32 Jaw-Dropping Canyons That Should Be On Your Bucket List
Canyons have a way of pulling you in. Massive cliffs, deep gorges, and that sense of adventure you can’t shake.
If you’re anything like me, these 32 epic canyons belong on your list. Each one has its own story, shaped by time, with views that stop you in your tracks.
So, where to first? This list might just have you booking your next trip.
1. Grand Canyon, USA
Stand at the edge, and the world seems to stretch forever. The Grand Canyon isn’t just a sight, it’s an experience.
Carved by the Colorado River, this chasm runs 277 miles long, a mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide. No photo does it justice. Hiking its trails or rafting the river below turns awe into adventure.
And the sunset? The colors shift by the second, painting the canyon in ways you’ll never forget.
2. Colca Canyon, Peru
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is a place of raw beauty.
Andean condors glide overhead, their wingspans reaching ten feet. Down below, traditional villages preserve ancient customs. The terraced slopes tell stories of past civilizations, while the natural hot springs offer a welcome pause from exploring.
Ever imagined soaking in warm waters while surrounded by towering cliffs? Here, it’s possible.
3. Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Raging waters, towering cliffs, and legend in every step, this is Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Jinsha River crashes through a canyon 12,434 feet deep, making it one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Trekking here means winding paths, suspension bridges, and unforgettable vistas. The local Naxi people add a cultural touch to the journey.
Up for a challenge? This hike rewards with every breathtaking turn.
4. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Green, lush, and alive, Blyde River Canyon is different from most.
Unlike the rocky, barren canyons elsewhere, this one bursts with vegetation. The Three Rondavels and God’s Window offer views that stretch for miles. Love hiking? The trails wind through forests filled with wildlife.
Whether you’re chasing adventure or just a quiet escape, this place has both.
5. Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Fish River Canyon is Africa’s largest.
The vast, rocky landscape stretches over 160 kilometers, cut through by a winding river. It’s remote, silent, and utterly mesmerizing. The multi-day hiking trail challenges even seasoned trekkers, but the solitude is unmatched.
And when the sun sets? The sky glows in ways that make the journey worthwhile.
6. Antelope Canyon, USA
Ever walked inside a sculpture? Antelope Canyon feels like that.
Light beams pierce through narrow sandstone walls, shifting with the sun’s movement. The smooth, flowing shapes make it a dream for photographers. Exploring it with a Navajo guide adds deeper meaning, as the canyon is sacred to the tribe.
Want the best shots? Visit when the midday sun floods the walls with golden light.
7. Samaria Gorge, Greece
Are you ready to walk through history? Samaria Gorge in Crete offers a journey through time and nature.
It’s Europe’s longest gorge, running 16 kilometers through the White Mountains. The trail leads through forests, across rocky riverbeds, and past ancient ruins. Wild goats, known as Kri-Kri, might cross your path.
It’s tough, but the journey ends at the Libyan Sea, where a cold swim awaits. Not a bad reward, right?
8. Verdon Gorge, France
Did you ever dream of kayaking through turquoise waters? Verdon Gorge in France offers exactly that experience.
Kayaking through its river is an experience straight out of a dream. Prefer to stay on land? The hiking and rock-climbing options are just as rewarding.
And if relaxation calls, a picnic by the river is never a bad idea. Ever seen water so blue? Here, you will.
9. Copper Canyon, Mexico
Bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, Copper Canyon is a land of extremes.
One of the best ways to experience it? A train ride on El Chepe, winding through tunnels and bridges that cut across the cliffs. But if you want to get closer, hiking or horseback riding takes you deeper into its wild terrain.
This isn’t just a canyon, it’s a world of its own!
10. Gorges du Tarn, France
Looking for a peaceful escape? Gorges du Tarn delivers.
The river winds through cliffs, offering a playground for canoeing and hiking. Each turn reveals something new, a hidden cove, a medieval village, or just another perfect view. Whether paddling or walking, the journey here is as calming as it is stunning.
Need a break? The riverbanks make the perfect picnic spot.
11. Waimea Canyon, USA
They call it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and that title isn’t an exaggeration.
