Antelope Canyon Tours: Which Is Best? (Upper, Lower, X)

Antelope Canyon, located in Arizona on Navajo tribal land, is renowned as one of the most stunning slot canyons in the United States. Split into different sections, each requiring a local Navajo guide, the main tours include Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and X Canyon. But which one stands out as the best?

During a recent visit to Page, Arizona, we embarked on an adventure to explore all three canyons to determine our favorite. Starting with Lower Canyon, followed by Upper Canyon, and concluding with Canyon X, we marveled at the awe-inspiring natural formations of these beautiful slot canyons.

Each canyon boasts magnificent features such as rainbow-colored walls, sunbeams filtering through, and intricately winding passageways that leave a lasting impression. However, distinct differences exist between them, and selecting the right tour company can also pose a challenge when planning a visit to Antelope Canyon.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will compare the Upper, Lower, and X Canyon tours based on their scenery, photographic opportunities, crowd levels, entertainment value, accessibility, pricing, and availability. Stay tuned as we reveal which tour emerged as our top choice!

Best Antelope Canyon Tours

We had a fantastic experience booking our Antelope Canyon tours through GetYourGuide. The package includes entrance tickets and a knowledgeable Navajo guide. Clear communication via email and a flexible cancellation policy added to the seamless process. GetYourGuide has consistently delivered top-notch tours globally, earning our high recommendation.

Book Now: Upper / Lower Antelope Canyon / Antelope Canyon X Tour

Antelope Canyon Comparison: Upper vs Lower vs X

When comparing Antelope Canyon’s Upper, Lower, and X sections, there are distinct differences to consider. Each section offers unique experiences for visitors seeking the beauty of this stunning natural wonder in Arizona.

• Scenery/Photography

When it comes to scenery and photography at Antelope Canyon, there are some key aspects to consider. Each canyon offers unique features and opportunities for capturing stunning images.

Upper Antelope Canyon is renowned for its striking light beams that shine through the narrow openings in the canyon, creating a mesmerizing effect, especially during the summer months. While this phenomenon is popular for photography, it is limited to specific times of the day and season.

Lower Antelope Canyon has a shallower structure, allowing more light to illuminate its colorful walls and intricate rock formations. This makes it ideal for photography, particularly in the morning when the light is softer.

Antelope Canyon X features a mix of light and dark chambers, providing versatile lighting conditions for capturing unique shots. With its longer tour duration, this canyon offers ample opportunities for photography, making it a favorite among visitors.

Overall, the choice of the most picturesque canyon for photography is subjective, as each offers its own charm. Whether you prefer the sunbeams of Upper Antelope Canyon or the colorful passages of Lower and X, all three canyons are equally stunning and perfect for photography.

Winner: Tie

Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its stunning light beams that illuminate the narrow passageways of the canyon, creating a mesmerizing effect. Visitors are drawn to the natural beauty and unique rock formations found in this section of the canyon.

Lower Antelope Canyon

The Lower Antelope Canyon captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and intricate rock patterns. The play of light and shadow within the canyon creates a picturesque scene that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Crowds

When considering which Antelope Canyon is less crowded or the least touristy, the popular choices of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon fall short. These locations have suffered from their own fame, leading to overcrowding that can make moving around or taking photos a challenge. The strict enforcement of quickly moving visitors in a line prohibits any chance of retracing steps for a picture.

Among the two, Lower Antelope Canyon tends to have the worst crowds due to its larger chamber size accommodating more tours daily, resulting in a higher volume of tourists. The constant presence of a crowd, with people constantly taking selfies, can detract from the experience.

For those seeking to avoid the crowds, Antelope Canyon X emerges as the best option. Compared to Upper and Lower Canyon, it offers a much quieter experience, making photography easier without unwanted interference. The tours here are less regimented, creating a more private and serene atmosphere.

Winner: Antelope Canyon X

• Duration

Regarding tour duration, the Antelope Canyon tours vary in length.

The Upper Canyon tour is advertised as lasting 1.5 hours, but a significant portion of this time is spent traveling to and from the slot canyon.

Based on personal experience, only approximately 30 minutes were actually spent exploring the Upper Canyon, which felt even shorter due to the rushed nature of the tour. Visitors are constantly moving without much time to pause or take in the surroundings, with one of the main chambers passed through so quickly that there wasn’t even an opportunity to take a photo.

In contrast, tours in other canyons offer a more leisurely experience with longer durations. Specifically, Antelope Canyon X provides over 1 hour of exploration within the slot canyon sections. Visitors have the opportunity to move at a slower pace, take numerous photos, and engage in conversations with the Navajo guide to learn about the canyon’s history. This results in a more immersive and valuable experience.

