The deepest canyon on earth. The largest gorge in the world The deepest canyon in the world
The Grand Canyon or Grand Canyon is the largest gorge in the world. It is located in the US state of Arizona, on the picturesque plateau of Cororado. Today, the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Indian reservations of the Hualapai, Havasupai and Navajo tribes.
The Grand Canyon is located in the northern part of the central region of Arizona, on the Colorado River. It stretches from Marble Gorge to Grand Wash Cliffs. Its length is 446 km, its width is 16 km, and its depth is at least 1800 km.
History of Grand Canyon discovery
The largest gorge in the world is a huge geological landmark. Scientists believe that the Anasazi Indians, who inhabited these lands more than 1000 years ago, were the first to discover it. The massive gorge was also visited by conquistadors from Spain. However, the gloomy canyon did not arouse positive emotions in them, so for many years only Indians lived near it.
The term "canyon" was also coined by the Spaniards. In translation, this word means "chimney". History has preserved the names of people who tried to convert local Indians to Christianity. For example, Father Garces was such a missionary. In 1776, he arrived at the Grand Canyon, to the Havasupai tribe. He failed to persuade the Indians to his faith, but he was the first to mark the river that flowed nearby. Garces named her "Colorado", which means "painted" in Spanish.
Features of the largest gorge in the world
The Grand Canyon looks very impressive. This is an incredibly huge abyss, cut by the turbulent streams of the Colorado. The river continues to gradually deepen the gorge. She daily washes tons of gravel and clay from there, carrying them away with her strong current. During floods, even large rocks are washed away by water.
The largest gorge in the world is a product of the powerful waters of Colorado. The river penetrated deeper and deeper into the earth, creating a canyon. Millions of years passed before it became what we see it today. Very interesting is the fact that in this place the earth's crust gradually rose. For 5 million years, its rise was 1200 m. Thus, the plateau was rising, and the river flow crashed into it, washing away soft limestones, shales and sandstones.
At the moment, granites, the most ancient rocks, have already come out at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Their destruction is very slow. The waters of the Colorado River rush through the canyon at a speed of about 20 km per hour. They take with them huge masses of clay and sand. Therefore, the water in the river is completely opaque. The destructive effect of the stream is enhanced by sand and stones. Over time, even very strong granite is rubbed from such an impact.
Grand Canyon - a spectacular place
The boundless expanse of the largest gorge in the world does not look like a failure in the earth's crust. It is full of heaps of cliffs of the most bizarre forms. Under the influence of wind, water and landslides, the walls of the Grand Canyon took on the shape of huge towers, pyramids and fortress walls. This is an unusually majestic and beautiful sight.
The powerful walls of the canyon are covered with multi-colored stripes due to layers of different rocks. The coloring of the gorge looks different depending on the time of day and season. Condors, hawks, eagles and other birds soar over the abyss. On the slopes of the largest gorge in the world grow agaves, cacti and yuccas. In its upper part, you can see firs and pines.
Is it possible to get to the bottom of the gorge
You can go down to the Grand Canyon if you have the courage. To get from the edge of the gorge to the river bank, you will need to walk about 11 km. The descent will take several hours. Climbing back is much more difficult. Warning signs are placed throughout the canyon that it is not recommended to descend and ascend on the same day. This is due to changes in temperature and pressure. There are significant temperature fluctuations. If at the top the temperature is 15 degrees, then at the bottom it rises to 40 degrees.
If you look at the canyon from above, it looks dry and gloomy. It is characterized by stepped slopes. This species is due to the dry climate. It practically does not rain here, which could erode the top layer of rocks. The slopes of the huge gorge clearly show the geological development of the planet. The oldest rocks are about 1.7 billion years old! Today, the largest gorge in the world is considered a National Park. More than 100 million tourists have visited it. Since 1979, it has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Canyons are considered one of the most amazing and attractive creations of nature. For millions of years, stormy river streams have flowed on the surface of the earth, neutralizing all obstacles in their path and gradually washing away deep valleys. Over time, the turbulent streams of water dried up, and only deep gorges remained in their place. These amazing creations of nature are distinguished not only by their spectacular appearance, but also by their unique ecosystem. Many of them are habitats for rare species of animals and birds; the rarest plant species grow in the canyons. The deepest canyons of the planet are incredibly beautiful and, at the same time, very dangerous. Steep cliffs ready to collapse at any moment, a swift river flowing along the bottom, predatory animals and insects - dangers only attract inspired tourists to these places.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Colca Canyon is one of the leaders of the planet in terms of depth, it is about 3,400 meters. Given that the length of the canyon is more than 100 kilometers, it can safely claim the title of one of the largest on the planet. The location of the canyon is also very unusual, it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level. The main feature of these places is the unique nature; the Colca Canyon has been chosen as a habitat by the largest bird of prey, the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauties, several excellent viewing platforms are equipped in the canyon, including La Cruz del Condor.
