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Horseshoe Bend, a unique view of the Colorado River

Arizona's arid lands are home to a geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. Welcome to Horseshoe Bend.

This is one of the most iconic views in the United States

It has been sculpted over the centuries by the Colorado River. Before winding through the Grand Canyon, its waters weave their way across the arid lands north of Arizona. The view it offers here has become hugely popular these last few years, especially on Instagram. In 2017, this site attracted between 1.4 and 1.5 million visitors.

To discover this landscape, you must walk just over 1 km across an arid plateau. Then the cliffs of Glen Canyon appear and this famous viewpoint. The river forms a tight loop around a block of red-toned rock. Its origins date back to 5 million years ago: when the Colorado Plateau rose up, trapping the rivers that ran across it. Over time, these ones managed to make their way to the Pacific, by burrowing through the softest layers of sandstone. The result: this iconic bend, a 305-meter cliff and a huge variety of colors.

In 2018, barriers were erected at the main lookout point after several fatal falls. It is still possible to walk freely along the edges of the canyon, but the National Park Service advises being careful and keeping an eye on children. There are also boat tours to observe the landscape from the river. The site draws its name from its shape: Horseshoe Bend.

Brut.

02/25/2020 7:59 AM
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41 comments

  • Grant W.
    03/13/2020 22:01

    Ah the Colorado river

  • Clinton J.
    02/29/2020 19:33

    There is nowhere else to go. Just here. Let us put our feelings aside and take care of our Earth. It will not even happen. Good luck fellow men the tides of change are upon us.

  • Mohammed H.
    02/29/2020 12:56

    Beautiful

  • John L.
    02/29/2020 10:00

    to much water taken out of the river, the once thriving isthmus is sadly depleted.

  • Geoffrey L.
    02/29/2020 04:37

    A dam was once planned for the Glenn Canyon near here.

  • Martin P.
    02/28/2020 22:19

    Love a wee day out there🦅

  • Jeanette M.
    02/28/2020 21:43

    Wow beautiful

  • No L.
    02/28/2020 18:21

    😍

  • Fred R.
    02/28/2020 12:33

    So awesome

  • Clifford M.
    02/28/2020 09:03

    Been there awesome.

  • Kathi P.
    02/28/2020 07:48

    .. jetzt wissen wir, wie weit es vom Parkplatz war 😅

  • Kathi P.
    02/28/2020 07:33

    .. jetzt wissen wir, wie weit es vom Parkplatz aus war 😅

  • Curt W.
    02/28/2020 00:16

    I was terrified going near the edge. No safety guards anywhere. People on the edge, looking backwards to the cliff taking selfies. Heart attack! Accidental deaths have happened and I saw why. Beautiful but insane.

  • Sai S.
    02/27/2020 21:21

    em antaru janullara ?

  • Stewart C.
    02/27/2020 20:41

    .. Check this out

  • Stephen W.
    02/27/2020 19:49

    Yet the Colorado river never meets the sea. It goes underground into the desert, and emerges in the sea of Cortes.

  • Dave G.
    02/27/2020 17:19

    !!

  • Sonia B.
    02/27/2020 11:50

    especially since developpers want to build a resort and casino right on the Grand Canyon :(

  • Blair B.
    02/27/2020 01:58

    In my opinion the water has bullied the terrain into doing what it wants it to.

  • Patrick A.
    02/27/2020 01:44

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