18 Canyons in the U.S. That Rival the Grand Canyon

There's nothing quite like standing at the precipice of a canyon, gazing out at the immense expanse stretching endlessly into the horizon. It's a momentous moment that anchors you in the here and now, and something you really must experience in person.

While there is one Grand Canyon that needs to be introduced, there are extraordinary canyons all across the country that are equally brilliant and breathtaking. So let the following photographs and words be your inspiration, guiding your future travels and bucket-list escapades to our country's most captivating and commanding canyons.

National Park Canyons in the U.S.

1. Yellowstone Grand Canyon - Wyoming

• Address: N Rim Dr, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
• Canyon Stats: 24 miles long, between 800 and 1,200 ft deep, and from .25 to .75 miles wide.
• Where to Stay Nearby: One of a Kind Yellowstone Cabin

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most remarkable places on the planet, full of immense beauty and wonder. It has its very own Grand Canyon, too, and it's a place that's every bit as extraordinary as the park itself. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is easily the most majestic sight in the park: it's 20 miles long, 4,000 feet wide, and 1,200 feet deep. Its mineral-marked walls speak to the great history of this wondrous place, and Yellowstone's Upper and Lower Falls crash through the canyon in an incredible display of power. There's nowhere in the world like the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, and it's truly a place that both inspires and satisfies wanderlust.

2. Death Valley National Park - California and Nevada

• Address: CA-190, California
• Canyon Stats: At 282 feet below sea level, Death Valley is the lowest point in North America.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Death Valley Hot Springs Airstream

One of the most sublime and intriguing places in the country, Death Valley National Park is an otherworldly wonder. Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is a land of extremes: it's the hottest, driest, and lowest-elevation national park in the country. Unique geographical features such as the salt flats, which stretch over 200 square miles, seemingly endless dunes, and sedimentary badlands form Death Valley, creating a landscape that's wholly unique and uncanny.

If you're going to visit, do so during the winter months; in the summer, temperatures in Death Valley can climb up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, living up to the warning inherent in this national park's name.

3. Zion Canyon - Utah

• Address: Zion Canyon, Springdale, UT 84737
• Canyon Stats: 15 miles long and up to 2,640 ft deep.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Desert Glamping Wagon

Some places in the world will leave an imprint on your soul. Zion National Park in Utah is one of those unforgettable places. Located in southern Utah, Zion National Park was established in 1919, making it the state's very first national park. But it's not simply Utah's original state park; it's Utah's most spectacular state park.

The park’s most distinguishing feature is the steep red cliffs of the eponymous Zion Canyon. In fact, the park is often referred to as a "vertical park" because of its sharp, scarped sides. In addition to this epic, expansive canyon, Zion is also home to more than 90 miles of hiking and backpacking trails, making it an amazing place for near-endless exploration and adventure.

4. Santa Elena Canyon - Texas

• Address: Santa Elena Canyon, Texas 79852
• Canyon Stats: Eight miles long and 1,500 feet deep. In some places, the canyon walls are only 30 feet wide.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Ten Bits Ranch Cabin

While everything is certainly bigger in Texas, Santa Elena Canyon is a place of intricate and quiet beauty that's positively sublime. Santa Elena Canyon, a majestic limestone grotto nestled deep in the Texas mountains, is the most beautiful and popular feature of Big Bend National Park. While there are many ways to explore this commanding canyon, kayaking offers the most immersive experiences.

The Rio Grande meanders for 13 miles, making it an ideal spot for kayaking. Several outfitters offer trips ranging from one to three days, appealing to a variety of skill levels. Along the way, you'll pass rare wildlife and even get the opportunity to camp on spacious sandbars, all while reveling in the resplendence of this incredible Texas canyon.

5. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area - Arizona and Utah

• Address: Glen Canyon, Arizona 86036
• Canyon Stats: Glen Canyon Dam is the second-highest dam in the United States.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Luxury Home in Page, Arizona

The Grand Canyon might be the most well-known canyon in Arizona (and the world), but it's not the only incredible canyon in the state. For proof of this, look no further than Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, a 1.2-million-acre national park that's home to the eponymous Glen Canyon. The most distinct feature of Glen Canyon is its natural bridges; in fact, this national park is home to one of the world's largest known natural bridges, and the single largest in the country.

Spanning 234 feet, Rainbow Bridge is considered sacred by many local Indigenous tribes and attracts nearly 85,000 visitors from all over the globe each year. Comprised of sandstone deposited by wind as dunes, the bridge began forming about 200 million years ago, and it's so massive, it's visible from outer space!

6. The Grand Canyon - Arizona

• Address: Grand Canyon, Arizona 86052
• Canyon Stats: 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Took 3-6 million years to form; erosion continues to alter its contours.
• Where to Stay Nearby: THE HAVEN at Woodland Ranch

When a place is as ingrained in our national consciousness as the Grand Canyon, it's easy to lose sight of just how extraordinary a place Arizona's Grand Canyon is. So allow us to reacquaint you with this national natural wonder. The Grand Canyon is one of the largest and longest canyons on Earth and one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, the Grand Canyon is also a beloved destination for waterfall chasers, home to some of the country's finest waterfalls.

