As a breeze swept over my back, I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear and stared at my feet. My previously white sneakers, now pink from the sand, dangled 1,000 feet above the ground.
I peered down at the scenic horseshoe-shape carved by the Colorado River many years ago, and squinted, trying to identify tiny specks of neon green and yellow — kayakers, it turns out — that populated the water below.
Horseshoe Bend, a popular overlook in Page, Arizona, bills itself as “the intimate Grand Canyon experience.” And indeed, Horseshoe Bend consists of a 1,000-foot drop, while the Grand Canyon reaches a depth of more than a mile.
The hike to get there is considered moderate. Though the distance is short, the trail is composed of sand, and it’s fairly steep. There’s no direct sunlight (neither on the trail nor at the outpost), and there are no barriers around its edges. But the relatively untamed overlook (save for a few benches that were recently installed) offers entirely unspoiled views.
Pro Tip: Bundle a trip to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The famous slot canyon is just 10 miles from Horseshoe Bend, and though it’s relatively small, it’s the most photographed canyon in the world.
The Details
Horseshoe Bend
www.horseshoebend.com
