A canyon is also referred to as a “gorge” and is a deep clove that has been formed as the result of millions of years of erosion or weathering. This process creates some of the most magnificent feats of nature in existence. There are thousands of amazing and beautiful canyons on the planet, and in this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most famous canyons in the world!
Waimea Canyon – Hawaii
The Waimea Canyon is located on the island of Kauai, one of the islands of the U.S. state of Hawaii. Waimea translates to “reddish river” in the Hawaiian language and is a reference to the red soil of the canyon. It was formed because of the heavy rainfall on the highest mountain on the island called Mount Waiʻaleʻale. This allowed the Waimea River to cut through the landscape below.
Blyde River Canyon – South Africa
The Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon on earth and is located within the Mpumalanga Province in the northeast of South Africa. It’s a remarkably green canyon that is dominated by tropical vegetation. It was formed by the Blyde River which runs through it and features the Kadishi Tufa waterfall. With a height of 660 feet (200 meters), this is the second-highest tufa waterfall in the world.
Fish River Canyon – Namibia
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is located in the utmost southern part of the country and is the largest canyon in all of the African Continent. The canyon was formed by the Fish River, which floods in the late summer and dries up in the rest of the year to form multiple pools. The river has clearly cut its way through the plateau which turns the canyon into a fascinating sight to behold.
Echidna Chasm – Australia
The Echidna Chasm is one of the many canyons located within the Bungle Bungles Range, a mountain range located entirely within the Purnululu National Park in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. This range is defined by various gorges and slot canyons which run up to 656 feet (200 meters) deep. It’s a truly magnificent feat of nature!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – Iceland
The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is fascinating in the southeast of Iceland. Its formation started about 2 million years ago during the coldest periods of the Ice Age. Right now, the Fjaðrá river flows through it. There’s an observation platform on the western side of the canyon which provides a magnificent view of both the canyon and the waterfall which flows down its cliffs.
Yarlung Tsangpo – Tibet
The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is located in Tibet Autonomous Region, China, and is one of the biggest canyons in the world. It’s named after the river that runs through it called the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It originates near Mount Kailash, the most prominent peak of the Kailash Mountain Range, and runs all the way to the Indian border.
Grand Canyon – United States
The Grand Canyon is arguably the most famous in the world. It’s located in the U.S. state of Arizona and was carved into the landscape by the Colorado River, one of the main rivers in the southwest of the United States. The process of creating the Grand Canyon took over 2 billion years and is considered to be one of the ultimate natural symbols in the country.
