Horseshoe Bend: Where Nature Meets… Walmart?

Just outside of Page, Arizona lies one of the most iconic views in the American Southwest - Horseshoe Bend. From high above the Colorado River, you can stand on the edge of Navajo sandstone cliffs and take in the sweeping 270-degree curve of the river. It’s the kind of view that makes people travel from all over the globe just to stand there and whisper some version of “wow.”

But here’s the unexpected part of the story. In a region filled with world-class scenery, this natural wonder often plays second fiddle to another highly sought-after destination - Wally World. And no, not the fictional amusement park from National Lampoon’s Vacation… I’m talking about Walmart.

Believe it or not, the viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend is just five minutes from a Walmart Supercenter. That means if you forgot your water, trail snacks, or perhaps your sense of adventure, salvation is waiting right down the road, in the form of fluorescent lighting and a fully stocked snacks aisle.

Talk about an odd contrast: the timeless beauty of sandstone carved by eons of wind and water, and the fleeting magic of a price rollback on granola bars. It may not be the classic trail experience, but it’s uniquely Page, Arizona - where natural wonder and modern convenience meet just around the corner.

The route from Horseshoe Bend to Walmart, courtesy of Google Maps.