The deepest canyons in the world. The Most Scenic Canyons on Earth Things to Do in the Grand Canyon

Canyons are a prime example of the powerful corrosive power of water. For millions of years, water flows cut their way through the earth and rocks, slowly creating an unprecedented miracle of nature - a “bottomless” river valley with a narrow bottom and steep vertical slopes. The deepest canyon in the world, Yarlung Tsangpo, is located in Tibet. It is about him and his 9 “brothers” that we will talk in today’s article.

The deepest canyon on the planet is located in the Tibetan Himalayas. The fog-shrouded gorge is called the last geographical mystery of the Earth. Its greatest depth is 6009 meters, length is about 500 km. It was thoroughly examined only in 1994. Everything that was known about it before sounded too fantastic.

The canyon has an unusual horseshoe-shaped outline. It is surrounded by the highest mountains with snow-white peaks that merge with the azure sky, becoming almost invisible. They often attract beginner climbers, but only professionals can conquer them.

The path of the Tsangpo River follows the canyon. Its smallest width is 80 meters, but from the height of the mountain peaks it looks like a barely visible thread. Rafting on the river is considered quite difficult, but this does not prevent it from being popular among rafters.


The canyon is distinguished by a special ecosystem, where snow-capped peaks coexist with flowering vegetation. The diversity of flora and fauna species is due to the presence of several habitats:

  • Warm air dominates below, comfortable for many representatives of the plant world;
  • Higher up, in difficult mountain conditions, there are completely different living creatures and vegetation, adapted to the lack of oxygen and low temperatures.

Kali Gandaki takes 2nd place in the ranking of the deepest canyons in the world. It is located in Nepal. Depth – 6 thousand meters. The name of the gorge comes from the name of the Hindu goddess Kali, who personifies the power of natural forces. Local residents consider the canyon sacred. Every year it is visited by a lot of pilgrims who are attracted here by sanctuaries and miraculous wonders of nature: for example, burning stones.


The canyon is surrounded by huge mountains rising 8 thousand meters. The difference in heights creates varied landscapes. At a level of 3 km, among the lifeless mountain slopes, you can find small villages, whose residents harvest from local oases twice a year. Shrines and hard-to-reach villages located on mountain slopes give this place a touch of antiquity and mystery.

The canyon, a little more than 3.5 km deep, is located far from civilized places, between a pair of rock systems: Coropuna and Solimana (Peru). It is very popular among travelers.


A lot of hot underground springs are concentrated on its territory. There are also several waterfalls here: for example, Sipia, rising 250 meters. On the territory of the gorge there are several villages, whose residents create unique items from alpaca wool.

The canyon is equipped with a convenient viewing platform, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding area. People here also engage in active recreation: paragliding, boating, conquering mountain slopes and peaks.

Located in Peru. It is considered one of the most visited places in the state. Depth – 3.4 km. The first people to inhabit Colca were representatives of the original tribes of the pre-Inca era. Here they managed to create an intricate system of agricultural plots with an area of ​​more than 10 thousand hectares. The name of the gorge translates as “grain barn.”


Formed from the activity of the Hualca and Sabancaya volcanoes. Hundreds of tourists flock to the canyon, attracted by:

  • Unique views from unprecedented heights;
  • Incredible nature;
  • Colorful settlements.

At one of the highest points of Colca, the Cruz del Condor observation platform has been formed. It allows you to see from the closest possible distance the “masters of the Andes”, the largest birds on the planet – condors.


The canyon is famous for its comfortable hotels near hot springs. After a hard walk, tourists can expect impeccable service and a relaxing holiday in a swimming pool with natural water.

One of the most attractive and deepest canyons on the planet is formed by 2 mountain clusters in the southwest of the Celestial Empire. Its depth is 3 thousand meters. It owes its name to the myth of a powerful tiger who, hiding from his pursuers, crossed the seething river of the canyon in just 2 huge leaps.


