Horseshoe Bend is a part of a national park–Glen Canyon–that is located in Page, Arizona. The Colorado River flows through the scenery around a giant rock that helps make the bend in the canyon. The way that the river is curving around the rock is what creates the horseshoe look if someone were to look from above. The landscape is full of reddish orange colors and there are small parts of green that line the river of the location. The river is surrounded by canyons that are available for people to sit on and enjoy the view. It is a popular place to hike and explore the natural landscape that Arizona has to offer.
Recently, the park has added rails on the edge of the areas that are high up and unsafe. This is because it is a safety hazard to have people looking out over the edge with no secure rails. This was a recent addition in 2017. It has also become more accessible for people who are disabled. Parking and areas to reside have been adjusted to make the space safer and more inclusive for people who have disabilities. The hike, however, has not been recreated for people who use walkers and wheelchairs. The people who work there are trying their hardest to create a hike that is accessible for all people. IT is currently in the works to have an accessible 1-mile long hike and viewing platform.
This national park is open to the public all year-round from sunrise to sunset. They have peak hours which are between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. These are the times where people tend to take their hike or look at the view. With the weather being extremely hot during the spring and summer, people tend to go earlier in the morning and later in the evening to be safe and not push their limits in the sun. If people decide to go during a time where it may get dark, it is suggested to bring a headlamp just in case it gets dark before one finishes their hike.
Many people who prefer to be around less people tend to go during the hours that are not as busy. Recently, the CDC has suggested to the attraction’s visitors to spread out their times that they plan on going to the park. They encourage them to go at times that are not peak times to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The hike to the view is approximately 1.5 miles, 2.4km. Many hikers have mentioned that it is as short was a 20 minute hike there and a 20 minute hike back. They say that the part that takes the longest is enjoying the view and photographing the moment to show loved ones.
When it comes to visiting the place, the government suggests doing research and checking the internet to make sure visitors are prepared for their trip.
During the summer, they suggest that wearing closed toe shoes will protect your feel from being burned by the hot sand that covers the area. When the climate is not as hot, visitors are able to wear their sandals but it is highly suggested to wear close toed shoes in order to have the maximum safety. For clothing, people tend to wear long hiking pants that are colors that will not get stained easily. Once visitors make it to the top, they usually enjoy the view and take a seat to take pictures and admire the landscape. Due to the dirt being red, it can stain and dirty people's clothing. Sun screen is also a must due to the powerful sun. Depending on what time of the year it is, cotton shirts are suggested in the summer and puffer jackets in the winter. Having a full water bottle of water is the also an important thing to have in one's bag. Since there is no shade, it is suggested that people bring hats and sunglasses to protect their faces and scalps from sun damage.
Drones are not allowed at the attraction so they suggest that people bring selfie sticks to take pictures to capture the whole landscape and yourself in a photo.
There are many different things to do around this area and different attractions within the National Park to visit. Other places such as Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina, Antelope Point Marina, Glenn Canyon Dam, Rim Trail, Hanging Garden Tail, and The Chains. People also take Jeep Tours if they do not want to go on many hikes, the Slot Canyon Tours, or visit the Museum and Conservatory. There are a plethora of different activities for all people to do.
Sources:
