Antelope Canyon X Review: A Hidden Gem

We recently traveled through Arizona and tried all of the Antelope Canyon tours over the course of a week, and I would have to say our favorite was Antelope Canyon X! Here’s our complete review from the visit.

If you haven’t heard of Antelope Canyon, it’s arguably the most famous and beautiful slot canyon in the United States, with its colorful walls, narrow passageways, and dramatic light beams peeking through the ceiling.

However, Antelope Canyon X tours explore a new section of the canyon that’s only been open to the public for just a few years, meaning it’s much less crowded and touristy compared to the main canyon, which has already become extremely popular.

Like the main canyons, Antelope Canyon X is located on the Navajo Nation, so the only way to visit it is with a tour and a local Navajo guide.

In this Antelope Canyon X review, I’ll share my experiences and photos from our tour, and then I’ll explain the best time to visit, along with everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Antelope Canyon X Tours

We booked our Antelope Canyon X tour with GetYourGuide and had a fantastic experience. The price includes your entry tickets and a Navajo local guide. All information was communicated clearly via email, and they have a refund policy if you need to cancel in advance.

If you’re coming from Las Vegas, there’s also a full day trip to Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend that includes pickup and drop-off from Las Vegas. Although this option may be pricier and involves a long day trip, it could be a good choice if you’re in Vegas without your own transportation yet still want to visit Antelope Canyon.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for various tours and activities around the world, and they’re excellent. Highly recommended!

Antelope Canyon X Review: What To Expect On The Tour

The Antelope Canyon X tour visits two lovely slot canyon sections that are separated by a short, sandy wash.

After a quick check-in process at the company’s parking lot, we hopped in an air-conditioned van and drove through the desert for about 10 to 15 minutes to the entrance of the canyon. The road was a little bumpy, but it wasn’t too uncomfortable.

To reach the mouth of the slot canyon, you’ll follow your guide and walk down a flight of wooden stairs for another 5 to 10 minutes. Initially, you’ll be in the sun for a while, although there are spots to rest in the shade.

Immediately, we were taken aback by the lack of crowds. The tours here have a more private atmosphere. Our group consisted of no more than 10 people, and we encountered only a handful of other small groups during our tour.

Antelope Canyon X is significantly less busy than the world-famous Upper and Lower Canyon, making it easier to take pictures without other tourists in the frame.

Personally, I believe the scenery at Antelope Canyon X is just as stunning as what you see at the Upper and Lower Canyons, and my wife concurs.

Like the main canyons, Antelope Canyon X features beautiful twisting passageways and stunning shades of pink and orange sandstone. It reminded me a lot of the Lower Antelope Canyon.

In total, we spent over an hour inside the slot canyon sections, allowing us to walk slowly, take numerous pictures, and chat with the Navajo guide about the canyon’s rich history.

It was a remarkable experience, and we felt we received better value for our money compared to the other Antelope Canyon tours (Upper and Lower). Throughout our road trips across the U.S., we have witnessed some of the best slot canyons in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, but I’d assert this one is right near the top.

Overall, I think the Antelope Canyon X tour is fantastic if you’re seeking a beautiful slot canyon experience without the crowds, cost, and hassle of the main canyons. Enjoy it while it remains a hidden gem!

Best Time To Visit Antelope Canyon X

The best time to visit Antelope Canyon X is generally from the end of March to the beginning of October, primarily due to better lighting conditions outside of the winter months.

However, unlike the Upper and Lower canyons, any time of day is good for visiting Antelope Canyon X. We visited on an afternoon in May at 2:00 PM, and the lighting was excellent, although you could avoid the midday heat by going a little earlier.

The slots have areas that are deep, as well as others that are shallow, making it photogenic and beautiful in a variety of lighting conditions.

Is The Tour Worth It?

Yes, the Canyon X tour is absolutely worth it! Prices for the tour can start as low as $60 USD per person, which is a remarkable bargain.

In contrast, prices for Upper Antelope Canyon can reach up to $150 USD per person during the summer season, and these tours tend to be much more rushed and crowded.

Antelope Canyon X vs Upper/Lower: Which Is Best?

So, which Antelope Canyon is best — Upper, Lower, or X? That’s a valid question.

We tried all of the Antelope Canyon tours over the course of a week, and I would say the standout for best value (and overall experience) was Antelope Canyon X.

While Canyon X may lack a few features that are particularly advantageous for photography in the Upper and Lower canyons, it offers a longer tour, allowing you more time to explore, capture images, and foster creativity.

Another advantage of Antelope Canyon X is that it’s also much less crowded with tourists compared to the others, so you don’t have to worry about being rushed through the slot, as is often the case at Upper Canyon.

Lastly, it’s cheaper and easier to secure a tour for Canyon X without planning months in advance, which is critical if you’re heading to Arizona on short notice or traveling on a budget.