This Kauai gem stuns with its deep red cliffs, valleys, and ever-changing light. Every viewpoint offers a new surprise. Love hiking? Trails here lead through dramatic landscapes that beg to be explored.
The views are something else, so a camera is a must. Whether you’re after adventure or just a quiet moment in nature, Waimea Canyon delivers.
12. Sumidero Canyon, Mexico
Where the Grijalva River carves through towering cliffs, you’ll find a canyon unlike any other.
Boat tours are the best way to take in its sheer rock walls and hidden caves. Keep an eye out, crocodiles bask on the shores, monkeys swing through the trees, and rare birds soar overhead.
Love a mix of thrill and scenery? Sumidero Canyon is packed with both. The only question is, are you ready for the ride?
13. Itaimbezinho Canyon, Brazil
Ever stood on the edge of a canyon and felt like the world just stretched endlessly before you? Itaimbezinho does that.
Its steep cliffs and dense Atlantic forest create a view that’s both humbling and wild. Walk along the rim and spot waterfalls plunging into the depths. Birdwatcher? Rare species call this place home.
Whether you’re here to hike or just take it all in, this canyon leaves an impression.
14. Zion Canyon, USA
Some places feel like stepping onto another planet. Zion Canyon, with its red cliffs and trails, is one of them.
Utah’s desert beauty is in full force here. The hikes range from casual strolls to serious scrambles, did you bring your boots? Every path leads somewhere incredible, whether it’s a hidden pool or a breathtaking overlook.
If you love discovering nature’s raw power, Zion won’t disappoint.
15. Kings Canyon, Australia
Outback adventure starts here. Kings Canyon is all towering sandstone walls and trails, with views that make you stop in your tracks.
Climbing up to the rim, you’ll feel the ancient landscape stretching around you. Heard of the Garden of Eden? It’s a hidden waterhole right inside the canyon, an oasis in the middle of the red desert.
Hike, explore, or just take in the silence. The outback doesn’t get better than this.
16. Canyon de Chelly, USA
This isn’t just a canyon, it’s a window into history.
Towering sandstone cliffs guard centuries-old ruins, telling the story of the Navajo people. Walking through, you can almost feel the past echoing in the walls. Want to dive deeper? Guided tours offer a closer look at ancient dwellings and sacred sites.
Nature and history collide here in the most unforgettable way. Ready to step back in time?
17. Glen Canyon, USA
Where red rock meets deep blue water, adventure follows.
Glen Canyon is home to Lake Powell, a playground for boaters, kayakers, and anyone who loves life on the water. Ever dreamed of a houseboat trip? This is the place. Off the lake, hiking trails wind through surreal landscapes.
Fishing, swimming, exploring, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it. The only challenge? Deciding what to do first.
18. Coyote Gulch, USA
Looking for a hidden gem? Coyote Gulch is a secret worth uncovering.
Narrow canyons, towering rock arches, and flowing water make this a paradise for hikers. Up for an adventure? The trails here aren’t just walks, they’re journeys through some of Utah’s most stunning scenery. Every turn reveals something new.
If you love solitude and raw beauty, this canyon is calling.
19. Fjaðrárgljúfur, Iceland
If fairytales had canyons, this would be one of them. Moss-covered cliffs, a winding river, and misty Icelandic air make Fjaðrárgljúfur feel almost unreal.
It’s only two kilometers long, but every step offers a view worth stopping for. Into photography? The light here changes constantly, creating endless picture-perfect moments.
Whether you’re hiking or just soaking in the scenery, this place feels straight out of a dream.
20. Bungle Bungle Range, Australia
Hidden in Western Australia, Bungle Bungle Range is a maze of towering sandstone domes.
The orange and black stripes look almost painted, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Until 1983, this place was a secret to the world, adding to its mystique. Walking trails lead deep into the formations, while helicopter flights reveal the vast beauty from above.
Standing among these beehive-like giants, it’s easy to feel the weight of time in every layer of rock.
21. Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon stretches 90 kilometers, a landscape carved by wind and water.
The red rock towers and deep gorges create an otherworldly scene. The Valley of Castles, with its fortress-like formations, is the highlight of any visit. Hikers follow trails through the cliffs, while photographers chase the perfect light.
