7 Must-Visit Canyons Around the World

The third-largest canyon on the planet, Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is unlike any other due to its green hue, made by the subtropical vegetation. Part of Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the canyon is part of the Panorama Route and passes sites like Three Rondavels rock formation and Kadishi Tufa waterfall. © Dcodegoni | Dreamstime.com

Perhaps one of the most iconic canyons in the world, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a whopping 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and more than 1 mile deep. Formed nearly 2 billion years ago, the canyon’s vibrant red, purple and orange colors draw visitors far and wide. Fun fact: The Grand Canyon area, within a national park, has some of the cleanest air in the country. © Mcwilli1 | Dreamstime.com

Pinturas River Canyon near Santa Cruz, Argentina, was formed during the Jurassic period, creating nearly 100 percent vertical walls. Historically, the canyon was home to native populations, who painted rock art, some of which can be seen today. The most famous is at Cueva de las Manos, a cave site with art dating back 13,000 years ago. © Iakov Filimonov | Dreamstime.com

In Jasper, in the Canadian province of Alberta, Maligne Canyon is a slot canyon, a long and narrow channel with sheer rock walls. Maligne Canyon is located within Jasper National Park and is more than 160 feet deep. The canyon is also popular for its waterfalls, underground stream outlets and bird watching. © Petr Svec | Dreamstime.com

Colca Canyon in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a depth of about 3,300–6,600 feet. The canyon traverses through Colca Valley, a colorful Andean valley with pre-Inca roots, as well as Spanish colonial towns. The region is still inhabited by the people of Collagua and Cabana cultures, who maintain their traditions and cultivate pre-Inca stepped terraces. © Saiko3p | Dreamstime.com

The otherworldly Antelope Canyon in Arizona covers six separate slot canyon sections. The sites are located on Navajo land and is the main attraction of Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Antelope Canyon formed from eroded Navajo sandstone from flash flooding and other sub-aerial processes, creating mesmerizing hues and patterns. © Anthony Aneese Totah Jr | Dreamstime.com

Called a canyon, Skippers Canyon is actually a scenic gorge north of Queenstown, New Zealand, carved by the Shotover River. Once part of the country’s gold rush, Skippers Canyon today draws visitors for its mouth-dropping views. Skippers Bridge allows the bravest to cross part of the canyon. © Yanyanyan881 | Dreamstime.com