10 Beautiful Canyons for Your Bucket List
Break out your vacation destination bucket list, because we have a treat for you! We’ve scoured the globe to bring you the best and brightest canyons in order to save you the trouble of hunting them down.
After discovering the bountiful natural canyon wonders on this list, all you have to do is plan your trip, grab your ticket and go!
Enjoy! We hope you find something you like.
But before you take off, make sure to pick up a Newverest Scratch Off Map Of The World so you can easily plan and track your travels.
Samaria Gorge: Crete, Greece
Part of the World’s Biosphere Reserve, Samaria Gorge is a popular destination that offers a glorious overlook of a pine and cypress forest. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit what is referred to as the Gates, where the canyons are high and shockingly narrow. But, you can always just take the easy way and turn back before things get too steep!
Blyde River Canyon: Mpumalanga, South Africa
On top of the Blyde River Canyon, you can see rivers, mountains, and even the sea. Talk about a panoramic view! It boasts shockingly green subtropical foliage and has some of the deepest cliffs in the world. In fact, it’s the second biggest canyon in Africa. If you visit, you’ll definitely want to check out the Three Rondavels, which offers the prettiest view.
Todgha Gorge: Tinerhir, Morocco
Todgha Gorge was carved out over time by the Dandes River that flows through it. The rock walls are very smooth and steep, giving it a unique appearance. This is a popular Morrocan destination and it had a few minutes of fame by premiering on an American reality television series called Expedition Impossible.
Taroko Gorge: Hualien County, Taiwan
Taroko Gorge is a popular site for hiking and white water rafting. You can find it at Taroko National Park to experience its power and beauty. Taroko is translated to: “A living terrace surrounded by three valleys.” The rich natural marble of Taroko Gorge was carved by the Liwu River.
Verdon Gorge: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
This majestic river canyon located in southeast France is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Europe. It’s famous for the beautiful Verdon River that runs between the canyon, which shimmers with a brilliant aquamarine sheen. Whether you’d rather hike, climb, or kayak, you’ll certainly enjoy everything that this unique destination has to offer.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: Yunnan, China
This gorge is steeped in legend. It gets its name, Tiger Leaping, from a tiger that was said to have successfully leaped across the river to escape hunters. Some say it’s the deepest canyon in the world, but that’s subject to debate. You may just have to find out for yourself! It’s a beautiful spot year-round, but we recommend that you avoid the rainy season from July through September.
Bryce Canyon: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is characterized by limestone hoodoo columns that extend as far as the eye can see. It’s difficult to get to, but it’s worth it. This makes it one of the most popular spots for determined hikers and nature lovers. It’s an amazing location for stargazing and if you can make it to Sunrise Point, you can see an entire panoramic view of the hoodoos.
Antelope Canyon: Page, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of the wackiest natural wonders. It’s characterized by uniquely ribboned canyon walls that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. This is because it once sat on a flash flood plain, where the trapped water slowly eroded the walls in conjunction with sub-aerial processes over millennia. Entering this canyon feels like being transported to another Universe!
Fish River Canyon: Namibia, Africa
Fish River Canyon is the biggest canyon in Africa, covering about 2,300 square miles. It goes as deep as 550 meters in some areas. Just make sure to bring plenty of your own water, because apart from the occasional flood, the river that once carved Fish River Canyon is completely dried out today. The vast size of the hiking trail is no joke. It’s considered a rite of passage for determined canyon hikers.
Eldgja: Iceland
Famously coined, “The Fire Canyon,” Eldgja is the biggest volcanic canyon on the planet. It contains a two-split waterfall, which is the uproarious main attraction. It hasn’t erupted in a very long time. But it is stunningly beautiful to witness, with striking natural volcanic rock and light greenery.
You can find unbelievable cliffs and shocking bluffs all across the world. The United States canyons may be the closest finds, but they are still some of the most beautiful. Those that are ready to cross the seas can hit Africa, Europe, or Asia for even more vivacious discoveries.
Which canyons are you the most interested in visiting? Let us know in the comments!
