Horseshoe Bend, a stunning U-turn in the Colorado River near the Arizona-Utah border, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. In the early 90s, this spot was a hidden gem, accessible only by an unmarked dirt trail off the side of the highway. Locals described it as “nearly empty” and a place that “hardly anybody knew about”. However, its popularity has grown exponentially over the years, with visitor numbers rising from a few thousand annually to approximately 1.5 million. This change did not occur due to any significant marketing push, but rather because of geotagged pictures on social media platforms.
The digital popularity of Horseshoe Bend and other public lands like it is physically changing the landscape. The explosion of social media has been overwhelming, with the rate of Google searches for Horseshoe Bend skyrocketing. Other previously hidden spots that have become internet famous include Devil’s Bathtub in Virginia, Kanarraville Falls in Utah, and Vance Creek Bridge in Washington. Instagram, in particular, has made it easy for outdoor photographers to geotag their photos, thereby revealing these hidden gems to a wider audience.
As America’s National Parks became more popular, these hidden spots started experiencing National Park-level crowds without having National Park-level infrastructure. Federally protected areas require extensive planning and work to keep people and the environment safe. Without this infrastructure, the natural landscape can be damaged, and people following geotagging trends are at risk of injury or death. For instance, at Conundrum Hot Springs in Colorado, visitors disturbed wildlife, cut down trees for firewood, and left behind an overwhelming amount of human waste. Similarly, at Kaaterskill Falls in New York, at least four people have died while taking or posing for pictures.
In response to these challenges, trail designers at Horseshoe Bend are working on creating over 400 parking spaces, a welcome center, bathrooms, a viewing deck with safety railings, and laser-equipped signs to count attendance. They are also building a new ADA-compliant trail, lined with limestone to protect the surrounding environment and reinforced with magnesium chloride to keep gravel in place. The aim is to create as natural an environment as possible while ensuring visitor safety.
Places like Kanarraville Falls in Utah are also concerned about the safety of their residents. The town’s water comes from a spring near the falls, which is piped to tanks near the canyon entrance. However, the influx of visitors has disturbed the water source and left debris behind. The rapid sharing of geotagged photos has led to an increase in visitors, causing damage to the canyon floor, the trail, and the water source.
There is now a growing movement in the nature photography scene against geotagging. In 1999, an organization called Leave No Trace came up with a set of guidelines for people to use while they’re in the outdoors. These guidelines include not leaving trash behind, not interfering with wildlife, and leaving everything as it was when you saw it. In 2018, they announced that they’re encouraging people not to geotag photos while they’re in nature. With modern technology amplifying our urges to explore, it’s even more urgent that we treat natural wonders with respect and care before it’s too late.
Conduct a research on the transformation of Horseshoe Bend over the years. Use online resources, books, and articles to gather information. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class. Include pictures, facts, and statistics to make your presentation more engaging.
Form small groups and discuss how social media has impacted natural landscapes like Horseshoe Bend. Each group should come up with examples and present their thoughts to the class. Discuss both the positive and negative impacts of social media on these landscapes.
Participate in a role-play activity where you will be assigned roles such as park rangers, visitors, local residents, and government officials. The scenario will be about managing the strain on infrastructure due to the sudden influx of visitors at a popular natural site. Discuss and enact possible solutions to the problem.
Choose a natural site that has been impacted by increased visitor numbers due to social media popularity. Research the measures taken to protect the environment and ensure visitor safety at this site. Create a report or a poster detailing these measures and present it to the class.
Engage in a class debate on the topic of geotagging. One side will argue for the benefits of geotagging, such as promoting tourism and awareness about natural sites. The other side will argue against geotagging, focusing on the negative impacts such as environmental damage and safety risks. Prepare your arguments and counterarguments in advance.
transformation – a complete or major change in someone’s or something’s appearance, form, etc. – The renovation of the old building was a remarkable transformation.
horseshoe bend – a U-shaped bend in a river resembling a horseshoe, typically formed by erosion. – The Colorado River created a beautiful horseshoe bend in Arizona.
colorado river – a major river in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, originating in the Rocky Mountains and flowing into the Gulf of California. – Rafting on the Colorado River was an exhilarating experience.
arizona-utah border – the boundary line separating the states of Arizona and Utah. – Hiking to the top of the canyon provided breathtaking views of the Arizona-Utah border.
hidden gem – a place or thing that is outstanding, yet not widely known or recognized. – The small beach town was a hidden gem, known only to the locals.
dirt trail – a path or route made of compacted soil or gravel. – We walked along the dirt trail, enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
popularity – the state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people. – The band’s popularity grew rapidly after their hit song was released.
visitor numbers – the count or quantity of people who visit a place or event. – The national park saw a significant increase in visitor numbers during the summer.
social media – websites or applications that allow users to create and share content, or to participate in social networking. – She spends hours on social media, scrolling through pictures and posts.
geotagged pictures – photographs that are tagged with geographical information, such as the location where they were taken. – He posted geotagged pictures of his travels on Instagram.
impact – the effect or influence that something has on someone or something. – The invention of the internet had a significant impact on communication.
natural landscapes – the features and characteristics of a physical environment that are not created or significantly altered by human intervention. – The national park is known for its stunning natural landscapes.
hidden spots – secret or lesser-known locations that are not commonly visited or discovered. – The locals shared their favorite hidden spots with us.
outdoor photographers – individuals who specialize in capturing images of natural environments and outdoor activities. – The magazine featured the work of talented outdoor photographers.
strain – pressure or tension resulting from a demanding or difficult situation. – The long hours at work put a strain on her relationships.
infrastructure – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. – The city’s infrastructure was upgraded to accommodate the growing population.
national parks – protected areas of natural beauty or historical significance, typically designated and managed by the government. – We went camping in several national parks during our road trip.
planning – the process of making a detailed arrangement or schedule for achieving a particular goal. – She spent hours planning the itinerary for their vacation.
environment – the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. – It is important to protect the environment by reducing pollution and conserving resources.
safety – the state of being protected from harm, injury, danger, or risk. – Safety precautions should always be taken when engaging in outdoor activities.
challenges – difficulties or obstacles that arise during the pursuit of a goal or the completion of a task. – Overcoming challenges can lead to personal growth and development.
trail designers – professionals who plan and create trails, taking into consideration factors such as accessibility, aesthetics, and environmental impact. – The trail designers crafted a route that showcased the natural beauty of the area.
water source – a place from which water is obtained or supplied. – The natural spring served as a reliable water source for the hikers.
debris – scattered pieces of waste or remains, often resulting from the destruction or breakage of something. – The storm left behind a trail of debris.
geotagging – the process of adding geographical metadata, such as coordinates, to digital media, such as photographs or videos. – Geotagging allows you to pinpoint the exact location where a photo was taken.
nature photography – the art or practice of capturing images of natural environments and wildlife. – His nature photography was celebrated for its stunning composition and vibrant colors.
Leave No Trace – a set of principles and guidelines that promote responsible outdoor recreation and the preservation of natural spaces. – The hikers followed the Leave No Trace principles, carrying out all their trash and leaving the area undisturbed.
