Discover Sharm
Colored Canyon
Nature's Paintbrush in the Sinai Desert
There's a moment about an hour into the drive from Sharm, when the coastal resorts fade into the rearview mirror and the landscape does something dramatic. The flat desert gives way to jagged mountains. The road begins to climb and twist. And somewhere out there, hidden in the folds of the Sinai, is a canyon whose walls look like they've been painted by an artist with an impossibly vivid palette.
The Colored Canyon is exactly what its name promises — a narrow gorge carved through sandstone and limestone, where the rock walls swirl with shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, and silver. The minerals in the stone — iron oxide, magnesium, copper — have oxidized over millions of years to create natural abstract art. It's one of the most photogenic places in Egypt, and remarkably, it's still not overrun.
How the Canyon Got Its Colors
The canyon was formed over millennia by water erosion — which sounds improbable in one of the driest places on earth, but flash floods in the Sinai are powerful enough to carve through solid rock. Each flood deepened the channel, and as the water receded, it left behind exposed layers of mineral-rich stone. The reds and oranges come from iron deposits. The purples and silvers from manganese and magnesium. The yellows from sulfur compounds.
The result is a narrow corridor of swirling color that changes as the sun moves. Morning light brings out the warm tones — golds and ambers. Midday flattens the colors slightly but illuminates the entire depth of the canyon. Late afternoon, if you time it right, the walls glow as if lit from within. The canyon isn't long — about 800 meters of walkable gorge — but every meter offers a different composition of color and shadow.
The Hike: What to Expect
The hike through the Colored Canyon is not a casual stroll, but it's not an extreme expedition either. It's a moderate scramble that takes most groups about 45 minutes to an hour. The path winds through narrow passages — some so tight you'll need to turn sideways — and over boulders that require a bit of clambering. There are a few short drops where you'll need to use your hands.
A reasonable level of fitness is required. You don't need to be an athlete, but if you have knee problems or difficulty with uneven terrain, this might not be the excursion for you. Children who are active and coordinated generally manage fine — it's an adventure for them rather than a slog. The key is wearing proper footwear. Trainers with good grip are the minimum. Hiking sandals work. Flip-flops are a genuinely terrible idea — the rocks are sharp and unstable in places.
Most tours from Sharm include a Bedouin guide who knows the canyon intimately. They'll point out the best photo spots, help with the trickier sections, and share stories about the canyon's history and the surrounding desert. Listen to them — they know which rocks are stable and which ones aren't.
"Walking through the Colored Canyon feels like moving through a painting. The walls shift from deep crimson to pale gold to silvery purple — and every few steps, the light changes and you see something you missed before."
The Journey There
The Colored Canyon sits about 150 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh, near the town of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba coast. The drive takes roughly two to two and a half hours each way, passing through some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the Sinai. Most tours combine the canyon hike with a visit to Nuweiba or Dahab for lunch, and some include a stop at a Bedouin camp.
The road itself is part of the experience. You'll pass through mountain checkpoints (bring your passport — photocopies are usually fine, but carry the original to be safe), past remote Bedouin settlements, and across vast gravel plains that stretch to the horizon. The landscape is stark and stunning in equal measure. If you're prone to car sickness, the winding mountain sections might trouble you — sit up front if you can, and bring water.
What to Bring
Water is non-negotiable. At least 1.5 liters per person, more in summer. The canyon itself offers shade in places, but the approach and exit are fully exposed to the sun. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential year-round — the Sinai sun doesn't take a winter break.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. The rocks can be loose and sharp. Lightweight long trousers are better than shorts — they protect your legs from scrapes when squeezing through narrow sections. A small backpack keeps your hands free for climbing. And bring a camera or a fully charged phone. You'll want it.
The canyon is accessible year-round, but the most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures are mild and the hike is genuinely pleasant. Avoid the peak summer months (June through August) unless you're prepared for temperatures that can exceed 40°C in the open desert. If you do go in summer, book the earliest possible departure — leaving Sharm at 5 or 6 AM means you'll hike before the midday furnace kicks in.
Step Into the Colors
The Red Sea isn't the only natural wonder near Sharm. The Colored Canyon is waiting — and it's unlike anywhere else on earth.
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