Many travelers while visiting the canyon tend to get into the Sangaye area. On its territory there is a unique plateau with a tropical climate - a real tropical oasis with palm trees, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It is best to explore the picturesque places of the canyon accompanied by a guide, as the danger of collapses remains in the gorge. While walking along the most picturesque places one of the picturesque Andean villages is worth a visit. Small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.
Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China
Length: 500 km. Depth: more than 6000 m.
The depth of the Tsangpo canyon, located in Tibet, is more than 6,000 meters, according to this indicator it is the undisputed leader. The length of the gorge is about 500 kilometers, it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the sky and become barely distinguishable. It is they who attract lovers of rock climbing, conquering mountain peaks surrounding the canyon, only great professionals can do it. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo Canyon, it is also worth highlighting the unique ecosystem, depending on the height, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.
On the southern slope of the canyon is Mount Namjagbarwa, the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, rising up to 7,782 meters. At the bottom of the gorge, the swift Tsangpo River still flows, its minimum width is 80 meters, but from a bird's eye view it seems to be a subtle thread lost among the mighty mountains. The last large-scale study of the canyon, as a result of which it was recognized as the deepest on the planet, took place in 1994. The results of the study became one of the most significant geographical achievements of the 20th century.
Caperti Valley, Australia
Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.
The largest in Australia is the Caperti Canyon. It is distinguished not only by its impressive scale, but also by its considerable age. The valley was formed millions of years ago, so today its slopes no longer seem so steep. At the same time, extreme sections of sheer cliffs are found here. Climbing fans are not recommended to conquer them alone, the rocks are very fragile and can collapse.
The length of the canyon is about 450 kilometers, while the width is about 30 kilometers. Since ancient times, the valley of the river Caperti locals used to develop mines, the slopes of the gorge are literally precious gifts of nature. The very first mines in which precious stones were mined were developed here more than 2,000 years ago. It is noteworthy that for thousands of years the deposits precious stones not exhausted at all. Most recently, one of the inquisitive travelers spent 6 days in the canyon, during which time he managed to find 77 gems. Walking through the old mines is also unsafe, any strong sound or an awkward movement can cause them to collapse. Abandoned mines are far from the only attractive feature of the Caperti Valley, it remains an ideal place for exploring natural attractions and cycling.
Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal
Depth: more than 6000 m.
The Kali Gandaki Canyon and the river of the same name flowing along its bottom got their name in honor of the Hindu goddess Kali, who is the personification of the powerful forces of nature. The exact depth of the canyon remains unknown, but it is estimated to be over 6,000 meters. flank the canyon majestic mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, which are more than 8,000 meters high, attract thousands of travelers every year to admire their snow-capped peaks. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from a “natural” point of view, then for the indigenous people they have been considered sacred for a long time.
Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal The bravest of the locals regularly go to one gorge to find the sacred stones "saligrams" in the muddy waters of the river. The latter are indeed quite unusual, they are fossilized fragments of mollusks that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones in India are valued more than gold because they have unique healing properties. Travelers will also have the opportunity to devote their leisure time to dangerous and at the same time interesting event. You can go to the bottom of the gorge only accompanied by an experienced guide, only the locals know the shortest and relatively easy ways to the banks of the river. Saligrams is just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki canyon.
Grand Canyon Colorado, USA
Length: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.
Without a doubt, we can say that the most famous in the world is the Grand Canyon of Colorado, it is located on the territory of a unique national park of the same name. The length of the canyon is 446 kilometers, and the depth is about 1,800 meters. Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim the world championship, it does not cease to be a landmark of world importance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists. The age of the canyon is about 10 million years, it was carefully studied by scientists who discovered many amazing features.
One of the most ancient canyons on the planet is home to 355 species of rare birds and 150 animal species, and the Colorado River is home to over 15 rare fish species. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts were also found in the canyon - rock paintings, whose age is about 3,000 years. More than 5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon every year, for whom excellent viewing platforms are equipped and interesting walking routes have been developed. most popular viewing platforms Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point are considered. Walking along the canyon alone is very dangerous, especially along its bottom. A hot desert climate has been established here, cacti grow and many dangerous inhabitants are found, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.
A canyon with such an unusual name is located in Namibia, among its distinctive features is an incredibly spectacular and harmonious appearance. The length of the canyon is 161 kilometers, and the depth is only 550 meters, which is very modest in comparison with the "world giants". At the same time, in terms of beauty, it can really claim one of the first places in the world. The name of the canyon was given by the longest river in Namibia - Fish River. The formation of the canyon is continuous, during the rainy season the river is a swift and seething stream. During the drought period, on the contrary, the river dries up a lot, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.
lovers a relaxing holiday they prefer to visit the canyon during the drought period, while it attracts extreme sportsmen at the height of the rainy season. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and approaching the bottom of the gorge is completely prohibited - it can be flooded at any moment. Recently, the canyon has been a permanent venue for the marathon. The section of the path that runners have to overcome is not without reason considered one of the most difficult in the world, it passes through difficult rough terrain. Tourists are recommended to visit these picturesque places from May to October - during the drought. They will have a unique opportunity to walk along the bottom of the gorge, free from the seething streams of the Fish River.
Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3535 m.
Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest in Peru, its depth is 3,535 meters. The canyon is framed by two majestic mountain ranges - Soliman and Koropuna. Also, among the local natural attractions, it is worth highlighting the beautiful waterfalls, the most beautiful of which is Sipia. Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as “home for all”, during the colonial period, many miniature settlements were founded on the slopes of the gorge and mountain villages. The Spanish colonialists also built bullrings here, some of which have survived to this day.
One of the most picturesque villages is Calata. Among its main architectural attractions are the ancient cemeteries of Barrancas de Tenajaja. No less attractive is the village of Lucio, on the territory of which there are healing thermal springs. The picturesque Cotahuasi Canyon is a unique treasure trove of natural and historical sights; it will surely impress fans of hiking and excursions. If the gentle slopes of the gorge are suitable for living, then its sheer cliffs ideal for honing your climbing skills. There are areas suitable for training here for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Tara river canyon, Montenegro
Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.
In Montenegro, there is a canyon of the Tara River, it is the deepest in Europe. The depth of the gorge is about 1,300 meters, and the length is about 80 kilometers. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, therefore it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism adherents. The Tara River and the canyon formed by it received their name in honor of the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country, it has an unusual cascading structure and has more than 40 significant elevation changes along its length. The water in the river is crystal clear, you can drink it without fear. Experienced tourists who enjoy this event note the amazing taste of river water, which cannot be compared with any other.
Rafting fans have chosen these picturesque places for a long time, the cascading structure of the river makes the conditions for rafting just perfect. In addition to rafting, other sports activities are available to tourists - walking along steep mountain slopes and narrow paths on mountain bikes. Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon are the beautiful Bajlovic Sige waterfall, as well as the amazing Crna Poda forest, which has preserved its original beauty. In 1940, the construction of the Dzhurdzhevich Bridge was completed over the canyon. It offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding landscapes.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
In South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga, one of the outstanding natural attractions of the planet is located - the canyon of the Blyde River. Its maximum depth is 1372 meters, and the length of the gorge reaches 26 kilometers. The development of the canyon by man began more than 100,000 years ago. In ancient times, the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the study of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings, as well as the remains of ancient people who fell in intertribal warriors.
Currently, the main inhabitants of the canyon are animals, including primates that have chosen local forests, and rare kudu antelope, which are attracted by picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that wild animals, including leopards, are found in the canyon, so it is not recommended to admire its picturesque landscapes without a guide. A century and a half ago, gold mining began in the canyon, for almost a hundred years inspired miners continuously stayed here, gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged. Some sections of the canyon are ideal for mountaineering, the swift Blyde River flowing along the bottom of the gorge only adds excitement to climbers.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Depth: 1830 m.
Located in Mexico, Copper Canyon is a collection of six small canyons, which are usually considered as a single natural formation. The name of the canyon fully reflects one of its main distinguishing features; the slopes of the gorge have a rich copper-red hue. Over time, the slopes of the canyon were covered with green moss, which the Spanish colonialists who arrived in these places mistook for copper deposits. Walking on the steep mountain slopes remains one of the favorite pastimes of tourists, and the most fortunate may have the opportunity to see rare species of local predators. It is for this reason that unaccompanied walks in some areas of the gorge are prohibited.
The elevation difference in the gorge is about 1870 meters, and while the tops of the mountains remain covered with snow, at the bottom of the gorge in the subtropical forests, life literally boils. More than 30% of the representatives of the Mexican fauna live in the canyon, among the dense forests you can meet the rare Mexican wolf, black bear and cougar. The number of plants growing on the territory of the canyon is in the thousands. These places always attract active travelers, and therefore the beautiful Copper Canyon was chosen as a permanent venue for the Festival of educational and adventure tourism. Fans of excursions will be able to visit the settlements of the Raramuri Indians and buy handmade souvenirs.
Antelope Canyon, USA
At a distance of about 240 kilometers from the Grand Canyon of Colorado is another outstanding attraction - Antelope Canyon. It is located on the territory of the Navajo reservation, so travelers can get to the canyon only after paying a fee and accompanied by a guide. Conventionally, the canyon is divided into two - upper and lower, both of them are distinguished by incredibly beautiful rocky formations, which serve as a center of attraction for photographers from all over the world. Visitors to these places will have a great opportunity to walk among the fabulously beautiful sandy rocks, through the narrow gaps between which light penetrates and gives these places an atmosphere of mystery.
