What are the most amazing canyons in America?, you may ask. I’ve been thinking about this questions for some time now. There are certainly hundreds of canyons in the country. Some are smaller, some bigger, some better known, and some known only locally. But which ones should be considered the must see ones? Well, here is my list of 10 most amazing canyons in America you should see.
10 Most Amazing Canyons in America
I am arranging the 10 most amazing canyons in America somewhat geographically, and not in order of beauty or importance. The list represents a variety of canyons, all of them magnificent and interesting.
1. Grand Canyon - Arizona
The Grand Canyon, I think, should take the first place on my list. It is by far the most famous and most recognizable canyon in the world. It appears on many people’s bucket list, and rightly so. The canyon is 277 miles long and over 6,000 feet deep, making it one of the largest canyons in the world. Its vastness is absolutely overwhelming. I’ve visited the national park multiple times and each time the views take my breath away. I have previously written 2 posts about the Grand Canyon, so if you’re interested, you can access the posts here:
2. Canyon de Chelly - Arizona
Once you’re in Arizona, you may want to check out another amazing canyon in the state – Canyon de Chelly. The most famous spot in the canyon is an 800 foot free standing sandstone pinnacle known as Spider Rock. The sight is beautiful, one of the more spectacular in the Southwest. You can read more about Canyon de Chelly National Monument here:
3. Zion Canyon - Utah
Zion Canyon is absolutely spectacular! Located in Zion National Park, the canyon offers dramatic scenery of deep red canyon walls, the Virgin River, many mesas, buttes, and waterfalls. Visiting the park requires advanced planning because driving along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is not allowed. Instead, you’ll need to take a free shuttle to get you to the most fascinating parts of the park. It is all well worth it, however, as the park is beautiful. There are some crazy adrenaline – raising hikes you can do in the park. One of them is Angels Landing where you better hang on to the provided chains and not look into the sheer drop offs. To take a break from the heights, do the Riverside Walk or hike the Narrows. Whatever you do in the park, you will love your experience. Zion is a fascinating park and the canyon is spectacular!
4. Bryce Canyon - Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is essentially only an hour away from Zion. The park is an otherworldly place with beautiful hoodoo amphitheaters. It’s a lot of fun to hike along the orange spires of various shapes and sizes. To admire the whole area from above, head to the Inspiration Point. The view is absolutely stunning! Here is a detailed post about this amazing place:
5. Canyonlands National Park - Utah
Since you want to visit some of the most amazing canyons in America, don’t miss Canyonlands National Park! There is one district of the park, Island in the Sky, that will give you great views of the zigzagging reddish canyons. For best canyon views head to the Green River Overlook and the Grand View Point Overlook. To read more about Canyonlands, click on the links below:
5. Slot Canyons - Spooky Gulch - Utah
If you want a taste of a different type of a canyon, make sure to visit a slot canyon. The Southwest offers a great number of slot canyons, the most famous one being Antelope Canyon in Arizona. Although I have not yet made my way to see Antelope Canyon, I have hiked several slot canyons in Utah in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Spooky Gulch canyon has made a particular impression on me. The canyon is quite narrow in spots and requires you to scramble a time or two. It also is pretty dark in places – spooky – one might say. It’s a beautiful canyon, though, and makes for wonderful photo opportunities. Hiking slot canyons is certainly memorable but before you go, read about them to make sure you know what you’re getting into. Here are my reflections on hiking slot canyons in Utah:
7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison can be described in two adjectives: deep and narrow. The Gunnison river along with the accompanying weathering have carved this dramatic looking canyon. It has been preserved as a national park since 1999 but is still one of the least visited parks in the country. Nevertheless, the 2,000 foot deep canyon walls and craggy rim will make an indelible impression on you. The best way to see the canyon is to drive the South Rim Road and stop at the multiple overlooks. The views are truly incredible.
8. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Wyoming
One of the most amazing canyons in America, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River is absolutely a must-see. Located in Yellowstone National Park, the canyon is very popular with tourists. The views of the yellowish walls of the canyon and the cascading waterfalls are simply breath-taking. Make sure not to miss this one! To learn more about Yellowstone National Park, click on a post below:
9. Hells Canyon - Idaho, Oregon
If you have ever wondered which of the American canyons is the deepest, here is your answer: Hells Canyon. Hells Canyon easily dwarfs the Grand Canyon and drops 8,000 feet in places. The Snake River runs through the middle of the canyon, continuing to carve it. The whole area is spectacular with the Wallowa Mountains dominating the scenery. The canyon is quite isolated and not easy to get to but if you make Joseph, OR your base for a couple of days, you can easily explore the canyon. You’ll get the best views of the canyon at Hells Canyon Overlook, Hat Point, and Hells Canyon Dam.
10. Waimea Canyon - Kauai, Hawaii
Waimea Canyon on the island of Kauai is absolutely picturesque! Obviousely, it is more difficult to get to, as it requires a trip Hawaii. Mark Twain referred to it as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and I can definitely see the resemblance. Waimea Canyon, however, is much more lush and you can see cascading waterfalls along the canyon walls. You can read more about the canyon and other recommendations for Kauai here:
11. Santa Elena Canyon - Texas
OK, I know I was only going to list 10 most amazing canyons in America but I will recommend 1 more, in case you’re not a fan of one that I listed above. Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park is definitely beautiful. Carved by the Rio Grande and surrounded by a desert landscape, the canyon is a popular destination in cooler months. You’ll get a pretty good view of it if you hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail in the park or you can put a kayak in and enjoy it from the water. Whichever way you choose, you’ll certainly like it! You can read more about Big Bend National Park and Santa Elena Canyon here:
