Antelope Canyon X Hiking Tour (with Option Upgrade to Photo Tour)

Antelope Canyon X gives you the sculpted sandstone beauty of the famous Antelope Canyon area, but with two canyon sections and generally fewer people than the better-known Upper and Lower routes. You ride about three miles by 4WD, walk roughly 100 meters into the canyon, then continue to a second section after a 200-meter walk.

I like the small-group format, capped at 10 people, and the way guides such as Van, Josh, Ethel, Nick, and Orvid help with phone photos as well as canyon facts. I also like that the standard tour takes only about 90 minutes, leaving room for another Page-area sight. The catch is that the canyon is narrow and the pace can feel fixed, especially when another group is close behind.

Key points to know before booking

• Two slot canyons in one outing: You visit both an A-shaped section and a V-shaped section of Canyon X.
• A 4WD ride begins the adventure: The canyon entrance lies about three miles from the meeting point on Highway 98.
• The standard tour is short but efficient: Expect about 90 minutes, including the ride and walking sections.
• The photo upgrade changes the pace: You get about 2.5 hours in the canyon, with time for tripods and camera setup.
• A staircase is the main physical hurdle: The route includes roughly 200 feet of stairs, with some descriptions noting about 100 steps on the way out.
• There are no canyon restrooms: Use the porta potties at check-in before leaving.

Why Canyon X feels different from Upper and Lower Antelope

Antelope Canyon X is part of the same Navajo Sandstone country that made Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon famous. Rain and wind carved the twisting walls over millions of years, creating the smooth curves and narrow corridors that photographers chase.

The name comes from the X-shaped cuts formed in the sandstone. Inside, you may see shafts of light and bright bands of color where the sun reaches the canyon walls. The exact light changes with the season and departure time, so I would not book this expecting one guaranteed beam in one exact spot. The setting is beautiful even when the light is softer.

The main appeal is space. Canyon X is the lesser-known cousin of the more famous Antelope Canyon routes, and it generally feels less crowded. That does not mean solitude on the regular tour. This remains a timed, guided experience in a narrow canyon, and you may need to keep moving when another group is nearby.

For me, the two-section route is a real plus. You do not simply walk into one corridor, take a few pictures, and turn around. You see a first slot canyon, then walk to a second one with a different shape and feel. One section is described as A-shaped and the other as V-shaped, giving the short tour more variety than its duration suggests.

From Highway 98 to the canyon entrance

You meet at Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours at Milepost 308 on Highway 98, outside Page, Arizona. There is no hotel pickup, so you need your own transport to the meeting point.

Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. That cushion matters here because the tour uses scheduled departures, and the area has a time-zone wrinkle. Check the time shown on your voucher carefully, especially if you are driving into Page from another part of Arizona or Utah. A late arrival is not refunded.

After check-in, you board a 4WD vehicle for the roughly three-mile ride across the desert. The drive is part of the practical charm of the outing. You are not walking from the highway straight into the canyon. Instead, the vehicle carries you to the remote entrance, where the walking portion begins.

Bring water, though bottled water is provided. Wear closed-toe shoes. Comfortable sneakers or trail-running shoes are enough for most people, and hiking boots are not required. Flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and heels are not suitable.

Walking through the first and second slot canyons

The walking route starts with about 100 meters into the first slot canyon. Your guide leads the group through the narrow sandstone passage, pointing out formations and helping with photographs.

The best guides add more than directions. Orvid, for example, has explained canyon formation, local wildlife, and area history, while Mike has demonstrated how the rock took shape. Van has shared stories about slot canyons and his Navajo heritage. The quality of the commentary can vary by guide, but the strongest guiding combines geology with personal connection rather than giving a nonstop speech.

The canyon floor is relatively easy, with no ladders inside the route. You should still expect uneven ground, tight passages, and a steady walking pace. The main physical challenge is the staircase into and out of Canyon X. Allow for roughly 200 feet of stairs, and be ready for a long uphill walk back to the vehicle.

