Most of our better journeys meander in ways that don’t allow us to see what is just around the bend. We focus on what’s just ahead, glance over our shoulder at what’s behind, and if we’re brave enough, peer down over the edges beside us. Drifting around Horseshoe Bend, I watched lengths of the Colorado River extending in both directions, encased by sandstone cliffs that stretched out of blue water below to blue sky above. The edges were vertical walls of rusty red and brilliant orange etched with the river’s story and brushed by desert varnish.
These aerial views of Horseshoe Bend are from a short trail we followed just off of Highway 89, south of Page, Arizona. Trail’s end is a 1000 foot drop-off. Not a good evening stroll!
More photos from this hike and from on the Colorado River to come...
Those picturers are from great points.
What dramatic vistas. These views are unforgettable.
Those are great pics! I wouldn’t want to do that trail at night. That’s for sure!
Spectacular photos, and wonderful descriptive writing. Reminds me of an Isak Dinisen quote: “The world is round so we can’t see too far ahead.”
Graham: There is no “bad” view up there!
Fly Girl: Pretty thrilling -and it was interesting to see the bend from both above it and from on the river itself!
One of The Guys: I was very aware of where I put my feet when we got near the edge. Leaned back too, ha!
NothingProfound: I like that. Better not to worry about the challenges and heartbreaks ahead of time, better to fully enjoy the blessings the moment they arrive. Better not to miss the beauty of the moment by gazing at a horizon.