A true testament to nature’s raw power and beauty, slot canyons are a must-see for hikers, shutterbugs and amateur geologists alike. These stunning narrow slivers are formed over thousands of years by the sheer force of running water, and the result is nothing short of magnificent.
What starts as a small sliver in sandstone or limestone gradually grows deeper over time as rushing water carves its way through the rock. The most stunning of these canyons have experienced so much force that the depth reaches the very bottom of the canyon, creating towering rock walls with smooth and polished striations. In the U.S., most slot canyons can be found in desert areas like Utah, Arizona and California. Utah’s Buckskin Gulch is the longest slot canyon in the world, while Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is renowned for its bright colors and remarkable beams of light that shine through to the canyon floor.
You can take a look at these natural wonders for yourself with this slot canyon photo tour.
(Main image: Dave Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire)