For a long time the gorge was completely impassable. All research attempts ended tragically. It was only in 1986 that luck favored another scientific group, and in 1993 the gorge was officially opened to foreign tourists. Today the canyon is famous among hikers and rafting fans.

Canyon Sulaksky

6th place in the list of the deepest canyons is occupied by the Dagestan Sulak Gorge, surrounded by the Salatau and Gimrinsky mountain ranges. Depth – 1.92 km. It is considered one of the most attractive local attractions.


Climbing onto the plateau, you can admire the amazing panorama of the Sulak River and the many hydroelectric power stations installed on it. It is worth remembering that the gorge is not equipped with railings, viewing platforms or fences, so being at the very top is very dangerous.

Copper Canyon

This is the name given to the system of six gorges located in the state park of the same name in Mexico. The greatest depth is 1.87 km, the smallest is 1 km. It was named by Spanish discoverers who confused the moss-covered rocks with copper ore.


Travelers experience very strong feelings when they find themselves in the area of ​​dangerous deep gorges, located in the middle of a hot wasteland and connected by 6 picturesque rivers. One of the railway lines runs here, and trains make a scheduled stop to take in the scenery.

The slopes of the canyon are strewn with small caves and huts inhabited by 60 thousand Indians. Their life is not much different from the life of their ancestors. Just like before they:

  • They conduct subsistence farming;
  • Grow vegetables;
  • They wear traditional clothes;
  • Perform ritual dances;
  • They use messengers to communicate with neighboring tribes.

Tourists can buy souvenirs and household items from the Indians, live in their camp and join the ancient traditions of the tribes.

Located in the US district of Colorado, in the park of the same name. Depth – 1.6 km. One of the most unique and beautiful areas on the planet. Valued for the proportional combination of depth, size and layering of rock formations created over billions of years of weathering and decomposition of rocks.


The Grand Canyon is a unique structure representing 4 geological zones. Its bottom is lined with ancient granite rocks, which decay much more slowly than newly formed rocks.

Brownish-red river waters rushing through the canyon at an impressive speed, rolling huge boulders, small stones, sand and clay. The state park that contains the Grand Canyon includes several forest and wilderness areas. Fauna and flora consist of:

  • 1.5 thousand types of vegetation;
  • 355 species of birds;
  • 89 mammals;
  • 47 species of reptiles;
  • Several species of fish and amphibians.

The climate depends on the altitude: at the top it is about 15 0 C, at the bottom, surrounded by scalding stones, the temperature reaches 40 0 ​​C.

Located in southern Africa. Depth - 1372 meters. It is one of the most amazing and majestic gorges in South Africa. The steep slopes of the River Blyde are not lifeless, they are covered with a mass of lush subtropical plants.


Among the most majestic sections of the canyon are:

  • “Bourke's Potholes of Fortune” - huge cylindrical deepened ones, carved into the soil by whirlpools and waterfalls;
  • Three Rondavels - sandy round rocks reminiscent of traditional Aboriginal dwellings;
  • “The Eye of God” is a spectacular place, known from one of the feature films.

Tenth place in the list of the deepest canyons in the world is occupied by the Tara River Canyon with a depth of 1.3 km. Located in Montenegro. It is famous for its amazing nature, interesting excursion tours, and historical monuments.


One of the local attractions is the Djurdzhevich Bridge over the Tara, the cleanest river in Europe. In summer, the canyon attracts many rafters, and in winter – ski lovers.

Grand Canyon National Park (USA) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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Grand Canyon National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. The canyon is located in Arizona. Until the first Europeans arrived here in 1540, the Pueblo Indians lived in the canyon. They lived in caves that were dug right into the canyon. But one day the beauty of the landscapes of these places was appreciated by President Theodore Roosevelt, who loved to come here to hunt, and the Grand Canyon quickly became very popular.

The name of the canyon is not accidental: it is truly the largest canyon on the planet, its canyon length is almost 500 km, its width is 28 km, and its depth is 1.6 km. This canyon is not the deepest in the world, but it is obviously the most impressive in its landscape. The relief in the form in which we can observe it today began to form approximately 75 million years ago. Then the Colorado Plateau rose by about 3 km, a huge chasm formed, and 18 million years ago the waters of the surrounding rivers began to flow into it. Over time, the soft rocks were washed away, and today the canyon (especially its bottom) is a structure made of hard rocks; destruction occurs very slowly and will certainly continue for more than one million years.

Archaeologists still work in the canyon to this day and often find scientifically interesting fossils. As for living inhabitants, there are 355 species of birds, 89 mammals, 47 reptiles, 9 amphibians and 17 species of fish.

Grand Canyon Climate

The climate of the national park is complex and varied, as it consists of several ecosystems. The low end is similar to Arizona's desert climate with dry, hot summers. In the upper, wooded part of the canyon, snow falls in winter. The air temperature in summer reaches +37 °C, in winter -17 °C.

The southern part of the canyon is open all year round, 24 hours a day. Northern part - from May to October.

3 things to do in the Grand Canyon

  1. Capture with your camera the memorial sign, which is located on one of the paths leading to the observation deck and is decorated with the inscription: “The tribes that call the Grand Canyon home: Apache, Navajo, Zuni, etc.”
  2. Take advantage of a helicopter tour over the Canyon.
  3. Repeat the route of Powell's expedition, rafting along the fast waters of the Colorado River.

Canyon regions

The most popular region of the canyon is the South Rim. This is where all the observation platforms and other attractions are located. the most visited, there are also popular observation platforms here. In the southern part of the park, reservations of the Havasupai and Walapai tribes have been preserved. They are wary of strangers here, just as they were thousands of years ago, but today the locals already feel safe and ready for guests.

The northern region is less suitable for tourists. There are many hard-to-reach trails, and in winter this part of the park is completely closed to the public. However, those who are not lazy to get here are not disappointed: in the north of the canyon there is very interesting flora, fauna, landscape, and even a slightly different climate.

Attractions

Almost all the sights of the Grand Canyon have poetic names: Temple of Vishnu, Temple of Shiva, Throne of Wotan, etc. Above the river you can see Bucans Stone - a black ash cone, as well as the red sandstone terrace Esplanade, which is especially beautiful in the rays of the sun at sunset .

North Canyon Boche has very picturesque lakes at the base of centuries-old stone walls. And from one of the most beautiful dams - the Hoover Dam - an incredibly beautiful view of the largest man-made lake in the USA - Lake Mead - opens up. For the convenience of tourists, an observation deck has been specially built here.

Traveling through the canyon

There are several ways to travel through the canyon: on foot (there are many convenient walking trails in the park). The beauty of such a trip is that you can slowly enjoy the ever-changing landscapes. For example, the same place at dawn and in the evening after sunset can look completely different.

You can go rubber rafting on the Colorado River. Well, the most interesting and “cowboy” way is horseback riding or traveling on mules. The cost of this pleasure: from 45 USD per hour. There is also a train on which you can ride along the edge of the gorge, bicycle rental and car rental. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is a small plane (a flight over the Grand Canyon will cost approximately 389 USD) and a hot air balloon. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Grand Canyon

Observation platforms

There are quite a few viewing platforms throughout the Grand Canyon in different parts of the park. The most expensive of them is Skywalk. This is a huge platform with a transparent bottom; it costs 83 USD to visit. Also popular among tourists is the Sky Path - a glass bridge in the shape of a horseshoe, which hangs in the air at an altitude of 1219 m.

Practical information

How to get there: by plane to Las Vegas, from there by train to Flagstaff (about 330 km), and from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon (another 100 km) there are buses and shuttles; however, given the not always convenient public transport schedule, experienced travelers recommend renting a car.

Entrance: for pedestrians and cyclists - from 12 USD, for cars - 25 USD (for 7 days); visiting observation platforms is paid separately.

There are many places on Earth that amaze not only with their beauty, but also with their grandeur. One of the most amazing natural phenomena is canyons. For millions of years, river flows eroded the land, forming deep gorges. Over time, the rivers dried up, and canyons remained in their place. The deepest canyons in the world are not only amazingly beautiful places, but also unique ecosystems with rare birds and animals living in them.

In Montenegro it is one of the most majestic creations of nature. Its depth is 1300 meters. The gorge stretching along the Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country. Part of the canyon is part of the Durmitor National Park. The canyon attracts many tourists with its beauty. In the vicinity of the deepest gorge in Europe there is the Djurdjevic Tara Bridge - another interesting attraction of Montenegro.

The canyon is a favorite place for rafters. By the way, the Tara is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. In winter, the gorge attracts skiers with many slopes and good snow cover.

Located in South Africa, it ranks 9th on the list of the deepest canyons in the world. Its special feature is that the banks of the River Blyde are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorges existing on Earth. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most amazing attractions in South Africa. Tourists enjoy visiting the canyon, where you can admire fantastic African landscapes.

– one of the most famous and largest canyons. Its depth is 1600 meters. It is located in the state of Colorado, USA, on the territory of the national park of the same name. There are also reservations of three Indian tribes here. The canyon is formed by the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazingly beautiful places.

Due to its unusual nature, the Grand Canyon has been thoroughly studied. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon every year.

Among the deepest canyons in the world is a complex of 6 gorges called Copper Canyon. It is located in Mexico, in the national park of the same name. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters.

The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who mistook the rocks covered with moss and lichen for copper ore. The gorges complex represents a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare species of animals and more than 290 species of birds.

It ranks 6th on the list of the deepest canyons in the world. Its depth is 1920 meters. It is located in Dagestan, between the Salatau and Gimrinsky mountain ranges. The Sulak Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Dagestan, which is visited by many tourists every year. From the plateau there is a fantastic panorama of the Sulak River with a cascade of hydroelectric power stations located on it.

The Sulak Canyon is not only one of the most beautiful sights of Dagestan. Due to the lack of an observation deck, barriers and railings, being at the very top of the canyon is extremely dangerous.

China has one of the deepest canyons on Earth. The canyon owes its unusual name to a local legend, according to which a tiger fleeing from hunters jumped over a stormy river at its narrowest point. The depth of the canyon is 3000 meters. Obtaining more accurate data about the canyon is hampered by its inaccessibility.

The fourth deepest canyon in the world is. It, like the Cotausi Canyon, is located in Peru. Its depth is 3400 meters. It is believed that the name of the canyon translates as “grain barn.” In ancient times, the Inca tribe grew crops in this area - this is evidenced by the terraces that exist here to this day.

The canyon was formed as a result of the activity of two volcanoes: Sabancaya and Hualca.

The canyon attracts not only tourists, but also rafters and lovers of cycling in the mountains.

Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also because you can watch condors here.

One of the deepest canyons on Earth is the canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Solimana and Coropuna, and is formed by the Cotausi River. Seeing the canyon is not so easy - it is located in places remote from civilization. Despite its inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular among tourists. In the vicinity of Kotausi there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the largest waterfalls, Sipia, is 250 meters high. In the vicinity of the canyon there are several mountain villages, whose residents are engaged in traditional crafts, such as making carpets and clothing from alpaca wool.

Having visited the Kotausi Canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from the observation deck, but also engage in active recreation: kayaking, paragliding, mountaineering.

The canyon is in 2nd place among the deepest canyons on Earth. It is located in Nepal. In ancient times, the Kali Gandak River, flowing through a grand gorge, was a route for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Nowadays, the canyon is one of the attractions of Tibet.

The exact depth of the canyon remains a matter of debate. If we count its depth from the highest mountain peaks, it will be at least 6 kilometers.

