The Colored Canyon: A Hidden Gem In The Mountains of Sinai

The Sinai Desert is probably one of the most attractive areas in the world as the dynamic interaction between rock and desert climate has created spectacular and varied desert sceneries. The landforms are diverse and dramatic, including vast dunes, massive granite peaks, and deep gorges. Among these natural places formed by nature; and attracting visitors from everywhere and tourists, which made Sinai a great position is the Colored Canyon. It is one of the most famous natural wonders of Sinai that gets visitors astonished by its beauty during Egypt Day tours.

The Canyon is located about 12 km north of Nuweiba, two hours from Sharm El Sheikh. It lies in a limestone mountain chain named El Tih, where, it is said, Moses was lost for 40 years. And Nuweiba is the nearest town to the Colored Canyon. It is about 90 km north of Dahab.

The Coloured Canyon is a swirling, mineral-rich, layered rock formation. It is a labyrinth of limestone rocks in yellow, purple, red, and gold colors. Also, it reaches a height in some places of 40 meters and captures the heart of its visitors with its beauty and danger as well. The canyon is 800 meters in length. And it is formed by rain and water Winter and veins of mineral salts, which dug canals in the mountains after they had been running for hundreds of years.

The reason for calling the colored canyon this name is the veins of colors that cover its walls, with shades of mineral salts that draw lines on its sand; and also limestone stones which give them crimson, orange, silver, gold, purple, red, and yellow colors.

The canyon is most commonly compared to the Jordanian city of Petra, although here the spectacle is completely natural and it was never modified by the human civilization of any time in history.

How to Get to the Colored Canyon?

The only way to get there is by 4×4 vehicles. Tours can be arranged and it is possibly the best way to visit the Colored Canyon as a guide is important in order to find the location in the middle of the Sinai Desert. Private transfers can be organized to pick up tourists from Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, and Cairo.

Hiking and Trekking In the Colored Canyon

Colored Canyon is an incredibly popular location for hiking and trekking; attracting thousands of visitors from around the world every year. Colored Canyon is also an extremely popular location for photography enthusiasts. This is of course due to its contrasting textures of rugged and softly formed stones, and numerous depths of color and sheen.

Trekking through the Colored Canyon is a lot of fun. It is also a very popular day trip for tourists staying at the Red Sea resorts given its proximity. It is also easily accessed from any of the camps and resorts in Taba, Dahab, or Nuweiba. The vast open spaces, ever-changing scenery, and extraordinary colors, coupled with an abundance of clean, fresh air make this a unique experience; that will definitely leave you with memorable impressions.

The canyon mouth is accessible by car, and its short length makes for perfect hiking. As one ventures into the canyon; the walls narrow in width to just a few feet in some places, giving the canyon a close and secretive atmosphere. Stop your car at the mouth of the canyon and start descending the canyon’s rocky layers; where you will notice many of the rocks covered in a chalk-like powder caused by being worn down by tourists. After twenty minutes you will also have to walk across a dry riverbed to touch the natural colorful canyon; then experience the smooth rocks that appear soft and billowy.

With every step you take through the canyon, you will become even more impressed with the imposing geological formations, art-like shapes, and embedded patterns displayed on the cliffs.

Simple but essential precautions are required in order to make the most of your day trip; make sure you are wearing suitable shoes, and have all the water supplies you need but minimal baggage to carry as they become more of a burden afterward.

Come and explore the Colored Canyon as well as the country’s countless other wondrous tourist attractions with us from Here