First point about Horse Shoe bend – go now! Right now (March 2018), you can freely approached the famous horseshoe-shaped canyon meander and walk right up the the cliff’s edge – at your own risk of course. It’s beautiful, jaw-dropping and just so colossal in size that you can’t help but be taken aback by the natural wonder. But ‘natural’ it shall not remain. They are planning to ‘tourist-ify’ the sight and you can already see the beginnings of building sights and construction areas established in the area. Pretty soon, lookout decks, guard rails, and – most likely – an entrance fee will be put in place.
For a little background on Horseshoe Bend, it’s one of the most well know, picturesque meanders in the world. For those of you who knew a meander was a noun and not just a verb, kudos. We did not! This windy section of the Colorado River is part of the incredible Glen Canyon, located just after Lake Powell and just before the Grand Canyon. For obvious reasons, the Grand Canyon overshadows Glen Canyon, but let us stress – Glen Canyon is epic! In fact, there are numerous other horseshoe-shaped bends in the area, but none are quite as picture-perfect or easily accessible as Horseshoe Bend.
Located just off Highway 89 five minute down the road from Page, Arizona, Horsehoe Bend is absolutely worth the stop. Pull off the highway and right into the parking area. We’d argue it’s more of a 1/2 mile walk than hike from the parking lot to the bend, but there is a uphill component that should be noted.
With it currently being a free area to roam, you can easily find your own place to admire the sheer 1000 ft drop. Of course, be safe, keep your distance and remember that sandstone is more brittle than you’d think. That being said, there are some higher rocks set back from the edge on the far right side of the bend as you approach, where people climb up to get a better view.
Take your time, bring some snacks and enjoy this monumental view before the tourist and commercial infrastructure arrives! If you want to experience the canyon from inside on the river looking up, consider doing some fly-fishing with a local outfitter out of the Lee’s Ferry area just down the river.
Enjoy Horseshoe Bend!
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