Among others, Antelope Canyon is distinguished by the history of formation. The bizarrely shaped sandy cliffs that can be admired today are the result of the action of rainwater. Every year during the rainy season, the canyon undergoes a lot of changes, and when the heavy rains end, it becomes available for visiting. During heavy rains, some parts of the canyon are heavily flooded, so it is extremely dangerous to go for a walk along it during the rainy season. The bottom of the canyon is a complex labyrinth of sandy rocks, rainwater forms narrow passages into which light rays barely penetrate. The color of the rocks that form the canyon is reddish-red, it strongly resembles the color of antelopes, this remarkable coincidence gave the name to the canyon.
Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Length: 154 km. Depth: 300 m.
The location of the Charyn Canyon is the Charyn National Park in Kazakhstan, the length of the gorge is 154 kilometers, and its depth varies from 150 to 300 meters. Despite the relatively modest scale, the number of attractions and unique features of the canyon is simply amazing. A mandatory point of the excursion program is a visit to the Valley of Castles. This is the name of the area in which amazing natural formations are concentrated - rocks, shaped like real castle towers. A lot of pleasant surprises await nature lovers. More than 1,500 plants, about 80 animal species and more than 100 bird species are represented in the canyon. It should be noted that many representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.
Experienced travelers compare the landscapes of the Charyn canyon with the famous Grand Canyon, they are really very similar, but only externally. The ecosystems of the canyons are different; in the Charyn canyon, rare species of trees that existed on the planet before the glaciation era have been miraculously preserved. Experienced tourists recommend visiting the canyon at sunset, the setting sun colors its slopes in purple, gold and pink tones - this sight looks simply bewitching. The area in which the Charyn canyon is located is characterized by a high content of sand in the soils. This feature makes walking along the slopes of the gorge quite dangerous, the fragile rock can collapse at any moment.
THE BIGGEST CANYONS ON EARTHNothing demonstrates the power and possibilities of water like a river canyon. Carving canyons through solid rock over millions of years, rivers are slowly creating these incredibly beautiful natural wonders. The long and deep canyons on this list amaze with their beauty. Some, like the Grand Canyon of Arizona, are famous. Others, such as the Yarlung in Tibet, are less famous. However, each of them has its own unique features. Let's dive into our first canyon...
Canyon of the Tara River in Montenegro
We begin our review with the winding Tara Canyon in Montenegro, which is the deepest river gorge in all of Europe. In his own deep point the canyon reaches 1,300 meters thanks to the Tara River, which created it. Located in the Durmitor National Park, the canyon is protected and under review by the organization world heritage UNESCO. Even from the highest peaks you will hear the thunderous sound of over 40 cascades plunging into this amazing 82 km long canyon.
Blyde Canyon in South Africa
Blyde's River Canyon South Africa may not be the largest on Earth, but it is rightfully considered one of the greenest. With an average depth of 762 meters, this 26 km long gorge is covered with rich subtropical vegetation. The deepest part of the canyon near Mt. Marypskop reaches 1,372 meters. The most incredible views in South Africa can be seen from the rim of Blyde River Canyon - from one point it is even possible to see Mozambique. In addition to the stunning views, you will be glad to know that this canyon is also rich in fauna, including all five species of South African primates.
Barranca del Cobre
Copper Canyon in Mexico, or Barranca del Cobre is located near Chihuahua. It includes as many as six canyons and is named after the copper-red hue of its walls. The six rivers responsible for creating these amazing valleys flow into the Sea of Cortez as part of the Rio Fuerte. The deepest canyon in the system, the Barranca de Uric, is 1,879 meters deep. Copper Canyon is rich wildlife, but unfortunately many species are now endangered by deforestation. Hopefully, something will be done to help these animals before the canyon loses one of its most important features.
Canyon Cotahuasi
There will be several canyons from Peru on this list, including Cotahuasi, which plummets to 3,535 meters at its deepest point. The canyon is carved by the Cotahuasi River between two mountain ranges, Koropun and Soliman. These places are very remote from civilization and if you want to visit them, you will have to spend 12 hours on the road. However, while it may be inconvenient for tourists, it is very good in terms of flora and fauna conservation.
Colca Canyon in Peru
The second Peruvian canyon on our list is Colca. With an awe-inspiring height of 4,160 meters, this marvel is located in southern Peru. Kolka is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest. It is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon of Arizona and is also one of Peru's most visited tourist attractions. Colca Canyon, in addition to many beautiful views, is also home to the Andean Condor, and many other famous species of birds and mammals. In addition, the valley has archaeological sites dating back about 6,000 years, a bathing hot spring, and the Infernillo Geyser. Add to all this the lush green stepped terraces of the Incas, and it becomes clear why this area receives 120,000 tourists annually.
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the largest in Africa. This giant river channel meanders for 160 km across the plateau. The rocky canyon is a popular place to visit due to its stunning scenery. The gorge itself is only 550 meters deep, but in some places it stretches 27 km wide. Despite the fact that the Fish River at the base of the Canyon holds most year, divided into small pools, at the end summer season flash floods occur. Every year, a marathon is held in the canyon, testing runners in extreme conditions. This is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted.
