I began sharing details about our Southwestern Road trip over a month ago, however with the holidays, reminiscing about 2016, and our recent trip to Hawaii I got a little sidetracked. ((SQUIRREL!)) 😉 Let’s finish our Grand adventure, shall we?
After three incredible days at my childhood playground of Lake Powell, it was time to continue down the Colorado River to the Grand Finale of this last-minute road trip. But first… a quick pit-stop.
We’ve all seen the incredible pictures of Horseshoe Bend, yet I never realized just how close it was to Lake Powell. Growing up our focus was always on the lake itself rather than exploring around the area, so after learning that this picturesque sandstone bend was a quick 10-minute drive from the Lake, I added the famous viewpoint to our itinerary. After all, it was right along Highway 89 — and we would be driving by anyways — I mean it would be a crime not to stop, right? 🙂
The hike out to the edge of the canyon is 1.5 miles (round-trip) and the 100 degree desert heat smothered us. After we found a quiet spot near the edge, I looked around and was surprised to see so many fellow hikers standing right at the edge. (Hello vertigo!) There are no safety nets or railings along this canyon and it made me slightly ill to think about the deadly consequences of just one wrong step.
Can I share a little secret with you? I think I’ve developed a slight fear of heights — especially after my hike to Angel’s Landing last Spring — and as I sat on the edge of the canyon at Horseshoe Bend my stomach was literally doing somersaults the entire time. Perhaps the vertigo is kicking in with my “old” age, 😉 but that 1,000 foot drop felt much higher as we sat near the edge.
The trail out to Horseshoe Bend
45-sweaty-minutes later we were back in the comfort of our air-conditioned truck ready to continue our drive down Highway 89. Horseshoe Bend is a great place to get out and stretch your legs, and it obviously offers a fantastic view, however, I wouldn’t go completely out of my way for this quick hike.
It was time to say Bon Voyage to my beloved Lake Powell and an excited Hello to our next Grand adventure.
Pictures and Plane Tickets 
Looks so pretty! I love road trips and would really love this one 🙂 We will have to think of something in Malta, the only worry is the Maltese drivers, they are the worst drivers we’ve came across yet 🙂
Can’t wait to read about where your road trip takes you. 🙂 Enjoy Malta!!
So pretty!
Thanks, Shauna. It was a cool viewpoint for sure.
Great post, Krystle!
Thank you, Shikha! 🙂
We want to visit this place, among others, for our second wedding anniversary this year! Thank you or sharing!
It is definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. 🙂 You will have such a wonderful anniversary trip. Are you planning to travel over your anniversary in November?
Thank you! Yes, that’s the idea. We’d love to see Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas!
November seems like a perfect time to visit the area. Not too hot, not too cold! 🙂 I’m hoping to have my Grand Canyon adventure up in the next few days, hopefully you’ll find it useful.
Hope you have a great day!
Krystle
Thank you for the advice! I look forward to reading more!
Beautiful!
Thank you, Auntie. It was a beautiful lookout. Very hot, but very beautiful. 🙂