Top 3 Canyons To Visit In Arizona That Aren't The Grand Canyon!

By all means, the Grand Canyon is a wonderful travel destination. If you haven’t been there before, it’s well worth a visit. And yet, everyone is so fixated on this specific area that they forget that Arizona is a hotspot for loads of beautiful canyons. Some would argue that a few of these canyons are even better than the Grand Canyon itself. 

On that note, this post will introduce you to three canyons in Arizona you’ve probably never heard of, yet they are just as worthy of your time as the Grand Canyon! 

Antelope Canyon

Travel to Page, Arizona, and you’ll find Antelope Canyon. This is one of the most mesmeric canyons in the world, thanks to the unique way in which each canyon is formed. Very narrow openings are found throughout, made from vibrant red and orange sandstone. It makes you feel like you’re exploring another planet - and this feeling is enhanced by the beams of light that shine through the small canyon openings. 

Antelope Canyon is pretty big, so it’s divided into two areas. The Upper Antelope Canyon has some of the better light beams, but the Lower Antelope Canyon is best for seeing amazing sandstone formations and walking deeper within the canyon itself. Either way, both areas provide an other-worldly experience! 

Oak Creek Canyon

Located between Sedona and Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon is like the Grand Canyon’s little brother. It offers a lot of the same stuff you get there, but on a smaller scale - and arguably more beautiful. There’s more greenery dotted around this canyon, and a flowing creek makes it super picturesque. 

Enjoy a series of fun activities while you’re here; it’s a hotspot for swimming, kayaking, and camping. Despite being such a stunning canyon to visit, the main lure of Oak Creek Canyon is the drive you go on to get there. It’s one of the most scenic routes in the entire US, taking you through forests, around the side of red-rock canyons, and to the edge of cliffs. The best thing about the route is that it contains lots of picnic areas and a scenic overlook where you can get out of your car, stretch your legs, and enjoy the views. 

Canyon de Chelly

In the Northeast of Arizona, you’ll find Canyon de Chelly. It’s one of the oldest landscapes in North America and has been inhabited for over 5,000 years! This means it’s full of history and unique sights - including the towering Spider Rock. This is an 800-foot spire that many people call the Canyon de Chelly National Monument. 

The entire canyon is a beauty to behold as well. It has huge sandstone cliffs, and you can spot some ancient cliff dwellings on the sides too. There are loads of ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock surfaces around Canyon de Chelly, making it one of the more unique canyons in Arizona. 

Would you believe it if you heard there were even more canyons to explore in this area of the US? Arizona is one of the best states to visit, particularly if you want an adventure full of natural beauty. See some of the canyons in this guide to get started!