If you can’t make it out West to see it in person or want to explore other places like Grand Canyon because you’ve been there, worry not! Many natural wonders can be considered alternatives to the US Grand Canyon.
14 Alternative Canyons & Places like Grand Canyon in the USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Situated in Arizona, it’s 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide steep-sided canyon.
It’s a stunning combination of cliffs, spires, and buttes formed by millions of years of erosion from the mighty Colorado River.
There are no places similar to Grand Canyon in the world, thanks to its majestic beauty. The sites I’m sharing here come a little close to the grandeur.
Let’s dig into them right now.
1/ Letchworth State Park: Grand Canyon of the East
Letchworth State Park is a 14,427-acre New York state park that is 17 miles long. The Genesee River roars through the gorge between towering cliffs that reach up to 600 feet, cascading over three breathtaking waterfalls.
The park also has several gorges, hiking trails, and a camping ground. For those who love nature, this is the place to go. You can hike through the different gorges and see the different waterfalls.
These are a few more things to do in Letchworth State Park:
- Canoeing.
- Dirt biking.
- Kayaking.
- Swimming.
- Horseback riding.
- Whitewater rafting.
- Snow tubing, skiing, and snowmobiling in Winter.
Take a remarkable experience in the magnificent Grand Canyon of the East with a hot air balloon ride. This place is worth visiting, and you will not be disappointed.
2/ Palo Duro Canyon: Grand Canyon of Texas
Palo Duro Canyon, located in the Texas Panhandle, is often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” It’s the second-largest canyon in the US. And it’s home to some of the best views of Texas’s unique wildlife and plenty of trails to explore.
And while it may not be as large or well-known as its counterpart in Arizona, it’s no less impressive. Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep.
The red rock walls are striated with layers of different colors, unlike the Grand Canyon. The floors of Palo Duro are dotted with cacti and other desert plants.
These are the top things to do in Palo Duro Canyon:
- Hiking
- Camping.
- Swimming.
- Geocaching
- Enjoy the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
Whether looking for an alternative to the Grand Canyon or a beautiful spot to explore, Palo Duro Canyon is worth visiting.
3/ Waimea: Grand Canyon of Hawaii
If you’re a natural lover, Waimea Canyon State Park is a place you need to add to your bucket list. Also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” this natural wonder is a sight to behold.
Waimea Canyon is approximately 10 miles long and 3,000 feet deep on Hawaii’s Kauai island.
Visitors can explore the canyon via many different trails, and there are also many lookout points where you can dive into the stunning views.
These are the best things to do in Waimea:
- Hiking.
- Golfing.
- Horseback riding.
- Stargazing.
- Witness the Parker Ranch Headquarters.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous hike or want to enjoy some of the most incredible scenery on Earth, Waimea Canyon is sure to impress.
4/ Royal Gorge, Colorado: Grand Canyon of Arkansas
The Royal Gorge in Colorado is an impressive natural wonder. It’s one of Colorado’s deepest canyons, measuring 1,250 feet deep and more than a mile wide.
The Arkansas River formed the gorge as it cut through solid granite and various sedimentary rocks over millions of years. Travelers can explore the gorge by riding on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad or hiking the 9.5-mile trail along its edge.
Other things to do at the Royal Gorge are:
- River rafting and tubing.
- Boating.
- Water adventures.
- Picnic camping.
The majestic views of this incredible canyon are truly breathtaking. From the soaring cliffs to the river below, it’s easy to understand why this area is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Arkansas.”
5/ Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is notable in California, located within the famous Yosemite National Park. This canyon was carved by glaciers and had a total length of around 15 miles. The sheer cliffs of the canyon are stunning.
Travelers can trek along its edges or look at its depths from an observation platform nearby Tuolumne Meadows.
A few trails pass through the canyon, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this amazing natural wonder.
Visitors should also look out for wildflowers in the springtime when they transform the landscape into a tapestry of colors.
With its stunning views and abundance of wildlife, it’s easy to see why people consider it one of the best alternatives to the Grand Canyon in the US.
6/ Breaks Interstate Park: Grand Canyon of South Virginia
In the Appalachian Mountains, Breaks Interstate Park is one of the USA’s most beautiful and charming places. The park is known for its impressive cliffs and gorges, as well as its winding rivers and lush vegetation.
It’s also one of the widest parks in the country, stretching across 4,500 acres. And while it’s not as deep as some other canyons on this list, it’s still quite a sight to behold.
With its green hills and towering cliffs, Breaks Interstate Park is worth a visit.
The park spans Virginia and Kentucky, and it is truly a sight to behold. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or seek an adventure, Breaks Interstate Park is sure to disappoint.
7/ Turkey Run State Park: Grand Canyon Of The Midwest
Turkey Run State Park Hiking Trails are in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s an incredible area with many deep ravines and gorges formed by ancient glaciers.