After the first section, you walk about 200 meters to the second slot canyon. This transition gives you a short break from the narrow walls and helps separate the two parts of the experience. In the second canyon, the rock shapes change, and you get another set of photo angles rather than a repeat of the first passage.

The standard tour lasts about 90 minutes. That includes the ride, stairs, walks between sections, and time inside the canyon, so the actual time for lingering at any one formation is limited. If you like to pause, frame several photos, or wait for the light, the regular outing may feel rushed.

What the guides add to the experience

Guide quality matters a great deal in a slot canyon. The route itself is spectacular, but your guide controls the pace, points out the best angles, and often becomes the person holding your phone for the group picture.

Several guides have been singled out for this personal help. Josh has taken group photos and added playful special effects. Nick has offered to take pictures repeatedly and allowed time to enjoy the canyon without rushing. Ethel has helped with camera settings and created a calm atmosphere. Tyler has been praised for clear explanations and patience, while Brandon has balanced facts with quiet time.

That photo help is useful even if you bring only a phone. Slot canyons can fool automatic settings, especially when bright sky meets dark sandstone. A guide who knows where to stand can make a real difference. You should still ask before handing over your camera, and do not count on every guide offering a full photography lesson on the standard route.

The cultural side can also be rewarding. Van has shared stories about his Navajo heritage, and other guides discuss the land, rock formation, and local fauna. The depth of this material depends on the guide and the questions you ask. If cultural and geological explanation is important to you, ask questions rather than simply following the group.

The photography upgrade: when the extra time pays off

The photo tour is the better choice if photography is a central reason for visiting Page. It gives you about 2.5 hours in the canyon, compared with about 90 minutes for the regular hike. Some tour information describes this longer option as a three-hour tour, so check the exact duration attached to your selected departure.

The extra time matters because a slot canyon is not a place where you can instantly set up, shoot, and move on. You may need to adjust a tripod, wait for people to clear a frame, change exposure, and try several angles. The longer tour allows tripod use and gives you a better chance to work deliberately.

You do not need to be a professional photographer. The upgrade can suit anyone who wants less pressure, more time, or better control over family and couple portraits. Guides can point out photo positions and help with settings, though you should confirm what equipment is allowed before arrival.

The strongest reason to pay more is not simply the number of minutes. It is the slower rhythm. On the standard tour, people naturally want pictures, and a group behind may encourage everyone to keep moving. On the photo tour, the canyon may be quieter between regular departures, giving you stretches that feel much more peaceful.

The tradeoff is cost. The base price is listed at $89 per person, while the photo option costs more. If you mainly want to see the canyon and take a few phone pictures, the regular outing is likely enough. If you carry a tripod or care about careful compositions, the longer option is easier to justify.

Value at $89, and what you are really paying for

At $89 per person, the standard tour is not a cheap walk in the desert. Your ticket covers entry to Canyon X, the Navajo permit fee of $8 per person, the 4WD ride, the guided visit, and bottled water.

The value comes from access and organization. You cannot simply wander into Canyon X on your own. A permitted Navajo guide leads the route, and the vehicle gets you to the canyon mouth. You are paying for a controlled visit to a special place, not just a scenic drive.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who already plans to visit Page and wants a focused canyon outing. It is less appealing if you expect a long hike, extensive free time, or a private experience. The standard tour is compact, and some of your 90 minutes goes to transport and stairs.

The maximum group size is stated as 10 people, which should make the price easier to accept. Still, group sizes and vehicle conditions are worth confirming at check-in. One account raised concerns about a group exceeding the stated limit and about seatbelts in a vehicle, so I would inspect your seatbelt and speak up if something is not working.

Practical limits, stairs, weather, and children

This is an easy walk in the canyon itself, but it is not effortless. The stairway is the key issue. The tour is not recommended for people with physical limitations or those who are pregnant.

Infants need a car seat for the ride and must be carried through the canyon. Strollers and wheelchairs cannot be used. A chest-style or backpack child carrier may work, but the canyon does not allow strollers or backpacks as regular gear.

