Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

Horseshoe Bend is a part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It is a horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River flowing through the Glen Canyon. It can be viewed from an overlook just south of Page on Highway 89 between mileposts 544 & 545. Look for the signs pointing to the right to turn off to the lot.

Due to the increasing popularity of the overlook, the NPS began construction on improvements at the site in 2018 including a safety railing at the rim, shade areas and benches. They revamped the trail to one that is more in keeping with preserving the environment. When we visited, people were wandering all over the terrain, trampling the fragile vegetation.

There were also no railings which was pretty terrifying. But I was able to sit/lay at the edge and get some unobstructed shots. I’m sure these shots will still be possible with a few adjustments from behind the railing. And now, maybe fewer people will take the risk of climbing below the rim since a slip or crumbling rock would mean certain death.

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The path from the parking lot was a sandy uphill trudge in the blazing desert sun. We didn’t bring enough water…we underestimated the climb because it was only half a mile. When we got to the rim, my daughter had to sit in the shade of a big boulder because she was so affected.

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Location: Page, AZ
Designation: National Recreation Area
Date designated/established: October 27, 1972
Date of my visit: August 17, 2014