Uncover the Whimsy of South Sinai’s Striking Colored Canyon

Where is the Colored Canyon Located?

The Colored Canyon is located about 210 miles from the heart of Urban Egypt aka Cairo. It is hidden in the stunning desert peaks of Nuweiba, 90 km north of Dahab, a very chill and idyllic town made for nature lovers. 

Located 210 miles from the big city of Cairo, the Colored Canyon is found in the area of the Sinai. The Colored Canyon is 800 meters long and has a depth of 30 meters. However, it is completely secluded, right off the main road. 

Why Should I Pay the Colored Canyon visit?

If you are a nature lover, hiking enthusiast or just someone who is always up for a challenge or adventure, then the bright, multicolored narrow walls of the beautiful Canyon are calling your name. It is completely sheltered from the rest of the world and even from the wind itself. This means that it can get almost 100 percent silent. So, if you are looking for serenity and quiet, this is for you.  

Given its proximity to the popular beach towns of Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh, the Colored Canyon is a particularly attractive day trip if you have a few extra hours to spare. The Labyrinth of rocks is an impressive feat with some formations measuring in at a depth of 40 meters. The canyon itself is about 800 meters in length.  

The walk inside the Colored Canyon will last for about 45 minutes. While hiking, you can marvel at the cornucopia of spectacular rock formations, which were sculpted by the effects of wind and water thousands of years ago. The unique coloring of the rock in a wide spectrum of shades ranging between red and ochre yellow feel like they were painted by an artist, rather than just merely naturally occurring erosion.

How Do I Get to the Colored Canyon?

Given how secluded it is, there is no public transportation that can take you there. So, you will have to go either by private vehicle or set up a trip with a tour company to take you there. We must stress that you should not trek on this adventure alone. You need to have a guide to take you around as it is difficult to find it and even more difficult to navigate inside. Private transfers can be organized to pick up tourists from Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, and even Cairo.

The canyon is accessible by car, and its short length, about 800 meters in total, makes it perfect for a short and sweet hike. As you venture into the canyon, the walls narrow down to just a few feet in some select places, giving the canyon an intimate and secluded ambiance.  

Stop your car at the mouth of the canyon and start slowly traversing the canyon’s layers of sediments. You will notice that a lot of the rocks are actually covered with chalky powder. You will probably end up with some of this on your own clothing. Talk about a unique souvenir! After trekking for about twenty minutes you will have to cross a dry riverbed to be able to touch the naturally pigmented canyon and relish in the experience of the smooth rocks that give off the impression that they are soft and pillow-like.

History of the Colored Canyon

Once upon a time, millions and millions of years ago, the deserts of Sinai were actually submerged under the waters of the Red Sea. The ancient ocean left a brilliant legacy printed upon the landscape at the Colored Canyon. The colorful rocky canyon comes as a direct result of the receding tides from the sea. The rocks of the area were formed millions of years ago as a result of water eroding the sandstone and limestone sediments, making the swirly beautiful layers we see today. Egypt counts as one of many countries in the world that is home to million-year-old oxidized rocky minerals.

The Colored Canyon is tucked away in the limestone mountain chain named El-Tih where people claim that Moses was lost wandering for 40 years. A visit to the Colored Canyon instantly helps you understand where it got its name. The walls of the canyon tower up with beautiful grace, measuring in at something like sixteen stories. The Colored Canyon boasts the most colorful and fascinating rock formations in all of Sinai without question. (Maybe even all of Egypt).  They were formed by the erosion of water on the mountain’s sandstone and limestone composition. In a few places, the deep coloration of rocks gives the canyon walls a shiny sheen. In other places, the stone is so smooth that it appears soft.

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the top attractions of Egypt with the Nile Cruise Vacation! From the majestic pyramids to the bustling streets of Cairo, Egypt is a country that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As a travel enthusiast, I can assure you that this trip will be one for the books.