The Grand Canyon can be explored in myriad ways: you can drive to scenic viewpoints, explore on a helicopter tour, whitewater raft down the Colorado River, or even walk out onto a glass bridge. However you choose to experience the Grand Canyon, know it will be a bucket-list-worthy adventure you'll never forget.

7. Palo Duro Canyon - Texas

• Address: Canyon, TX 79015
• Canyon Stats: As the second-largest canyon in the U.S., it is roughly 120 miles long and has an average width of six miles, but reaches 20 miles wide at places.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Lone Star Mini Cabin

Called the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the country. Within the eponymous state park, there are numerous ways to explore the canyon, starting with its 30 miles of trails. This canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and up to 800 feet deep in some areas. A place of immense history, you can see the beautiful colors of four geologic layers painted on the colossal canyon walls.

The canyon began forming a million years ago—but the canyon walls tell a much older geologic story, one that began 250 million years ago! Prepare to experience total awe and wonder at Palo Duro Canyon.

8. Letchworth State Park - New York

• Address: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
• Canyon Stats: The park is roughly 17 miles long, following the course of the Genesee River as it flows north through a deep gorge and over several large waterfalls.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Upscale Woodland Cabin

In Upstate New York, there’s a particularly epic, 176-foot waterfall that attracts upwards of 8 million visitors each year and definitely demands the spotlight. Of course, we’re talking about Niagara Falls, which truly is one of the world’s most splendid natural wonders. But there’s another destination that’s less than two hours from the world-famous falls that’s equally wondrous and meritorious in its own right: Letchworth State Park.

This New York park has some of the most sublime scenery in the country. Here, the Genesee River roars through the majestic gorge, over picture-perfect tiered waterfalls, between stately cliffs, and along the lush Upstate wilderness. Lauded as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is magnificent and truly one of our country's most beguiling and beautiful places.

9. Waimea Canyon - Hawaii

• Address: Waimea Canyon, Hawaii 96796
• Canyon Stats: 14 miles long, 3,000 feet in depth, and one mile wide.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Pakala Plantation Estate

Hawaii is a bucket-list destination in its own right, so a place like Waimea Canyon truly is the icing on the cake. Called The Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is an immensely majestic place that's a true national treasure. With brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, gray, and even purple, Waimea Canyon State Park is a colorful wonderland encompassing approximately 1,866 acres.

It's one of the island’s most popular destinations. At nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon isn't simply flush with commanding cliffs, vibrant colors, and cascading waterfalls; it's Hawaii’s most unspoiled and unrivaled natural beauty.

River Canyons in the U.S.

10. Columbia River Gorge - Oregon and Washington

• Address: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Washington 98605
• Canyon Stats: Up to 4,000 feet deep, the canyon stretches for over 80 miles.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Vineyard Farmhouse in Sherwood, Oregon

Hailed as the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the U.S. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Known for its abundance of waterfalls (over 90 on the Oregon side alone), the Columbia River Gorge is immensely scenic and beautiful.

One of the best ways to see the highlights of this natural wonder is by driving the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway. This 75-mile scenic highway winds past dozens of amazing waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas. Lewis and Clark first encountered the Columbia River Gorge during their 1806 expedition, and we can only imagine how awestruck they were at discovering this pristine PNW paradise. Find it for yourself, and experience total awe and wonder.

11. Gulf Hagas - Maine

• Address: Gulf Hagas Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414
• Canyon Stats: Four-mile-long gorge, and at times displaying vertical slate walls 300′ to 400′ deep.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Cozy Lakeside Home

At the eastern edge of the U.S., you'll discover one of the most eye-catching canyons in the country. Gulf Hagas is a roughly three-mile-long stretch of rock walls that tower over the river, which rushes nearly 500 feet below. Nicknamed "the Grand Canyon of Maine"—and even "the Grand Canyon of the East"—it’s found along the northern stretch of the Appalachian Trail and features a network of trails, incredible rock formations, and a series of beautiful waterfalls.

If, while hiking, you begin to question why Gulf Hagas is considered the "Grand Canyon of Maine," keep hiking: you’re likely only moments away from stumbling upon a vista that will render you speechless.

12. Black Canyon of Gunnison - Colorado

• Address: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
• Canyon Stats: 2,722 feet deep at Warner Point, followed by 1,840 feet at Gunnison Point, and 1,820 feet at Chasm View.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Downtown Montrose Home

With its tan-streaked canyon walls, austere angles, and sharp crevices, Colorado's Black Canyon commands attention. Located along the state's Western Slope, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a 48-mile-long gorge that encompasses the Gunnison River below and features dramatic walls and cliffs above. It's been hailed as Colorado's superlative park, with breathtaking vistas, camping sites, and trails.

