Canyons and gorges are among nature’s most awe-inspiring creations, sculpted over millions of years by fast-moving rivers. These dramatic landscapes, with their towering cliffs and deep valleys, were formed through the slow process of erosion, where harder rock layers resisted weathering and remained exposed along the valley walls. These natural wonders are found across the globe, offering some of the most breathtaking views and adventurous experiences.
Here are 10 of the most stunning canyons and gorges in the world that you can explore.
1. Todra Gorge: Morocco’s Majestic Marvel
Todra Gorge is situated on the remote eastern side of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and is one of the country’s top tourist attractions. The final 600 meters of this gorge are particularly spectacular, with the canyon narrowing to a mere 10 meters (33 feet) wide, flanked by smooth rock walls soaring up to 160 meters (525 feet) on either side. This dramatic scenery makes it a favorite spot for hikers and climbers.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | High Atlas Mountains, Morocco |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October |
| Activities | Hiking, Rock Climbing |
| Nearby Attractions | Tinerhir, Dades Gorge |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
2. Kings Canyon: Australia’s Desert Wonder
Kings Canyon is a major attraction in the southern desert region of Australia’s Northern Territory. The canyon is known for its striking dome formations, sharp cliffs, and panoramic views of the surrounding desert. The rim walk around the canyon is particularly rewarding, offering stunning vistas. Part of the canyon is a sacred Aboriginal site, so visitors are encouraged to stick to the designated walking tracks.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Territory, Australia |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
| Activities | Hiking, Sightseeing |
| Nearby Attractions | Watarrka National Park, Alice Springs |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
3. Taroko Gorge: Taiwan’s Natural Gem
Taroko Gorge is located near Taiwan’s rocky east coast and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. This 19-kilometer-long canyon offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes, including towering cliffs and rushing rapids. The dramatic scenery of Taroko Gorge makes it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hualien County, Taiwan |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
| Activities | Hiking, Scenic Drives |
| Nearby Attractions | Eternal Spring Shrine, Qingshui Cliffs |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
4. Copper Canyon: Mexico’s Grand Network
Copper Canyon is actually a network of six canyons in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, collectively several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore Copper Canyon is via the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway, which traverses 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, reaching heights of up to 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level and offering spectacular views of the canyons below.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chihuahua, Mexico |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Activities | Train Rides, Hiking, Photography |
| Nearby Attractions | Divisadero, Urique Canyon |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
5. Colca Canyon: Peru’s Deep Wonder
Colca Canyon is located in the Andes mountain range in southern Peru. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, though its walls are less steep. The big draw here, in addition to the awe-inspiring sights, is the Andean condors that can be seen at close range as they soar on rising thermals.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Arequipa, Peru |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
| Activities | Condor Watching, Trekking |
| Nearby Attractions | Chivay, La Calera Hot Springs |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
6. Samaria Gorge: Greece’s Natural Gateway
Samaria Gorge is a 16-kilometer-long canyon in southwest Crete, Greece. Walking through Samaria Gorge is an extremely popular activity, with over a quarter million people doing so each year. The trek takes 4-7 hours and passes through ancient forests of cypresses and pines, before cutting deeply between vertical cliffs to emerge at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Crete, Greece |
| Best Time to Visit | May to October |
| Activities | Hiking, Photography |
| Nearby Attractions | Agia Roumeli, Hora Sfakion |
| Open Time | 6:00 AM |
| Close Time | 4:00 PM (seasonal) |
7. Waimea Canyon: Hawaii’s Grand Canyon
Waimea Canyon is located on the western side of Kauai, Hawaii, and is the largest canyon in the Pacific. The canyon is 16 kilometers (10 miles) long, 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) wide, and 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers that flowed from Mount Waialeale at the center of the island, creating one of the world’s most colorful and dramatic landscapes.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kauai, Hawaii, USA |
| Best Time to Visit | June to August |
| Activities | Hiking, Scenic Drives |
| Nearby Attractions | Kokee State Park, Waimea Town |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
8. Antelope Canyon: Arizona’s Photographic Icon
Antelope Canyon is one of the most-photographed sandstone slot canyons in the world, known for its graceful curves and glowing orange and purple hues. It includes two separate sections—Upper and Lower Antelope. Both canyons are so narrow in places that visitors can stretch out their arms and touch both sides simultaneously. Despite its beauty, Antelope Canyon can be dangerous; in 1997, a flash flood swept through Lower Antelope and claimed the lives of 11 tourists.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Arizona, USA |
| Best Time to Visit | March to October |
| Activities | Photography, Guided Tours |
| Nearby Attractions | Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
9. Gorge du Verdon: France’s Emerald Gem
Gorge du Verdon is a river canyon in southeastern France, often regarded as Europe’s most beautiful. The canyon stretches for 25 kilometers and rises to a spectacular height of 700 meters (2,300 feet) above the Verdon River. The river’s striking emerald green color adds to the canyon’s beauty, making it a magnet for hikers, climbers, and water sports enthusiasts.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France |
| Best Time to Visit | April to October |
| Activities | Hiking, Rafting, Kayaking |
| Nearby Attractions | Lac de Sainte-Croix, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
10. Fish River Canyon: Namibia’s Grand Wonder
Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and second only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona in terms of grandeur. Located in Namibia, the canyon features a massive ravine that stretches for about 160 kilometers (100 miles), up to 27 kilometers wide, and nearly 550 meters deep in places. Due to the damming of the Fish River, only a small amount of running water remains in the canyon, but the breathtaking scale of this natural wonder remains undiminished.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Namibia, Southern Africa |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September |
| Activities | Hiking, Scenic Flights |
| Nearby Attractions | Ai-Ais Hot Springs, Gondwana Canyon Park |
| Open Time | 24 Hours |
| Close Time | 24 Hours |
