Horseshoe Bend is also recognized as the “East Rim of the Grand Canyon” because of the Colorado River’s carved meander horseshoe-like shape with a 270° twist in Glen Canyon. It’s located near the town of Page, Arizona, United States. Visitors from all over the world come to see the incredible natural beauty, the power of the flowing river, and the tenacity of Horseshoe Bend’s beautiful red cliffs. The steep cliff above provides a view of the Horseshoe Bend. With an overlook of about 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level. The Colorado River is about 3, 200 feet (1000m) above sea level, and a drop of about 1,000 foot (300m).
Table of Contents
Here is everything you need to know in this guide:
- The history of Horseshoe Bend
- What are the activities waiting for visitors there?
- What are the things we need to bring when going to Horseshoe Bend?
- Other sites aside from Horseshoe Bend?
- Can visitors spend a day in Horseshoe Bend
- Important things need to remember while visiting Horseshoe Bend
The history of Horseshoe Bend
Mile Marker 545, Highway 89, Page, AZ 86040 is the location of Horseshoe Bend. Around 200 million years ago, a gigantic sand dune blanketed the country from Arizona to Wyoming, forming Horseshoe Bend. The dunes got fossilized and converted to rock over time, and geologists designate these regions as “ergs.” The solid was formed when mineral and water build up, with over 2,000 feet thick uniform layers of sandstone in some places. Layers of sediment settled on top of the bedrock of this reddish Navajo Sandstone after it formed. Sandstone, mudstone, calcite, and limestone make up the layers.
Sections of the mass began to wear away as they were exposed to wind and weather. The top layer of Navajo Sandstone has now been turned to sand, exposing this mass of Navajo Sandstone.
Horseshoe Bend, as it is presently defined, is a 5 million-year-old geological formation along the Colorado River. The Colorado Plateau was suddenly uplifted, trapping water from the rivers at the riverbed’s bottom. This natural, sculptural landscape at Horseshoe Bend is the result when the Colorado River cut through endless layers of rock.
What are the activities waiting for visitors there?
Aside from its incredible beauty, the Horseshoe Bend can be best enjoyed during the early afternoon and when sunset comes. It can also be best enjoyed late morning or mid day.
These are activities waiting for you in Horseshoe Bend:
- Cascade Raft & Kayak- Here you can enjoy Kayaking & Canoeing, as well as River Rafting & Tubing
- Zipline Idaho- You can enjoy Zipline, their Aerial Adventure Parks, and Cascade Ropes Challenge.
- White Horse Grocery & Mercantile- You can buy gifts here and their specialty.
- Bear Valley Rafting
- Roystone Hot Springs- enjoy their hot springs & geyser.
- Idaho Guest Ranch- if you love horseback riding while having a tour, this is the best thing you can do.
- 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards- Take a sip of their wine.
- Shadow Valley Golf Course- You might as well have plans to play golf.
- Camping near Horseshoe Bend
The incredible view of Horseshoe Bend can also be enjoyed while hiking, taking a walk and looking for a beautiful spot where you can take a picture. It might drain your energy for the day but rest assured you will never feel tired because of its wonderful beauty.
What are the things we need to bring when going to Horseshoe Bend?
If you’re planning to go on hiking, always have an extra bottle of water, it’s also a must to bring water with you especially during summer. Bring your snacks, enjoy the beauty of Horseshoe Bend while having a snack (reminder: always bring your garbage with you). If you’re planning to stay there for days, pack your needed things. Never forget to bring extra money because who knows there might be things you wanted to buy or activities you wanted to try. Dress appropriately for deserted places.
Important reminder of the things to bring:
- Camera
- 1 liter of water per person
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Dress that is appropriate for winter season if you go there during winter
Other sites aside from Horseshoe Bend
Other known spots to visit are:
- Antelope Canyon
- Monument Valley
- Grand Canyon’s South Rim
- Glen Canyon Dam
- Lake Powell
- John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Rainbow Bridge
- North Rim
- Utah National Park
- Zion National Park
- Wahweap Marina
- Padre Bay
- Lone Rock
- Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
- Hoover Dam
- Red Rock Canyon
- Virgin River
- Watson Lake
These are just some of the beautiful sites that you go to when you’re in Horseshoe Bend. A long bucket list of places you need to visit, so you better prepare your notes and plan for your tour at the Horseshoe Bend and other beautiful sites near the place.
Can visitors spend a day in Horseshoe Bend?
Horseshoe Bend is accessible all year from dawn to dusk, but the most popular time to come is between 9 and 11 a.m. and also 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to watch the sunset. Some visit early to see the sunrise and to reserve a spot in the parking lot before it gets crowded.
There are hotels available near the Horseshoe Bend. If you are planning to stay there for a day or two you can book a hotel and continue your tour the next day.
Precautions
Always be extra careful especially when visiting the Horseshoe Bend. Don’t get too near the cliff, just enough to see the beauty of Horseshoe Bend. Avoid throwing your trash anywhere and try to travel early when you’re driving to avoid getting involved in an accident.
Conclusion
Just remember the things we have stated. Enjoy yourself and appreciate the beauty of Horseshoe Bend. You should also try other tourist sites in the area.