Everyone knows the Grand Canyon. It’s iconic, it’s massive, and it draws over 5 million visitors a year. But what if we told you that the U.S. is packed with other canyons just as jaw-dropping, and in many ways, more thrilling? These seven American canyons offer raw beauty, adventure, and peace the Grand Canyon can’t always deliver.
Whether you’re into hiking, photography, rafting, or simply jaw-dropping landscapes, here are seven canyons you need to see—and why some say they’re even better than the Grand Canyon.
Zion Canyon, Utah
Zion Canyon isn’t just stunning, it’s interactive. Located in Zion National Park, this sandstone masterpiece is known for narrow slot canyons, towering cliffs, and emerald pools. The best part? You can hike right through the Virgin River in the famous Narrows, or tackle Angels Landing for one of the most daring views in the U.S.
While the Grand Canyon overwhelms with scale, Zion engages you. You don’t just view it from the rim—you step into it, hike through water, and touch the walls.
Canyonlands, Utah
Canyonlands National Park is a hidden maze of sculpted stone, mesas, and rivers, split into districts like Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Each feels like a different planet.
Unlike the Grand Canyon’s single vast chasm, Canyonlands gives you variety and solitude. You can drive to viewpoints, but for the full experience, go off-road, kayak through Cataract Canyon, or backpack deep into the wilderness.
Its isolation keeps crowds away, and its landscapes are just as dramatic—if not more rugged—than Arizona’s more famous cousin.
Hells Canyon, Idaho and Oregon
Hells Canyon slices between the borders of Idaho and Oregon and is actually deeper than the Grand Canyon, measuring over 7,900 feet from river to rim. Yet it remains one of the least visited natural marvels in the country.
The Snake River cuts through this untamed landscape, and it’s a paradise for rafting, fishing, and camping. Steep cliffs, wildflowers, and zero crowds define the experience.
What sets it apart? It’s remote, raw, and still feels wild. You won’t find a gift shop or crowded viewpoint here—just nature in its purest form.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon isn’t technically a canyon, but rather a series of natural amphitheaters. Still, it’s earned a place on this list thanks to its truly unique rock formations.
Thousands of tall, spindly hoodoos rise from the canyon floor, glowing pink and orange in the sunlight. You can hike down into the Queen’s Garden Trail or stand on the rim at Sunrise Point for unforgettable views.
Compared to the Grand Canyon, Bryce is more compact, but its formations feel magical and totally one-of-a-kind.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
This canyon is steep, dark, and dramatic. Carved by the Gunnison River, its vertical cliffs drop as much as 2,700 feet straight down, earning it the nickname “the Grand Canyon’s shadowy cousin.”
What makes it stand out is the sheer intensity of the drop and the narrowness of the canyon. It feels raw and unfiltered.
There are hiking trails along both rims, but few descend into the canyon due to the technical challenge. This is a spot for those who like their views with a side of adrenaline.
Waimea Canyon, Hawaii
Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon stretches about 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep on the island of Kauai. But where Arizona’s canyon is all red rock and desert, Waimea explodes with color—lush greens, deep reds, and misty clouds drift through constantly changing light.
Waterfalls tumble down the cliffs and hiking trails take you into a jungle-like world. Waimea isn’t just about depth or width—it’s about variety and contrast.
Kings Canyon, California
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Yosemite, Kings Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in North America. Its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves make it a jaw-dropping destination.
What sets it apart is the combination of alpine scenery and rugged terrain. You can hike through lush meadows, stand beneath some of the largest trees on Earth, and still find remote solitude.
It’s everything you want from a canyon experience—minus the busloads of tourists.
Why These Canyons Might Win
The Grand Canyon is incredible, no doubt. But it’s also heavily trafficked, highly developed, and harder to experience intimately unless you plan well in advance. These seven canyons, on the other hand, offer fresh perspectives, fewer crowds, and often, more interactive adventure.
Some are deeper. Some are more colorful. Others are simply more peaceful. Each brings something the Grand Canyon doesn’t, whether that’s the ability to hike into a river, explore lava-scarred valleys, or touch the roots of ancient trees.