Grand Canyon in Arizona
It's not the largest canyon in the world as many people think, but Arizona's Grand Canyon is without a doubt the most famous. 1,828 meters deep and 445 km long, this majestic site is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Geologists are still debating how the Grand Canyon formed. The current theory is that 17 million years ago, the Colorado River gradually began to shorten its path through the rocks, continuing to widen and deepen the channel, creating its modern shape. This sculpting of the canyon accelerated during the ice ages. At this time, the amount of water increased, which helped to destroy the canyon even faster. Today, approximately five million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, coming from all over the world.
Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal
The Kali Gandaki River makes its way through the gorge of the same name in Nepal. It is even older than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds the canyon. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali, and its waters are colored black due to the presence of glacial silt. The exact depth of the giant gorge is still under discussion because there is no agreement yet on the height of its rim. However, if the depth were measured from the highest peaks on either side to the river below, it would be the deepest canyon in the world, with a depth of approximately 6,800 meters.
Caperthy Valley in Australia
Departure to the Caperty Valley in New South Wales, Australia. This majestic canyon is the largest in Australia and is known for its high sandstone escarpments. Due to its advanced age, the Valley is not as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but it makes up for this shortcoming with its sheer size. The Caperty is wider and about 1 km longer than the Grand Canyon. At the base of the valley is the Caperty River, carving its way through Triassic rock that dates back millions of years. The indigenous people of Wiradjuri have a very extensive history in this land, with several thousand years of mining. Ancient treasures have been repeatedly located here - diamonds from abandoned mines dug in the slopes of the mountain.
Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon
High in the Himalayas sacred mountain Kailash, a mighty canyon resists the Brahmaputra River in Northern India. With an average depth of 4,876 meters and a maximum depth of 6,009 meters, Yarlung Tsangpo is often considered the deepest canyon on earth. And not only the depth of the canyon is impressive, but also the length of 240 km through the breathtaking Tibetan landscape. The river is popular with kayakers, who gave it the name "Everest among rivers" for its extreme conditions.
Nothing illustrates the sustained corrosive power of water like river canyons. Carving their way through solid rock, sometimes over millions of years, the rivers slowly create these incredible and vast natural sculptures.
This list includes the largest formations on the planet. The choice of them as the largest is not indisputable, because those that are the largest must be measured by length, depth and with total area. In addition, some canyons in the Himalayas are not accessible for exploration and are therefore not included in the selection.
The TOP 10 included:
Tara river canyon
Located on the territory of Montenegro. This is the canyon of the Tara River, which flows deep enough to be called the deepest river gorge in all of Europe. At its deepest point, the canyon reaches 1300 meters.
Located in the Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon is under the protection of UNESCO, being part of its World Heritage Site. Surely even from the highest peaks you can clearly hear the thunderous sound of more than 40 waterfalls plunging into this amazing canyon that reaches a length of 82 kilometers.
Blyde River Canyon
Located in South Africa. Blyde River Canyon in South Africa is not the largest on Earth, but it really has every chance of being called green. Its average depth is 762 meters, the 26 kilometers long gorge is covered with lush subtropical vegetation, which definitely adds to its charm.
The deepest part of the canyon, from the top of Mount Marypskop down to the mouth - 1372 meters. On the territory of the Blyde River Canyon you can see the most incredible African landscapes. The canyon is filled with amazing fauna, including all five species of South African primates.
Copper Canyon - Mexico
To be precise, this canyon is located near Chihuahua, and it is not the only one - there are six canyons there, which together form the Copper Canyon. Barranca del Cobre, as they call it on Spanish in honor of the green and copper-red hue of its walls.
The deepest canyon in the system, the Barranca de Urique, is 1,879 meters deep. Copper Canyon is rich in wildlife, but unfortunately many species are now endangered due to deforestation.
Cotahuasi Canyon - Peru
Cotahuasi Canyon in its very own deep place drops sharply to a depth of 3535 meters. It was carved by the Cotahuasi River between two mountain ranges - Coropuna and Solimana. The landscape surrounding Cotahuashi Canyon is breathtaking and remote.
Colca Canyon - Peru
The second Peruvian canyon on the list is Colca Canyon. Its depth reaches 4160 meters, it is an imposing geographical wonder of southern Peru. This is one of the deepest canyons in the world, if not the deepest of all.
Colca Canyon is twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon and is also one of Peru's most visited tourist destinations. Colca Canyon is famous not only beautiful scenery; it is also home to several notable bird and mammal species.
In addition, there are archaeological sites in the valley dating back about 6,000 years. There are hot springs where you can relax and unwind and the Infiernillo Geyser. These places are visited by more than 120,000 tourists a year.
River Fish Canyon - Namibia
This giant river channel winds its way across the plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The canyon is rocky, but despite this, it remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its incredible scenery. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it stretches for 27 kilometers in width.
