1834, from Mex.Sp. cañon, extended sense of Sp. cañon "a pipe, tube, gorge," from cano "a tube," from L. canna "reed" (see cane). But earlier spelling callon (1560s) might suggest a source in calle "street."
canyon (kān'yən) Pronunciation Key
A long, deep, narrow valley with steep cliff walls, cut into the Earth by running water and often having a stream at the bottom.