or bring sunset earlier than flat-earth calculations show. Use Heliora to see the real terrain horizon from any exact viewpoint and get terrain-adjusted sun times.
- Can you see the Milky Way from Horseshoe Bend?
- Yes, the Milky Way core is visible from Horseshoe Bend during August, June, July. Best visibility requires clear skies and minimal light pollution. Use Heliora to check exact times for your visit date.
- Is Horseshoe Bend good for astrophotography?
- Horseshoe Bend has up to 3 hours of dark sky with the Milky Way core visible during peak months (August, June, July). Check local light pollution conditions and plan around the new moon for best results.
Nearby Locations
- Antelope Canyon 12 km
- Bryce Canyon 99 km
- Grand Canyon South Rim 108 km
- Monument Valley 126 km
- Zion National Park 142 km