A canyon is created by the force of water, which over millions of years erodes and shapes the landscape. This usually results in a gorge or valley that is deep and often narrow. Canyons are most commonly found in limestone regions, where the rock dissolves as water carves its way through the more fragile layers. Harder rock types form solid vertical walls along the canyon sides. Other natural forces, such as wind and weathering, also contribute to the canyon’s formation and ongoing changes over time.
Canyons are essentially water-carved corridors where the flowing water has managed to cut through the rock. You often find granite or sandstone blocks that have resisted erosion after more soluble layers disappeared. Plate tectonics also plays a role by creating shifts in rock strata, sometimes enhancing slopes that guide water flow.
There are different types of canyons, formed under varying climatic, geological, and topographical conditions. Canyons can be shallower or deeper, wider or narrower, and some remain very aquatic with flowing water. In addition to rockfalls, natural “slides” or channels are often formed, guiding the water’s path.
Some canyons develop across plateaus, while others are more mountainous. Although most are open-air, some can be partially covered.
A canyon is an exceptional natural environment, which contributes to its beauty. It is precisely this unique setting that makes canyoning so popular.