If There Are Only Three U.S. Canyons You Visit In Your Lifetime, Make Them These

There are few things more quintessential to the American landscape than a canyon. While the Grand Canyon comes to mind almost immediately, few people realize that the U.S. is home to 19 canyons and gorges. Each one of these dramatic natural attractions is worth visiting, but the following three are perhaps the most stunning of all. So, without further ado, here are the three U.S. canyons that you absolutely must visit in your lifetime:

Pixabay

Pixabay

As soon as you arrive to Bryce Canyon National Park, you may forget you're still on Planet Earth. The salmon colored hue paired with the whimsical and bizarre spires known as "hoodoos" are reminiscent of something from a movie set. Or maybe even Mars. This deep canyon filled with pillars of rock is positively stunning any time of year. And while it's massive enough to be admired from afar, the canyon can also be explored via the trails that meander down to the floor. To learn more about one of the most iconic treks in Bryce Canyon, click here.

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Jonathan Miske/flickr

If you've ever seen the beloved children's movie, The Land Before Time, you may feel as though Waimea Canyon in Hawaii is the closest rendition. Holding the title for the largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon in Kauaʻi is an impressive ten miles long and plummets nearly 3,000 feet deep. The park surrounding the canyon measures approximately 1,866 acres and offers incredible hiking trails. For additional details about Waimea Canyon, including an exhilarating canyon hike, click here.

Pixabay

Pixabay

We'd be remiss to leave out the Grand Canyon on any list of epic canyons in the U.S. If you have yet to experience the privilege of seeing the Grand Canyon in person, you owe it to yourself to see this natural wonder. Carved by the Colorado River, this gargantuan canyon is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and a whopping one mile deep in some areas. The Grand Canyon has been a National Park since 1919 and is truly a sight to behold. Wondering what you can do on a quick trip to the mother of all canyons? We've got you covered with 10 ideas if you click here.

Have you seen any of these three canyons in person? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! And if you’ve been adventurous to see them all, check out The 16 Most Magnificent Canyons In The U.S.