8 Heart-Stopping Canyons in the USA That Rival the Grand Canyon
When you think of canyons in the USA, the Grand Canyon probably tops your list. It’s iconic, no doubt about it. But did you know the United States is home to some jaw-dropping canyons that are just as impressive—if not more so for all kinds of different reasons!
The canyons truly stole my heart when I traveled the American West for two years, living out of a van and exploring the vast, rugged terrain. Some of these gems took me to tear-inducing heights, squeezingly-tight adventures, or swirling colors that the Grand Canyon can’t quite match. So here are 8 of the most beautiful canyons in the US that just might make you rethink your bucket list!
1. Buckskin Gulch, Utah/Arizona
Although not as grand as the Grand Canyon, Buckskin Gulch is actually one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world! Its winding path stretches over 15 miles and is filled with narrow corridors and imposing walls. Imagine weaving through passageways only a few feet wide with walls reaching up to 500 feet high, layered in shades of red, orange, and pink. Hidden petroglyphs and ancient markings pepper the canyon walls.
The hike is moderately challenging, with sections where you might have to squeeze through tight spaces or scramble over boulders. There’s the occasional water crossing, especially during the rainy season.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? For starters, it’s completely away from the masses. The time I went for a day hike, we were completely alone all day! While the Grand Canyon is vast, Buckskin Gulch’s intricate passages and walls draw you to continue through its tunnels. Plus, you don’t have to plan ahead or obtain permits, it’s completely free.
2. Waimea Canyon, Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its multi-colored beaches, but did you know Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai’s western side is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Don’t let its smaller size fool you; this canyon has a tropical twist on the classic canyon experience.
Located on the island of Kauai, Waimea Canyon is approximately 14 miles long and 1 mile wide and plunges to depths of up to 3,600 feet. Its bright colors make it pop, mixing verdant greens, rich reds, and deep browns, all interspersed with cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? Waimea Canyon combines grandeur with tropical scenery that you simply can’t find in the drier, more arid environment of the Grand Canyon. The combination of colorful cliffs and foliage is a completely different perspective. Its Hawaiian location means you can enjoy canyon views alongside beach days, surfing, and all the other perks of island life.
3. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
You’ve seen it in NatGeo and computer screensavers everywhere. Get ready to be wowed by Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon on Navajo land in Arizona famous for its wave-like walls, creating a flowing, almost liquid-looking surface of fiery colors. This natural wonder is actually six separate canyons, but the two most famous ones are Upper Antelope Canyon, known as “The Crack,” and Lower Antelope Canyon, known as “The Corkscrew.” Canyon X is now open to the public as well.
The canyon is popular for its photography opportunities. As you walk through, each twist and turn reveals a new pattern created by sunlight’s interaction with the sandstone walls, casting spectacular shadows and light beams.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? Antelope Canyon is an absolutely surreal experience in every chamber you walk through. The play of light and shadow is unparalleled, and the smaller size makes it easier to explore in just a few hours. This might just be one of my favorite places in the world.
Cons: Because this canyon is on Navajo Land, you’ll need a guide like this tour to explore it, but at least they can help you get those sought-after Instagram shots!
4. Canyonlands, Utah
Canyonlands, Utah, is a sprawling wonderland of mesas and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. This national park encompasses over 337,000 acres of red rock canyons and spires. It’s divided into four districts: The Needles, Island in the Sky, The Maze, and Horseshoe Canyon.
The Island in the Sky district is where you’ll find some of the best lookout points, an elevated mesa over deep gorges and winding rivers. If you’re up for an adventure, hike through the distinctive sandstone spires of The Needles or get lost (not literally!) in the labyrinthine trails of The Maze. The Cataract Canyon section is where you can white-water rafting down sections of the Colorado River.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? Unlike the Grand Canyon’s single viewpoint along the South Rim or North Rim, Canyonlands has several different areas to explore and many smaller canyons. Some viewpoints are elevated, so you almost have a drone-like perspective. And, since it’s not as well-known, the experience is much quieter, especially if you decide to go off-roading in the backcountry.
5. Royal Gorge, Colorado
Royal Gorge, often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas” (Not the state), is an impressive sight with its striking vertical drops and suspension bridge. Stretching over 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge Bridge held the title of the world’s highest bridge from 1929 until 2001. This engineering marvel connects the two sides of the canyon.
The gorge combines nature’s magnificence with thrilling activities. Visitors can walk across the bridge, dare to ride the aerial gondolas, zipline above the canyon, and go whitewater rafting.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? While Royal Gorge’s landscape is less iconic, it makes up for it with adrenaline-pumping activities you cannot find elsewhere. The suspension bridge alone is an adventure, providing a one-of-a-kind walk above the canyon. With activities like the Royal Rush Skycoaster and whitewater rafting, you get a blend of thrill and natural beauty that’s hard to match. Plus, you can easily fit in a day trip to Royal Gorge from Denver if you’re short on time.
6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Ever wondered what it would be like to peer into the depths of one of the darkest, narrowest canyons in America? The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a geological marvel carved by the Gunnison River with cliffs that soar up to 2,700 feet high. Some canyon sections receive little to no sunlight, hence the name “Black Canyon.”
Like many other national parks, activities range from hiking and rock climbing to trout fishing in the Gunnison River. The South Rim has the most developed facilities, including several short hiking trails to incredible overlooks like the Painted Wall, the tallest sheer cliff in Colorado. The North Rim is much less accessible and more for the adventurous.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? The Black Canyon has even more dramatic and sheer vertical drops. While the Grand Canyon spans a broader area, the Black Canyon’s extreme narrowness, steep walls, and striking dark color make it unique. Its less crowded trails are also a huge plus.
7. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming
You probably didn’t even know this canyon existed, did you? I sure didn’t when I went. Well, it’s true, Yellowstone National Park has its own version of the Grand Canyon, and it’s as impressive as the one in Arizona. This 20-mile-long canyon stretches through the heart of Yellowstone and is carved by the blue waters of the Yellowstone River.
Its floors are marked by geothermal features just below the surface, creating a surreal tinge with colors of pastel yellows, bronzed oranges, and reds. The shining star of this canyon is undeniably the thunderous Lower Falls, which plummets 308 feet, making it almost twice the height of Niagara Falls.
Why Does it Beat the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone has lush surroundings with vivid, mineral-streaked, colorful walls unique to its geothermal landscape. The combination of roaring waterfalls and the added bonus of seeing wildlife like bison and elk roaming nearby adds a layer of natural drama that you simply won’t find in the more uniform terrain of the Grand Canyon.
8. Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah boasts the world’s largest collection of hoodoos. These rock spires, also known as “fairy chimneys,” can reach heights of up to 200 feet. They are shaped over millions of years by frost wedging and rain erosion, resulting in intricate formations. The park’s highlight is the Bryce Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater filled with these towering structures.
A Bryce Canyon itinerary would incude hiking some of the awesome trails like the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden—those are crowd favorites. And if you’re into photography, try to catch the sunrise or sunset.
Why it Beats the Grand Canyon: The contrast of the red rock spires against the blue sky is simply unique, and the colors of the hoodoos change colors throughout the day. Plus, there are usually fewer crowds and more manageable hike options.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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