Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell

Near the town of Page, Arizona you will find the Colorado River shaped as a horseshoe around a rocky outcrop. You will not even know it's there unless you're looking for it - and these days you've probably seen it on Instagram as it has blown up in popularity. You have to park in a dirt lot and walk about 1/2 mile to get to the lookout point. Once you go far enough over you will be greeted with a magnificent view. Pictures do not do it justice. Also, the trek out is dirt and dusty, so it's not the best idea to wearing ballerina flats like I did.

We were there around 3:30 in the afternoon during off season and it wasn't extremely crowded, but I'd hate to see what high season looks like. I've heard many different things about the best time of day for views and pictures. Some have told me sunrise was the best, and others have told me sunset. As I was there during neither period, I can't comment on the matter! No one has said anything about being there in the middle of the day, but as pictured above, there really is nothing to complain about.

Sometimes I find myself wondering how long we have to enjoy sights like these. Whether you're just taking a moment from your busy day to slow down, look around, and appreciate the moment, or whether you're carving out a concrete period of time to travel somewhere, each is equally important.

If you feel like visiting Lake Powell, you'll have to pay the $25 National Park visitor's pass, which is good for a week. (FYI, the pass for Zion does not work here). As we were there during off season, the roads around Lake Powell were really empty. If you come from a big city like I do, it is rejuvenating to go somewhere and not be constantly on-the-go, checking your phone, or watching other people checking their phones.

Photo above courtesy of Rainbow Room.

We visited the Lake Powell Resort's Rainbow Room for lunch, and the restaurant has SPECTACULAR views of the surrounding area. The restaurant closes down during off season and was near to shutting down for the season.

If you go just outside the Lake Powell Resort, you'll have another WONDERFUL view of the Wahweep marina. Watch the sunrise or sunset here - it is truly a gem. It is also peaceful, meaning you are sheltered from the white noise of city life. At first, I felt a little disconcerted because I had been so used to the humdrum of crowds that the absence of heavy bass, sirens, or even human voices made me feel a little bit lonely (even though I had a friend there with me). But I think that's the point and the beauty of these trips. They remind you to feel comfortable in your own skin when all of the modern amenities (or armour) is stripped away and it's just you and nature. I had no cell service here so there were no electronics to distract me, and it was refreshing!