Horseshoe Bend, Arizona by shutterbugs

Photography • Landscape • posted on Jul 05, 2008

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Description

Just to put things into perspective so you have a sense of scale: the white speck in the middle of the river on the left side is a house boat. People rent them and go down the Colorado River. Can you imagine being in one and staring up the sides of these monumental cliffs, or how about yelling and getting a thunderous echo back? Pretty "Planet of the Apes," isn't it? About this shot. The walk from the dirt parking lot to where I took this picture is a rugged 25-minute hike (50-minute roundtrip) on loose sand that you sink into. Definitely bring a bottle of water. First, one climbs up a hill, then descends down the same hill before standing at this precipice. While descending one has no idea what lies ahead. In fact, I kept wondering, "Where is this place?" Perhaps 100 yards before the earth opens, one sees a slight drop. Then suddenly, you stand in front of this spectacular sight, where vertigo and drop-jaw set in big time. Walking right up to the edge of the cliff and taking this shot required some self-talk ("No, there will be no sudden strong gust. Everything will be OK. Don't think about it ... just take the bloody picture!"). I had researched this shot before setting out to Arizona (i.e. what time of day to photograph, how to find the place, what to do/not to do, etc.) and I had, of course, seen pictures of Horseshoe Bend, but absolutely nothing had prepared me for the scale and sheer spectacle of what nature had carved out of the earth here. Wow, wow, wow!!!! This is a "must-see" if you are heading to Arizona. The closest thing in terms of the "wow factor" is Spider Rock. Click on the photo below and then the full size version of it to get a sense of the scale involved in that particular capture.

Thanks for your comments and a happy July 4th weekend!!!

Comments (45)

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ledwolorz

3:23AM | Sun, 06 July 2008

Amazing photo.

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durleybeachbum

4:34AM | Sun, 06 July 2008

Like Jeff, I shall never travel to see this in person, so THANKYOU for your efforts and for sharing your experience! A stunning vicarious adventure and sight!

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taurus

5:41AM | Sun, 06 July 2008

Beautiful shot & place....wonderful range of colours.

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Kelena

6:58AM | Sun, 06 July 2008

eine wunderschöne Aufnahme von einer sicherlich herrlichen Landschaft

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Meisiekind

2:45PM | Sun, 06 July 2008

OMG - what an amazing capture of this incredible landscape. The scale is unbelievable and I dont think anyone who hasn't been there before (like me) can fully comprehend the greatness!!! Excellent work Mario! :)

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emmecielle

4:19PM | Sun, 06 July 2008

exceptional photo!!! :)

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puzzleflex

4:21PM | Sun, 06 July 2008

amazing shot, love the colors in the water!

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kenmo

11:34AM | Mon, 07 July 2008

So very cool....

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Doriutz

11:35AM | Mon, 07 July 2008

Fantastic shot :)

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moochagoo

12:02PM | Mon, 07 July 2008

How wonderful view !

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GiMi53

1:55PM | Mon, 07 July 2008

Impressive view ! Congratulations for your selection in LWitG (Last Week in the Gallery – week 27-2008 ) !

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shutterbugs

3:26AM | Tue, 08 July 2008

Thanks!!

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timtripp

5:50PM | Tue, 08 July 2008

fantastic.!!!

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DanielDomany

8:32AM | Thu, 10 July 2008

wow really fantastic view

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barbdennist

10:15PM | Sat, 12 July 2008

I've been browsing your gallery again this evening and I am just in awe of your photographic talent. I could never pick a favorite because I like everything I've seen so far.