The canyons are some of the most magnificent wonders on earth. Layers of different rocks are the most suitable place to search for fossils, study the history of the planet's geology and, of course, observe the incredible view from this height. Below is a list of the 9 most breathtaking canyons in the world.
9. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan, Southwest China
Situated between the majestic snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain and Mount Haba, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is located in the Yunnan province of Southwest China. It stretches along the river for 14.9 km and has a maximum depth of 3790 meters.
The gorge is "cut" by the Yangtze River. Here, in the narrowest part of the river, lies a huge stone. According to legend, once a tiger jumped over the Yangtze, 25 meters wide. Since that time, the canyon has been called the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
The incredible valley is divided into 3 different layers: upper, middle and low gorge. The narrowest part is inside the top, known as the "mouth of the gorge".
On average, you will see 100 meters of slope towards the river. This gorge in the last section is very steep compared to the other parts. Apart from the gorgeous scenery, the gorge is great for hiking in Yunnan province.
8. Bicaz Gorge, Northeastern Romania
Bikaz Gorge is the most spectacular canyon in Romania and part of the Bikaz Gorge National Park is located in the north-east of the country. Cut by the waters of the Bikaz River, a six-kilometer canyon connects Hargit District with Neamt District in Romania. The narrow road passes through the Bikaz Canyon, which is one of the finest roads in all of Europe.
The gorge is surrounded by high mountains Suhardul Mare and Suhardul Mik. The limestone outcrops have many incredible caves. The adjoining territory contains many small gorges created by the tributaries of the Bikaz River.
7. Verdon Gorge, Alps of Haute Provence, France
The breathtaking Verdon Gorge in southeastern France is considered the most beautiful canyon in Europe. The dimensions of the gorge are as follows: 24 km in length, 700 meters in depth, width is 200-1500 meters. This stunning gorge dates back to the Triassic period (approximately 200-251 million years old), while the picturesque Verdon River flows through it.
High limestone cliffs, deep valleys, strikingly bright waters make the Verdon Gorge a paradise for visitors. It is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Rock climbing is very popular among the tourist mountaineers of the area. Hiking or car tourism around the peaks will present an incredible landscape from the gorge. You can also enjoy kayaking, rafting, fishing, water skiing and paragliding.
6. Colca Canyon, South Peru
In terms of depth, which is 4160 meters, the Kolka canyon is the second in the world. It is located high in the Andes, in the region of southern Peru. With endless trails, spectacular views and many activities, the Colca Canyon is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Peru.
You can get to this place by heading from the Chivay village to the Kolka valley. The hike can be tough, but the horizons are worth it. You will see magnificent valleys, steep cliffs, a variety of animals, plant species and the delightful Kolka River.
Hiking with a well-planned route is the best way to enjoy the depth of the canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. In addition, the area is home to a rich fauna. Among them are very famous - Andean condors (birds flying at the highest altitude in the world). They can be seen throughout the year. There are thousands of Inca terraces in the Kolka Valley.
5. Copper Canyon, Chihuahua, northwest Mexico
The Copper Canyon can indeed be attributed to the natural wonders of Mexico. Located in Chihuahua State. In fact, this is a collection of six majestic canyons, occupying an enormous area of 65 thousand square kilometers. The gorge is even deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona at 122 meters.
The spectacular Copper Valley is named after the rocks' gorgeous copper hues. All around you will see incredible mountain peaks, subtropical forests and spectacular waterfalls. The canyon is inhabited by a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 200 oak species, 23 pine trees, 290 migratory birds, 87 reptile species and several mammals: black bear, deer and lion, for example.
4. Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii, United States
The wonderful Waimea Canyon, which is located on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, is the largest valley in the Pacific region. It is 22.5 km long, 1.5 km wide and 1100 meters deep. Aside from being large, Waimea's walls are known for displaying reds, brass, purples, and grays. An excellent river of the valley with reddish waters flows through the entire gorge. The natural wonder of Kauai is also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific".
Take a ride down Hawaii Road 550 for stunning views. There are many points on this street from which it is simply impossible not to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes. It is also an ideal hiking destination in Hawaii. Walk along the circle to see the incredible beauty of Waimea Canyon. In addition, you can sign up for a helicopter tour, which makes the gorge look even more exciting from different locations.
3. Fishriver Canyon, South Namibia
Located in southern Namibia, the amazing Fishriver Canyon is Africa's largest valley. Stretching 160 km along, 25 wide and 550 meters deep, the canyon was formed by the destruction of rocks, thanks to the displacement of tectonic plates 500 million years ago. The longest, inland river in Namibia (the so-called "fish river") also flows through a magnificent gorge.
It literally creates a vast rocky landscape that can be the best sight in a tourist's life. But you need to know that this is just a seasonal river. In the dry season, it dries up and occurs only in the rainy seasons from January to April.
The canyon has 83 km of hiking trails. The most difficult hikes in Africa are carried out here, which cost 2-3 days by the end of a full survey of the area. But believe me, the beautiful views are worth it. The period between June and September (when the weather is cool) is the best for camping in Fishriver Canyon. There is a helicopter service that offers you a bird's eye view of the strikingly beautiful valley.
2. Antelope Canyon, Navajo Territory, Arizona
Undisputedly, Antelope Canyon in Navajo is the most beautiful slit canyon in the world. Photographers and tourists from all over the planet travel to the site to see these colorful, wavy sandstone walls and narrow passages. The gorge is the most photographed canyon in the entire world.
It was formed by a flash flood that happened several thousand years ago. This unrivaled area contains two canyons, the Upper Antelope Canyon and the Lower Canyon. Most tourists visit the upper one because of the easy access. The sunbeams sneaking over the gorge create an absolutely stunning view.
Unlike the upper part, the lower antelope canyon has a rather difficult access. You need to climb through the metal ladders set on the rocks of the gorge. The paths of the section are much narrower than at the top. Be that as it may, the lovely canyon walls make the lower part worth a visit. Remember that Antelope Canyon is subject to flash flooding during the monsoon seasons.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
The Grand Canyon is neither the largest nor the deepest in the world.True, no other gorge is as famous as this. It is also considered one of the seven natural wonders on Earth. This incredibly steep canyon in the State of America Arizona is 445 km long, 18 km wide and 1828 meters deep. This is really one of the most beautiful places to visit.
The Grand Canyon was carved by the Colorado River over a million years ago. The metamorphic rocks found at the bottom of the gorge are attributed to about 2 billion years. The upper part contains rocks that are 230 million years old. So, this place reveals a lot about the history of our planet.
Huwasu Falls, located in a canyon, is one of the most excellent waterfalls in the world. Surrounded by colorful cliffs, this spectacular spot has vibrant blue waters. Pools in the foothills of Havasu are great for swimming.
Skywalk (canyon bridge), erected at the western end of the canyon, offers an incredible panoramic view. It is located at an altitude of 220 meters. During sunrises and sunsets, the vast cliffs are displayed in vibrant colors. The Grand Canyon is also one of the best hiking spots in Arizona. With a permit, you can even spend the night in an unimaginable gorge.
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Beautiful and breathtaking footage of the world's largest canyon, the Grand Canyon.
