American Southwest: Horseshoe Bend

I was walking through the mall a few weeks ago and stumbled upon a kiosk of large scale photographic prints. The first image that caught my eye was one of Horseshoe Bend. It’s one of those places that seem completely iconic but also strangely under the radar. I’d only learned of it a year or so ago, and quickly noted I had to see it the next time I was in Arizona. Seeing that photo at the mall, reminded me to share the photos from our visit…

For those who don’t know, Horseshoe Bend is a small, looped section of the Colorado River just outside of Page, Arizona. I had planned to shoot Antelope Canyon the next day and thought I’d try to squeeze in a quick viewing as soon as we arrived. Unfortunately, we’d gotten on the road a little later than I’d hoped, so we quickly checked into the hotel, left my husband and baby behind to take a nap and the bigger kids and I rushed off to catch the bend before the sun set. I hadn’t really done my research and ended up taking the wrong road, so we were truly racing the sun to make it in time. If there’s one thing I know for certain, my children will always remember the crazy adventures I take them on, especially those involving chasing light!

Once I’d found my way and pulled off at the right mile post, I was a little surprised to see nothing at all. I’d expected to see the river from the road! Instead, there’s a large parking lot, loads of other tourists and a trail leading into the desert. I prodded my children up and down the easy path, watching the sun vanish a little more every second. The funny thing is, it looks like nothing at all — just an expanse of desert. But eventually the trail stops and you see loads of people standing on the edge of rock looking down at a massive drop. And there it is. This incredible horseshoe-shaped loop of river, green grasses, orange rock, and a teeny, tiny, little campsite set up on the island. It’s kind of scary, jaw dropping and exhilarating all at the same time.

Looking back, I was wholly unprepared in more ways than one. Besides needing better directions and not arriving so late, I should’ve brought a wider lens to get everything in. I wanted to pull back further to get rid of that rock at the bottom but simply couldn’t. I also should’ve had my husband come with me to help with the children. It can be quite windy and there are no safety measures in place. In order to take photos, I had to force the kids to sit about 20 feet back so I could stop worrying about them careening to their death. It’s a long way down! But other than that, it’s a spectacular sight and definitely worth visiting if you are in the area.

Horseshoe Bend is located near Page, AZ, off of US Highway 89 between milepost 544 and 545. Park in the lot off of the highway and follow the easy trail until it ends. Arrive well before the sun sets! It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk there and then of course you’ll want time to take photos.