Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Canyons & Gorges

Painted Canyon

Mecca, United States

  1. WORLD’S BEST CANYONS & GORGES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 88 2026
Painted Canyon

Narrow slot canyons cut through layered red, orange and cream rock, with a dry wash that once carried a river. Visitors climb ladders and ropes up the slots, then walk ridge trails with views of the Salton Sea, or loop back down the wash.

Highlights

  • Ladder Canyon slot
  • Rope Canyon vertical wall
  • Salton Sea views from ridge

Good to know

  • Unpaved road, high clearance or 4WD advised
  • Carry plenty of water, no restrooms
  • Loop about 5 miles, two to four hours

Also in the United States

  1. Big Cottonwood Canyon N° 81 Big Cottonwood Canyon Salt Lake City Rim canyon
  2. Indian Canyons N° 82 Indian Canyons Palm Springs Gorge walk
  3. Little Wild Horse Canyon N° 83 Little Wild Horse Canyon San Rafael Swell Slot canyon
  4. Ausable Chasm N° 84 Ausable Chasm Keeseville Gorge walk
  5. Provo Canyon N° 93 Provo Canyon Provo Rim canyon
  6. Red Canyon N° 94 Red Canyon Flaming Gorge Rim canyon