The deepest canyon on Earth is in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the canyon is 6009 meters. The Tsangpo River, flowing in a grandiose gorge, looks like a small stream from the height of the canyon. The river is popular among rafters, although rafting on it is considered extreme. The ecosystem of the canyon is unique - lush vegetation here coexists with snow-capped mountain peaks. These places are difficult to access, so the flora and fauna have been preserved in their original form.

There are amazing places on our planet that cannot leave anyone indifferent. They impress with their beauty and grandeur, and each of them deserves special attention.

We invite you to go on a fabulous journey through the canyons of our planet.

1. Multicolored Canyon, Egypt

The canyon is located near the famous resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. It was formed naturally. As a result of an earthquake that occurred many centuries ago, a giant gap formed in the sandy rocks, which became larger and larger under the influence of precipitation and wind. Nowadays, the colored canyon is a gorge approximately 5 km long.


Its peculiarity is the multi-colored walls, consisting of rocks of various shades, ranging from white to red.


2. Antelope Canyon, USA

Located on the lands of the Navajo Indian tribe in northern Arizona. The canyon is a natural formation; it was created by the forces of wind and rain, which over the course of many centuries carved giant, bizarrely shaped cracks in the red sandstone.


The place got its name from the red-red hue of the rocks, which resembles the skin of an antelope. It is not as popular among tourists as other attractions, but it is a favorite among professional photographers, since everything here looks more impressive in the photo than in reality.


3. Charyn Canyon. Kazakhstan

This natural monument is located approximately 200 kilometers from the capital of Kazakhstan. Its basis is layers of sedimentary rocks, which are approximately 12 million years old. The name of the canyon comes from the Charyn River, which flows along its bottom.


The length of the gorge is 154 km, the height of the walls is 150-300 meters.


Another attraction of this place is the Valley of Castles with bizarrely shaped rocks, as well as the Ash Grove, where relict ash trees that survived the Ice Age grow.


4. Glen Canyon, USA

In the state of Arizona there is a place of amazing beauty, which is visited annually by millions of tourists, as well as lovers of outdoor activities, diving, water skiing and fishing. Glen Canyon is a man-made creation. In 1956, the construction of a dam in the upper Colorado River created Lake Powell, which was subsequently named in honor of Civil War veteran John Wesley Powell.


Its shores have many headlands and cliffs, and an island with steep cliffs rises from the center. The main attraction of this place is the rainbow bridge made of steel structures. For a long time it was considered the tallest arch bridge in the world


5. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon is the pearl of the African continent and a favorite tourist destination. There are many observation platforms and a lot of routes of varying difficulty. The canyon is located in one of the provinces of South Africa and is one of the three largest and greenest in the world.


It was formed naturally. Its length is approximately 26 kilometers and its highest point is 1944 meters. The peculiarity of this beautiful place is its rich flora and fauna. Its gorges are home to antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and many African birds.


6. Colca Canyon, Peru

The Colca Canyon in Peru is considered one of the most majestic and second deepest in the world. Its depth is 3535 meters. It arose in ancient times as a result of a volcanic fault. The Kolka River of the same name flows along the bottom of the canyon. It is famous for its rapids (there are about 300 of them), which are not ignored by rafting enthusiasts.


Translated from the Indian language, “Quechua Colca” means “grain barn.” The place did not receive this name by chance. Unlike other canyons, it is suitable for life. Since ancient times, the Indians have been farming here. To this day, beautiful agricultural terraces can be seen in the canyon, which are still in use.


7. Copper Canyon, Mexico

Do you want to take an unusual trip? Then you should visit Mexico to visit one of its most interesting natural attractions - the Copper Canyon. Its territory is 4 times larger than the famous Grand Canyon in the USA and amounts to 65 thousand square meters.


The canyon consists of many gorges formed by six rivers. Its maximum depth is 1800 meters. The name of this place was given by the Spaniards, who mistakenly mistook the moss-covered rocks for copper.


8. Al Siq Canyon, Jordan

This place is truly worth seeing before you die. It attracts millions of tourists from all over the world and beyond. One of the parts of the famous film “Indiana Jones” starring Harrison Ford took place here. The Al Siq canyon is only one and a half kilometers long.


