Horseshoe Bend: Always a Secondary Stop, Rarely a Primary Destination

Horseshoe Bend is one of those places that you must see...IF you are already in the area . That may be an unpopular opinion but it is how I feel . Don't get me wrong, Horseshoe Bend is BEAUTIFUL! I just would not go out of my way to see it alone, is all. Fortunately, this horseshoe-shaped meander in the Colorado River is extremely close to other iconic landscapes like Antelope Canyons, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. I visited this beauty on a tour to the Antelope Canyons.

Lauren's Tips and Interesting Snips

1. If you are traveling anywhere in the SouthWest, specifically near the Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyons, etc, Google how far Horseshoe Bend is from your destination. It is a small wonder but not worth its own tour.

2. Be prepared to HIKE ! Whew "chile "! The hike itself is not long , a little more than a mile roundtrip (1.2 mi). BUT ... the sun is beaming directly on you the entire time. I traveled with a tour company so they planned for us to arrive right before the hottest hours of the days ( we got there at about 9:30a at the end of August ) but it was still really HOT. I recommend wearing running shoes or hiking sandals for the gravel path. There were people of all ages out there . Just be prepared to put in a bit of work .Take your time and you will do great. I was not tired at all but I was hot ! Which brings me to tip 3 ....

3. Bring an umbrella or wear a hat to block the sun.I did not and well --I wished I had :) . There is an area near the parking lot before the short hike to the bend but there are hardly any places to sit. It's not a big area so the seats will likely be filled.

4. Take a water bottle (or two ) with you ! You are in the desert. Need I say more ?

Pics below ! Please let me know what other questions you have about this trip ! I can edit the post with your feedback.