Simonseeks Blog
Keep up to date with the most current News, Travel Tips & Developments from Simonseeks with the new Blog.
10 incredible canyons
This week we have been looking at some incredible canyons from around the world, so we decided to compile a list of our top 10 that we found, if you know of any more then let me know and I will add them to the list below.
At 82km, the Tara River Canyon is the longest in Europe (and the second longest canyon in the world). Winding through Montenegro and reaching depths of 1300m, it's a protected World Heritage Site.

The Horseshoe Bend, named for its almost circular shape, is found on the Colorado River. From the canyon walls to the river is a spectacular 1000ft drop.

The Labyrinth Canyon in Utah is a popular canoeing destination because of the flat calm Green River that flows through it.

The most famous canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon, is also found on the Colorado River. Although not the deepest or widest in the world, it does offer an amazing snapshot into the geologic history of North America. A huge tourist trap, there is even a Skywalk that lets you stand directly over the canyon at 3600ft - higher than the world's tallest skyscraper.

Kali Gandaki Gorge in the Himalayas is said to be the deepest canyon in the world, at between 5500 and 6800m deep. Interestingly, the Gandaki River is older than the Himalayas - it was there before tectonic shift pushed the mountains upward.

The erosion in Bryce Canyon, Utah, has created some of the most beautiful geologic structures on the planet. These 'hoodoos' are up to 200ft high. The night sky above the canyon is one of the darkest in North America, making it popular with stargazers. Up to 7500 stars are visible to the naked eye.

Formed by the turquoise-coloured Verdon River, the Verdon Gorge in south-eastern France is up to 700m deep and a haven for climbers with over 1500 routes. Said to be the most beautiful canyon in Europe, the Verdon Gorge is popular with tourists from the French Riviera.

Visitors to the Bavarian resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen just have to visit the Partnach Gorge, Germany. With towering limestone walls above a rushing river, you can talk a walk through the gorge (ducking underneath its waterfalls) most of the year. In winter the gorge is transformed into an icy wonderland, so wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed.

Havasu Canyon in Arizona is a bit of paradise on earth. Considered a sacred place by the Havasupai people, it's not difficult to see why. With its turquoise waters, stunning waterfalls and shady pools, Havasu Canyon is one of the most magical places in North America.

Wulingyuan Canyon in China is reminiscent of Bryce Canyon but with its own breathtaking beauty. Over 3000 sandstone pillars tower up to 800m from a densely-forested valley floor, with trees clinging to their sides.

If you know of any more canyons that we have missed off the list, then please tell us your suggestions in the comments below, and we will get them included.
More suggestions for the list....
Thanks to Thomas who has highlighted the grand canyon of Yellowstone, in Wyoming. The canyon is up to 900 feet deep and a half mile in width.

Lets now make that 11 incredible canyons!
We have another canyon to add to the list now which is the Copper Canyon. It actually consists of 6 canyons and is located in Chihuahua in Mexico, and is at least four times larger that the more famous Grand Canyon! The name actually comes from the copper/green colour of the walls of the canyon.

Thanks to Gerald for another canyon, this one is on a smaller scale and is called the Little Grand Canyon in the San Rafel Swell in Utah. We have had a few from Utah already but as you can see a great addition to the list. The best place to view this is the wedge outlook, it overlooks the San Rafael River as it flows through the Little Grand Canyon. Another great way to take in the splendor is by raft or canoe, but you can only do this from May to June when the water is high enough.

Just came across a slighly different type of canyon compared to the ones already mentioned. The Slot Canyons of Arizona, are just an hours drive from the more famous Grand Canyon, and these are truly unique. They don't appear much from the ground level, just a crack in the desert, but on entry you might as well have entered into another world.

Thanks to Andy from 501 Places for the find, read more on the Slot Canyons of Arizona.
Thanks to John for highlighting the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, its has a depth of up to 550 metres and is up to 27km wide in places. The canyon is the second largest in the world and is one of Africas great wonders.
Thanks to Kristopher for adding Buckskin Gulch in Southwest Utah/Northern Arizona. Its the longest and deepest slot canyon in Southwest America and may even be the longest in the world, making a popular destination for hikers. Over 21 miles of challenging terrain make it a hard- but not impossible- to hike in a day.


