Canyons are massive gashes carved into the earth by relentless rivers, their steep walls exposing millions of years of geological history. Despite their ruggedness, canyons can also be havens for unique ecosystems and breathtaking beauty. Take a look at the list of 30 best Canyons in the world.
Here Are The 30 Best Canyons In The World
1. Serranía de Hornocal, Argentina
This colourful mountain range in Argentina is known for its vividly coloured stripes. The coloured layers of sediment create a stunning visual spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset.
2. Great Barrier Reef Canyon, Australia
This underwater canyon is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, near the Great Barrier Reef. Over 2,500 metres (8,200 ft.) deep, the canyon swarms with diverse marine life.
3. Vertical Canyon, Canada
Vertical Canyon is a unique geological formation on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. The canyon walls rise almost vertically to over 1,000 metres (3,280 ft.) in height.
4. Augrabies Falls National Park, South Africa
This South African park is home to Augrabies Falls, a 56-metre (184-ft.) waterfall that plunges into the Orange River Gorge. The gorge is a spectacular sight, with colourful rock formations and abundant wildlife.
5. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Part of the Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon in South Africa. Renowned for its scenic beauty, it boasts dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and natural rock pools.
Also Read:5 River Canyons To Visit In India
6. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its dramatic limestone pinnacles, called “tsingy.” The park also encompasses canyons, caves, and a dense rainforest.
7. Tara River Canyon, Montenegro
Europe’s deepest canyon, Tara River Canyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s renowned for its dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and opportunities for white-water rafting.
8. Svaneti Canyon, Georgia
Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, Svaneti Canyon is known for its medieval watchtowers, traditional villages, and dramatic scenery. The canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Verdon Gorge, France
Nicknamed “France’s Grand Canyon,” Verdon Gorge is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, and canyoning. The turquoise waters of the Verdon River and the towering limestone cliffs create a breathtaking landscape.
10. Kings Canyon National Park, Australia:
Home to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon is a vast expanse of sandstone cliffs, gorges, and domes. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the challenging Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
11. Grand Canyon, USA
Perhaps the most famous canyon globally, the Grand Canyon is a massive chasm carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Located in Arizona, USA, it’s 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile (6,093 feet or 1,857 metres). The canyon’s layered rock reveals millions of years of geological history, colourful and dramatic.
12. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Fish River Canyon is Africa’s second-largest canyon, after the stupendous canyon system of South Africa. It’s located in southern Namibia and is roughly 160 kilometres (100 miles) long, up to 27 kilometres (17 miles) wide and reaches a depth of 550 metres (1,800 ft.). The canyon walls comprise layers of volcanic rock, creating a dramatic and colourful landscape.
13. Colca Canyon, Peru
Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru, is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, at a depth of 3,200 metres (10,500 ft.). It’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! The canyon is home to the Colca River and various Andean villages.
14. Antelope Canyon, USA
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon located near Page, Arizona. It is known for its unique and beautiful sandstone formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. The canyon walls are smooth and colourful, ranging from red to orange to purple.
15. Waimea Canyon, USA
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is located on the western side of Kauai, Hawaii. The canyon is 10 miles (16 km) long, one mile (1.6 km) wide and attains a depth of 3,600 feet (1,097 metres). The lush green landscape and cascading waterfalls make it a dramatic contrast to most canyons.
16. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Located in Yunnan Province, China, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The gorge is carved by the Jinsha River and is 39 kilometres (24 miles) long, up to 300 metres (980 ft.) wide and reaches a depth of 3,790 metres (12,438 ft.).
17. Copper Canyon, Mexico
Copper Canyon is actually a system of six canyons in the northwestern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and is home to the Tarahumara people, an indigenous ethnic group. The canyons offer stunning scenery, with deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
18. Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon, China
Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon is the deepest canyon in the world, with a depth of 24,500 feet (7,476 metres). It’s located in southeastern Tibet, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The canyon is difficult to access and is not well-known to tourists.
