List of canyons and gorges in Utah facts for kids

Utah is a state in the western United States known for its amazing natural beauty, especially its many deep and narrow valleys called canyons. These canyons have been carved over millions of years by rivers, wind, and ice, creating incredible landscapes. They are home to unique plants and animals, and many are popular spots for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and sightseeing.

This article lists some of the most well-known canyons in Utah, along with the rivers, roads, and other interesting features you might find there.

Famous Canyons and Their Rivers

Many of Utah's canyons are famous because of the powerful rivers that flow through them, creating dramatic scenery.

Canyons of the Colorado and Green Rivers

The Colorado River and its main tributary, the Green River, have carved some of the most spectacular canyons in Utah. These are often popular for river rafting and exploring.

• Cataract Canyon: This canyon is found where the Colorado River flows through Garfield, San Juan, and Wayne counties. It's known for its exciting rapids.
• Desolation Canyon: Located in Carbon, Emery, Grand, and Uintah counties, this long canyon was carved by the Green River. It's a remote and wild area.
• Flaming Gorge: In Daggett County, the Green River flows through Flaming Gorge, which is now part of a large national recreation area with a huge reservoir.
• Glen Canyon: This vast canyon, located in Garfield, Kane, and San Juan counties, was largely flooded by Lake Powell after the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam.
• Gray Canyon: The Green River flows through this canyon in Emery and Grand counties.
• Labyrinth Canyon: A winding section of the Green River, stretching across Emery, Grand, San Juan, and Wayne counties. It's known for its calm waters and towering walls.
• Red Canyon (Daggett County, Utah)|Red Canyon: Another Green River canyon in Daggett County, known for its striking red rock formations.
• Ruby Canyon: The Colorado River flows through this canyon in Grand County. It's also home to a Union Pacific Railroad line.
• Stillwater Canyon: The Green River continues its journey through this canyon in San Juan and Wayne counties.
• Swallow Canyon: A smaller canyon carved by the Green River in Daggett County.
• Westwater Canyon: In Grand County, the Colorado River flows through Westwater Canyon, famous for its challenging whitewater rapids.
• Whirlpool Canyon: The Green River creates this unique canyon in Uintah County.

Other River Canyons

Many other rivers and creeks have carved important canyons throughout Utah.

• American Fork Canyon: Located in Utah County, this canyon is carved by the American Fork river. You can drive through it on SR-92 and SR-144.
• Beaver Canyon (Beaver County, Utah)|Beaver Canyon: The Beaver River flows through this canyon in Beaver County, with SR-153 following it.
• Big Cottonwood Canyon: In Salt Lake County, the Big Cottonwood Creek carved this popular canyon, accessible via SR-190. It's a gateway to ski resorts.
• Little Cottonwood Canyon: Also in Salt Lake County, carved by Little Cottonwood Creek, and accessible by SR-210. This canyon is also famous for its ski resorts.
• Logan Canyon: The Logan River flows through this beautiful canyon in Cache County, with US-89 running alongside it.
• Ogden Canyon: In Weber County, the Ogden River carved this canyon, which is followed by SR-39.
• Provo Canyon: The Provo River flows through this canyon in Utah and Wasatch counties. US-189 runs through it, and you can also find the Heber Valley Historic Railroad here.
• Spanish Fork Canyon: In Utah County, the Spanish Fork river and Soldier Creek carved this canyon. US-6 and a Union Pacific Railroad line pass through it.
• Weber Canyon: The Weber River flows through this canyon, which spans Davis, Morgan, and Weber counties. I-84 follows the river here.
• Zion Canyon: One of Utah's most famous canyons, located in Washington County. The North Fork Virgin River carved this stunning canyon, which is a major part of Zion National Park. You can drive along the Floor of the Valley Road.

Canyons with Historic Trails and Roads

Many canyons in Utah are important because they were pathways for early settlers, traders, and explorers.

• Circleville Canyon: In Garfield County, the Sevier River flows through this canyon, which was part of the historic Old Spanish Trail. US-89 now follows this route.
• East Canyon (San Juan County, Utah)|East Canyon: This canyon in San Juan County was also part of the Old Spanish Trail.
• Echo Canyon (Summit County, Utah)|Echo Canyon: Located in Summit County, this canyon was a key part of the Mormon Trail, used by pioneers traveling west. Today, I-80 follows the Echo Creek through the canyon.
• Emigration Canyon, Utah|Emigration Canyon: In Salt Lake County, this canyon was the final stretch of the Mormon Trail for many pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley.
• Canyons of the Escalante: These canyons in Garfield and Kane counties are famous for the Escalante River and were part of the challenging Hole in the Rock Trail, a historic pioneer route. SR-12 passes nearby.
• Ninemile Canyon (Utah)|Ninemile Canyon: This canyon in Uintah, Carbon, and Duchesne counties is famous for its ancient rock art, left by early Native Americans. The Nine Mile Canyon Road runs through it.
• Salina Canyon: In Sevier County, the Salina Creek flows through this canyon, which was also part of the Old Spanish Trail. I-70 now passes through here.

Other Notable Canyons

Utah has many other canyons with unique features or stories.

• Bingham Canyon: Located in Salt Lake County, this canyon is home to the huge Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.
• Bluejohn Canyon: In Wayne County, this remote canyon became famous as the site of a challenging accident involving adventurer Aron Ralston.
• Grandstaff Canyon: This canyon in Grand County is a tributary of the Colorado River. Its name was officially changed in 2017.
• Red Canyon (Garfield County, Utah)|Red Canyon: In Garfield County, this canyon is known for its bright red rock formations and is a popular scenic stop along SR-12.
• The Narrows (Zion National Park)|The Narrows: A very famous, extremely narrow section of Zion National Park in Washington County, where the North Fork Virgin River flows between towering canyon walls. Hikers often wade or swim through it.
• Snow Canyon: This canyon in Washington County is part of Snow Canyon State Park, known for its lava flows and red sandstone cliffs.

Utah's canyons offer endless opportunities for adventure and learning about the state's geology and history.

See also