There is a lot to see near Page in Arizona. One of the key features is Horseshoe Bend. The Colorado River meanders into a horseshoe loop around one of the large buttes and the result is spectacular. Horseshoe Bend is located 5 miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4 miles southwest of Page. There is no fee and there are no lines.
This part of Arizona is a high elevation desert, so the air is thinner which makes it harder to breathe. The trek to the bend is easy enough, but the trek back to the parking lot is not so easy. Some may have to stop to rest several times on the way back (me) but they have benches. It is VERY important to take about a litre of water per person, wear a hat and good walking shoes (you will be walking on sand). See the hole in the photo below? That is Horseshoe Bend.
I think the best time for photography is between 11 and 1pm. If you can only go once then that would be the time to go because everything will be lit better and it is not as hot as in the afternoon. Sunset is an option, but the front of the Butte will be dark. Although, I have seen photos taken with the sun setting, there was detailed work in post to light the Butte and it looks rather fake.
There are a lot of tourists and everyone wants a shot by the edge. There are no rails except in one spot. It is scary, but I managed to get close to the edge.
Some were very brave and sat right on the edge! I couldn’t do that. It makes for a great photo, but I find it’s too much of a risk; and with a fear of heights, there is just no way.
You can also see Horseshoe Bend from the bottom and ride along the Colorado River in one of the calmest parts of the river. They have various rafting tours that start from Glen Canyon Dam and circle around the butte. There is an abundance of wildlife and some great photography. The tours are half day and full day. And if you are really adventurous, you can camp there too.
The distances for the key locations near Page are very short. Usually about a ten minute drive to each area noted above.
Where to Stay and Eat?
There are many reasonably priced hotels in Page. We stayed at La Quinta, but next time would like to stay at the Lake Powell Resort. The resort has several nice restaurants at various price points and most with great views of the lake. It is one of the few fine dinning venues in town.
- Nemo’s Fish and Chips 636 Elm St in Page
- Lake Powell Resort – Rainbow Room or Driftwood Lounge
- Ranch House Grille – in Page
Page is a great gateway to many fascinating attractions. Antelope Canyon, (upper and lower) ten minutes away, is a must see! It is a photographer’s dream. And no trip to Page is complete without a boat ride on Lake Powell and visit to Glen Canyon Dam.
For more photos of Arizona please go to Wonderland Photography and for more info on Arizona please visit the Arizona blog and blogs on Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. Also visit the blog describing the home of the big gunfight at OK Corral in Tombstone.
Enjoy the area! There is truly nothing quite like this.
