12 Beautiful Canyons for Hiking That Will Take Your Breath Away
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Canyons are magical places any hiking enthusiast would love to explore. Their sheer beauty, breathtaking depths, striking panoramic views, and steep hiking trails – they have everything an active explorer would like.
There are plenty of stunning canyons ideal for hiking and exploration activities. Luckily, these geological marvels have several hiking trails catering to hikers of different capabilities. From the mighty Grand Canyon to the Little Wild Horse Canyon, you won’t run out of options whether you are interested in spiking your adrenaline, learning some history and geology, or enjoying views of undestroyed nature.
Looking for the most breathtaking natural wonders to add to your bucket list? The views and features of these canyons will offer you fantastic hiking and exploration experiences.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Formed over 6,000,000 years ago and spanning over 227 miles (365 kilometers), the Grand Canyon is arguably one of the most magnificent natural marvels on Earth. What makes it even more attractive is that it has something for everyone, whether an amateur or experienced hiker.
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To get the scope of this canyon’s beauty and size, hike its popular trails, such as the Bright Angel Trail, Cape Royal Trail, North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Rim Trail, and Widforss Trail. The Rim to Rim Trail is the easiest, as it has a defined path. Luckily, it also offers the best views of the Canyon.
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Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece
Nestled in the White Mountains of western Crete, Samaria Gorge is 10 miles (16 kilometers) long, making it one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges. The beauty of this gorge is that anyone can hike it, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro.
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Although you can find many hiking trails on this gorge, the standard one starts at Xyloskalo, which rises to an altitude of 4,035 feet (1230 meters) above sea level and then ends at the coastal town of Agia Roumeli. The entire hike will take about 7 hours, during which you will be treated to scenic views of wooden bridges, lush forests with pine and cypress trees, Cretan wild goats, and so much more. Be sure to plan your hiking trip anywhere between May and October; this is when the national park that hosts the gorge opens to the public.
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Verdon Gorge, France
From its nickname, “Grand Canyon of Europe,” you can probably imagine the beauty and grandeur of this river canyon. With a depth of 2,300 feet (700 meters) at numerous points and a length of 15 miles (25 kilometers), this treasure trove is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, including daredevils and any outdoor explorer looking to take it slow.
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To connect with nature, hike this canyon and be treated to incredible views of fascinating features such as Styx du Verdon, beautiful water basins, limestone walls, the Imbut (largely accepted as the most beautiful trail in the gorge), and Pont de Tusset Bridge, among others. Some other scenic hiking routes you may want to consider include Le sentier du Bastidon, and Le belvédère de Rancoumas.
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Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Stretching 14 miles (23 kilometers) and boasting a depth of 12,440 feet (3,790 meters), Tiger Leaping Gorge is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. With lime-green rice terraces and turquoise waterways, this canyon is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in China.
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Hikers will have the best experience on trails like the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gorge. The Upper Gorge is ideal for beginners, while the Middle Gorge is best for intermediate hikers. Luckily, these trails feature hotels and inns along the way. This way, you can hike and take in the scenery at your own pace without worrying about accommodation.
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Copper Canyon, Mexico
Popularly known as Barranca del Cobre in Spanish, Copper Canyon was formed approximately 20 to 40 million years ago. Spreading over 6 acres (25,000 square meters) in the Sierra Madre Mountains, it is a network of 6 vast canyons that stretch as far as the eye can see. Visiting this canyon will treat you to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in Mexico’s inland territory.
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For hikers, you will have the time of your life as this canyon’s trekking routes are well-established and maintained. You can trek on the Old Alton Bridge Trail, Pilot Knoll Hiking Trail, or Eagle Creek Trail based on your skill level. If hiking is not your thing, the iconic trains El Chepe from Chihuahua to Los Mochis to enjoy the region’s beauty.
