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Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend

Posted in: Nature, Outdoor adventures on July 9, 2021.

A Very Impressive Place

There is a section of the Colorado River that you’ve got to check out. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the American Southwest – you’ve almost certainly seen it on Instagram – it’s a truly impressive spectacle of nature and nature’s power. We’re talking about Horseshoe Bend. The Colorado River has moved millions of tons of sandstone to create this iconic bend in the desert. And we’re here to tell you, it looks much better in real life. So here’s how to get to Horseshoe Bend, and what to do when you’re there.

A bend in the Colorado River at sunset

Photo by Hans Isaacson via unsplash.com

Where to Find Horseshoe bend

Horseshoe Bend is part of the larger Glen Canyon geological formation, but actually exists outside of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Glen Canyon is most famous for Lake Powell, the large man-made lake that fills most of it’s surface area. (Check out our recent post on Lake Powell.) But south of Lake Powell, below the Glen Canyon Dam is where you’ll find Horseshoe Bend.

You can access the trailhead to the Bend right off Highway 89. Find the exact spot here on Google Maps. The trail to the Horseshoe Bend overlook is only about 1.5 miles round-trip, and is moderately easy. Once you arrive, the ground will fall away before your feet and you’ll be confronted with the splendor of the Colorado River and Horseshoe Bend. In recent years, as more and more visitors come to see this famous spot, the lines on the trail have gotten a little longer. There is more infrastructure currently being built, including more restrooms and a visitor center. So you might encounter some construction.

A bend in the Colorado River during a storm

Photo by Daniel Olah via unsplash.com

Selfie Time!

What should you do once you get there? Easy. Take pictures, lots of pictures. The time of day dramatically changes the lighting on the cliff walls, so if you’re there for professional photos, take some time to capture the Bend throughout the day. If you’re just there to experience it for yourself, take some selfies. And breathe in the natural beauty.

And if you’re looking for nearby attractions, check-out Antelope Canyon, which isn’t too far away.

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