Horseshoe Bend
Relatively unknown 25 years ago as a must-see destination, the Horseshoe Bend overlook has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Arizona. The question I am asked most frequently as a photographer is whether this unique canyon overlook featuring the Colorado river is still worth visiting. Despite the increasing throngs of tourists that can be present at times, my answer is yes. By any measure Horseshoe Bend is an absolutely stunning landmark to capture because of its mighty scale, steep and deep red rock canyon walls, and the sharp contrast the blue/green waters of the meandering and crystal-clear Colorado river provides. See more images below.
Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation area which straddles the border of Utah and Arizona, getting to the overlook trailhead and large parking lot is straight forward as it is right off US highway 89 and just a few miles south of the busy tourist hub, Page, Arizona. The scenic and well-marked desert trail to the overlook itself is relatively easy and only 1.5 miles long from the parking lot. At the overlook, there are number of organized viewpoints with guard railing or safety fencing to help mitigate selfie obsessed & clueless tourists from stumbling into the 1,000 foot deep abyss- which despite the safety measures tragically continues to happens almost every year. But my advice is to avoid these viewing platforms if they are crowded and walk to either the left or right and look for some less crowded viewing and photography opportunities. I can assure you will find the Horseshoe Bend experience more rewarding this way. For more adventurous hikers & photographers there is also an elevated bluff to the right that requires a sandstone scramble to get to the top which offers expansive views.
As far as best time to visit Horseshoe Bend, I prefer the winter season as its generally less crowded. As far as photography tips, I highly recommend trying to get out to the overlook either early morning or late afternoon as this is when the light is most favorable for shooting dramatic images. If you goal is to capture the river not cast in shadows by the canyon walls midday is probably your best bet. I also personally prefer shooting on partly cloudy days as a good cloudscape or cloud structure can make most landscape photos even more compelling. You will absolutely need a wide angle lens to capture the entire scene in one shot- 16mm or less…
Below are a few images with some additional info and some very basic photography tips about the Horseshoe Bend trail and overlook area. Please click on the images to see full size high resolution versions that are available for sale. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
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