Colorado River Horseshoe Bend

As part of our trip back from Antelope Canyon, we had an optional stop at Horseshoe Bend at the Colorado River. There is a 3/4 mile hike that isn’t for everyone, the sand is very deep and it is like walking in water. There is no shade at the bend itself, but on the day we went the temperature and weather was just right for a stop for lunch.

I’m the kind of photographer that takes in the whole area and doesn’t jump right to the piece ‘d resistance. As a matter of fact our tour guide thought I was having difficulty with the downhill hike, when I was just taking my time and photographing the view along the way. You will see in the gallery below photos of the area, the plants, even a caterpillar in addition to the beautiful vistas. And then of course we get to the Horseshoe Bend, a 270 degree bend in the Colorado River.

If you look closely in the photos of the river, you will see boats, which are part of another tour, the Colorado River Float Trip.

Trip to Antelope Canyon in Page Arizona

If you are visiting Flagstaff or Sedona be sure to check out this tour to Antelope Canyon. There is a comfortable bus with a tour guide that entertains you with history and information about area from Sedona to Page, Arizona. Once you get to Page you are transfered to a Navajo Guide that drives you in a 4 wheel drive vehicle to Antelope Canyon. The canyon itself is only a half a mile long, but is the most amazing half mile you may ever experience. Visitors are no longer allowed into the canyon without a guide, due to graffiti and destruction of the area when it was open to the public.

After a 20 minute drive through thick sand that looks like you are going no where, BAM, there it is. The guides make sure you “get the shot” and are very knowledgable about cameras, they know everyone wants to take great photos as part of their experience. The guides are in charge of making sure you get through the canyon, get your photos, and get back out safely. There are very narrow passages and they time the tours so there are only a limited number of people in the canyon at once. Our guide told us the best tour times are the one we took (11am) and the 2pm. She said it is busiest and most crowded at 1pm. Weather affects the availability of tours, so check the weather on the day scheduled for your tour.

This tour includes a stop at Glen Canyon Dam. On the way back to Sedona/Flagstaff the guide take questions and allow folks to relax. There is a bathroom break at a lovely trading post each way. This full day tour is more than worth the time and cost. Below are some photos from the “main event” of the tour, Antelope Canyon.

Stone Buddha’s at Buddha Beach in Sedona Arizona

Video of the fascinating rock “Buddhas” that people build in an area of Oak Creek near the Cathedral Rock. A living “garden” of rocks that is everchanging as people passing through build and add to existing formations. See some of these rock cairns paired with quotes from Buddha in our full color Kindle book http://loxly.com/go/buddha

Oak Creek near Cathedral Rock – Sedona Arizona

Sit and listen to the water and watch it flow… relaxing and energizing at the same time.

Flowing Water in Oak Creek in Sedona Arizona

Relax, refresh and re-energize with this video from Oak Creek near the Cathedral Rock vortex in Sedona Arizona.

Oak Creek on Trail to Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona

Sit and listen to the water and watch it flow… relaxing and energizing at the same time.

Sedona Arizona Mountains from Airport Loop

More video of the magnificent mountains that surround Sedona Arizona. Recorded at one of the stops on the Airport Loop that has stunning views of the Sedona area.

Airport Loop – Sedona Arizona

Video of the magnificent mountains that surround Sedona Arizona. Recorded at one of the stops on the Airport Loop that has stunning views of the Sedona area.

Airport Overlook – Sedona Arizona

Video that shows the beauty of Sedona Arizona from one of the vortexes on the Airport Loop.

Relaxing Video of Slide Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona

Video of Oak Creek in Slide Rock Park, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Arizona. Video by Deborah Carney