Horseshoe Bend is definitely one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. Yes, you want to visit to see it’s unique beauty. Yes, it is so worth the trip and the hike. And yes, you wanted to take photos…. a lot of them. However, you probably didn’t realize how dangerous it may be to get that perfect shot.
Well… I was so excited to visit this place after looking at all the photos on social media, I had this plan in my head on how to get that perfect shot; I would have this perfect pose, that perfect angle, and of course with the perfect lighting. Oh boy…. little did I think that to get that perfect shot, I would have to be on an uneven surface with slippery footing on the edge of a cliff with a 1000ft (305M) drop on the other side. I do have a bit of a fear of heights but more so for my kids’ safety… I had 2 fearless kids with me on this trip who, by the way, didn’t hesitate to stand on the edge of this 1000ft cliff. I also have an adventurous husband who, by the way, may be very analytical but when it comes to adventures, he seems to have lost the logical part of his brain. I was hysterical… well… I was really nervous!
So, after walking in a sandy desert trail with nothing much to see. We finally stopped on the edge of the cliff… no signs, no warnings, no hand railings. And then, I heard my kids shouted, “OMG!!!”.
Definitely, a once in a lifetime adventure. This is NOT gonna happen again.
I was on the edge too… I crawled and this is the best shot I got:) LOL
Anyhow… I am glad that after years of planning they are finally building an observation deck for everyone’s safety. Yay… But will you be able to take that perfect photo with the railing? And the answer to that is: we’ll see the selfies posted online everywhere after they finish it in few months.
By the way, the hike takes about 20 to 30mins from the parking lot. It is an easy hike but because it is very sandy, it drains your energy faster. Here are some of the photos that we took while on the road.
Tips: Be cautious and guard your kids. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water. Go early (it gets really crowded during midday, even for an off-peak season). Bring a selfie stick because it’s hard to get a photo of the whole area (this is a No Drone Zone).
Thank you for dropping by and don’t forget to leave a comment and please share:) And don’t hesitate to email me at bonbonmontero@bon-bonvoyage.com if you need help on planning your next family getaway.
Happy and safe travels y’all. xoxo
Horseshoe bend is one of those places we’ve both wanted to visit for awhile – never thought about the mechanics of getting some of those photos, though! And even if you had to crawl, the important part is you were brave enough to do something you’ve been wanting to. That’s amazing, as far as I’m concerned 🙂
seriously it was so scary to look down, but it was probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my whole life. The Colorado River took a horseshoe shape in the middle of the desert. It was colorful, green and blue. It was truly spectacular.
That looks terrifying! I can’t imagine sitting on the end like that. Brave kids.
Oh, that’s the legendary place! I have never been there, but really want to.
Wow, AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHY AND A gREAT PLACE TO VISIT.. THANKS FOR SHARING
I have seen so many pictures on Instagram of the horseshoe bend and a lot of them take on dangerous positions. I have bad vertigo and feel sick just looking at some of the images. I am in two minds about the observation deck. It does make it safer but it also ruins the natural landscape.
Oh Wow! this is amazing! It certainly is beautiful and scary at the same time. you are very brave and so is your little ones too!
do come and join us on #ExplorerKids linky every Tues-Thrs if you can. We’d love to have you. 🙂 x
Would love to join… Please let me know how tog et into the group:) Would like to share our experiences and would like to hear others. Im on Instagram as bonbonmontero; add me up.
This place is so high on my bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It looks scary but so worth it. How long is the hike?
It is terrifying especially if you have kids. Well… enjoy your visit and hope you get to visit before the RIM railing finish…. heard its gonna be up by this summer. The hike is only about 30minutes but it’s sandy so wear comfy shoes.
I don’t usually have a fear of heights but your photos make me sooo nervious!
I’m sure the view is spectacular
This would be a terrifying place with kids. We went just over a year ago. The hike in was super easy but the edge is very real. I am surprised that more people don’t fall in. there seems to be a balance in everything where edges and a bit of fear could be good for kids. Just maybe it would be better to start with a 20′ cliff.
Dang that is a lot of people. It makes me sad that they feel the need to build an observations deck because it takes away from the natural beauty and invites more people who then litter and pollute the area. I found this to be very true in Yellowstone.
With that said, i am pretty fearless and understand the worry of parents like yourself. I dont think I would want my child running to the end and slipping. I am glad though that you were able to sit on the edge and get such amazing pictures.
That sure is a sudden drop. It must have been terrifying to hang your feet over the edge. But it looks worth it for the view.
So glad you wrote about the fear. All you see these days are the perfect photos and no one is talking about the height. I get sweaty palms just looking at these photos. Heights are not my friend