| Horseshoe Bend is the name for a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, in the United States. The bend is locally known as "King Bend." It is located five miles (8.7 km) downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about four miles or 6 km southwest of Page.Blocked by Glen Canyon Dam, the greenish Colorado River makes a gigantic bend more than a thousand feet below the overlook, swinging first to the east, then curving back to the west.The hike begins from a large parking area just off U.S. 89. The wide, easy-to-follow trail leads quickly up a low, sandy hill. It's not far, but even a short hike up loose sand leaves hikers winded pretty quickly. If you hate getting sand in your shoes, plan accordingly! About 200 million years ago this sand was part of the largest system of sand dunes the North American continent may have ever seen. These sand seas are known as ergs. Our enormous erg was eventually hardened by water and minerals into Navajo Sandstone, an amazing uniform, smooth sandstone layer.From the trail crest down to the overlook, the path is a little bumpier. It alternates between a whitish gravel, more sand, and some pretty solid, sloping rocks, the Navajo Sandstone.It stretches from Arizona to Wyoming, and it can be over two thousand feet thick in some places. When you reach the edge of Horseshoe Bend you will be looking down 1000 feet ( 305 meters) of the sandstone to the river. After the Navajo Sandstone hardened, other layers of sandstone, mudstone, and different sedimentary layers piled on top of it. Then, after a couple of million years, patient water in the form of rain, ice, floods, and streams, worked to erode away the different layers.Today the Navajo Sandstone is once again exposed, and its sand is slowly wearing away. So now, what you are walking upon is sand from the Navajo Sandstone, which was from the giant Jurassic erg recycled sand!Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip. Walking time: 45 minutes. You will be walking up and down a sandy hill and across a gentle sandstone incline.The trail will crest a hill where you can see Echo Peaks to the west, near the confluence of the Paria River with the Colorado. The dark line of the Vermilion Cliffs lies farther west, while Navajo Mountain stands behind, to the east. The colors of the rocks change throughout the day, the shadows move in and out of the canyons, and as the river flows, it sparkles and shines in different shades of green and blue.Although the hike is in the northern part of the state, it can be surprisingly warm on the rock. Wear a hat, use sunscreen and carry water.Photographers: Be sure to carry a wide-angle lens and a polarizing filter.Allow about an hour for the 1.5-mile round-trip hike, and another hour or so for taking in the breathtaking views.There are no guardrails at the overlook, so watch your step. If you find the height a little daunting, try lying down on the ground and looking over the edge that way. It gives you a much better sense of security. |
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| | | Facilities: There is a parking area provided. No other facilities are available at Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Best Time To Visit: Horseshoe Bend Overlook is available year-round from dawn to dusk. Fees: A parking fee may be charged. Accessibility: This hike is not accessible. Rules: Obey all posted rules. Directions: Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located off US Highway 89 about two miles south of Page. Just south of mile marker 545, turn west on the dirt road and drive a couple of hundred yards to the parking area. Map: Click here for a map to Horseshoe Bend Overlook Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Horseshoe Bend Overlook. | | |
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| | | | | | Address | | Glen Canyon NRA | | PO Box 1507 | | Page, Arizona 86040 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 608-6200 | |
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