The park spans over 2,000 acres and is known for its impressive sandstone formations, lush forests, and serene streams. There are also plenty of trails that you can follow to get the best views of this amazing landscape.
This park is worth a visit if you’re looking for a great alternative to Grand Canyon in the US. Its stunning scenery makes it easy to see why the Midwest has been called the Grand Canyon of America.
8/ Canyonlands National Park, Utah
If you’re searching for a dazzling landscape to rival the Grand Canyon, look no further than the breathtakingly beautiful Canyonlands National Park in Utah!
Canyonlands National Park is known for its vast and impressive landscapes. This gorgeous park comprises canyons, mesas, and rivers and offers stunning views of landscapes shaped by millions of years of erosion.
The park is divided into four sections: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers.
The Island in the Sky is the most popular section of the park, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery.
No matter which section you choose to explore, you’re sure to be amazed by Canyonlands National Park’s beauty and diversity.
Visitors can hike, camp, raft, and mountain bike through the park, and there are many bird-watching and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Go for Canyonlands to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
9/ Providence Canyon: Grand Canyon of Georgia
Providence Canyon is one of the unique places in the world, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.
This canyon is one of the top places like the Grand Canyon in the US. The only difference is that Providence Canyon is much smaller.
When you Google this canyon, you’ll wonder why this place is called a “canyon.” Well, the reason is that it was created by erosion. Over time, water has slowly worn down the rock, creating the canyon.
The canyon is very deep and has many different layers of rock. The rocks are also very colorful. Many people come to Providence Canyon to see the beautiful rocks and enjoy the scenery.
This canyon is also a great place for nature lovers. Many different types of plants and animals live in the canyon. Providence Canyon is undoubtedly a charming place and is worth checking out.
10/ Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a narrow canyon cut by the Gunnison River in western Colorado. It’s one of the best places similar to the Grand Canyon. And it’s full of dramatic cliffs and rock formations created years ago.
The canyon is one of the deepest in North America, reaching depths up to 2,700 feet. There are many reasons to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, USA.
The Canyon of the Gunnison is similar to the Grand Canyon in many ways. It’s one of the safest national parks in the country, with a very low crime rate. The park is full of beautiful scenery and wildlife.
And visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and climbing.
Also, the park is well-maintained and provides excellent facilities for travelers. And it’s open all year round, so there is always something to see and do.
11/ Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming, is one of the alternatives to the Grand Canyon. It’s a stunning, deep gorge carved by ancient glaciers and rivers. Located in Yellowstone National Park, it features beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is not as well known and gigantic as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is just as beautiful.
The Yellowstone River formed the deep and narrow canyon, full of stunning rock formations and cliffs that reach up to 500 feet high.
The river also carved out many caves and tunnels in the canyon walls. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a must-see for any traveler visiting Wyoming.
14/ Pine Creek Gorge: Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
The Bingham Canyon Mine, commonly known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, is an open-pit mining operation in Utah. The mine is the largest producer of copper in the US and one of the largest man-made excavations in the world.
The mine is 2.5 miles wide, half a mile deep, and takes up more than 1,900 acres of land. Despite its massive size, the Bingham Canyon Mine is quite gentle on the landscape.
The vast majority of the materials excavated from the mine are used to backfill the pit, and the mine is continually replanted with new vegetation.
As a result, the Bingham Canyon Mine is a major source of copper for the United States and a miracle of nature.
13/ Havasu Canyon, Havasupai, Arizona
Havasu Canyon is a spectacular and secluded canyon near Arizona’s Grand Canyon. It’s well known for its dramatic blue-green waters, which flow through red rock cliffs and cascades.
The Havasupai tribe, who have lived in the area for over 800 years, considers the canyon a sacred place. The canyon is quite deep, with depths up to 1,000 feet. It is also quite wide, with widths of up to a mile.
The Havasu Canyon is a beautiful and unique place that any visitor would enjoy. Those adventuring to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, or Beaver Falls will witness fantastic views and an experience not dissimilar to that of the Grand Canyon.
14/ Pine Creek Gorge: Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
The Pine Creek Gorge is one of the state’s most beautiful and popular natural attractions and is called the little Grand Canyon of PA.
The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is not as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is just as wide. This canyon is located in Pennsylvania and is about half the size of the Grand Canyon.
However, it’s still impressive.
The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is a deep and wide canyon formed by the Pine Creek River. The canyon is full of stunning rock formations and cliffs that reach up to 500 feet high.
The river also carved out many caves and tunnels in the canyon walls.
The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania is a must-see for any traveler visiting Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful and unique place with stunning views and adventure.
Whether it’s the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Wyoming, or Havasu Canyon in Arizona, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Endless places like Grand Canyon in the US offer unique experiences and stunning views.
