10 Breathtaking Canyons You Have to Add to Your Bucket List

Forget the Eiffel Tower, forget the Leaning Tower of Pisa and forget the Great Wall of China. If you’re looking for breathtaking sights to add to your bucket list then look no further than some of the natural wonders that live in our own back gardens.

Canyons and rock formations that have spent millions upon millions of years under the elements. The ones on the territory of our great nation are unlike anything else you’ll see in the world, so there’s no excuse for missing out on these incredible sights.

And trust us, while we’ll delight you with pictures, they don’t do the real canyons any justice, so as soon as you’re able to, you should take a trip across the U.S. to visit them all!

1. The Grand Canyon

Of course, we had to start off our list with one of the most popular canyons not just in the U.S. but in the entire world. They don’t call it the GRAND Canyon for nothing, with over 55 million visitors every year and 277 miles in length.

We must all thank the Colorado River for caring out the canyon’s steep sides, as it has been doing for millions of years.

Its iconic horizontal lines depict different layers of rocks, with the very bottom of the canyon being over 2 billion years old- that should put everything into perspective, time-wise!

2. Paria River Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness

Speaking of hypnotizing lines, you can’t miss out on visiting the Paria Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, located at the border between Northern Arizona and Southern Utah.

If you’re into backpacking, then this is the place to be, as the canyons which were designated in 1984, are known for both easy and exciting trails. Beyond the canyon, you’ll find the Vermilion Cliffs which rise as high as 3,000 feet.

Trust us, you’ll get lost (in the best way) among sandstone slopes, plateaus, serpentine canyons, and escarpments spanning over 110,816 acres. After your trip, you’ll be left wondering why you put off visiting the Paria River Canyon for so long.

3. Antelope Canyon

Known as the most photographed canyons in the world, the Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a great place to make memories with your friends and family while also exploring an unbelievable slot landscape. Just don’t forget to pack your camera in order to immortalize this stunning experience.

But before you pack your bags, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. This canyon is divided into two distinct sections. The Lower Antelope Canyon is harder to access and may not be as friendly to beginner hikers. The Upper Antelope Canyon is the more popular section where you’ll find the picture-worthy, sun-reflecting sandstone walls!

4. Bryce Canyon

Located in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, Bryce Canyon will shock you with countless rock formations you won’t see anywhere else on Earth.

They’re known as amphitheaters, sedimentary rocks in the shape of spires and jagged stalagmites, which have formed over millions of years. Visitors often note how this canyon is worth another trip late at night too, thanks to more than 7,000 visible stars. Compare that to most rural areas from which you’d only be able to see around 2,500 stars at night!

That’s why, if you’re up for a longer camping trip, Bryce Canyon is perfect for you so that you can explore all its beauty both in the day and during the night.

5. Pine Creek Gorge

Already visited the Grand Canyon? Why not take a peek at the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania next, the Pine Creek Gorge. Many people mistake it for just another foresty area because you can’t see any sedimentary rocks- why? It’s all covered in greenery!

During the fall, this corner of the earth turns into one of the most stunning landscapes in America, covered in different layers of trees with different autumn colors that you won’t ever find in the big cities.

Even more shockingly, in the early 20th century this place was known as The Pennsylvania Desert, but nowadays it’s anything but a desert.

6. Hells Canyon

How about visiting the deepest river gorge in the United States? Situated on the border of Oregon and Idaho, the Hells Canyon is actually heaven on earth, though it reaches a depth of 7,993 feet.

This canyon actually separated two mountain ranges, the Wallowa in Oregon and Seven Devils in Idaho. The Snake River that separates these two mountain ranges is perfect for tourists who just can’t picture a vacation without a body of water nearby.

Not only can you paddle up and down the river at your leisure, but you might even find Native American artifacts scattered around. Archaeological activities are ongoing in the region with hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed at every twist and turn of the river.

7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in America, is located in Texas. It is said to be more than 250 million years old, which makes sense given the ancient rock formations scattered all around. The hoodoos, rock formations that result from erosion at different rates, have long since attracted millions of tourists in this area that stretched 120 miles in length and 20 miles in width.

From afar, some of these rock formations look like medieval castles sculpted out of the canyon itself. You’ll have to get real up close and personal to some of them to make sure that your eyes are not deceiving you.

8. King Canyon

Looking for a princely vacation? Then pack your bags and head on over to the Kings Canyon, located in the Kings Canyons National Park, California.

This jaw-dropping canyon reaches a depth of 8,200 feet, situated on the South Fork Kings River, so it’s great for photography lovers and those who want to spend their days splashing around.

But despite all that, what the Kings Canyon is really well known for are its granite walls as opposed to the red and orange rock formations we’ve listed so far. Beware, however, as this Canyon may not be too friendly for novices as the only area that you can access by car is Cedar Grove!

9. Cathedral Wash

Yet another canyon situated in Arizona, the Cathedral Wash is known as the shortest of the Marble Canyon tributaries. But despite its shortness, it still attracts masses of tourists thanks to its stunning and easy-to-walk hiking trails.

You may want to plan this trip carefully as the canyon isn’t spectacular during cloudy days due to its washed-out colors. Here you’ll see more gray rocks that won’t stand out for those perfect photo opportunities. Still, on sunny days, Cathedral Wash looks beautiful thanks to its sublime rock formations.

10. Waimea Canyon

And if you’ve never visited Hawaii but have been looking for an excuse, we’ve got one for you! The Waimea Canyon is less known than the ones we’ve previously listed, but it’s easily one of the most shockingly beautiful canyons you’ll ever visit. With a combination of red volcanic soil and green tropical landscape, you’ll wish you would have visited it sooner!

Despite it being known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, The Waimea Canyon is truly unique and breathtaking, with plenty of activities for novices and expert hikers alike. Here you’ll see flora and fauna that you won’t spot anywhere else in the U.S., perfect for anyone that wants to get away from the norm and explore something new!

So, which one of these Canyons have you added to your bucket list?