19. Kali Gandaki Gorge, Nepal
The Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest valley in the world. It’s located in Nepal, between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The gorge is formed by the Kali Gandaki River, and it reaches a depth of 6,900 metres (22,831 ft.).
20. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, USA
Located in western Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its steep, dark walls and narrow depths. The canyon’s walls are a deep black colour due to the oxidation of iron minerals.
21. Tajo de Ronda, Spain
Tajo de Ronda, te dejará sin palabras: https://t.co/qoTsNbr3H6#Málaga#Spain pic.twitter.com/t2ORyLSea2
— Sitios de España (@SitiosdeEspana) January 3, 2016
The town of Ronda, Spain, is dramatically perched on a plateau above the El Tajo gorge. The gorge, carved by the Guadalevín River, is a popular tourist destination with stunning views.
22. Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan 🇹🇼 #sundayvibes pic.twitter.com/x4Qr2Uk6MT
— NATURE FRAME 🌿 (@nature_frame_) April 7, 2024
Taroko Gorge is a spectacular canyon carved by the Liwu River. The gorge is known for its marble cliffs, waterfalls, and tunnels. It’s a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.
23. Ihlara Valley, Turkey
Ihlara Valley is the most famous valley in Turkey for hiking excursions. #Aksaray pic.twitter.com/Iwl85rIpwJ
— Türkiye_Pics 🇹🇷 (@Turkey_Pics) December 6, 2017
Located in Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley is a stunning canyon with numerous rock-cut churches and monasteries. The valley is a popular spot for hiking and exploring the rich history of the region.
24. Nevidio Canyon, Montenegro
Nevidio Canyon, Montenegro pic.twitter.com/tTexpioiOb
— Nevidio Canyoning (@NevidioCanyon) May 13, 2013
Another Montenegrin gem, Nevidio Canyon is known for its cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and natural rock pools. It’s a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
25. Maligne Canyon, Alberta, Canada
Maligne Canyon at Jasper National Park Alberta Canada pic.twitter.com/Quvcp9enbM
— Anna (@Elipho2022) January 27, 2023
This scenic canyon located in Jasper National Park offers an easy walk with stunning views of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and ancient trees.
26. Marble Canyon, British Columbia, Canada
Here’s a photo of Marble Canyon, in British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦 hidden gem! pic.twitter.com/k9gKclH4SM
— thesneakylens (@TheSneakyLens) April 2, 2022
Part of the Canadian Rockies, Marble Canyon is known for its beautiful blue-green-coloured pools and waterfalls. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
27. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
here’s no better way to experience Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty than in Torres del Paine National Park. pic.twitter.com/iOh8wvkXLq— Ebba (@Ebbaa08) April 11, 2024
This park is home to the Paine Towers, dramatic granite spires, and the Serrano and Grey glaciers. The park offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of canyons, mountains, and glaciers.
28. Canyon Sumidero National Park, Mexico
Sumidero Canyon National Park. Chiapas. Mexico. pic.twitter.com/EOaMz3XNmH
— Eduardo (@_Lalomolina) March 15, 2024
Located in Chiapas, Mexico, this park protects the Sumidero Canyon, carved by the Grijalva River. The canyon walls are home to a variety of plant and animal life, and boat tours are a popular way to explore the canyon.
29. Bungonia Gorge, New South Wales, Australia
Bungonia Gorge, New South Wales, Australia, where we saw wallabies, which bounced away too quickly for a photo. pic.twitter.com/Hoz365Wz
— Linda Sue Park SAYGAY (@LindaSuePark) September 4, 2012
This natural amphitheatre located near Sydney is known for its Aboriginal rock paintings and sandstone cliffs. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing and bushwalking.
30. Indus Gorge, India
Located in Ladakh, India, the Indus Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved by the Indus River. The gorge is a popular spot for trekking and white-water rafting.
Also Read: Indian Travellers Are Mindful About Their Impact On Nature; 87% Focus On Sustainable Travel
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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