Antelope Canyon X Tour Review, Photos & Experience

We recently explored all the different Antelope Canyon tours during our trip to Arizona, and among them, Antelope Canyon X stood out as our favorite. Below is a detailed review of our experience during the visit.

Antelope Canyon is renowned for its stunning beauty and is considered one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the United States, characterized by its vibrant walls, narrow corridors, and striking light beams filtering through the top.

Antelope Canyon X tours provide access to a relatively new segment of the canyon that has only been open to the public for a few years. As a result, it offers a less crowded and more authentic experience compared to the main canyon, which has become a popular tourist destination.

Situated on the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon X can only be accessed through guided tours led by local Navajo guides, making it a unique and culturally immersive experience.

This review of Antelope Canyon X will delve into our firsthand encounters and showcase photos from our tour. Additionally, we will discuss the optimal time to visit and provide essential tips for your upcoming trip!

Top Antelope Canyon X Tours

We opted for the Antelope Canyon X tour through GetYourGuide and had a fantastic time. The package includes entrance tickets and a knowledgeable Navajo guide. All details were clearly communicated via email, and there’s a cancellation policy in place if needed.

For those traveling from Las Vegas, GetYourGuide offers a comprehensive day trip to Antelope Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend with convenient pickup and drop-off services. Although it may be pricier and a long journey, it’s a viable choice for Vegas visitors without personal transportation who still want to explore Antelope Canyon.

We have utilized GetYourGuide for various tours worldwide and have always been pleased with their services. We highly recommend them!

Antelope Canyon X Review: What To Expect On The Tour

The Antelope Canyon X tour explores two distinct slot canyon areas separated by a sandy wash.

Upon arrival at the company’s parking lot, guests are swiftly checked in before boarding an air-conditioned van for a brief desert drive of about 10 to 15 minutes to the canyon’s entrance. The journey may involve some minor bumps along the road.

After meeting the guide, visitors descend a set of wooden stairs for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the canyon’s entrance, briefly exposed to the sun before finding shaded spots along the way.

One notable aspect of the experience is the limited crowd, giving the tours an almost exclusive feel. Groups consist of around 10 individuals, encountering only a few other small groups during the entire excursion.

Compared to the popular Upper and Lower Canyons, Antelope Canyon X is notably less congested, offering ample opportunities for undisturbed photography.

Persuasively, the scenery at Antelope Canyon X rivals that of the Upper and Lower Canyons, as asserted by both my wife and me. The canyon features intricate passageways and vibrant pink and orange sandstone hues, reminiscent of the Lower Antelope Canyon.

In total, our visit inside the slot canyon areas lasted over an hour, granting us ample time to leisurely explore, capture photos, and engage with the Navajo guide on the canyon’s historical significance.

Antelope Canyon X Tour Review

Our experience with the Antelope Canyon X tour was exceptional, providing us with excellent value for our money in comparison to other popular Antelope Canyon tours like Upper and Lower. Throughout our road trips in the U.S., we have encountered some of the most stunning slot canyons in states like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, but I would rank this experience among the top.

Overall, the Antelope Canyon X tour stands out as a fantastic option for those seeking a beautiful slot canyon experience without the usual crowds, high costs, and logistical challenges associated with the more popular canyons. I highly recommend taking advantage of this gem before it becomes too widely known!

Optimal Timing for Exploring Antelope Canyon X

The prime period to explore Antelope Canyon X is typically from late March to early October, as the lighting conditions are more favorable during these months compared to the winter season.

Unlike the Upper and Lower canyons, Antelope X can be visited at any time of day. Our experience in May at 2:00 PM provided excellent lighting, although earlier visits may offer relief from the heat.

With varying depths and shallow areas, the canyons exhibit stunning photogenic qualities under different lighting situations.

Is The Tour Worth It?

Indeed, the Canyon X tour is highly recommended and worth the experience! With rates starting at $60 USD per person, it offers excellent value for the money.

On the other hand, the Upper Antelope Canyon tour can cost up to $150 USD per person in the peak summer season, and it tends to be more hurried and congested.

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

Choosing between the Antelope Canyon tours can be a tough decision. After exploring all the options, Antelope Canyon X stood out as the top choice in terms of value and overall experience.

Despite lacking some photography-friendly features found in Upper and Lower canyons, Antelope Canyon X offers a longer tour, allowing visitors more time to explore, capture moments, and unleash their creativity.

One significant advantage of Antelope Canyon X is its lower tourist traffic, providing a more peaceful environment without feeling rushed, unlike the crowded conditions often encountered in Upper Canyon.

Furthermore, tours at Canyon X are more affordable and easier to secure without the need for advanced booking, making it a convenient option for spontaneous trips or budget travelers.

If you’re curious to learn more, I have written a comprehensive review that compares all Antelope Canyon tours (Upper, Lower, and X) based on photography opportunities, crowd levels, enjoyment, accessibility, pricing, and availability.