Although the Fish River Canyon river is divided into shallow basins most of the time, late summer travelers have the opportunity to witness flash floods. Every year, the canyon hosts a marathon that tests runners with its extremely challenging road conditions.
Grand Canyon - USA
This canyon, contrary to popular belief, is not the largest in the world - it is the most famous canyon on the planet. In depth, it reaches 1828 meters, and its length is 445 kilometers.
This majestic place is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Now Grand Canyon visited by about five million people a year, tourists come from all continents.
Kali Gandaki Gorge – Nepal
The Kali River, which carved its way through the Kali Gendeki Gorge in Nepal, is even older than the high Himalayan mountain range that surrounds it. The river is named after the Hindu goddess Kali; and its waters are black and gloomy due to glacial silt.
The exact depth of the gigantic Kali Gandaki Gorge is debated because not everyone agrees on the height of its edge. However, if the depth were measured from the highest peaks on both sides and down to the river, it would be the deepest canyon in the world with a depth of approximately 6800 meters.
Caperti Valley – Australia
This majestic canyon is Australia's largest and is known for its rugged scenery and high sandstone escarpments. Due to its age, Caperti Valley isn't as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in size.
The Caperti Valley is 1 kilometer wider and the same length as the Grand Canyon. Starting at its source, the Caperti River cuts its way through Triassic rock dating back millions of years. The indigenous people of Wiradjuri have a very extensive history in this land as shown in their 2000 year old rock art.
Grand Canyon Yarlung Tsangpo - Tibet
High in the Himalayas, beginning near the sacred Mount Kailash, the mighty canyon ends its journey near the Brahmaputra River in North India. Due to an average depth of 4876 meters around the Namcha Barwa Mountains and a maximum depth of 6009 meters, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is often considered the deepest canyon on Earth.
Not only is the depth of Yarlung Tsangpo impressive; this vast canyon also stretches for 240 kilometers through the breathtaking Tibetan landscape. The river that flows through this canyon is known to kayakers for its challenging nature, which has earned it the nickname "River Everest".
There are many places on Earth that amaze not only with their beauty, but also with their grandeur. One of the most amazing phenomena nature - canyons. For millions of years, river flows have eroded the earth, forming deep gorges.
Over time, the rivers dried up, and canyons remained in their place. The deepest canyons in the world are not only places of amazing beauty, but also unique ecosystems with rare birds and animals living in them.
Tara river canyon, Montenegro
Length: 80 km. Depth: 1300 m.
This canyon impresses observers with its scope, namely: a depth of almost 2 and a length of 82 kilometers. This is the largest canyon in Europe, it is famous for its amazing nature, unique monuments and educational excursion tours including rafts. The canyon is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park, therefore it invariably attracts the attention of ecotourism adherents. The Tara River and the canyon formed by it received their name in honor of the ancient Illyrian tribe that once lived in these places. The Tara River is one of the main attractions of the country, it has an unusual cascading structure and has more than 40 significant elevation changes along its length.
The water in the river is crystal clear, you can drink it without fear.
A road passes through the canyon that connects the north and south of Montenegro, this section of the road, 80 km long, is considered the most dangerous place in the Balkans. The road goes from one side of the canyon to the other, sometimes so narrow that oncoming buses and trucks pass them in turn. In the narrowest places, the mountains come so close from two sides that there is a feeling of being squeezed, given their height, little sunlight gets to the bottom of the canyon. When it rains, picturesque waterfalls flow down from the mountains, bringing another danger, rockfalls onto the road. Pine trees miraculously grow on the walls of the canyon, complementing the unreal picture.
Among the outstanding natural attractions of the canyon are the beautiful Bajlovic Sige waterfall, as well as the amazing Crna Poda forest, which has preserved its original beauty. In 1940, the construction of the Dzhurdzhevich Bridge was completed over the canyon. It offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the gorge and the surrounding landscapes.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
Length: 26 km. Depth: 1372 m.
Blyde River Canyon, located in South Africa, is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the banks of the Blyde River are covered with lush vegetation. This makes the canyon the largest green gorge in the world. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1372 meters. The majestic gorge is one of the most amazing sights in South Africa. Tourists enjoy visiting the canyon, where you can admire fantastic African landscapes.
The development of the canyon by man began more than 100,000 years ago. In ancient times, the valley was home to the Swazi tribes. During the study of the canyon, scientists discovered rock paintings, as well as the remains of ancient people who fell in intertribal warriors.
Currently, the main inhabitants of the canyon are animals, including primates that have chosen local forests, and rare kudu antelope, which are attracted by picturesque green meadows. It is also worth noting that wild animals, including leopards, are found in the canyon, so it is not recommended to admire its picturesque landscapes without a guide. A century and a half ago, gold mining began in the canyon, for almost a hundred years inspired miners continuously stayed here, gradually the gold deposits dried up, only the harmonious beauty of the gorge remained unchanged.
