VISITING THE HORSESHOE BEND IN ARIZONA

 

My trip to Arizona was one of these experiences which could easily put everything else out you've lived so far, out of the picture.
 

At that exact moment when I set foot at the Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River, I knew that this was an one-of-a-kind experience. An experience that literally made me set aside every other trip and start planning my comeback on the west side of North America, swooning over the fact that I will be experiencing the Grand Canyon in its fullest.
 

WHERE IS THE HORSESHOE BEND?

The Horseshoe Bend is located in North Arizona, near the town of Page and Lake Powell. It is  3/4km walk away from the parking area, next to Highway 89 - south of Page. 

 

It is a breathtaking scenery formed by a mix of stone and red rock walls that create a horseshoe-shaped meander right where the Colorado River flows - a miracle of nature, in other words. The river flows to Horseshoe Bend from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.
 

Only 5km away from the Grand Canyon National Park, it makes you feel like you stepped right into the Grand Canyon, although georgraphically, it doesn't belong to it. A visit to Horseshoe Bend is almost always followed by a trip to Grand Canyon but since I didn't have the time to continue my trip to the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend got me covered with its natural beauty and breathtaking view. At least for now.

After parking your car, a quite long hike awaits  you in order to reach the Canyon. Several signs along the way warn you about two things: FIRSTLY of the hiking conditions and SECONDLY of the security measures every individual must take. There is nothing to ensure you're safe while hanging off the cliff to take pictures or admire the view inside the Canyon.
 

Since it is not a protected site, safety is your responsibility. Walking around the Canyon requires to be extra careful, so head's up.
 

The Canyon is also a top meeting point for photographers from all over the world who stand, at the verge of the cliff, trying to capture the sunset. A sunset that literally blew my mind and outshadowed every other sunset I've watched up until that time. Was it because I was miles away from home at the other side of the world, living a magical moment or should I blame it on the magnificent colours teh sky took as the sun was setting down? Whatever it was, it certaily did win a place in my heart.

The Grand Canyon National Park remains at the top of my list with Lifetime Trips and my visit to the Horseshoe Bend gave me the perfect excuse to return. Lack of time was the reason why I couldn't continue on to Grand Canyon - like that time when I was in Las Vegas, in Nevada and didn't have the time to visit the Grand Canyon. But I promise I'll be back. On the road!
 

 

You know how much I love Summer Road Trips, don't you?

See you soon Canyon!