This is a photo of Horseshoe Bend. As a photographer based in the west, I have seen many photographs of this location. Because of that I think I was totally unimpressed by it. Maybe it was also the crowds that didn’t help me enjoy this tourist sight. First off, it’s free. The parking lot was totally full before sunset. Maybe going in the morning for sunrise would be the better option as I hear it’s much quieter in the early hours. In any case, I did my best to capture the grandeur of this entrenched meander. What is an entrenched meander you might ask? Well, this type of meander forms when land under a meandering river is uplifted by tectonic forces thereby rejuvenating the river and allowing it to erode downward into its bed. The drop down the river is about 1,000 ft! If you look closely in the photo, you can see tents and canoes from people camping down there. While most meanders are found “meandering” back and forth across the alluvium of a river’s flood plain, an entrenched meander is cut into the bedrock. If prolonged over hundreds of thousands of years, such erosion may form a gorge. At Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River has cut through sandstones creating scenic Glen Canyon. While I didn’t love this attraction, I can imagine it would be breathtaking to many. Keep in mind there is a hike to get there – about 3/4 mile. The hike is through sand and gains and loses elevation. Don’t forget your water as this is a very dry area. It is also high elevation which means keep drinking! If you do visit during the day, you’ll want some sun protection from the bright desert sun! Have fun and be careful at the edge as there is no railing or protection.