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Fish River Canyon, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
With a whopping 100 miles (160 kilometers) of length and 16 miles (27 kilometers) of width, Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second most visited destination in Namibia. The landscape has rocky hillsides, rocky and sandy plains, drainage lines, plateaus, and incised valleys, among other interesting topographical features.
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Although you can visit this canyon throughout the year, the best time is between May and August, when the temperatures are between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C). Hiking Fisher River Canyon starts at the main viewpoints near Hobas Camp and ends at Ai-Ais and can take 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on one’s skill level.
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Kings Canyon, Australia
Located at the western end of George Gill Range, Kings Canyon is approximately 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) long and has a depth of 330 to 500 feet (100 to 150 meters) above Kings Creek. Its rim is dotted with multiple rocky domes, while its base is awash with lush vegetation and a myriad of bird species.
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The canyon has walking tracks that let you experience its natural beauty while on the move. Whether you want to hike the iconic Rim Walk Trail or the gentle Kings Creek Walk Trail, you will be treated to amazing views of the canyon’s depths. Hiking these trails is easy since they are well-marked and even color-coded.
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Waimea Canyon, Hawaii Islands, USA
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is 3000 feet (910 meters) deep and 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long. With an array of drive-up lookouts, hikes, vantage points, and waterfalls, it is one of Hawaii’s most remarkable geological formations.
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Visiting this canyon will give you panoramic views of rugged crags, crested buttes, deep valley gorges, and much more. If you want to explore this canyon on foot, some hiking trails include Cliff Trail, Waimea Canyon Trail, Black Pipe Trail, Iliau Nature Loop Trail, and Kohua Ridge Trail.
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Tamerza Canyon, Tunisia
Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Tamerza Canyon is Tunisia’s largest mountain oasis. Visit the Chebika Oasis for views of the Instagram-worthy palm-fringed landscapes.
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Hiking is a good option to explore the canyon. However, it is much better to use a local guide, as the canyon has many amazing spots you could easily miss. Whether you use a tour guide or not, some unmissable highlights include the canyon’s turquoise waterfalls, the canyon’s red rock walls, and the ruins of Tamerza.
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Kyle Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada
Visiting Kyle Canyon would be a good idea if you want to escape the noise of Las Vegas. The canyon has lush trees, flowers, and fresh air, making it a perfect sanctuary away from the busy city.
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For hikers, this canyon will not disappoint, as it has more than 60 miles (96 kilometers) of well-maintained and marked trails. Hiking aside, you can explore this canyon on the back of a horse with the help of a professional wrangler. Mountain biking is also great for adventure seekers, especially on The Slots and Twilight Loop trails. Kyle Canyon also has some great campsites, so feel free to consider hikes longer than 12 hours.
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Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Iceland
Believed to have been formed about 9000 years ago (end of the last ice age), Fjadrargljufur Canyon is one of Iceland’s most incredible places to visit. The canyon has a unique snake-like shape and is approximately 330 feet (100 meters) deep and 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) long.
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For a unique perspective of canyons, go hiking on the Fjadrargljufur trail. This trail does not feature the regular rocky, desert, and dusty characteristics typical of most canyons. Instead, it has lush terrain and cascading waterfalls, perfect for exploration and photos. For the best experience, plan a visit during the summer.
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Little Wild Horse Canyon, Utah
Identified as the most popular and accessible slot canyon in San Rafael Reef, Little Wild Horse Canyon is a must-go destination for hiking enthusiasts in the US. One attraction that stands out is its narrow stretches, so close that hikers must turn sideways to pass through. That, coupled with brightly textured and colored rock walls, make the entire canyon photogenic and worth exploring.
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Hiking the entire loop takes 4 to 7 hours, depending on hikers’ abilities, speed, and itinerary. Temperatures can get high in summer, so the best time to visit would be in the Fall or Spring.
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Rachel is a content writer interested in creating engaging narratives on travel, home management, personal finance, and parenting. When free, you can catch her writing for her personal blog, flawlesshorizon.com, watching TikToks, or exploring hidden gems in her city.
