Earthshadow over Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River at Dawn

By February 28, 2022March 13th, 2022Arizona, Horseshoe Bend, The American Southwest

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning 180° bend in the Colorado River which has eroded a dramatic, 1100-foot gorge below the surrounding mesa. It lies near Page, Arizona, Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell and is a short, easy hike from the highway to the precipice. Thankfully the personal injury attorneys have not yet made their mark on the place, for there are no ugly fences or intrusive signs reminding us of the obvious. My favorite time to visit is before sunrise, when the western sky may have Earthshadow and soft, even light illuminates the gorge and walls below me. Cheers, and thanks for looking.

Belt of Venus over Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River. The Colorado River makes a 180-degree turn at Horseshoe Bend. Here the river has eroded the Navajo sandstone for eons, digging a canyon 1100-feet deep. The Belt of Venus, or anti-twilight arch, is the shadow of the earth cast upon the atmosphere just above the horizon, and occurs a few minutes before sunrise or after sunset.

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!