The canyon is unspeakably beautiful: rising to a height of 1372 meters, its walls drop steeply to the bottom of the river, opening up a view of the 450-meter waterfall and the "Window of God" plateau.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Depth: 1830 m.
Among the deepest canyons in the world is a complex of 6 gorges called the Copper Canyon. It is located in Mexico, in the national park. The maximum depth of the canyon is 1879 meters. The canyon got its name from the Spaniards, who mistook the rocks overgrown with moss and lichen for copper ore.
The complex of gorges is a unique ecosystem. It is home to many rare animal species and more than 290 bird species.
His national park is a chain of separate and interconnected canyons and gorges formed by six rivers. Many tourists have the opportunity to watch the canyon, traveling by train along railway"El Chepe", rising to a height of more than 2,400 meters.
Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3535 m.
One of the deepest canyons on Earth is the Kotausi Canyon. Its depth reaches 3535 meters. It is located in Peru between two mountain ranges: Soliman and Coropuna, and is formed by the Cotausi River. It is not so easy to see the canyon - it is located in places remote from civilization. Despite the inaccessibility, the canyon is very popular with tourists. In the vicinity of Kotausi there are underground hot springs and waterfalls. One of the most big waterfalls, Sipia, 250 meters high.
Translated from the Quechua language, the name of the canyon can be translated as "home for all". During the colonial period, many miniature settlements and mountain villages were founded on the slopes of the gorge. The Spanish colonialists also built bullrings here, some of which have survived to this day. One of the most picturesque villages is Calata. Among its main architectural attractions are the ancient cemeteries of Barrancas de Tenajaja. No less attractive is the village of Lucio, on the territory of which there are healing thermal springs.
In the vicinity of the canyon there are several mountain villages, whose inhabitants are engaged in traditional types of crafts, such as the manufacture of carpets and clothes from alpaca wool. Visiting the Kotausi canyon, you can not only admire the wonderful view from the observation deck, but also do active species recreation: kayaking, paragliding, mountain climbing.
The peculiarity of the Peruvian canyon is its “sharpness”, just like that, unexpectedly, it collapses more than three thousand meters down. This is the command of the bizarre fantasy of the Cotahuasi River, running between two majestic mountain ranges.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Depth: 3400 m. Length: 100 km.
Colca Canyon is located in Peru. The depth of this canyon is 3400 meters. It is located 180 kilometers from Arequipa, a Peruvian city, and was formed during the high seismic activity of the Sabancaya and Hualka volcanoes. The location of the canyon is also very unusual, it is located in the Andes, at an altitude of 3,260 meters above sea level.
Colca Canyon is considered an ideal place for lovers of rafting and mountain biking.
It is believed that the name of the canyon is translated as "grain barn". In ancient times, the Inca tribe cultivated crops in this area - this is evidenced by the terraces that exist here to this day.
The canyon attracts not only tourists, but also rafters, lovers of cycling through the mountains.
Many travelers while visiting the canyon tend to get into the Sangaye area. On its territory there is a unique plateau with a tropical climate - a real tropical oasis with palm trees, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. It is best to explore the picturesque places of the canyon accompanied by a guide, as the danger of collapses remains in the gorge. While walking through the most picturesque places of the canyon, you should definitely look into one of the colorful Andean villages, small mountain settlements can be found on both sides of the gorge.
Colca Canyon is interesting not only for the beauty of the environment, but also for the fact that here you can watch condors. The Colca Canyon was chosen as a habitat by the largest bird of prey - the condor. Its wingspan can reach 3.3 meters. To admire these majestic birds and the surrounding natural beauties, several excellent viewing platforms are equipped in the canyon, including La Cruz del Condor.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Length: 161 km. Depth: 550 m.
Fish in the River Canyon in Namibia - Africa's largest canyon. Unusual name this canyon is also reinforced by its unique beauty: it is incredibly spectacular in visualization, as this giant river channel meanders over a plateau for more than 160 kilometers. The gorge itself is about 550 meters deep, and in some places it extends 27 kilometers in width.
The canyon is rocky, but despite this, it remains a popular tourist destination, thanks to its incredible scenery. The formation of the canyon is continuous, during the rainy season the river is a swift and seething stream. During the drought period, on the contrary, the river dries up a lot, so small lakes form at the bottom of the canyon.
Although the Fish River Canyon river is divided into shallow basins most of the time, late summer travelers have the opportunity to witness flash floods. Walking along the sandy slopes of the canyon at this time is incredibly dangerous, and approaching the bottom of the gorge is completely prohibited - it can be flooded at any moment.
Every year, the canyon hosts a marathon that tests runners with its extremely challenging road conditions. The section of the path that runners have to overcome is not without reason considered one of the most difficult in the world, it passes through difficult rough terrain. As one person notes, "This canyon is not for the faint-hearted."
