Horseshoe Bend ~ Vernal, Utah

There are several "U" shaped river bends out west that have a horseshoe moniker and these natural attractions are exciting to view. The Colorado River Horseshoe Bend in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is by far the famous and this landmark draws thousands of tourists each day. For those who seek some peace and quiet away from the big crowds, there are some lesser known Horseshoe Bend destinations that are equally as picturesque to be found.

The Green River certainly snakes its way through the mountainous Utah high desert landscape and a hidden gem of a "U" shaped bend can be found along this waterway in Vernal. The Horseshoe Bend in Vernal lies on the edge of town where the wide open spaces begin, so this definitely is a good place to enjoy some majestic views. The best part is the mainstream tourists tend to overlook this scenic spot because Dinosaur National Monument is right next door, so do not be surprised to find nobody else around.   

There are some fairly smooth dirt roads that go to either side of the Green River at Horseshoe Bend. The dirt roads heading out from the city go the high bluffs that overlook Horseshoe Bend, which offer the best views. In order to get to the sandy beach riverbank inside the big bend, heading east on State Road 45 is the way to go. After crossing the bridge there will be a farm road that meanders its way to the destination. As can be seen in the photos, the Vernal Horseshoe Bend  offers plenty of breathing room and the cool river water is perfect for soaking the feet after a long day of hiking!
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