8. Paria Canyon
Rising for more than 38 miles across an exotic terrain of towering walls and tight passageways, Paria Canyon is among the longest and most stunning slot canyons in the world. Part of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, this amazing canyon system provides hikers and explorers with a unique trip across millions of years of geological past. Rising to heights of 500 feet, the walls of the canyon show a startling range of colours and patterns produced by erosion and mineral deposits. The canyon calls for many days to completely explore and provides several problems, including frequent river crossings and small passageways, hence hikers must acquire permits and carefully arrange their journeys. The Paria Narrows, the most well-known feature of the canyon, offer a breathtaking illustration of slot canyon formation—where the route is so narrow that trekkers must wade over the stream surrounded by almost touching towers. Rock art panels and many archaeological sites within the canyon provide windows into the rich cultural legacy of the region.