If you think about Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, you probably envision sitting on the edge of the picturesque red rocks, your feet dangling over the edge, 1,000 feet down into canyon, your eyes following the sharp curve of the Colorado River while the sunset paints the sky in pink and purple watercolors- nature at it's finest. Well, I guess that depends on when the last time you took a trip to Horseshoe Bend was because in November 2017, the City of Page started construction, or what they are calling "improvements," on Horseshoe Bend to include a new trail, sitting areas, and -GASP- a wall.
If you have been paying attention on social media, this "wall" or "railing" has a lot of people losing their shit... maybe justifiably so?
One comment on the City of Page's Facebook Page states, "too bad they had to mess with something so beautiful" while another adds, "commercializing nature is not 'improving' it."
On one hand, you have a beautiful natural creation and on the other hand, you have a tourist attraction that millions of people every year. What draws the line between improvement and impairment?
The Facts:
At the end of the day, does it suck that another beautiful spot is being commercialized? Yes. But with the number of visitors rapidly increasing every year, this was inevitable. There is absolutely nothing we can do about it now and if you really think about it, the improvements are going to help a lot of people get out and connect with nature. My hope out of all of this is that as an outdoor recreation community, we can absorb this news and take the opportunity to educate the newbs on best hiking practices... and probably also try to keep our hidden gems a secret as best we can.
Stay golden out there,
A WALL?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!
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| Shannon with her two kids at Horseshoe Bend in August 2016 Photo from @sn_dub on Instagram |
If you have been paying attention on social media, this "wall" or "railing" has a lot of people losing their shit... maybe justifiably so?
One comment on the City of Page's Facebook Page states, "too bad they had to mess with something so beautiful" while another adds, "commercializing nature is not 'improving' it."
 |
| Horseshoe Bend, December 2017 Photo courtesy of City of Page Facebook Page |
On one hand, you have a beautiful natural creation and on the other hand, you have a tourist attraction that millions of people every year. What draws the line between improvement and impairment?
The Facts:
- The new trail will meet the Architectural Barriers Act standards for accessibility. This means that if you know someone who uses a wheelchair, guess what? They now get to visit this iconic spot and take in the beauty in-person. Pretty cool, right?
- The rim ailing will blend in with the surrounding scenery. It's being designed with aesthetics in mind for anyone worried that it will stick out like a sore thumb.
- The railing does not expand the length of the canyon and will take up a "small" viewing area space at the end of the trail. This means that, yes, you can still get that dope IG pic of your feet dangling off the edge if you walk just a bit off the trail.
- They are adding two new sitting areas with shade. And who ever said throwing shade was a bad thing?! Hey, if you have ever been to Arizona in the summer, you *know* you have to take the shade when you can get it.
- Lives will probably be saved from these improvements. Is that ever a bad thing?
At the end of the day, does it suck that another beautiful spot is being commercialized? Yes. But with the number of visitors rapidly increasing every year, this was inevitable. There is absolutely nothing we can do about it now and if you really think about it, the improvements are going to help a lot of people get out and connect with nature. My hope out of all of this is that as an outdoor recreation community, we can absorb this news and take the opportunity to educate the newbs on best hiking practices... and probably also try to keep our hidden gems a secret as best we can.
Stay golden out there,
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