However, its gorges keep many secrets and traces of past civilizations. Previously, there was an ancient city here, the ruins of which have survived to this day. In the rocks you can clearly see mysterious caves, tombs, ancient altars, stone arches created many centuries ago.


9. King's Canyon, Australia

This place is located in Central Australia in the Watarrka National Park. The red sandstone canyon walls are up to 300 meters high and form a real labyrinth. A small river flows at the very bottom of the gorge. The territory is completely deserted due to the harsh climate.


On hot days, the air temperature here reaches 40 degrees, but this does not prevent tourists from enjoying the beauty of the flora and fauna of these places. Here you can see exotic birds and relict plants.


10. Matka Canyon, Macedonia

A picturesque place almost in the very center of Europe, which will not leave anyone indifferent. The history of its appearance was associated with the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the mouth of the Treska River.


The result is a beautiful lake with turquoise water, surrounded by

Canyons are a real miracle of nature. There is no force that so accurately illustrates the corrosive power of water currents. Carving its way through mighty solid rocks over several million years.

Thus, the rivers slowly create natural sculptures of incredible beauty. This form of relief consists of vast river valleys, which are surrounded by high cliffs of varying heights.

Geographical feature (meaning)

Translated from Spanish, the word “canyon” means “gorge or pipe.” In geology, this term means a fairly deep valley, with sheer, rather steep slopes and a fairly narrowed bottom, which is often occupied by a river bed. Canyons are characteristic of plateaus that consist of horizontally folded sedimentary rocks or dense lava sheets, as well as mountainous regions that are subject to intense uplift.

Canyons are most often associated with fault zones. Separate sections of river valleys in low mountains also have a canyon-like appearance. For example, in the Crimean Mountains - the valley of the Black River, the Kacha River and in the Carpathians - the valley of the Cheremosh River. Such areas of the valleys are very beautiful and picturesque, some of them are protected areas.

Characteristics of canyons

There are two types of canyons: continental and submarine.

Continental canyons are characteristic of countries with a dry climate, which helps maintain the steepness of the slopes. Such canyons are common on plains composed of horizontal layers of poorly permeable rocks. For example, the Grand Canyon of Colorado.

Submarine canyons are erosive landforms of the seabed that cross-cut the underwater edge of the continent. The tops of most of these canyons lie in the outer part of the shelf and on the continental slope. The middle part of submarine canyons is characterized by the maximum depth of incision and steepness of the slopes. The mouth, with or without an alluvial fan, is located on the continental foot.

The origin of underwater canyons is not yet fully understood. According to the complex hypothesis of formation, they arose mainly due to tectonic disturbances, and the subsequent development occurs under the influence of flows of suspension, which moves from the coastal zone and settles at the mouths and as a result of displacements and landslide processes. Such canyons significantly influence the dynamics of development of the coastal zone. The study of underwater canyons is very important for understanding the history of the formation of the seabed and for solving economic problems (recreation, construction in the coastal zone, etc.).

The deepest canyons in the world

(Pictured is the Grand Canyon of Colorado.)

Many scientists believe that the world's deepest canyon is the Grand Canyon of Colorado, which is located in Arizona (USA). Its depth reaches 1600 meters, and its length is more than 446 km. But this fact is erroneous.

In the world list of the deepest canyons, the canyon of the Colca River, which flows in Peru, rightfully takes precedence. The depth of the Kolka Canyon reaches 3400 m, that is, twice as deep as its American counterpart.

(The picture shows the Kolka Canyon)

The peculiarity of the Kolka Canyon is that it is suitable for farming and life. Even ancient settlements organized special sites for agricultural work on its slopes.

The Grand Canyon occupied first place for a long time due to the fact that until the 80s of the last century, it was practically impossible to get to the territory where the Kolka Canyon is located, even by air. Today, picturesque views of the Kolka Canyon can be enjoyed from a specially equipped observation deck.