9. Marble Canyon
Beginning the Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon provides visitors with a different viewpoint on the great force of the Colorado River in sculpting the terrain. Though its name suggests otherwise, the canyon has lovely limestone cliffs that vary in hue as the sun moves across the sky. There is no marble here. Beginning at Lees Ferry and working towards the junction with the Little Colorado River, the 61-mile canyon runs World-class fly fishing in the glistening clean waters below Glen Canyon Dam allows visitors to experience rainbow trout in a cool river. Spanning the canyon, the Navajo Bridge offers breathtaking vistas and chances to see California condors nest among the nearby cliffs. Excellent hiking paths abound in the area as well; paths leading to Native American petroglyphs and historic places. While its geological characteristics and wildlife viewing chances provide unending fascination for both nature lovers and photographers, the canyon’s accessibility and quite small crowds make it a great substitute for busier parts of the Grand Canyon.