The canyon complex then became America’s second largest reservoir with the completion of the Glen Canyon Dam in 1963. It is only a short drive from Page, Arizona and is about 135 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona, 200 miles from Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and 300 miles from Las Vegas, NV. America’s second largest reservoir, is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a 1.25 million acre natural wonder that stretches for hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah. For more adventurous accommodations, consider renting a houseboat and sleeping on the water at nearby Lake Powell.Lake Powell. Lots of people choose to camp in tents and RVs at campgrounds throughout the region, but if roughing it isn’t your ideal vacation, consider checking into Amangiri, a secluded, 600-acre, five-star resort about 20 miles away in southern Utah. Flying into Las Vegas is also an option, since it’s about five hours away by car. Northern Arizona and southern Utah offer gorgeous scenery for road tripping ( RV rental, anyone?), but you can also fly to Page directly (there are daily connections via Las Vegas and Phoenix) or fly to Flagstaff, Arizona, then rent a car and head north for 130 miles. You can also book a guided rafting boat tour of Horseshoe Bend with Wilderness River Adventures, though these trips are temporarily on hold because of the pandemic. Kelly Outfitters, for instance, leads guided fly-fishing excursions along the river-and if you’ve never been fly-fishing before, they’ll supply all the gear and teach you. If you’re planning a longer or more adventurous trip, you can also book an array of specialized guided tours that will give you deeper context for the breathtaking views at Horseshoe Bend. Though these tours are on hold right now because of COVID-19, you can learn about Horseshoe Bend and take in the views from a private overlook site-without crowds-with Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon Tours, an outfitter that also offers visits to nearby landmarks like Antelope Canyon and Alstrom Point.

There’s no better way to learn about the history, geography, and ecology of this region than by tapping into the knowledge of an experienced guide. It’s pricey, but well worth it when all you have to do is sit back and snap photos from your seat while your pilot explains the region’s rich geological and cultural history. Expect to spend around $170 for a quick 20-minute helicopter tour, like the one offered by Papillion Grand Canyon Helicopters.

Horseshoe bend arizona boat tour