Within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and five miles downstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, the Colorado River takes a wide sweep around a sandstone escarpment in a 270º horseshoe-shaped curve in the canyon. Known as Horseshoe Bend this spot is easily one of the most photographed areas of the Colorado River with an conveniently accessible overlook sitting a full 1,000′ (300m) above the river.

Of all the places along the Colorado that I’ve seen, including the Grand Canyon, for some reason I almost wanted to be let down by Horseshoe Bend. I have no idea why, but part of me wanted it to be kind of overrated. Although it was much more crowded than I expected, I was not even close to let down. The view was nothing short of spectacular.

(Some of the weirder sunrise colors I’ve ever seen in my life…)