The Grand Canyon is, as its identify suggests, completely grand—and all people is aware of it. That’s why it’s additionally extraordinarily crowded and, relying on how and the place you keep, costly, to not point out lower than completely pet pleasant. (Whereas leashed canines are allowed on among the paved trails topside, they’re not allowed under the canyon rim.)
Luckily, there are some less-well-traveled vacation spot dupes: options to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park that supply most of the identical sights, however with fewer crowds, decrease costs, extra lenient pet insurance policies and extra.
Beneath, discover among the greatest hidden canyons within the USA that aren’t the Grand Canyon—however are simply as grand, in their very own approach.
1. Crowd-Free Dupe: Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, Colorado
Whereas the Black Canyon of the Gunnison isn’t as broad or as deep because the Grand Canyon, its views are arguably much more spectacular—exactly due to its totally different dimensions. With the Gunnison River dropping at a far sooner price by way of canyon partitions positioned extra intently collectively (at occasions barely 40 toes aside), the impact is a steep, mysterious canyon shrouded in shadow.
Higher but, though its views are simply as dramatic (or, much more so, relying who you ask), it’s approach much less crowded. We’re speaking on the order of exponents: the Black Canyon sees about 300,000 annual guests in comparison with the Grand Canyon’s 4.7 million. Whereas there are many year-round outside journey alternatives for individuals who need them (together with climbing in the summertime and snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding within the winter), the Black Canyon, not like its Grand cousin, additionally affords a scenic rim highway that stretches for miles, with scenic pullouts in any respect the precise locations. (It’s also possible to grasp your hat at South Rim Campground.)
Why It’s a Nice Dupe
- Dramatic, steep-walled canyon’s breathtaking views are much like the Grand Canyon’s—however in some methods, much more dramatic.
- You’ll be battling considerably fewer fellow guests for the proper image (approx. 300,000 swing by Black Canyon yearly versus 4.7 million Grand Canyon friends.
- Secluded, easily-accessible viewpoints and fewer commercialized trails make for a peaceable expertise in nature.
Methodology
- In contrast Nationwide Park Service customer knowledge.
- Analyzed traveler evaluations emphasizing solitude and minimal foot visitors.
- In contrast viewpoints and geological options for similarity to the Grand Canyon.
2. Finances-Pleasant Dupe: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
It’s a well-hidden sufficient gem that even some Texans don’t understand it, however Palo Duro Canyon State Park is definitely residence to the second largest canyon system in the US. At 120 miles in size, 20 miles in width and as much as 800 toes in depth, this canyon—carved by the Prairie Canine City Fork of the Purple River over eons—shows 4 distinct geological layers that inform 250 million years value of historical past.
Plus, admission to this historic surprise is simply $8 per day, per individual—and children aged 12 or underneath get in without cost. (Examine that to the Grand Canyon’s $20 per individual or $35 per automobile entry—which, admittedly, will get you seven consecutive days of entry. However nonetheless, for those who’re simply there for a weekend or touring solo, Palo Duro is less expensive.) The park is only a stone’s throw from Amarillo, Texas, as are a number of wonderful RV campgrounds.
Why It’s a Nice Dupe
- Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro options comparable colourful rock formations and huge canyon landscapes.
- The doorway price is simply $8 per individual, in comparison with the Grand Canyon’s $35 automobile price—making it an particularly whole lot for day journeys and solo vacationers.
- Tenting and cabins within the space are inexpensive when in comparison with Grand Canyon lodging costs.
Methodology
- Researched entrance charges, lodging prices, and journey bills.
- Evaluated accessibility for funds vacationers (proximity to main cities, highway journey feasibility).
- In contrast landscapes for aesthetic and geological similarities.
3. Pet-Pleasant Dupe: Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
A Grand Canyon Dupe east of the Mississippi River? Sure, it exists. It’s referred to as Tallulah Gorge State Park, and it affords a uniquely east-coast tackle the traditional dramatic canyon vista. Come within the fall and expertise the majesty of leaf-peeping alongside the craggy cliffs carved by years of shifting water. (In the summertime, it’s inexperienced so far as the attention can see, and simply as fairly.)
