Horseshoe Bend

Just outside of Page, Arizona is a beautiful gooseneck of the Colorado river named Horseshoe Bend. Below Glen Canyon dam is one of the most dramatic, nearly circular bend that is well known to the photography community.

Head south from the dam on US Route 89 and look for the signs on the right. There is a steep and strenuous half mile climb in sand and silt. This hike is best done in the early morning or late afternoon as the hike is a hot one and the sun is best late or early in the day. Take plenty of water. The best part of the visit is that its free.

Views from the edge offer amazing glimpses at the Colorado river below and it bends its way around steep cliffs. A great stop for anyone visiting Lake Powell or the surrounding Navajo nation.

Goosenecks State Park

Just north of the Arizona/Utah border is a small Utah State Park called Goosenecks State Park. Goosenecks gets its name because of the dramatic bends that the San Juan River has cut through the surrounding rock.

One nice benefit of visiting Goosenecks is that enterance to the park is free. Located just north of the town of Mexican Hat, UT the park sees little visitation much of the year. It consists of downward views of the San Juan river snaking around massive layers of dark colored rock. A vault toilet and a campground exist, although amenities are scare and the park is more of a quick stop over rather than a destination.

During our visit a very nice Navajo woman was selling her jewelry, pottery, and other native wares in the parking lot. Although we did not buy anything, its very common to find Navajo selling tourists souvenirs in the area since the Navajo resevation is located near by.