Horseshoe Bend

Page, Arizona. A small town located 4 hours north of Phoenix and recognized as a city in Coconino County. It‘s a small town, with an estimated population of about 7,500 people. Despite the hot and dry climate, don‘t let that discourage you from visiting. Page, Arizona has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Our purpose for visiting was to capture images of Antelope Upper and Lower Canyons, an excursion we meticulously planned in advance.

While photographing the canyon was an amazing experience, it certainly wasn‘t a free attraction, and reservations are highly recommended. However, there are many attractions in Page, Arizona that don‘t incur any costs, don‘t require reservations, and are equally spectacular.

Horseshoe Bend is one of those attractions. The drive to this site took us around 30 minutes, a pleasant journey with minimal traffic. Upon reaching the site, we noticed numerous vehicles. Parking was ample, with roughly 80 vehicles ranging from small cars to school buses. Many people were seen walking to and from the actual site. The walk involved a bit of a trek, mostly uphill. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and have an adequate supply of water as the open desert can get quite hot. There‘s a rest stop halfway for those needing a break. At this point, the incline transitions into a decline, and the entire walk takes about 25-30 minutes.

Upon arrival, one immediately notices the crowds. This is a popular site not only for photographers but also for nature enthusiasts and students. As you approach the edge, the view becomes increasingly breathtaking. Cameras and selfie sticks are abundant, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings. Upon reaching the edge, there are no guardrails; only a significant drop to the bottom. Some may find this unsettling, especially witnessing individuals, mostly young people, sitting on the ledge. Personally, I couldn‘t bring myself to do that. I aimed to capture a full picture of the bend, but it proved challenging without a wide–angle lens. I approached the edge cautiously, kneeling down and eventually lying flat on my stomach. Though I don‘t particularly fear heights, this situation did trigger some discomfort for me. I was also concerned about dropping my camera. Another person joined me, assuming a similar position. We discussed the challenge of capturing the entire scene and did our best, edging closer and closer with our cameras dangling over the drop.

If you lack a wide–angle lens, it’s advisable to take several shots from different angles around the site. I captured a total of 8 shots with the intention of stitching them together in Photoshop once back at the hotel. The resulting photo featured in this post turned out quite well, I believe.

To the left of the actual bend, there’s an opportunity to climb a large rock formation for potentially better views, but this also brings you closer to the edge. My travel companion and I were content with skipping this part of the attraction.

After spending about an hour taking it all in, it was time to return to the car. My suggestion would be that once you‘ve taken your photos, stow away your camera, find a comfortable spot, and simply appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. It‘s landscapes like these that truly highlight the beauty of this country and the unassuming charm of Page, Arizona. Page is stunning with so much to offer in terms of sightseeing. As for us, it was time to move on to the next attraction.