Horseshoe Bend
Page, Arizona | August 24, 2023
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most amazing natural wonders the American Southwest. This breathtaking bend in the Colorado River creates a nearly perfect horseshoe shape as it winds through the deep red cliffs of Glen Canyon. It provides panoramic views of the river's emerald waters cutting through the ancient rock, revealing millions of years of geological history. The 1.5 mile round-trip hike to the overlook is relatively easy, but the view from the top is anything but ordinary.
The changing light depending on the time of day you visit transforms the colors of the canyon and river, making it the perfect spot for photos any time of day. There is a railing at some points along the rim, but otherwise it is mostly open, allowing for an unobstructed view of this natural marvel. I hopped down to a lower rock for a photo moment but just be mindful of your surroundings if you choose to do so - the drop is over 1,000 feet.
Picture Perfect
We quickly realized that Horseshoe Bend looks just like what you see in photos. After the short 1.5 mile hike, a light rain began to fall, and though there was no cover, it was hard to mind with such a stunning view in front of us. No one seemed to care about the rain, and the rim remained fairly crowded. We even had to wait our turn for some of the best picture spots, but it was worth it for the incredible outcome. This spot is often called the "east rim of the Grand Canyon", a must-see spot in Arizona and the perfect prequel if you are headed to the Grand Canyon afterwards like us!
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