noun

A steep-sided gully formed by the action of fast-flowing water in an arid or semi-arid region, found chiefly in the southwestern US.

Chaparral is found on north- and east-facing slopes on the side of the island facing the mainland and also in arroyos (dry gullies that carry water after a rain) on the Pacific slopes.

gorge,abyss,canyon,ravine,gully,gulf,pass,defile,couloir,crevasse,cleft,rift,rent