The difference in experience is evident in the number of photos taken – with Lower Antelope and Canyon X yielding hundreds of photos compared to Upper Antelope Canyon, where only a few shots were possible due to the rushed and constrained time frame.

Preferred Tour: Antelope Canyon X

• Fun

When it comes to exploring the canyons, the element of fun is crucial. Although it’s a subjective experience, having an enjoyable time is a key factor for visitors to Antelope Canyon.

Personally, my wife and I found Lower Antelope Canyon to be the most enjoyable. Our Navajo guide highlighted various rock formations with distinct shapes like a dragon, an eagle, and a tribal chief.

We had a great time navigating the narrow, twisting corners for fun photo opportunities, and we even found climbing the stairs and ladders to be an enjoyable challenge.

Top Pick: Lower Antelope Canyon

• Accessibility

When considering access and safety, Upper Antelope Canyon stands out as the best option. The entrance to this slot canyon is located at ground level, eliminating the need to navigate steep stairs or ladders. Exiting the canyon is also convenient, requiring only a short walk across a slope back to the car. The journey to the canyon entrance involves a mildly bumpy 15-minute drive in a covered pickup truck with benches for seating, ensuring a smooth ride.

Lower Antelope Canyon, on the other hand, does not involve a bumpy drive but does require descending a steep metal staircase to access the slot. While this may pose a challenge for some, it is manageable for most individuals, including pregnant women who proceed with caution. Even in her second trimester, my wife successfully navigated the staircase without any issues.

Regarding Canyon X, it presents a more strenuous option in terms of hiking distance and elevation gain, although it remains relatively easy for the majority of visitors. A short van ride of 10 to 15 minutes in the desert precedes the walking portion, with the van equipped with seatbelts for safety. However, Canyon X does entail some walking in the heat, and older individuals who are not very fit may find the uphill walk back to the canyon entrance challenging.

Overall, the most accessible option is Upper Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon Tours: Which Is Best? (Upper, Lower, X)

When visiting Antelope Canyon, one of the most popular destinations in the American Southwest, travelers are often faced with the choice of which tour to take: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, or the X tour. Each option offers unique experiences and stunning views of the iconic slot canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour

The Upper Antelope Canyon tour is known for its famous light beams that illuminate the narrow passageways. This tour is more accessible and popular among visitors, making it a great option for those looking to capture the perfect photo of the sunlight streaming into the canyon.

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

On the other hand, the Lower Antelope Canyon tour offers a more adventurous experience with steep stairs and ladders to navigate. This tour is less crowded and allows for a more intimate exploration of the canyon’s unique rock formations and colors.

X Tour

For those seeking a less crowded and more customized experience, the X tour offers a combination of the Upper and Lower canyons, providing a comprehensive exploration of Antelope Canyon. This tour is ideal for photographers and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the canyon away from the crowds.

Whichever tour you choose, don’t forget to look up and marvel at the natural beauty of Antelope Canyon!

• Availability

When it comes to availability, which Antelope Canyon stands out as the best option? In simpler terms, how easy is it to secure a tour on short notice and select your preferred date and time?

The Upper Antelope Canyon poses the greatest challenge in terms of booking a tour, often requiring reservations months in advance to secure a desired date and time slot. This is mainly due to its smaller size compared to the Lower Canyon or X Canyon, resulting in limited tour availability. Moreover, its reputation for captivating sunbeams has elevated its popularity, attracting avid photographers.

The Lower Antelope Canyon is also a well-liked destination, offering a larger space that allows for more tours per day. We managed to book a tour just a day in advance without any issues finding a suitable time, although individual experiences may vary.

Generally, Antelope Canyon X stands out as the most accessible option for visitors. It typically permits last-minute tour bookings with little difficulty in securing a spot. While its popularity may increase in the future, for now, it remains a hidden treasure worth exploring.

Verdict: Antelope Canyon X

• Prices

What about the cost of Antelope Canyon tours?

Overall, tour prices may vary depending on the booking location and time, but typically, the most expensive tour is the Upper Antelope Canyon, followed by Lower Antelope and Canyon X.

During the summer season, prices for the Upper Antelope Canyon tour can go up to $150 USD per person. On the other hand, the Antelope Canyon X tour can cost as low as $60 USD, offering great value for the experience it provides.

Ultimate Value: Antelope Canyon X

So Which Is Better? (Upper vs Lower vs X)

When deciding between Upper, Lower, or X Antelope Canyon, the choice may not be easy.

From our experience, the top pick for the best value and overall experience goes to Antelope Canyon X. While it may lack some photography features found in the Upper and Lower canyons, the extended tour allows for more time for photography and creativity.

