16 Breathtaking Photos of Earth’s Most Remote and Stunning Canyons
For genuine adventurers seeking new experiences, it’s time to direct your camera lenses (or hiking boots) to Earth’s most isolated canyons. Canyons represent geological marvels formed over millions of years through the shaping influence of river currents, tectonic forces, and nature’s limitless creativity.
Recent tourism data reveals that natural destinations on travelers’ bucket lists have gained popularity as eco-adventurers increasingly explore remote environments to capture unique “first visitor” photographs (World Tourism Organization, 2024). Their striking colors, epic scale, and untamed beauty appeal to explorers, photographers, and those seeking serenity.
Discover inspirational travel and photography techniques by exploring 16 amazing canyons from each continent.
The Grand Canyon, USA
Arizona’s Grand Canyon must be included in any comprehensive list of world-famous canyons. Through a six-million-year process of erosion by the Colorado River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site extends 277 miles in length and reaches widths of 18 miles with depths exceeding a mile (National Park Service).
The Grand Canyon attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually, who experience its brick-red cliffs, Colorado’s winding path, and stunning sunsets. Capture your epic picture at Hopi Point when the sun rises or sets to see vibrant orange and purple hues. You will benefit most from wide-angle lenses when taking photos during the early morning hours because this time has fewer tourists and delivers softer light that reveals the canyon’s magnificence.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Africa’s largest canyon is an astonishing spectacle. Fish River Canyon stretches 100 miles across southwestern Namibia and reaches depths of 1,800 feet. Intrepid hikers traverse the 55-mile Fish River Canyon Trail, which reaches its peak popularity during the May-to-September dry season, as temperatures remain mild and lighting conditions are ideal for photography.
Satellite images fail to capture the full ruggedness of the twisting terrain and the shimmering river below. The canyon’s burning orange hues become more intense during golden hour photography sessions, allowing midday light to highlight the blue-green river in your images.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Colca Canyon descends more than 10,000 feet into the Earth, which makes it twice as deep as its North American equivalent. The incredible depths of Colca Canyon and the sight of rare Andean condors soaring above its cliffs attract visitors each morning. The hiking paths meander through pre-Inca terraced slopes before reaching natural hot springs that provide welcome relief after an extensive hike.
To experience stunning views, people should visit the Cruz del Cóndor lookout shortly after dawn breaks. Using a telephoto lens allows you to capture irreplaceable photographs of condors.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
Only a small number of canyons possess the dramatic landscape of Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is located in Yunnan. The gorge measures 10 miles in length and lies trapped between the snow-covered Jade Dragon and Haba Mountains, with its cliffs plunging almost 12,000 feet down to the turbulent Jinsha River. A local legend recounts the tale of a tiger that leapt across the river at its narrowest point to escape hunters.
The gorge attracts hikers who seek dangerous switchbacks and spectacular views. Hot tip for adventurers and photographers alike: To enjoy the best sky visibility during spring and autumn, hike the trails and use a lightweight tripod to photograph the breathtaking river below.
Antelope Canyon, USA
Arizona’s Antelope Canyon would take first place in an Oscar category for photogenic slot canyons. The Navajo Nation showcases this natural wonder shaped by wind and water, which sparkles with vibrant oranges and bright purples when sunlight passes through its narrow paths.
Visitors must obtain permits and hire a Navajo guide to protect the canyon while mitigating flash flood hazards that make this area notorious for its dangers. For surreal images, photographers should target midday when the sun casts surreal beams of light through canyon openings. The hashtag #AntelopeCanyon generates millions of posts because it remains a popular destination.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
The Blyde River Canyon showcases its vibrant, lush greenery and emerald rivers while stretching 16 miles to dramatic red cliff formations. The dense vegetation makes it stand out among other canyons, and it is located within the Drakensberg Escarpment, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
Endemic plant and animal species attract hikers and bird-watchers, while God’s Window is one of the canyon’s famous Instagram viewpoints. During the rainy season, from December to March, the best time to capture vibrant blue skies and lush green landscapes is to use a circular polarizer on your camera lens.
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Barranca del Cobre is the local name for this extensive system of six canyons in northern Mexico, surpassing the Grand Canyon in depth and length. The dazzling highlight? The Chepe Express railway ride provides panoramic views as it travels through canyons alongside pine forests and remote Tarahumara villages. Hikers can follow rim-to-river trails or explore the area by mountain biking or horseback riding.
The early morning view from the Divisadero lookout presents stunning visuals, with the copper-colored cliffs standing out against the green forests.
Pro tip: Macro lenses produce exceptional nature portraits because more than 1,200 plant species flourish in this area.
Waimea Canyon, Hawaii
Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, known as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” features brilliant red, green, and brown colors as it cuts through the landscape with its dramatic 3,600-foot depth and 14-mile length. The unique color palette reflects the influence of iron-rich volcanic soil that has undergone oxidation along with the surrounding dense vegetation.
