Headed out of Grand Canyon National Park en route to Moab, UT, we decided to roll along a highway hugging the mountainside to make an impromptu stop at Horseshoe Bend, a famous “horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River.”
It’s a relatively easy 3/4 mile hike to an awe-inspiring view of the 1,000-foot drop and the 270° bend in the river. The trail goes up a short, steep hill before gradually descending to the overlook – particularly intriguing since you really can’t see the majesty of the expanse until you’re right on top of it. Plus there were plenty of rocks for the kids to scramble on (safely and far away from said 1,000 ft plummet) while we were able to enjoy the sheer faces of the canyon walls and the sparkle of the river as it meanders along changing from greens to blues.
If you think it’s awe-inspiring from the photos, trust us and make it a must-experience destination if you’re near Page, AZ.