Canyon
River-carved chasm
A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, typically carved by a river over geological time.
The Grand Canyon is the iconic example.
Canyon appears in compound names for similar formations: slot canyon, box canyon.
Figuratively, urban canyons are streets flanked by tall buildings that create similar enclosed spaces.
Deep, narrow valley
- ravineDeep, narrow valley
- chasmDeep, steep-sided gap
- cliffVertical rock wall
- erosionGradual wearing away
sediment · stratigraphy · limestone · sandstone · slot · butte · mesa · escarpment
Western rectangular state
- rapidsTurbulent river section
- tributaryStream entering larger river
- carvingShaping by cutting away
- meanderTo travel without direction
waterfall · streambed · flash flood · whitewater · current · drainage · watershed · confluence
Recreational trail walking
- trailPath through wilderness
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- campingOutdoor recreational lodging
- rappellingRope-controlled descent technique
canyoneering · trekking · descent · switchback · scrambling · climbing · expedition · permit
To leave behind completely
- juniperAromatic berry-bearing conifer
- pinyonNut-bearing conifer
- condorGiant New World vulture
- bighorn sheepWild North American ram
rattlesnake · lizard · cactus · cottonwood · riparian · habitat · ecosystem · wildlife
gorge
Deep, narrow valley
erosion · sediment · stratigraphy · limestone · sandstone · slot · butte · mesa · escarpment · bedrock
Colorado
Western rectangular state
meander · waterfall · streambed · flash flood · whitewater · current · drainage · watershed · confluence · downstream
hiking
Recreational trail walking
- trailPath through wilderness
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- campingOutdoor recreational lodging
rappelling · canyoneering · trekking · descent · switchback · scrambling · climbing · expedition · permit · backcountry
desert
To leave behind completely
bighorn sheep · rattlesnake · lizard · cactus · cottonwood · riparian · habitat · ecosystem · wildlife · adaptation
vista
Pleasing distant scene
panorama · sunset · sunrise · photography · depth · grandeur · majesty · breathtaking · horizon · silhouette
Bryce
Utah national park
- ZionBiblical promised homeland
- CopperName, often for pets
- national parkProtected land for conservation
Canyonmountain
Tall natural landmass
peak · summit · ridge · mountain range · hill
- Grand CanyonMassive Arizona gorge
- box canyonDead-end ravine with steep walls
- canyon bottom
- canyon wallsSteep sides of gorges
- slot canyonNarrow erosion-carved ravine
- desert canyon