Said to house some of the oldest rock, most precipitous cliffs, and craggiest spires in the country, the Black Canyon is also unique in that the Gunnison River drops an average of 34 feet per mile (versus the Grand Canyon's Colorado River, which drops an average of 7.5 feet per mile). Add it all up, and you've got the makings of a truly remarkable place of immense grandeur that shouldn't be missed.

13. Red River Gorge - Kentucky

• Address: Red River Gorge Geological Area, Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380
• Canyon Stats: About 150 arches that have been carved in the rocks by the Red River over millions of years.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Upscale Shipping Container Cabin

Kentucky might be best known as the home of the world's largest cave system, but natural wonders abound aboveground, too. For proof of this, look no further than Red River Gorge. Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Kentucky, Red River Gorge is a canyon system along the Red River in the eastern part of the state.

A magical place any time of the year, the gorge offers some of the very best outdoor recreation in the country. While the hiking is unrivaled in this park (there are 60 miles of mapped hiking trails in various spots throughout the Gorge), those with limited mobility or who wish to explore the scenery in a more leisurely manner can take the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, a 46-mile route with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country.

Little-Known Canyons in the U.S.

14. Antelope Canyon - Arizona

• Address: Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040
• Canyon Stats: Upper Antelope Canyon is about 660 feet long, and Lower Antelope Canyon is about 1,335 feet long.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Horseshoe Bend Retreat

Provocative and undulating, Antelope Canyon isn't so much a place as it is an experience. Located on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, Antelope is a slot canyon with tall sandstone walls, captivating orange and red hues, and wholly unique natural designs. Created by the slow seepage of water into the natural cracks of sandstone, these small cracks turned into large, narrow gorges—known as slot canyons—that are dramatic and deep.

One of the most famous slot canyons in the country, Antelope Canyon features two distinct areas to explore; Upper Antelope Canyon is unique, as its entrance is at ground level. You do not have to climb or rappel to access this area of the canyon, making it open to anyone with an adventurous soul and spirit.

15. Nine Mile Canyon - Utah

• Address: Nine Mile Canyon Road, Nine Mile Cyn Rd, Utah
• Canyon Stats: The canyon is approximately 40 miles long.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Secluded Luxury Lodge in Wellington

Another superlative showstopper in Utah, Nine Mile Canyon is a bit of a misnomer—it spans 46 magnificent miles and features art created more than a thousand years ago. Often called the world's largest art gallery, Nine Mile Canyon features tens of thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs adorning its rocky red walls. This winding, rocky canyon was home to Fremont and Ute people for thousands of years, and eventually became a route for European fur trappers, traders, and settlers. Today, the ancient artworks make this wholly unique canyon a top destination for history buffs, nature lovers, archaeologists, and explorers.

Unique Canyons in the U.S.

16. Box Canyon Springs Preserve - Idaho

• Address: Box Canyon Springs Preserve, Wendell, ID 83355
• Canyon Stats: The springs flow at 180,000 gallons a minute into the Snake River.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Riverfront Geothermal Hot Springs Home

If you're interested in exploring Idaho's natural wonders, the Box Canyon Springs Preserve, just west of Twin Falls, is a must. The preserve offers a breathtaking view of the 11th-largest spring in the country, with its bright blue waters that are exceptionally stunning on a sunny day. Don't forget to read the informative signs throughout the area, which reveal fascinating details about the canyon, including how it's comparable to Mars! And be sure to follow the trail and hike down into the canyon to discover a stunning 20-foot waterfall that's a must-see.

17. Little River Canyon National Preserve - Alabama

• Address: Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
• Canyon Stats: 15,288-acre preserve.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Mentone Quaint Cottage

Little River is truly a hidden gem in northeast Alabama: it flows most of its length atop Lookout Mountain, creating a picturesque landscape perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike through the forested uplands, explore the waterfalls, or enjoy the stunning views from the canyon rims and bluffs, there's something for everyone here.

With pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs scattered throughout the preserve, there's no shortage of adventure. All in all, Little River is a truly unique and special place in the Southern Appalachians that's definitely worth a visit.

18. Indian Canyons - California

• Address: Indian Canyons, 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
• Canyon Stats: Tahquitz Canyon is known for its rock art and a 60-foot waterfall.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Zen Modern Home

The Indian Canyons in Palm Springs are a one-of-a-kind experience. The crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and shady palm oases are unlike anything you'll see. What makes the canyon special is its rich history. As the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, this land holds a deep spiritual connection that can be felt by all who visit. It's a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with something deeper.

There are three canyons to explore—Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Palm Canyon—each offering a different adventure. The trails are easy to navigate and wind through the palms and rugged mountainsides. It truly is a unique and magical place.

The U.S. is home to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, and these canyons are some of our country's most transcendent treasures. Which of these spots are you adding to your travel bucket list? If you're planning an upcoming trip, try out Only In Your State's itinerary planner to get customized lodging, dining, and nearby sightseeing recommendations.