10 Most Beautiful Canyons in the USA

There is nothing quite like staring down into a canyon. Not just for the sweeping views, but for the ancient landscape that hold incredible stories of the earth’s past.

And by this, I mean millions of years of relentless flowing rivers, volcanic action, and tectonic plate shifts carving these rugged valleys into canyon masterpieces. These rock-carved valleys weren’t just shaped overnight.

Most of North America’s canyons are clustered around the West and Southwest, where Mother Nature took the most brutal beatings.

If deep canyon views, adventurous hikes, and river rafting hit the spot for you, you’ll want to check out these ten most beautiful canyons in the USA.

10. Hells Canyon, Idaho and Oregon

Hells Canyon is more than just rugged beauty. It’s officially the deepest canyon in North America — quite a feat considering the size of this country. The Snake River sliced its way deep into the landscape along the borders of Idaho and Oregon.

The area has a fascinating History, too. It’s been inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years. When European settlers arrived, they attempted to map the canyon multiple times without success. Eventually, they settled on ‘Hells Canyon’. Fitting, right?

Recreational activities are virtually limitless here. You can jet boat or kayak on the river, drive along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, or hike along the edge.

9. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming

Nope, it’s not the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but Yellowstone National Park’s equivalent packs its own punch. Formed over thousands of years of movement from the Yellowstone River, this canyon’s multicolored walls, from sulfur-stained yellows to iron-tinged reds, are some of the most vibrant you’ll see.

Artists Point is the centerpiece of the canyon. It’s the pinnacle, which offers an iconic view of the Lower Falls thundering down over 300 feet into the river. Even though it’s relatively easy to access, tourism seems light here compared with other canyons.

8. Canyon de Chelly, Arizona

This one might be the most astonishing on the list. It’s owned by the Navajo Nation and really feels like taking a step back in time. It’s made up of massive sandstone walls, some towering 1,000 feet overhead, and ancient cliff dwellings and Petroglyphs from Ancestral Puebloans.

To experience nature, culture, and History in all their glory, I recommend joining a Navajo-led tour. Self-guides aren’t available past certain points, so having a knowledgeable guide not only enhances your experience but also helps support the canyon’s heritage.

7. Kings Canyon, California

Kings Canyon is often overshadowed by its nearby neighbor, Yosemite. But it is absolutely worth a visit in its own right. Located in California’s Kings Canyon National Park, it is packed with ancient sequoia trees, waterfalls, and sweeping views.

Most visitors arrive via Highway 180. However, if you have the time, the Rae Lakes Loop is an incredible hiking and camping route leading right into the canyon.

Something that makes this canyon unique is its lush greenery. It’s also less crowded than other canyons, which means it really feels like the wilderness.

6. Glen Canyon, Utah

Glen Canyon brings a new level of excitement to this list. Why? It’s located in the enormous Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is packed with otherworldly landscapes and canyons waiting to be explored.

The main event here is Horseshoe Bend, but there is a lot more to explore around the 1.2-million acre national recreation area that crosses the Utah-Arizona border.

It’s also famous for its natural bridges. In fact, it’s home to Rainbow Bridge, the largest natural bridge in the world. Spanning 234 feet across the canyon, this ancient marvel was sculpted by wind and sand over 200 million years back.

5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon might be the most famous canyon in Arizona, but it isn’t the only one. Antelope Canyon is technically part of the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area mentioned above. It’s a section of the canyon carved out by flash floors along the Colorado River over millennia, and is possibly one of the most popular slot canyons for photographers.

Once you visit, you’ll understand why. Imagine stepping into sandstone corridors lit up with fiery red hues as sunlight filters through the canyon’s narrow crevices.

This canyon can only be accessed with a guide and is known for being a bit touristy. It’s all worth it for a glimpse of this otherworldly beauty.

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado

Stretching out along a 53-mile gorge, the flowing Gunnison River below has slowly carved out the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. This place is all about big rocks, cliffs, dramatic walls, and craggy spires. It’s aptly named for its dark rock formations.

The best part? It’s officially the least visited national park in Colorado, which means you won’t need to deal with the tourists and crowds common at Rocky Mountain National Park. The park’s lack of tourists is partly because it doesn’t have too many hiking trails, but the stunning views make up for it.

3. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii

Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, Waimea Canyon on Hawaii’s island of Kauai feels worlds away from the red-rock sandstone of mainland USA. It’s lush and green, packed with vibrant colors of oranges and reds.

It was formed by volcanic activity and erosion, which has created one of the most colorful canyons on the planet. One of the best ways to experience its beauty is to drive along the Waimea Canyon Drive. And, if you’re up for it, hike the Cliff Trail or the Canyon Trail for closer views.

2. Zion Canyon, Utah

Utah’s Zion Canyon is pure desert magic. It’s the centerpiece of Zion National Park, carved into the landscape by the Virgin River. It only stretches around 15 miles long but boasts plenty of exquisite landscapes in this small area.

Most impressively, its sandstone cliffs tower up to 2640 feet into the sky. It’s great because there are different trails and ways to experience it for all fitness levels. The Narrows, where you literally have to wade through a shallow section of the river with sheer walls rising on either side of you, is an unforgettable experience.

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon has rightfully earned its spot at the top of this list. It’s named for its massive size, and I can confirm that this bucket list canyon sure is grand.

Carved into the Arizona landscape over millions of years by the Colorado River, it stretches as far as the eye can see. What is most fascinating to witness are the layers of rock in the walls, each revealing another story of geological History.

You can do it all here – hike into the canyon, take a helicopter tour, whitewater raft through tricky rapids, or just bask in the view from the rim.