Geological wonders
Slot canyons are narrow, naturally formed canyons with towering walls and a width no wider than your arm span, if that. If they weren't so mesmerizing beautiful, they would make you feel claustrophobic.
Found around the world, these geological formations usually occur in places with low rainfall, and many of the most well-known are in the American Southwest, including Wall Street (pictured above), which lies in a section of The Narrows in Zion National Park. Check out the beauty of the world's most stunning slot canyons - it will make you want to pack some hiking gear and get traveling.
Suggested Stories: (1) 11 of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world; (2) 'Cloud waterfalls' cascade across the Grand Canyon.
1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Perhaps the most famous of all slot canyons, Antelope Canyon is found near Page, Arizona. There are two separate sections, known as Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon, or more affectionately, The Crack and The Corkscrew. Formed by the erosion of sandstone from flash flooding and other processes, the slot canyons have curvaceous, strangely angled walls. The beautiful colours, textures, curves and spectacular lighting - particularly during the summer months - are a major draw for photographers and sightseers. They are located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation and have become a significant source of tourism for the Navajo tribe.
Suggested Stories: (1) 10 famous Appalachian Trail hikers; (2) Hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail in 6 minutes.
2. Siq, City of Petra, Jordan
The main entrance to the City of Petra in Jordan is a slot canyon. The Siq, translated literally to The Shaft, is a three-quarter-mile long narrow gorge, sometimes no more than 9.8-feet wide, that leads visitors to Al Khazneh, or The Treasury (pictured here), which is Petra's most elaborate ruin. The walls range from about 300-600 feet in height. While most slot canyons are formed by water erosion, The Siq has a unique natural history. It is a geological fault that was split apart by tectonic forces and only later smoothed by water. Remains of ancient constructions around the slot canyon include two abutments and some hewn stones of a once-monumental archway for the grand entrance to the city, votive niches, several underground chambers, and a group of statues that, while heavily eroded, still reveal two merchants leading camels.
Suggested Stories: (1) Grand Canyon National Park: A user's guide; (2) Palo Duro Canyon State Park: A user's guide.
3. The Wave, Arizona
The Wave is a surreal-looking geological formation in Arizona, made by two water-eroded troughs, one of which is only 7 feet wide and falls into the category of slot canyon. Because it is an incredibly popular place for tourists, sightseers, hikers and photographers, only 20 hikers a day are allowed to visit and walk through the 52-foot long slot canyon and the 62-foot-wide (and more photographed) neighbouring trough, to avoid damage and erosion caused by human feet. The Wave is considered to be one of the most photographed landscapes in the United States, and no wonder.
Suggested Stories: (1) Great inns open only to those with good hiking shoes; (2) Classic American hiking trails.
4. River Narrows Trail, Zion National Park
Perhaps one of the most famous collections of slot canyons in the world, Zion National Park has some doozies. The Narrows is an area of canyons on the North Fork of the Virgin River and is the site of several jaw-dropping sections of slot canyons (another of which is also in this slideshow). The Narrows is considered one of the best hikes on the Colorado Plateau, and has even been named one of the best hiking adventures in the U.S. However, it's not for everyone. The canyons are formed by water erosion, and water still flows through them. This means much of the hiking is done in the river, sometimes wading waist-deep or even swimming some sections depending on the time of year. Since the walls are vertical, there is no escape should a flash flood occur, as happens during rainy periods.
Suggested Stories: (1) Great inns open only to those with good hiking shoes; (2) Classic American hiking trails.
5. Witches Gulch, Wisconsin
Not every slot canyon has to be made of red and gold sandstone. Witches Gulch in Wisconsin brings some emerald colours to the party. A wood boardwalk leads hikers into the moss-covered sandstone slot, which in some places is so narrow you can touch both sides of the canyon. Located in the tourist-heavy Wisconsin Dells, visitors can get here either by car or by boat. Witches Gulch was discovered in 1871 by H.H. Bennett, a photographer credited with making the dells popular among tourists.
