The World's 10 Deepest Canyons: A Countdown by Maximum Depth

Ranked by greatest depth, these canyons showcase Earth's most dramatic erosion:

1. Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon, China – 6,008 m (19,714 ft) deep; 504 km long. The world's deepest and longest.
2. Cotahuasi Canyon, Peru – 3,535 m (11,601 ft); 100 km. Deepest in the Western Hemisphere.
3. Colca Canyon, Peru – 3,400 m (11,155 ft); 105 km. Famous for condors and hot springs.
4. Kings Canyon, USA (California) – 2,118 m (6,950 ft); 265 km. Sierra Nevada grandeur.
5. Verdon Gorge, France – 700 m (2,297 ft); 25 km. Turquoise river, limestone cliffs.
6. Fish River Canyon, Namibia – 550 m (1,804 ft); 160 km. Africa's largest.
7. Bryce Canyon, USA (Utah) – 240 m (787 ft); 32 km. Hoodoo amphitheaters.
8. Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan – 200 m (656 ft); 154 km. Red sandstone "Valley of Castles."
9. Canyon de Chelly, USA (Arizona) – 300 m (984 ft); 19 km. Navajo heritage, sheer walls.
10. Antelope Canyon, USA (Arizona) – 120 m (394 ft); 1.2 km. Iconic slot canyon light beams.

Depths vary by measurement method; this list reflects commonly cited maximums.