Horseshoe-bend

After visiting the Antelope Canyon X during the first half of the day, we planned to visit Horshoe Bend since the distance between these two natural wonders is very short.

Horseshoe Bend is where the Colorado River makes a giant sweeping horseshoe-shaped bend in the canyon.

Horseshoe Bend Overlook

HOW TO GET TO HORSESHOE BEND

Horseshoe Bend is located next to Page. To get to Horseshoe Bend, simply:

  • From Page, take the Route 89 towards South
  • After driving about five miles down the road, you will see a sign that says “Horseshoe Bend Overlook”, where you will find the parking lot.

The parking at Horseshoe Bend is $10. You may still have to wait to get a spot if you visit Horseshoe Bend during peak season.

HOW FAR IS HORSESHOE BEND FROM THE PARKING LOT?

From the Horseshoe Bend parking lot, you will walk 10 minutes along a 0.6-mile dirt path. Although the path is short, it can be exhausting, especially during mid-day in the summer. I recommend taking plenty of water with you since there is no way to get water supplies on the trail.

The absolutely stunning views are so majestic that they almost seem unreal

The scale and beauty of this place are magnificent. I had seen dozens of pictures of Horseshoe Bend before I went to see it in person. I thought, I knew what to expect. I was completely wrong. It is massive! Much, much bigger than it appears in the pictures.

“The shot”. People from all over the world travel to get this shot. Well, here it is.
Colorado river in the background
Interesting rocks everywhere!
Tiny me and gigantic Horseshoe Bend

BEST TIME TO PHOTOGRAPH HORSESHOE BEND

The best time of day to visit Horseshoe Bend is midday or late afternoon. The colors are insane and the entire bend is lit up as the sun hides behind the Horseshoe Bend at sunset. With sunrise the sun is behind you casting huge shadows on the Colorado River. Although, I have seen stunning photographs captured during the wee hours of the morning.

Conclusion: There is no bad time to see or photograph Horseshoe Bend.

BE CAREFUL!

It can get extremely windy at the overlook and some areas do not have barriers to prevent you from falling. Be safe and remain aware of your surroundings. Do not get too close to the edge on a windy day and risk your life for the sake of a photo — several people have lost their lives from a tragic fall at Horseshoe Bend.

LAKE POWELL AND GLEN CANYON BRIDGE

On our way back to Vegas, we came across the nation’s second-largest man-made lake at Utah Border. The Lake Powell stretches 186 miles across the red rock desert from Page, Arizona to Hite, Utah.

The place is absolutely stunning with clear blue water and the contrasting stark red sandstone rocks in the surroundings.

Lake Powell

You can also walk across the Glen Canyon bridge and get great views and pics from several angles.

Glen-Canyon-Dam-Overlook
Glen Canyon Bridge
Glen-Canyon-Dam
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook

UNIQUE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE HORSESHOE BEND

If you’re spending a little more time in Page and you’re looking for some different ways to view Horseshoe Bend you’re certainly not short on choice. Here are a few ways to find a completely unique perspective of Horseshoe Bend:

  • Book a Horseshoe Bend helicopter tour. This type of tour is offered from the heliport located in Lake Powell. In addition to seeing Horseshoe Bend from the air, you will also fly over Lake Powell. The tour takes about 30-40 minutes and it is necessary to book it in advance with Papillon, the only company that offers this tour.
  • Go kayaking or canoeing on the Colorado River and around Horseshoe Bend to experience the stunning scenery and unique geology of Glen Canyon and Lake Powell!
  • Take a Colorado River Discovery raft tour, that starts on Lake Powell and takes you to Horseshoe Bend. The half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River from the base of Glen Canyon Dam is even perfect for the entire family. Your experienced guide will tell the story of the area’s soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell, and others.

Thanks so much for reading! Do let us know how do you like the post by commenting in the below section. Also, don’t forget to read my previous post on Antelope Canyon

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