Horseshoe Bend

As I've mentioned before, if you find yourself in northern Arizona, on vacation or otherwise, there is an abundance of activities and sights to see in the area around Page. In my last post, about Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, I discussed a few of these - one of which included Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend is a scenic overlook of the Colorado River, where it makes a 270 degree turn, and in my opinion offers a breathtaking view - and yes, you guessed it, takes the shape of a horseshoe. But don't just take my word for it, see more pictures below.

Here are a couple tips to note if you visit Horseshoe Bend. First of all, if you are visiting after staying the night in Page, I would definitely recommend getting there early, as this has become a popular destination. Luckily, this beautiful site is less than a ten minute drive from anywhere you may have stayed in Page.



Next, I would like to note that while I highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass for use at National Parks and other federal lands to cover entry fees, this pass will not work here. Entry to this area is controlled by the City of Page, and they collected a $10 entry fee during our visit.

Once you arrive and park, there is about three quarters of a mile hike to get to the scenic lookout.  I wouldn't classify the hike as extremely difficult, but perhaps intermediate due to a few hills and sandy terrain. Be sure to wear proper shoes for the terrain and bring water, especially on a hot day. It did appear that some shelters to get out of the sun and perhaps a new trail are in the works, so hopefully these additions will make the area more accessible to all.

 

Lastly, due to the popularity of this destination, I would say be patient to get your perfect shot or pose. There are lots of others wanting to get great pictures, so be considerate. There are definitely a few spots that are better than others, though. If you are able to get a higher vantage point, you are more likely to get the entire river bend in the frame.

Also, please be careful. Don't get too close to the edge, as you can't see what the underside of the sandstone looks like. Standing too far out has the possibility of the stone breaking way underneath you. Be safe so you can enjoy the rest of your trip.

From here, I highly recommend you travel to Utah and visit Zion National Park or continue further into Arizona and visit Grand Canyon National Park, which I will talk about on my next post. Happy trails and safe travels, all.