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Horseshoe bend (Arizona) by Modesto Enrico Rasetti –

Top 9 Unbelievable Facts about the Horseshoe Bend

The Horseshoe bend as suggested by the name is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. This meander is located near the town of Page in Arizona, United States. The bend sometimes and to some, also goes by the name; “east rim of the Grand Canyon.”

This infamous bend is breathtaking as it is puzzling and curious. It creates a 90-degree turn on the general water flow of the river that has puzzled man since its discovery. The river bend on itself at the bend creating a horseshoe shape which explains the name given to it.

Below are some interesting and unbelievable facts about this majestic bend.

1. Accessible Via Hiking

Countryside hiking by Pexels from P

5 miles (8 km) downstream of Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam is where you’ll find Horseshoe Bend. About 4 miles (6 km) southwest of Page, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is where it is located.

A parking lot off of U.S. Route 1 can be reached by trekking 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip to the location of the curve. 89 in Page’s western region. You can see Horseshoe Bend from the high, sheer cliff above.

2. The Process of Forming The Bend Began 200 Million Years Ago

About 200 million years ago, the region that is now known as Horseshoe Bend, developed. Around this time, a massive collection of sand dunes blanketed the area from Wyoming to Arizona.

Geologists term these regions as “ergs,” and the dunes eventually turned into stone and were petrified. A solid, homogeneous layer of sandstone that was almost 2,000 feet thick in certain places was produced by water and mineral deposits.

Layers of sediment settled on top of this reddish Navajo Sandstone’s bedrock after it developed. Sandstone, mudstone, calcite, and limestone are all present in the strata.

3. The Bend Was Formed 5-6 Million Years Ago

Parts of the bulk started to wear and erode as it was exposed to wind and weather. This erosion exposed the Navajo stone as the top layer was turned to sand.

Horseshoe Bend’s exact location is close to the Colorado River and was created about 5 or 6 million years ago. Water from the rivers was trapped at the riverbed’s bottom when the Colorado Plateau abruptly rose.

When the Colorado River reached Horseshoe Bend, it had already begun to slash through many strata of rock, sculpting the surrounding area. The river gradually curved 270 degrees to go around it, giving the river its now-famous horseshoe shape. The Colorado River meanders at Horseshoe Bend.

4. The Bend is 4,200 Feet Wide

Couple on the Horseshoe bend’s overlook by StockSnap from

One glaring characteristic of the Horseshoe Bend is its massive size. The bend is about 4,200 feet (1280 meters) wide. This is not the length of the bend but rather the distance between the furthest two points of the curve.

The overlook, where one can view the bend from is 4200 feet above sea level while the river is 3200 feet above sea level. This makes the drop from the overlook a whooping 1,000-foot drop.

5. Several Deaths Have Occurred at the Horseshoe Bend

This majestic beauty also has a devastatingly dark side to it. Many deaths occur at the site of the bend. Some are intentional suicides while some are just unlucky accidents.

This location is known as the suicide capital of Arizona. This is because people often go here to jump into a ‘beautiful death’. Visitors at Horseshoe Bend Overlook are advised to enjoy their time outdoors responsibly.

This is achievable by simply remaining behind the guardrails to keep them safe at the brink of the 1,000-foot drop. Even if visitors decide to leave the viewing area, they must always be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions to guarantee their personal safety.

6. The Bend Is Made Up Of 3 Rock Layers

As mentioned above, the bend was formed following the erosion of rocks at the river’s meander. These rocks at the site are in 3 layers. The bottom layer consists of Kaibab Limestone which consists of marine limestone and siltstone.

The middle layer is Coconino Sandstone. The Coconino Sandstone is typically buff to white. It consists primarily of fine well-sorted quartz grains, with minor amounts of potassium feldspar grains deposited by eolian processes. The top layer consists of Hermit Shale.

7. Pet-Friendly Trail

Dogs are allowed in Horseshoe Bend NMP as long as their owners keep them on a leash that is never extended more than six feet. Dogs must always be physically restrained by their human counterparts.

Dog owners should be aware of where their canine “stops”; if your dog leaves solid waste on park property, kindly clean it up. Keep a watch out for potential animal-to-animal interactions because the park is there for everyone’s enjoyment, including wildlife.

8. Best Visiting Times Are During Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise at the Horseshoe bend by Kevin Schmid from

There isn’t a specific season that can be considered the ‘best’ to visit the bend. It all depends on your preferences. If you prefer cool conditions, then Autumn is perfect for you.

Summers are also ideal but the temperatures are usually too high making the hike all the more difficult. This is also peak tourism season so prepare for congested trails and overlook.

If you plan on skiing on the trail then winter is best for you. The perfect time of day to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening to experience sunrise or sunset at the site. Middays while also ideal are not as magnificent and will more than likely distort your pictures.

9. The Water Is Emerald Green

Aerial view of Horseshoe Bend by Kyle Hawton –

Unquestionably one of America’s most amazing natural beauties is Horseshoe Bend. The curve provides a panoramic picture of magnificent hues that contrast well with the emerald green of the river waters and the reddish tones of the sandstone rock. This contrast offers a lovely setting for the best possible photos for your social media sites.