Additionally, Canyon X offers a less crowded environment, avoiding the tourist rush experienced at the others, especially Upper Canyon.

Moreover, getting a tour of Antelope Canyon X is more affordable and convenient without requiring advanced booking, which is beneficial for spontaneous trips to Arizona on a budget.

In comparison, Upper Antelope Canyon, despite its beauty and amazing sunbeams, felt rushed and overpriced, leading to a somewhat disappointing experience. Lower Antelope Canyon, while providing a better experience, still faces overcrowding similar to Upper Canyon.

Overall, Antelope Canyon X stands out as a fantastic choice for experiencing a stunning slot canyon without the usual crowds, high costs, and hassles of the main canyons. It is advisable to explore it before it becomes overly popular!

For more information, check out our detailed Antelope Canyon X Review

Book Your Antelope Canyon Tour Now:

If you’re planning a trip to Antelope Canyon, make sure to book your tour in advance to secure your spot. Choose from the different tour options available:

• Upper Antelope Canyon
• Lower Antelope Canyon
• Antelope Canyon X Tour

When comparing Antelope Canyon tours, consider the differences between Upper, Lower, and X to choose the one that best suits your preferences.

Optimal Timing for Exploring Antelope Canyon (Upper, Lower, X)

The prime time to explore Antelope Canyon falls between late March and early October.

When it comes to Upper Antelope Canyon, the ideal moment is during midday when the sunlight creates stunning light beams, typically between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM on a clear summer day with the sun directly overhead.

Contrarily, for the Lower Canyon, mornings or late afternoons are best due to the abundance of natural light. Nonetheless, visiting during midday can still offer a pleasant experience with beautiful sights.

Visiting Canyon X is favorable at any time of day, as the unique topography allows for varying lighting effects, making it picturesque regardless of the sunlight angle.

If you wish to avoid crowds, consider visiting any of the slot canyons in Arizona from November to March. However, be prepared for less dramatic lighting and color contrasts compared to peak season.

Winter months are not ideal for exploring Upper Antelope Canyon due to dim lighting conditions, making it less appealing for visitors.

Antelope Canyon Tours: Which Is Best? (Upper, Lower, X)

When it comes to visiting Antelope Canyon, travelers are often presented with three main tour options: the Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, or X Canyon. Each of these tours offers a unique experience and stunning views of the famous slot canyons in Arizona.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tour

The Upper Antelope Canyon tour is a popular choice for visitors looking to witness the iconic light beams that shine down into the narrow sandstone walls of the canyon. This tour is known for its easy accessibility and smooth, sandy floor, making it ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

On the other hand, the Lower Antelope Canyon tour offers a more challenging experience with narrow passageways and ladders to climb. This tour is perfect for those seeking a bit more adventure and are willing to navigate through tighter spaces to see the stunning rock formations and vibrant colors of the canyon.

X Antelope Canyon Tour

For travelers looking for a less crowded and more exclusive experience, the X Antelope Canyon tour is a great option. This tour takes visitors to a lesser-known section of the canyon, providing a quieter and more intimate setting to explore the breathtaking slot canyons.

Regardless of which tour you choose, a visit to Antelope Canyon is sure to be a memorable and awe-inspiring experience, offering some of the most picturesque landscapes in the American Southwest.

Exploring Additional Slot Canyons

The primary Antelope Canyon tours include the Upper Canyon, Lower Canyon, and X Canyon, known for their stunning beauty and popularity among tourists.

Aside from these main canyons, there are several other captivating slot canyons within the same area:

While lesser-known, these slot canyons offer unique experiences and are worth a visit, especially if you are unable to secure a tour for the main canyons. Keep in mind that like Antelope Canyon, these slots are situated on Navajo tribal land and require a guided tour for access.

These hidden gems are relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, making them quieter and underrated sections of Antelope Canyon. Don’t miss the chance to explore them!

If you are traveling from Las Vegas, you can also opt for a full-day excursion to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, which includes transportation to and from Las Vegas. While this option may be more expensive and entail a long day of traveling, it is ideal if you are in Vegas without your own means of transport and still wish to witness Antelope Canyon’s beauty.

Outside the Navajo Nation, there are also captivating Arizona slot canyons like Spooky Canyon.

Exploring Other Slot Canyons in Arizona

If you enjoyed comparing Antelope Canyon Upper, Lower, and X, there are more slot canyons to discover in Arizona beyond the popular tourist sites. Some of these canyons can be explored free of charge without a Navajo guide.

For a comprehensive guide on other slot canyons in Arizona, feel free to check out my detailed post on the topic available on my travel blog!