The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and dramatic canyons in the world, carved over millions of years by rivers, glaciers, and tectonic forces.  These deep, rugged landscapes are natural masterpieces, offering a glimpse into Earth’s geological history and inspiring awe with their sheer size and beauty.  From the iconic Grand Canyon to lesser-known but equally majestic gorges, here are the top 10 deepest canyons in the United States, ranked by their depth.

#1: Hells Canyon – Depth: 8,000 Feet

Located along the border of Oregon and Idaho, Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America, plunging to depths of 8,000 feet.  Carved by the Snake River over millions of years, it showcases rugged cliffs, dense forests, and striking basalt formations.

Hells Canyon is a wilderness paradise, home to wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears.  The region holds cultural significance for the Nez Perce Tribe, whose ancestral lands lie within the canyon.  Stories of early explorers navigating the Snake River’s treacherous rapids add to its adventurous allure.  Visitors can hike, raft, or take in the panoramic views from overlooks such as Heaven’s Gate.

#2: Grand Canyon – Depth: 6,093 Feet

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is perhaps the most famous canyon in the world, stretching 277 miles and reaching depths of over 6,000 feet.  Its vast, layered walls reveal nearly two billion years of Earth’s history, offering a palette of reds, oranges, and golds.

The Colorado River continues to carve this iconic landscape, which has been sacred to numerous Native American tribes.  Tales of John Wesley Powell’s daring river expeditions in the 19th century highlight the canyon’s historical significance.  Today, it attracts millions of visitors annually, with activities ranging from hiking the Bright Angel Trail to rafting through its roaring rapids.

#3: Kings Canyon – Depth: 8,200 Feet

Nestled within California’s Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon reaches depths of 8,200 feet, rivaling Hells Canyon.  Carved by the South Fork of the Kings River, this canyon is surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and ancient sequoia groves.

John Muir, the famed naturalist, described Kings Canyon as a rival to Yosemite in beauty.  Its glacial history is evident in its U-shaped valleys and sparkling alpine lakes.  Visitors can explore the dramatic scenery through hiking trails like the Rae Lakes Loop or simply marvel at the towering canyon walls.

#4: Zion Canyon – Depth: 2,640 Feet

Located in Utah’s Zion National Park, Zion Canyon is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs that rise up to 2,640 feet.  The Virgin River has sculpted this deep, narrow canyon over millions of years, creating a breathtaking landscape of red rock and lush greenery.

Zion is a haven for adventurers, offering iconic hikes such as Angels Landing and The Narrows.  The canyon also holds spiritual significance, with early settlers naming it after the biblical sanctuary.  Anecdotal tales of daring climbers scaling its sheer walls add to its mystique.

#5: Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Depth: 2,722 Feet

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado plunges to depths of 2,722 feet, with some of the steepest cliffs in North America.  Its dark, narrow walls create dramatic contrasts, earning it the name “Black Canyon.”

The Gunnison River’s relentless force continues to shape the canyon, carving it deeper each year.  Early settlers avoided its depths, deeming it nearly impassable, but today, adventurous hikers and climbers embrace its rugged beauty.  The Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff at 2,250 feet, is a highlight for visitors.

#6: Snake River Canyon – Depth: 500 Feet

The Snake River Canyon in Idaho is a geological marvel, stretching 50 miles and reaching depths of 500 feet.  Its basalt walls, carved by the Snake River and glacial floods, create a striking landscape.

Evel Knievel’s legendary attempt to jump the canyon on a rocket-powered motorcycle in 1974 remains one of its most famous anecdotes.  Today, visitors can explore the canyon’s beauty through hiking, kayaking, and admiring the Perrine Bridge, which spans the gorge.

#7: Waimea Canyon – Depth: 3,000 Feet

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon in Hawaii plunges 3,000 feet into Kauai’s lush landscape.  Its colorful layers of red, green, and brown are the result of volcanic activity and erosion.

Waimea holds cultural significance for native Hawaiians and offers stories of ancient settlements thriving along its fertile valleys.  Visitors can take in its beauty from lookout points or hike trails like the Waimea Canyon Trail for a closer look.

#8: Palo Duro Canyon – Depth: 800 Feet

Palo Duro Canyon in Texas is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching over 120 miles with depths of up to 800 feet.  Its multicolored layers of rock create a stunning desert landscape.

The canyon was home to the Comanche people and later played a role in westward expansion.  Visitors can explore its beauty through hiking, horseback riding, and the iconic outdoor musical Texas, performed in the canyon’s natural amphitheater.

#9: Royal Gorge – Depth: 1,250 Feet

Located in Colorado, the Royal Gorge plunges 1,250 feet and is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas.”  Its narrow, steep walls create dramatic vistas, and the Arkansas River flows through its depths.

The Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, adds to its allure.  Stories of pioneers crossing the gorge and the railway built along its cliffs highlight its historical importance.  Visitors can ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or brave the bridge for unforgettable views.

#10: Canyon de Chelly – Depth: 1,000 Feet

Canyon de Chelly in Arizona is a place of stunning beauty and deep cultural significance, with sandstone walls rising 1,000 feet.  It has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, with the Navajo Nation continuing to call it home.

The canyon’s red cliffs are adorned with ancient petroglyphs and ruins, telling the story of its long history.  Visitors can explore it through guided tours or scenic overlooks like Spider Rock, a towering sandstone spire.

The deepest canyons in the United States are breathtaking reminders of nature’s power to shape the Earth.  From the vastness of the Grand Canyon to the rugged depths of Hells Canyon, each offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure.  Exploring these geological wonders is a journey through time, revealing the incredible forces that carved these majestic landscapes.