5 Best Places to Get Your Southwest Instagram Selfie
If you have spent any time on Instagram, you have probably noticed a few of the same beautiful landscapes showing up over and over. Many of these places are located in the Southwest. The blue pools and waterfalls, slot canyons with orange light pouring into them, slickrock expanses, swimming holes, deep canyons or horseshoe-shaped river bends are just a few places people love to ‘Like’.
Four Season Guides has been traveling to all of these places for the past twenty years and know some of the best locations to really take in a unique view that will make all of your friends envious.
So, what are some of the best places to visit for a selfie?
- Horseshoe Bend Overlook – Gaze down upon the Colorado River as it winds around a large sandstone bluff that offers a beautiful curve. From high above this yawning abyss, the view is simply breathtaking. Standing on the edge of the cliff from various angles, with the greenish river running below, will offer an epic photo. This is one of the top Instagram Images of 2019.
- Grand Canyon – Of course, the Grand Canyon is at the top of the list of great places to take a selfie, because, who really visits the Grand Canyon without taking a selfie? There are a number of amazing views at this gorgeous Wonder of the World and Four Season Guides knows where to find them. Both the South & North Rims offer stunning viewpoints for your treasured pic but the Inner Canyon does as well! A guided hike below the rim will lead you to a view that few others have captured.
- Zion National Park’s Narrows. Wade through the water between towering canyon walls and explore what Zion has to offer. Each turn of this sinuous gorge offers a fresh view that’s unlike the others. The water is refreshing during the summer heat and the canyon’s walls offer welcome shade.
- Bryce Canyon’s Hoodoos- Teetering towers of multi-hued sandstone spread out below you in a vast, natural amphitheater. Photograph yourself above the hoodoos looking down, or among them, as you hike below. Your friends will think you had landed on Mars and are exploring some unknown, distant world.
- Slot Canyons – There are a number of tight and winding slot canyons in northern Arizona and southern Utah that Four Season Guides explores on their adventures. Each canyon offers its own unique qualities and personality. Each canyon, formed by millennia of intermittent torrents of water, is a remarkable experience to walk (and sometimes squeeze) through. The light streams in from high above and transforms you into a surreal world of sculpted natural hallways of rock.
While this list includes five of the more well-known destinations, there is an endless list of beautiful, secret places in the Southwest to see and experience. And though some of these locations you can capture with a selfie, some just have to be taken in by your eyes only. Day or night, under the sun or the stars, the Southwest’s colors and unique formations are unlike anything else in the world. What are you waiting for? It’s time to snap those selfies!
Book your North Rim Hiking or Backpacking Trip today by contacting Four Season Guides in Flagstaff, Arizona. A professional guide will answer the phone and interview you to determine the best scenario for your adventure. Call 928-525-1552 for more information or to book your trip today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the most iconic and photogenic spots in the American Southwest for unforgettable Instagram selfies and adventure shots.
Where are the best places in the Southwest for Instagram selfies?
Top spots include Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park’s Narrows, Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, and the region’s many slot canyons. Each offers stunning natural backdrops — from sweeping river bends to narrow sandstone passages — perfect for capturing dramatic and memorable images.
Why is Horseshoe Bend such a popular selfie location?
Horseshoe Bend offers a dramatic view of the Colorado River curving around a massive sandstone bluff. Standing above this breathtaking overlook provides a sweeping view and natural lighting ideal for photos. Its distinctive horseshoe shape makes it one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest.
What makes the Grand Canyon ideal for selfies?
The Grand Canyon’s vast scale and vivid colors make every viewpoint unique. Both the South and North Rims offer panoramic photo opportunities, while hiking below the rim reveals even more striking perspectives. The combination of depth, color, and sunlight creates naturally captivating shots.
What should I expect when taking selfies in Zion National Park’s Narrows?
Expect to wade through cool river water between towering canyon walls that shift color with the light. The narrow passage and reflected hues create a natural glow that enhances every photo. It’s one of the most immersive and photogenic experiences in the Southwest.
What are Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, and why are they great for photos?
Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos are tall, thin rock spires that create a surreal, alien-like landscape. The amphitheater of orange and red rock formations provides incredible contrast and depth for photos. Whether viewed from above or within the canyon, the scenery is strikingly unique.
What are slot canyons, and where can I find them?
Slot canyons are narrow, winding passageways carved by water over millennia, found throughout northern Arizona and southern Utah. Their sculpted walls and beams of sunlight filtering from above create stunning visual effects, making them perfect for dramatic, artistic selfies.
When is the best time of day to take selfies in these locations?
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photos. The low-angle sunlight enhances the warm tones of the red rock and minimizes harsh shadows. In slot canyons, midday light can be best for capturing glowing beams inside narrow passages.
Are there lesser-known Southwest spots for unique selfies?
Yes. Beyond these iconic destinations, there are countless hidden canyons, overlooks, and desert trails across Arizona and Utah. Guided trips with experts like Four Season Guides can lead you to secluded, photogenic spots far from the crowds for more original content.
Do I need a guide to explore these areas safely?
While some spots are easily accessible, others—like deep slot canyons or remote parts of the Grand Canyon—are best explored with an experienced guide. A professional guide ensures safety, provides navigation, and often reveals the best, lesser-known angles for unforgettable photos.
What should I bring for a Southwest photo adventure?
Wear comfortable hiking gear, sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. Protect your camera or phone with waterproof gear if exploring canyons or rivers. A tripod or selfie stick can help capture wide scenic shots, and always respect local guidelines to preserve these natural wonders.
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