What To Do On The Tour (And What NOT To Do)

• What To Bring: A driver’s license or another form of ID, such as a passport, for check-in. Wearing a hat and applying sunscreen is highly recommended. During the tour, you can bring a water bottle and a camera or phone for taking pictures. Older participants may also consider bringing a walking stick if necessary.
• What NOT To Bring: Pets, bags, backpacks, strollers, metal frame baby carriers, drones, selfie sticks, or tripods are not allowed. Bags of any kind are prohibited in the canyon, including small camera bags or fanny packs. These must be left in your vehicle at the parking lot. These regulations apply across all Navajo Nation slot canyons.
• What NOT To Do: Smoking, climbing, writing, flash photography, or video recording are prohibited on the Antelope Canyon X tours. Non-flash photography is allowed, and you can take as many photos as you wish.

Other Tips For The Antelope Canyon X Tour

• Bathrooms: Portable toilets are available near the waiting area before you begin your tour, but there are no bathrooms during the tour, so make sure to take care of business beforehand.
• When To Book: Generally, Antelope Canyon X is the easiest canyon to visit. You can typically book a tour last minute and still secure a spot. However, this may change as it gains popularity.
• Time Zones: Multiple time zones are used in this region of Arizona, which can create confusion and cause some to show up at incorrect times for their Antelope Canyon tour. The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time, while the rest of Arizona does not. Your phone could switch time zones automatically while driving in the state. Notably, all Antelope Canyon tour companies operate in the same time zone as Page, Arizona. Set your clocks to Page, AZ local time and ensure this is when you arrive.
• How Early To Arrive: We were advised to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, but you should verify this shortly after reserving your tour. The Navajos tend to be strict regarding tardiness, and missing your tour would be unfortunate.
• How To Get There: The address where your tour begins and ends is MP 308, AZ-98, Page, AZ 86040, USA (click for map). It’s located just off Arizona Highway 98, around a 15-minute drive from the town of Page.

Thank you for reading this Antelope Canyon X review!

Frequently Asked Questions (Antelope Canyon X Review)

• What is Antelope Canyon X?
  Antelope Canyon X is a slot canyon located on Navajo tribal land near Page, Arizona. It’s one of the less renowned (but still stunning) sections of the Antelope slot canyon complex.

• Why the name? Where is the X?
  Antelope Canyon X derives its name from an X-shaped hole in the ceiling near the start of the slot canyon. Your Navajo guide will likely highlight this feature during your tour, or you can request to see it.

• How far is this from the main Antelope Canyon?
  All Antelope Canyon slots are located relatively close to each other. Canyon X is situated 5 miles (8 km) from Upper Antelope Canyon, while it’s roughly 9 miles (14 km) from Lower Antelope Canyon. They are all near the town of Page, Arizona, though separate tours are required for each due to different management.

• What is the best time of day to see Antelope Canyon X?
  Any time of day is viable. The canyon comprises both light and dark chambers, rendering it suitable in various lighting conditions. Even if some sections are shaded, others will be vibrant and colorful.

• Can you see light beams?
  We did not encounter light beams during our visit in late May, but the company reports that they can sometimes be seen in the summer months from May through early August.

While light beams are typically uncommon in this canyon, it still offers an excellent tour with diverse sights.

• How long does the tour take?
  The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours in total. In our experience, about 1 hour was spent inside the canyon, while the remainder was spent in transit.

• How hard is the tour?
  The Canyon X tour is quite manageable. Most walking paths are flat and simple, although there is a bit of an uphill trek on steps when exiting the canyon. In hot summer conditions, it may not be suitable for individuals who are older and unfit, or for seniors reliant on walkers or wheelchairs, but most attendees will find it easy enough. There are no ladders or climbing required, unlike in Lower Antelope Canyon.

• Is the tour okay for kids?
  Yes, this tour is suitable for children, and they will undoubtedly enjoy it. During our experience, two young kids participated in our group, and they had no difficulties with the hiking. Just ensure your children are aware not to scratch or mark the canyon walls.

• Is the tour safe for pregnant women?
  The tour companies do not endorse pregnant women attending Antelope Canyon X, yet my wife navigated it well during her second trimester. I’ve heard of other pregnant women attending even later with no issues.

  I’m not a medical professional, but I believe the main concerns for pregnant women would be heat, bumpy roads, and the brief uphill excursion out of the canyon. In our experience, all of these elements were fairly manageable, but you’ll need to make your decision based on your own health and fitness, alongside your doctor’s guidance.

• Can you visit Antelope Canyon X without a tour?
  No, unfortunately, access to Antelope Canyon X is only available through a tour and a local Navajo guide. This is mandated by Taadidiin Tours, the company that oversees access to the land.

• How can I book an Antelope Canyon X tour?
  You can secure a well-reviewed Antelope Canyon X tour on GetYourGuide. This is the same tour we utilized, and the price includes your entry ticket and Navajo local guide.

• Is there hotel pickup and drop-off?
  The standard tours do not include a pickup service; you will drive there yourself. However, if you’re coming from Las Vegas, GetYourGuide offers a full day trip to Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend which includes lunch along with pickup and drop-off from Las Vegas, Nevada. This option is on the pricier side but could be a practical solution if you’re visiting Vegas without your own transportation yet still wish to see Antelope Canyon.

Conclusion

Thank you for exploring this review of Antelope Canyon X tours in Page, Arizona. We truly cherished our visit to this remarkable desert locale.