15 of the World’s Greatest Canyons

Some of the most beautiful areas in the world have been formed naturally over the years. Many of these sites have been carved out of rock and limestone as canyons. These are some of the grandest canyons on the planet.

1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

(photo by BlueFairlane)

This could very well be the most famous canyon in the world. It’s definitely the largest as it is about 275 miles long and 18 miles wide in some areas. It’s also about 1.13 miles deep, and that’s at its lowest point. The canyon is located in the Grand Canyon National Park, which was one of the first national parks in America.

2. Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Africa

(photo by adam_uk)

This African canyon is the second biggest in the world. It’s about 100 miles long and 500 yards deep in some spots. It’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Namibia.

3. Kings Canyon, the Northern Territory, Australia

(photo by Lindy & Jason)

This marvellous Australian canyon has walls that reach about 300 yards in height. It also features a sacred Aboriginal site in part of the canyon’s gorge.

4. Copper Canyon, Chihuahua State, Mexico

(photo by majorgowan)

This is actually a cluster of six different canyons. The total area is bigger than Arizona’ Grand Canyon. The region got its name because the color of the canyon walls is copper.

5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA

(photo by Irwin-Scott)

This is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world. It was created from sandstone after flash floods descended on the area many years ago. It’s one of the most beautiful canyons on the planet due to its unique rock formations.

6. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa, Africa

(photo by ohrwurm67)

This huge canyon is the third biggest on the globe. It’s about 16 miles long and almost 800 yards deep in some areas. The surrounding area is filled with lush landscapes and an impressive assortment of flora and fauna.

7. Snake River Canyon, Idaho, USA

(photo by fouryear)

This canyon was made famous back in 1974 when American daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump over it in some sort of rocket-propelled contraption. Sadly, he failed. However, the canyon is quite impressive as it’s about 175 yards deep in some locations and is about a quarter of a mile wide.

8. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China

(photo by hectorgarcia)

This amazing gorge is situated along the famous Yangtze River in China. It’s close to 10 miles long and is one of the deepest river canyons in the world.

9. Bryce Canyon, Utah, USA

(photo by fabietto76)

This canyon looks like a huge amphitheatre due to centuries of erosion on the Paunsaugunt Plateau’s eastern side. The canyon attracts many tourists because of its white, orange, and red, colored rocks and their unusual shapes.

10. Colca Canyon, Peru

(photo by geoced)

This spectacular canyon is almost 2.5 miles deep, which is twice as deep as the famous Grand Canyon in America. It’s located in a traditional area of the country where natives enjoy a lifestyle that originated with their colourful ancestors.

11. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii, USA

(photo by moleskineboy)

This beautiful Hawaiian canyon is about 10 miles long. It was formed by the Waimea River as it rises when it rains. The river is almost always high as it’s located near Mount Wai’ale’ale, which is one of the wettest places on the planet.

12. Fraser Canyon, British Columbia, Canada

(photo by Megloops)

The Fraser Canyon features some breathtaking scenery in the mountains, which can reach about 800 yards in height at some points. You’ll also find some tunnels along the canyon that have been carved out of solid rock.

13. Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

(photo by Vladi_L)

This canyon is famous for the unusual rock formations that it houses. Its nickname is the Valley of Castles and it’s about 50 miles long.

14. Verdon Gorge, France

(photo by martfb)

This is generally regarded as the prettiest river gorge in Europe. It’s also the second biggest gorge in the world and is about 15.5 miles in length.

15. Horseshoe Canyon, Alberta, Canada

(photo by groovyholly)

This canyon is shaped like a horseshoe, hence its name, and is located in the Badlands region of the province of Alberta. It’s almost two miles long and is one of the area’s most popular attractions.