Whether standing at the rim or exploring its depths, Charyn Canyon is a proof to nature’s artistry.
22. Todra Gorge, Morocco
Sheer rock walls rise 400 meters above the narrow pass of Todra Gorge.
This natural wonder in the High Atlas Mountains draws climbers and adventurers from around the world. In some places, the gap between the cliffs is barely 10 meters, creating a dramatic setting.
A small river flows through, its cool waters a welcome contrast to the surroundings.This gorge leaves a lasting impression!
23. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
One of the largest green canyons in the world, Blyde River Canyon is a paradise of cliffs and forests.
Trails lead to viewpoints where the landscape stretches for miles. The river snakes through the canyon, reflecting the blue sky above. Birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers all find something special here.
Standing on the edge, it’s impossible not to be awed by the scale of this natural masterpiece.
24. Cheile Nerei-Beușnița Gorge, Romania
Deep in Romania’s forests, this gorge is a hidden world of waterfalls, turquoise pools, and sheer cliffs.
Trails wind along the Nera River, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The untouched beauty makes it feel like a place from a fairy tale. Each step brings a new discovery, from caves to hanging bridges.
Far from the crowds, this canyon is a quiet retreat into nature’s magic.
25. Tara River Canyon, Montenegro
The deepest canyon in Europe, carved by the turquoise waters of the Tara River.
Steep cliffs rise on either side, a paradise for rafters seeking adventure. The wild rapids challenge even the most experienced paddlers. Hiking trails follow the edges, offering views that stretch endlessly.
Tara Canyon is an untamed wonder waiting to be explored.
26. Eldgjá Canyon, Iceland
This is the world’s largest volcanic canyon, a reminder of Iceland’s fiery origins.
Stretching over 40 kilometers, its rugged cliffs and green valleys create a surreal landscape. Hiking trails lead through ancient lava fields to hidden waterfalls. The contrast between black rock and mossy ground is breathtaking.
Walking through Eldgjá is like stepping into another world, shaped by the raw power of the Earth.
27. Siq Canyon, Jordan
A narrow passage of towering sandstone walls, leading to the ancient city of Petra.
The Siq twists and turns, its red and orange hues shifting with the sunlight. Every step builds anticipation until the breathtaking sight of the Treasury appears at the end.
Carved by both nature and ancient hands, this canyon is as much a wonder as the city it hides.
28. Vikos Gorge, Greece
One of the deepest canyons in the world, Vikos Gorge cuts through the Pindus Mountains.
The sheer cliffs and dense forests create a stunning contrast. Hikers follow trails along the river, crossing stone bridges and old monasteries. The gorge is home to rare wildlife, adding to its wild beauty.
Every turn reveals a new perspective, making it a dream for adventurers and photographers alike.
29. Matka Canyon, North Macedonia
A peaceful escape where cliffs rise above emerald waters.
Kayakers glide through the canyon, while hikers explore hidden caves and ancient monasteries. The diverse wildlife adds to the charm of this untouched landscape. Whether on the water or along the trails, Matka Canyon feels like a place untouched by time.
The stillness here is its own kind of magic.
30. Chegem Canyon, Russia
In the Caucasus Mountains, Chegem Canyon is a land of cliffs and waterfalls.
Adventure seekers come for hiking, rock climbing, and even paragliding. The contrast between rugged rock and flowing water creates a dramatic scene. Hidden caves and winding paths invite exploration.
Chegem Canyon offers both adrenaline and peace, in equal measure.
31. Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania, Australia
Where towering sea cliffs meet the wild Southern Ocean.
The coastline is a playground for adventurers, best explored by boat or along coastal trails. Waves crash against the cliffs, shaping the land over time. The wind carries the scent of salt and freedom.
Standing on the edge, looking out at the horizon, it’s impossible not to feel the power of the ocean.
32. Saltfjellet Canyon, Norway
A hidden gem in Norway’s north, where steep cliffs rise above streams.
Wildlife thrives here, from reindeer to golden eagles. Trails lead through dense forests, opening up to breathtaking viewpoints. The silence is broken only by the sound of rushing water.
For those seeking solitude in nature, Saltfjellet Canyon is an unforgettable escape.