Horseshoe Bend
Sep 14, 2014 14:18:53 #
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most spectacular and oft-photographed places in Arizona, though to capture the full extent of the scene (a horizontal field of view of about 90°) needs a wide-angle lens or merging of 3 to 4 regular photos. This shot was made with a Tokina AT-X 124 ProDX 12-24mm lens at 16mm.
The overlook at Horseshoe Bend is served by a large parking area on the west side of US 89, 5 miles south of Glen Canyon Dam. The adjacent land, and the viewpoint, are actually just south of the Glen Canyon NRA boundary, on the Navajo Reservation, but the trail is managed by the NPS. The wide deep-sand path climbs to to a low, flat-topped hill then descends gently down the far side, across a mix of slickrock, deep sand and dunes to the unprotected overlook, on the rim of cliffs that are quite sheer for most of the 1,100 foot drop to the river below. The sudden approach to the edge of the overlook is, literally, heart-stopping.
The water in the Colorado is slow moving, greenish blue in color and edged by thin strips of bright green vegetation - a striking contrast to the red-brown Navajo sandstone cliffs at either side. There are often several rafts and boats in view, making the short upstream journey from Lees Ferry; sandbanks and bushy areas along the river provide many stopping places.
The short (3/4 mile) hike to the overlook is uphill and in deep sand - not the easy hike promised by the NPS, but well-worth the effort.
The overlook at Horseshoe Bend is served by a large parking area on the west side of US 89, 5 miles south of Glen Canyon Dam. The adjacent land, and the viewpoint, are actually just south of the Glen Canyon NRA boundary, on the Navajo Reservation, but the trail is managed by the NPS. The wide deep-sand path climbs to to a low, flat-topped hill then descends gently down the far side, across a mix of slickrock, deep sand and dunes to the unprotected overlook, on the rim of cliffs that are quite sheer for most of the 1,100 foot drop to the river below. The sudden approach to the edge of the overlook is, literally, heart-stopping.
The water in the Colorado is slow moving, greenish blue in color and edged by thin strips of bright green vegetation - a striking contrast to the red-brown Navajo sandstone cliffs at either side. There are often several rafts and boats in view, making the short upstream journey from Lees Ferry; sandbanks and bushy areas along the river provide many stopping places.
The short (3/4 mile) hike to the overlook is uphill and in deep sand - not the easy hike promised by the NPS, but well-worth the effort.
Sep 14, 2014 14:24:43 #
Sep 14, 2014 14:32:08 #
this is a beautiful shot.I was there on july 23 tem. was around 100 degrees. I would like to shoot it from down on the river just to see how it looked.dont know if you could get the proper propestive from the river though. I did find out that you can take atour boat to see it from the river.maybe next time Im there ILL do the toud.
Sep 14, 2014 14:56:06 #
Thanks for taking me someplace my ageing knees would never negotiate. This is truly a stunning view.
And now, for the kid in me ..... I suspect if you were to turn left, you might even be able to photograph your own shadow splashed across the canyon walls. That might be immense fun if you had a longshooter with you.
And now, for the kid in me ..... I suspect if you were to turn left, you might even be able to photograph your own shadow splashed across the canyon walls. That might be immense fun if you had a longshooter with you.
Sep 14, 2014 15:00:43 #
Bob Yankle wrote:
Thanks for taking me someplace my ageing knees would never negotiate. This is truly a stunning view.
And now, for the kid in me ..... I suspect if you were to turn left, you might even be able to photograph your own shadow splashed across the canyon walls. That might be immense fun if you had a longshooter with you.
And now, for the kid in me ..... I suspect if you were to turn left, you might even be able to photograph your own shadow splashed across the canyon walls. That might be immense fun if you had a longshooter with you.
:thumbup: :thumbup: Bob, you are probably right - if when I was there gazing down into the abyss, I had enough courage to negotiate even a slight left turn without falling 1000 feet! ;-)
Sep 14, 2014 15:33:52 #
Sep 14, 2014 15:43:49 #
Sep 14, 2014 15:44:05 #
Sep 14, 2014 15:45:45 #
Sep 14, 2014 19:34:34 #
DesertRover wrote:
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most spectacular and ... (show quote)
Fantastic shot of an extremely photogenic place! And thank you so much for all the info. We are planning to visit southern Utah in early Nov and after seeing your photo, that will definitely be on our "must see" list. :thumbup:
Sep 15, 2014 01:19:05 #
Sep 15, 2014 02:09:43 #
As you say, well photographed, but I love the detail in your picture,--nice one DR,
Geoff
Geoff
DesertRover wrote:
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most spectacular and ... (show quote)
Sep 15, 2014 08:25:20 #
DesertRover wrote:
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most spectacular and ... (show quote)
holy camolie, this is a jaw dropper! Check out the campers in the download! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sep 15, 2014 08:43:36 #
Sep 15, 2014 10:22:55 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.