There are no restrooms inside the canyon or at the route itself. Use the facilities at the meeting point before departure. This is a small detail, but it can make a big difference during a timed outing.

Weather can cancel the tour. If that happens, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so do not reserve it casually before your Page plans are firm.

The canyon can feel cool at times, even in a warm desert setting. Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip. A phone or camera is worthwhile, but protect it from dust during the 4WD ride and keep your hands free on the stairs.

How to make the most of your 90 minutes

Read every instruction before you leave for the meeting point. Confirm the departure time, account for the local time zone, and arrive 45 minutes early.

Use the restroom first, pick up the provided water, and put on shoes you can walk in comfortably. If you want photos of your group, decide in advance who will carry the phone or camera so you are not fumbling on the stairs.

During the canyon walk, ask your guide about the rock shapes and the two sections. Guides such as Mike and Orvid have used demonstrations to explain erosion, and questions can turn a quick tour into a more meaningful one.

If you are on the standard tour, take a few strong pictures rather than trying to photograph everything. The pace may not allow repeated setups. If you want a tripod, careful compositions, or a quiet interval, pay for the photo upgrade rather than hoping the regular tour will slow down.

Plan another Page activity afterward. The standard visit is short enough to pair with a second local hike or another attraction, provided you leave room for delays and the return drive.

Who should book Antelope Canyon X?

I would choose this tour if you want a guided introduction to slot canyons, prefer a shorter outing, and like having someone help with pictures. It also suits families with older children who can manage stairs and couples who want memorable portraits without organizing a private guide.

The photo upgrade is the clear choice for camera enthusiasts, tripod users, and anyone who dislikes being rushed. It is also the better option if this is your main reason for coming to Page and you want the canyon to be the center of the day.

I would hesitate if you need a fully accessible route, dislike stairs, or want to explore at your own pace. I would also think twice about the standard option if you expect quiet, extended photography time. The canyon is narrow, and the schedule keeps the group moving.

Should you book this Canyon X tour?

Yes, if you want two striking slot canyons, Navajo guiding, and a manageable 90-minute outing near Page. The combination of 4WD transport, two canyon sections, and helpful photo assistance gives the standard tour solid value, especially when your schedule includes other Page sights.

Choose the photo upgrade if pictures matter more than price. The extra time is the real benefit, giving you room for tripods, better framing, and quieter moments between regular groups. Before booking, confirm the exact duration, departure time, and physical demands. Canyon X is beautiful, but the stairs, fixed pace, and no-change cancellation rule deserve a clear-eyed look.

FAQ

Where does the Antelope Canyon X tour meet?

You meet at Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours at Milepost 308 on Highway 98, Page, Arizona. Hotel pickup is not included.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Check your voucher carefully for the correct time zone and departure time.

How long does the standard tour last?

The standard tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes the 4WD ride, walks, stairs, and time in the two canyon sections.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes admission to Antelope Canyon X, the Navajo permit fee of $8 per person, the guided tour, 4WD transport to the canyon, and bottled water.

How long is the photography tour?

The photography option provides about 2.5 hours in the canyon. Some tour information refers to the longer option as a three-hour tour, so confirm the exact duration when selecting your booking.

Is Antelope Canyon X difficult to walk through?

The canyon route is relatively easy and has no ladders, but you must manage a staircase of about 200 feet. Some descriptions note roughly 100 steps on the way out. The tour is not recommended for people with physical limitations or those who are pregnant.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable seasonal clothing and closed-toe shoes. Sneakers or trail-running shoes are suitable. Flip-flops, open-toed shoes, and heels are not permitted for safety reasons.

Are restrooms available inside the canyon?

No. There are no restrooms on-site during the canyon route, so use the facilities at the check-in area before departure.

Can children use a stroller or backpack carrier?

Strollers and backpacks are not permitted in the canyon. Infants need a car seat for the vehicle ride and must be carried through the canyon. A chest-style or backpack-style child carrier may be used for carrying a child inside.