Grand Canyon Colorado, USA
Length: 446 km. Depth: 1800 m.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous and largest canyons. This canyon was formed by the Colorado River, which for millions of years eroded the plateau of the same name. The length of the Great Miracle is 446 kilometers, the width, if we take into account the level of the plateau, reaches 29 kilometers, and the depth is an impressive 1,800 meters.
Despite the fact that these modest parameters do not allow the canyon to claim the world championship, it does not cease to be a landmark of world importance and a center of attraction for millions of tourists.
The age of the canyon is about 10 million years, it was carefully studied by scientists who discovered many amazing features. One of the most ancient canyons on the planet is home to 355 species of rare birds and 150 animal species, and the Colorado River is home to over 15 rare fish species. In addition to natural values, archaeological artifacts were also found in the canyon - rock paintings, whose age is about 3,000 years.
There are also reservations of three Indian tribes. The Grand Canyon is one of the most unusual and amazingly beautiful places. It is one of the most visited places by tourists - every year about 4 million people come to see the Grand Canyon, for whom excellent viewing platforms are equipped and interesting walking routes have been developed. The most popular observation decks are Cape Royal Point, Bright Angel Point and Imperial Point. Walking along the canyon alone is very dangerous, especially along its bottom. A hot desert climate has been established here, cacti grow and many dangerous inhabitants are found, including poisonous spiders and scorpions.
Kali Gandaki Canyon, Nepal
Depth: more than 6000 m.
Among the deepest canyons is the Kali Gandaki Canyon. It is located in Nepal. The Kali River was named after the great Hindu goddess, as dark and mysterious as her waters. The exact depth of the Gorge is not yet known, since the researchers of the canyon will never come to a consensus about where its edge is located. But if you measure the canyon from the very peak, then it could well become the deepest at a height of 6,800 meters.
The majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, which are more than 8,000 meters high, frame the canyon. Thousands of travelers come to admire their snow-capped peaks every year. If for tourists these places are of interest, first of all, from a “natural” point of view, then for the indigenous people they have been considered sacred for a long time.
In ancient times, the Kali Gandak River, flowing through a grandiose gorge, was a path for transporting goods between Tibet and India. Today, the canyon is one of the sights of Tibet.
The most daring of the locals regularly go to one gorge to find the sacred stones "saligrams" in the muddy waters of the river. The latter are indeed quite unusual, they are fossilized fragments of mollusks that lived in the river millions of years ago. These amazing stones in India are valued more than gold because they have unique healing properties. Travelers will also have the opportunity to devote their leisure time to a dangerous and at the same time interesting event. You can go to the bottom of the gorge only accompanied by an experienced guide, only the locals know the shortest and relatively easy ways to the banks of the river. Saligrams is just one of the many mysteries of the Kali Gandaki canyon.
Caperti Valley, Australia
Length: 450 km. Width: 30 km.
This majestic canyon is Australia's largest and is known for its rugged scenery and high sandstone escarpments. Its valley was formed millions of years ago. Due to its age, Caperti Valley isn't as deep as some of the other canyons on this list, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in size. The length of the canyon is almost 450 kilometers, and the width is about 30. Starting at its source, the Caperti River cuts its way through the Triassic rock.
The indigenous people of Wiradjuri have a very extensive history in this land as shown in their 2000 year old rock art. Many ancient treasures have been dug up here - for example, diamonds in abandoned mines dug into the side of the mountain. One prospector found 77 of the gems in six days!
Walking through the old mines is also unsafe, any strong sound or awkward movement can lead to their collapse. Abandoned mines are far from the only attractive feature of the Caperti Valley, it remains an ideal place for exploring natural attractions and cycling.
Tsangpo Grand Canyon, China
Length: 500 km. Depth: more than 6000 m.
The deepest canyon on Earth is in Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The greatest depth of the Yarlung Tsangpo canyon is 6009 meters, its length is 504 kilometers. The Tsangpo River, flowing in a grandiose gorge, looks like a small stream from the height of the canyon, its minimum width is 80 meters.
The river is popular with rafters, although rafting is considered extreme. The ecosystem of the canyon is unique - lush vegetation here is adjacent to the snow-capped mountain peaks. These places are difficult to access, so the flora and fauna have been preserved in their original form.
it has a very unusual horseshoe shape. The mountains surrounding the canyon are incredibly high, their snow-capped peaks merge with the sky and become barely distinguishable. It is they who attract climbing enthusiasts, the conquest of the mountain peaks surrounding the canyon is only possible for great professionals. Among the distinctive features of the Tsangpo Canyon, it is also worth highlighting the unique ecosystem, depending on the height, the climate varies from arctic to subtropical.
On the southern slope of the canyon is Mount Namjagbarwa, the main peak of the Eastern Himalayas, rising up to 7,782 meters.
The scientific expedition, which was organized by the Academy of Sciences of China, called this canyon the first in length and the greatest among the deep gorges of the world.
