The United States contains some of the most dramatic canyon landscapes in the world.
Some can be explored from scenic overlooks, others require demanding hikes, and a few offer experiences ranging from river trips to aerial sightseeing.
Here are eight remarkable canyon destinations worth knowing about.
1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for steep cliffs and an exceptionally narrow, deep canyon carved by the Gunnison River.
Visitors can enjoy overlooks and rim trails without descending into the canyon.
Reaching the inner canyon is a much more serious undertaking. There are no maintained or marked trails into the inner canyon; instead, experienced hikers use steep wilderness routes, and permits are required.
2. Queens Garden at Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon is famous for hoodoos—towering rock formations that create one of the most recognizable landscapes in Utah.
The Queens Garden area allows hikers to descend among these formations rather than viewing them only from above.
Bryce Canyon is technically a collection of natural amphitheaters rather than one conventional canyon, but its landscape easily earns a place on a Southwest sightseeing itinerary.
3. Fall Canyon, Death Valley, California
Death Valley National Park contains numerous canyons shaped by erosion, flash floods and the region’s extreme desert environment.
Fall Canyon offers hikers an opportunity to explore a quieter section of the park surrounded by steep canyon walls.
Always check current road and trail conditions before traveling into remote parts of Death Valley.
4. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is the best-known canyon in the United States—and one of the most extraordinary landscapes anywhere in the world.
Visitors can experience it from rim overlooks, hiking trails, river trips and the air.
Travelers from Las Vegas can compare Grand Canyon helicopter tours offering aerial sightseeing and selected landing experiences.
Visitors already staying near Grand Canyon National Park can also explore South Rim helicopter tours departing from Arizona.
5. Cathedral Wash, Arizona
Cathedral Wash lies near Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon region of northern Arizona.
The route involves scrambling and route-finding through a narrowing canyon toward the Colorado River.
Although it can provide a taste of canyon exploration without technical canyoneering equipment, hikers should not mistake that for an easy walk. Conditions and water levels can affect the route.
6. Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Colorado National Monument features towering rock formations, deep canyons and high desert scenery near Grand Junction.
Visitors can experience much of the landscape along Rim Rock Drive, with overlooks and trailheads providing access to additional viewpoints.
The combination of canyon walls, mesas and isolated rock towers creates some of western Colorado’s most dramatic scenery.
7. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
Angels Landing is one of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes.
The route climbs through Zion Canyon toward Scout Lookout before reaching the exposed chains section leading to Angels Landing.
A permit is currently required to continue beyond Scout Lookout onto the Angels Landing chains section.
The route has significant exposure and steep drop-offs and should be approached as a serious hike rather than a casual sightseeing stop.
8. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is one of the Southwest’s most photographed slot-canyon landscapes.
Narrow sandstone walls and reflected sunlight create constantly changing colors and shapes within the canyon.
Antelope Canyon lies on Navajo Nation land, and access to Antelope Canyon locations requires an authorized guided tour.
Travelers interested in this region can also explore GC Flight’s Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon airplane tour.
Which canyon should you visit?
The right canyon depends on the type of trip you want.
For serious hiking, places such as Zion and Black Canyon provide demanding options.
For photography, Antelope Canyon and Bryce Canyon offer distinctive landscapes.
For sheer scale and variety of experiences, the Grand Canyon stands apart.
If you are visiting Las Vegas and want to experience the Grand Canyon without spending an entire day driving, compare current Grand Canyon helicopter tours and Grand Canyon airplane tours.
For help choosing an aerial sightseeing experience, call GC Flight at 1-800-871-1030.