Less than 10 miles east of Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona is a meander called Horseshoe Bend. We found this gem by accident while driving along US Highway 89 and passed by its overlook trail sign. We were still ecstatic over Antelope Canyon which was an experience hard to top, however, if the number of cars parked close to the trail is any indication of an adventure, then we have to go and look.
The trail is only about a mile but it is mostly on a sandy hill which was slightly challenging. There was absolutely nothing to see during the mile hike except the Paria Plateau and Vermillion Cliffs miles and miles in the horizon, but once we reached the rim of Glen Canyon, we finally saw the unique beauty of this horseshoe-shaped meander that took thousands of years for the Colorado River to create.
- Standing at the rim of the Glen Canyon overlooking the Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona.
Horseshoe Bend is situated within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is located only about 5 miles from Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. Of course, better view and better photos await for those who are brave enough to stand on the edge of the canyon. But that day, I was more than glad to be just as close to the edge of the canyon as I could. The 1000 feet drop overlook made my knees shake.
Horseshoe Bend is about 140 miles from both the South Rim and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon making it a great side trip and stop over between Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon National Park. As a matter of fact, Horseshoe Bend is only 5 miles from the latter and admission it is FREE!
It is said that millions of years from now, this 270° horseshoe-shaped bend in the canyon will completely be eroded by the Colorado River and its narrow neck will completely go. Any before-and-after photos then?
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i am uniquely and wonderfully made. 
Oh this is wonderful! This reminds us of Deadhorse point state park where we saw something very similar too!