Unveiling the Beauty of Horseshoe Bend (2024)

Page, Arizona, is a charming small town in Coconino County, approximately a four-hour drive north of Phoenix. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2023, estimates, the population is 7,320. Despite its modest size, Page offers a warm, dry climate and numerous tourist attractions that make it a worthwhile destination. This gem in the desert might not have the flashing lights of Las Vegas or the glamour of L.A., but hey, it’s not trying to compete in the ‘Most Instagrammable Metropolis’ contest. It is a quaint haven for travelers who enjoy the raw and natural beauty without the urban hustle and bustle. Much like a well-worn pair of hiking boots, it’s sturdy, reliable, and gets you closer to nature—embracing all those little imperfections that make it charming.

One of the highlights of our trip was photographing the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. This required careful planning and reservations—more logistical work than trying to organize a family reunion over Thanksgiving—but the experience was truly remarkable. For those seeking cost-free adventures without the need for reservations, Page has several spectacular sites to explore.

Horseshoe Bend is a prime example. The drive there took about 30 minutes, with minimal traffic—not a slow poke to be seen unless you count the occasional armadillo crossing the road. Upon arrival, we found ample parking accommodating various vehicles, from small cars to school buses. And here’s a tip: if you’re driving anything larger than a sedan, don’t attempt to parallel park unless you’ve got a cheering section armed with pom-poms and parking cones.

The path to the overlook is a moderate hike, mostly uphill, so wearing comfortable shoes and carrying plenty of water is advisable, especially given the desert heat. Just consider it a free spa treatment as you sweat out all those toxins from last night’s road trip snacks. There’s a rest area halfway for those needing a break, where you can pause to channel your inner philosopher and contemplate life—or just catch your breath and pretend you’re not regretting every doughnut you ever consumed. The entire walk took us about 25–30 minutes. At the overlook, the panoramic view of the Colorado River’s dramatic bend is breathtaking. The area attracts photographers, nature enthusiasts, and students alike. With a view like this, it’s hard not to stand there thinking, “Is this real, or am I trapped inside someone’s screensaver?”

Approaching the edge requires caution, as there are no guardrails, and the drop is significant. It’s the kind of situation where your bravery level suddenly drops when you inch over to that cliff edge for the perfect shot. Plenty of visitors venture close to the edge; however, this can be unsettling for some. You’ll see a plethora of daring photo-seekers setting up their perfect shots, all scuttling at the speed of light when they hear a rock shift beneath them—even if that rock’s ambition is just to have a small landslide career in Hollywood’s next summer blockbuster. Capturing the entire bend without a wide-angle lens proved challenging. I found myself lying flat on my stomach to get the best angle, all the while being mindful of my camera’s safety. Picture a beached walrus with a camera, and you’ll have a pretty accurate mental image of the struggle involved. Taking multiple shots from different angles and later stitching them together in post-processing is a useful technique for such expansive landscapes.

To the left of the main viewpoint, there’s a large rock formation that offers potentially better views but brings you closer to the edge. We chose to admire the scenery from our initial vantage point, deciding a full-length fall wasn’t our idea of gaining new perspective. After about an hour of soaking in the natural beauty and capturing photographs, we began our return trek to the car. I recommend setting aside time to simply appreciate the landscape without the distraction of a camera. This is one of those rare places where trying to live through a lens just doesn’t compare to the real experience. Think of it as Mother Nature’s reminder to live in the moment (and possibly to avoid another stomach-wrenching lay-flat-on-the-ground camera act).

The unspoiled beauty of places like Horseshoe Bend underscores the allure of Page, Arizona, which offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities. This town is like the quiet kid in high school who ends up being the one with the adventurous life story 10 years later. As we departed, we looked forward to the next adventure awaiting us in this remarkable region. Next on our list, we entertained the idea of perhaps taking on a less dizzying but equally thrilling experience like visiting Lake Powell or exploring Glen Canyon Dam.

In Page, the exploration options can keep any soul excited—whether that means gasping at the architectural ingenuity of the Dam or splashing in the Lake’s refreshing waters. Delving into the playful spirit of spontaneous discovery, we aimed to leave no stone unturned—quite literally, since the desert does seem to have a surplus of stones. Driving away from the Bend, we mused over our next move while humming road trip classics, our hearts light and buzzing with adventure.

For those who treasure the simplicity of untamed vistas, Page is a must-see, luring guests with the charm of its basic but deeply satisfying allure. It offers a sort of enchantment that grows roots in your memory and comes back to life in the most mundane of moments, like when you try to handle a GPS-recalculation. Its magic lies in reminding us that travelling doesn’t have to be hectic or overwhelming but can indeed be stress-free and full of light-hearted wonder.