The United States is home to the Grand Canyon, probably the most famous canyon in the world and considered one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There’s a good reason for that, and everyone should see it at least once. However, the country has a lot of other incredible canyons to visit, and most of them don’t get close to as crowded as the Grand Canyon does.
Hells Canyon, Idaho-Oregon
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The deepest river gorge in the country, Hells Canyon runs along the Idaho-Oregon border and into Washington for a small stretch. Carved by the famous Snake River, this deep canyon is 12 miles across at its widest.
Blodgett Canyon, Montana
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Unless you live in southwestern Montana, you probably haven’t heard of this spectacular canyon in the Bitterroot Range just outside the town of Hamilton. Its sheer walls and towering spires sometimes draw comparisons to Yosemite Valley. A long, mostly easy trail takes you deep into the canyon, and there are steep spurs that take you to high passes and overlooks.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Wyoming
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In central Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone River roars over two stunning waterfalls in rapid succession, and then it races off through a steep-walled gorge with colorful cliffs. There is no trail through the canyon, but in addition to overlooks in the area where it begins, there are some trails that go to elevated areas and reveal views of the canyon.
Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
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You don’t even have to get out of the car to appreciate this one since a stretch of I-70 snakes through this canyon on the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs. The steep limestone walls are spectacular, and in town, you can sign up for float trips that will include some whitewater spots.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
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Now a national park, “The Black,” as locals call it is deep and narrow, helping it earn its name, which also comes from the dark rock making up the canyon walls. Most visitors settle for the many overlooks at turnouts, but hardy souls can venture extremely steep trails into the depths of the canyon.
Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
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This is another one you can just drive through if you want. It’s east of Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Range, and the road through it climbs up the canyon, revealing views of mountain peaks and rushing water. Ultimately, it reaches ski areas and ends at Albion Basin, which in the summers has some of the best wildflower displays in Utah.
Zion Canyon, Utah
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The centerpiece of Zion National Park, Zion Canyon is renowned for its narrowness, steep peaks and walls, and amazing colors. In the off-season, you can drive all the way to the road’s end, but the rest of the free shuttle buses run visitors from stop to stop to relieve traffic congestion.
Horseshoe Canyon, Utah
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This remote canyon is a detached unit of Canyonlands National Park and requires a long drive on dirt roads to reach it. The canyon is pretty enough, but what people really come here for is the spectacular ancient rock art down in the canyon, with the highlight being a pictograph panel called the Great Gallery. There are also two fossilized dinosaur tracks along the trail shortly after its beginning.
Buckskin Gulch, Utah
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Among the many things Southern Utah is famous for are its many slot canyons, which are so narrow that you can sometimes touch both walls at once by stretching your arms out. Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon, and its narrows run for several miles. You can hike the entirety of it to its confluence with the Paria River, but be aware that there are occasional spots of downclimbing and also wading through stagnant pools that often have a foul smell. Most people settle for an easy in-and-out hike from a trailhead called Wire Pass.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
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If Buckskin Gulch is the country’s longest slot canyon, Antelope Canyon is arguably its most beautiful, and you’ve probably seen pictures of its carved, colorful walls with a shaft of sunlight penetrating from above. This slot canyon near Page is on Navajo land, and guided trips are required.
Santa Elena Canyon, Texas
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Santa Elena Canyon is the first of three Rio Grande Canyons on the border of Texas and Mexico in Big Bend National Park. A short, easy trail leads to its mouth, and then a moderately challenging trail takes you a ways into the canyon. The best way to experience the canyon is via a float trip that you can arrange for outside the park in Terlingua.
Genesee River Gorge, New York
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With all the awesome canyons in the West, it’s easy not to realize that the East has some spectacular canyons as well. Often called the Grand Canyon of the East, Genesee River Gorge, found in Letchfield State park in Upstate New York, will amaze you with its high walls and three major waterfalls.
Linville Gorge, North Carolina
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Another canyon sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge begins right after the Linville River plunges over dramatic Linville Falls just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. A journey into the gorge is a rugged undertaking, but you can get good views of it from the Linville Falls area.
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