Higher but, your furry members of the family are welcome—although there are nonetheless some restrictions on the place you possibly can take Fido, merely for their very own security. Nonetheless, loads of guests have left evaluations testifying to a plethora of pet-friendly hikes, and there are additionally pet-friendly lodging within the space—and ample RV parks all through Georgia.
Why It’s a Nice Dupe
- This beautiful 1,000-foot-deep canyon options dramatic overlooks, a number of waterfalls and foliage that’s exhausting to search out in different Grand Canyon dupes.
- In contrast to many nationwide parks (together with most components of the Grand Canyon), leashed pets are allowed on most trails and overlooks.
- Pet-friendly lodging can be found close by, together with easy-to-access trails appropriate for canines.
Methodology
- Analyzed and in contrast park insurance policies on pet accessibility.
- Reviewed pet-owner testimonials for path problem and security.
- In contrast scenic attraction to the Grand Canyon, specializing in rugged magnificence and depth.
4. Household-Pleasant Dupe: Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument, Arizona
It’s nearly humorous: Name a spot a nationwide monument as a substitute of a nationwide park, and it’ll normally obtain considerably fewer guests, irrespective of how beautiful it’s in its personal proper. Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument isn’t only a pristine panorama—it’s additionally a useful cultural and historic artifact, a spot that first supported human life greater than 5,000 years in the past. What higher place to take the children to be taught each how stunning nature will be and the way comfortingly small we’re?
Together with climbing trails—that embody a number of simpler choices nice for youthful explorers—guided excursions unlock entry to protected Navajo Nation areas (and an much more horizon-expanding expertise). Add a go to to Petrified Forest Nationwide Park or Meteor Crater, each of that are lower than two hours away—and are surrounded by well-appointed Arizona RV campgrounds.
Why It’s a Nice Dupe
- Lovely crimson rock canyon landscapes with the addition of a wealthy cultural and historic expertise.
- Household-friendly hikes, together with the White Home Destroy Path—which is average in problem however rewarding with historic cliff dwellings.
- Guided Navajo excursions present an academic and immersive expertise for teenagers and adults alike.
- Typically much less strenuous than the Grand Canyon, making it extra accessible for youthful kids and older members of the family.
Methodology
- Evaluated park accessibility and ease of climbing trails appropriate for households.
- Reviewed household journey blogs and customer testimonials on kid-friendly experiences.
- In contrast scenic and historic worth to the Grand Canyon, specializing in cultural enrichment.
5. Out of doors Journey Dupe: Hells Canyon, Idaho/Oregon
Carved by the Snake River to a most depth of greater than 8,000 toes, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge of any in North America—together with, sure, the Grand Canyon. In truth, it’s totally 2,000 toes deeper than the deepest level of Arizona’s shining gem.
Tucked alongside the border of Oregon and Idaho, Hells Canyon is certainly off the crushed path, which is to say those that discover it should do some work and journey to take action. That makes it the proper Grand Canyon dupe vacation spot for extra adventurous varieties able to sort out extra strenuous trails—together with on-the-water choices like whitewater rafting or jet boating. You gained’t discover a lot in the way in which of civilization close by, so refill forward of time and be looking out for BLM land for dispersed tenting—or try extra luxurious RV campgrounds throughout Oregon and Idaho.
Why It’s a Nice Dupe
- Hells Canyon stands out as North America’s deepest river gorge, even deeper than the Grand Canyon.
- Together with climbing and sight-seeing, this distant space affords alternatives for adrenaline-fueled actions like whitewater rafting and jet boating.
- Distant wilderness setting makes it ultimate for hardcore adventurers.
Methodology
- Evaluated exercise choices past sightseeing.
- In contrast depth and geological options to the Grand Canyon.
- Analyzed evaluations from outside fanatics in search of intense experiences.
Whereas the Grand Canyon will at all times be a formidable vacation spot in its personal proper, we hope this checklist has confirmed that there are many worthwhile vacation spot dupes—all of which is able to knock your socks off (and maybe at a fraction of the value or crowd issue).
In search of the proper RV rental for this journey? We’ve received you lined—to not point out in every single place else within the U.S. Glad trails!