Today’s photographers and hikers can access numerous marked trails and lookout points, while early explorers overlooked the canyon’s majesty. The best photos? Capture the canyon’s beauty at dawn following a light rain when mist and rainbows intensify the scene. A wide lens will capture the expansive walls and waterfalls flowing through the gorges.
Kings Canyon, Australia
Kings Canyon lies within the dry center of Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory and features stunning bright orange and cream sandstone formations. The primeval atmosphere at Kings Canyon emerges from domed rock structures and massive 1,000-foot cliffs alongside ancient cycads that resemble otherworldly Martian landscapes.
The latest surveys indicate a growing trend in sustainable tourism activity, as travelers increasingly seek sunrise hikes along the Rim Walk to experience expansive views of the Outback. Ensure you take adequate water and sunscreen while planning your visit during the cooler dry season from May to September to experience the best lighting conditions and comfortable hiking temperatures.
Sumidero Canyon, Mexico
The Grijalva River carves out Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas, which reaches nearly 3,300 feet in height and features limestone sides lined with tropical vegetation. Boat tours offer optimal views of Sumidero Canyon’s towering cliffs and the renowned “Christmas Tree” waterfall formation, while wildlife enthusiasts visit to observe crocodiles, spider monkeys, and rare bird species.
Choosing weekdays for your visit and taking morning boat rides will help you avoid crowds, capture better photos with less glare on the water, and improve angles for dramatic cliff images.
Verdon Gorge, France
Tourists and explorers frequently refer to France’s Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) as “Europe’s Grand Canyon,” their comparison holds. The 16-mile-long gorge showcases massive white limestone cliffs that plunge over 2,000 feet into turquoise waters below.
The Gorges du Verdon attracts rafters and climbers who seek adventure. At the same time, photographers capture the stunning juxtaposition of rock formations against the water during late spring when wildflowers are in full bloom. Capture a paddler or small boat within the luminous teal river and achieve scale and vibrancy in your photograph.
Canyonlands National Park, USA
The Colorado and Green rivers have shaped Canyonlands National Park in Utah into an intricate network of canyons joined by mesas and buttes. Explorers on-site divide their time between exploring Island in the Sky, followed by The Needles and The Maze, as each area displays unique geological features and offers numerous photography opportunities.
During summer sunsets, the buttes ignite with golden and crimson hues. Capture an iconic moment by standing at Mesa Arch at dawn when the sun rises to backlight the famous window above the canyons.
Tip for pros: Use bracketing to capture the full range of extreme shadows and highlights.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Iceland
The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon derives its name from its winding 1.25-mile course and is a relatively new geological formation, dating back approximately 10,000 years. A Justin Bieber music video helped bring this canyon to fame, which features emerald moss walls and bright blue water that flows 330 feet beneath massive stone spires.
The site’s accessible rim trails welcome visitors of all fitness abilities to experience stunning panoramic views. Capture Instagram-worthy images during June when the midnight sun provides 24-hour glowing light that makes greenery appear vibrant.
Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
The Liwu River has smoothed marble cliffs at Taroko Gorge, standing above waterfalls and rock tunnels that extend directly through the stone. This 12-mile canyon accurately represents how marble undergoes erosion. Tourists can explore the Shakadang Trail or opt for an adrenaline rush on the Swallow Grotto path.
Moody images emerge from morning scenes with mist-swirled summits embraced by clouds. Visitors can enjoy delicious food at the entrance stalls after hiking through the park trails to capture stunning photos. The cooler climate and smaller crowds make November and December the best time to visit.
The Buckskin Gulch, USA
The Buckskin Gulch is the Southwest’s longest and deepest slot canyon, stretching nearly 13 miles across Utah and Arizona’s untamed landscapes. Flash floods have polished Buckskin Gulch’s slim corridors into inviting paths through twisting tunnels and strange reflected illumination that draw adventurers into its depths.
Hikers must obtain permits and monitor flash flood forecasts, as this location offers no respite from sudden flooding. The photos show bulbous stone shapes alongside solitary hikers or surreal beams of light. To achieve optimal results, visit this site during late spring or early autumn, as the weather remains stable and temperatures remain comfortable.
Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru
The world-renowned deepest canyon divides southern Peru’s Andean landscape as it plunges over 11,500 feet deep. Rugged cliffs stand alongside thundering whitewater rapids beside ancient Inca terraces that cling to steep slopes. The wild Cotahuasi River offers kayaking adventures while hiking between remote villages, which presents another challenge.
The best part? You’ll almost always experience the canyon without any other visitors around you. To capture evocative photographs of the canyon bathed in starlight, spend the night camping in a spot where light pollution is minimal.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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