Horseshoe Bend is a dramatic example of a geological combination of a canyon and a river bend.

First, a traditional meander was formed as faster moving water eroded the wider or outer part of the river and then deposited the silt on the inside of the river. Over time, this gradual cycle of erosion and deposition bent the river’s path to form a meander.

It is, in essence, a perfect example of what happens when water takes the path of least resistance.

Numerous theories for the presence of “meanders” include random obstacles altering the path of the river.

And the idea that the meander “equilibrates” the river to prevent too much sediment build-up in one place.

After the horseshoe formed, the shifting of tectonic plates under the earth’s crust some 75,000,000 years ago caused an uplifting of the Colorado River thousands of feet above sea level.

Since gravity forces water to take the steepest path downward, the river’s momentum quickly and forcefully carved a path through the rock. The result is remarkable exposed layers of rock and the steep cliff faces plunging 1,000 feet to the river bed.