Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, USA
© Michael Dunn/Getty Image
Does this horseshoe bring good luck?. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, USA
Grab your boots, today we’re heading to the US state of Arizona to hike out to Horseshoe Bend. Known as the ‘east rim of the Grand Canyon’, it’s actually about 140 miles from the other rims and is more part of neighbouring Glen Canyon.
The beautiful view exists thanks to something called an entrenched meander. Around six million years ago, the area sat much lower, closer to sea level. The Colorado River, following the path of least resistance, meandered but became trapped when the region was elevated through tectonic uplift. Over time, the river water cut through exposed sandstone, forming the 1,000ft-deep, 270-degree horseshoe-shaped bend.
Horseshoe Bend used to be a locally-loved gem until social media brought visitors from far and wide. Now, nearly two million tourists a year hike to this spectacular spot. It’s believed that, eventually, the Colorado River will cut through the neck of the bend. So, if you want your selfie with the horseshoe, you only have another million years, give or take.
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