Suggested Stories: (1) 10 famous Appalachian Trail hikers; (2) Hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail in 6 minutes.
6. Buckskin Gulch, Utah
The longest and deepest slot canyon in the Southwest U.S. (and quite possibly the longest in the world), Buckskin Gulch stretches for over 13 miles with the cliffs on either side reaching as high as 500 feet. It is one of the main tributaries of the Paria River, which flows only intermittently. Because of the depth of the canyon, it doesn't fill with light the way Antelope Canyon does. But the length and diversity of terrain draw in experienced hikers. A permit is required to hike into the area, and the permits usually sell out months in advance, so if you want to hike this slot canyon, start planning way ahead of time. Also be aware this is a challenging hike and there is a risk of flash floods during certain seasons - as there is with most slot canyons.
Suggested Stories: (1) Great inns open only to those with good hiking shoes; (2) Classic American hiking trails.
7. Subway, Zion National Park
Heading back to Zion National Park, The Subway is a favourite among experienced canyoneers and adventurous photographers. Sculpted by the Left Fork of North Creek, this section has a unique tunnel shape that resembles a subway tube. The rock floor of the slot canyon is riddled with potholes from the water that rushes through, and they are usually filled with icy cold water. This lends not only a beautiful mix of colours to the slot canyon but also a compelling dance of light as it reflects and refracts. Plus, you'll find frogs, dragonflies and other water-dwelling critters. Because of the difficulty level of The Subway, which requires skills with ropes and repelling (and the fact that you have to swim through at least three pools of cold water), this is one canyon that most of us will only enjoy through photos.
Suggested Stories: (1) 19 apps that will turn you into a wilderness expert; (2) 16 apps for the prepared hiker.
8. Cathedral Gorge, Bungle Bungles Range, Purnululu National Park, Australia
It's true that the Blue Mountains of Australia are known for the amazing number of slot canyons within the range. But not to be outdone is the Bungle Bungles Range in Purnululu National Park. This World Heritage Site is a collection of sandstone and conglomerates formed into dome-shaped towers by wind and rainfall over millions of years. Within these formations are cracks, slot canyons, gorges and natural amphitheatres, Cathedral Gorge among them. One could wander the slot canyons here for days, even weeks. It is a fascinating and unique landscape, and Cathedral Gorge is one of the most popular among visitors for its ease of access.
Suggested Stories: (1) Grand Canyon National Park: A user's guide; (2) Palo Duro Canyon State Park: A user's guide.
9. Coloured Canyon, Sinai, Egypt
The tall walls of Coloured Canyon reveal the source of the name. Sinai was once covered by ocean, which left layer upon layer of sediment to be eroded away by water and wind over millions of years. Those layers reveal diverse colours - reds, magentas, purples, golds and yellows, sometimes with a metallic sheen - can in places look something like The Wave, which is a continent away. The walls rise to heights of over 100 feet in some places, and is sometimes only a few feet wide. It is a relatively easy hike, and as a result is a popular destination for tourists.
Suggested Stories: (1) How to hike with your dog: Tips, rules and great gear; (2) A beginner's glossary to hiking and camping.
10. Weano Gorge, Karijini National Park, Australia
In Karijini National Park, the second largest park in Western Australia, lies Weano Gorge. Views from the top and walking trails with towering walls of banded iron rock offer spectacular sights, and for those experienced in rock climbing, you can descend down to Handrail Pool. An unforgettable place, the smooth walls of this slot canyon are a must-see for hikers visiting this part of Australia.
Suggested Stories: (1) 11 of the most difficult ultramarathons in the world; (2) 'Cloud waterfalls' cascade across the Grand Canyon.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please adhere to proper blog etiquette when posting your comments. This blog owner will exercise his absolution discretion in allowing or rejecting any comments that are deemed seditious, defamatory, libelous, racist, vulgar, insulting, and other remarks that exhibit similar characteristics. If you insist on using anonymous comments, please write your name or other IDs at the end of your message.