How to visit Antelope Canyon X (Tour Options in 2026, Cost, & More!)

Last updated on June 7th, 2026

We’re sharing everything you need to know to visit Antelope Canyon X in Arizona!

If you haven’t heard of Antelope Canyon, it’s hands-down one of the most famous and beautiful slot canyons in the US. Most people flock to Lower and Upper Antelope Canyon (and don’t get me wrong, those slot canyons look incredible), but getting tickets for them can be a hassle, and they’re often packed with people. 

So instead, we opted for Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known but just as stunning alternative named for a unique rock formation near the entrance that, when you look up, forms a perfect “X” in the sky. And honestly? It was an awesome choice!

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Antelope Canyon X, including tour options, the best times to go, what to expect, and important things to know before you visit! 

Where Is Antelope Canyon X Located?

Antelope Canyon X is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Page, Arizona, along Highway 98 at milepost 308 on the Navajo Nation Reservation. While Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, as well as Antelope Canyon X, are part of the same geological formation, Antelope Canyon X is way less crowded. 

To visit Antelope Canyon X, you’ll need to book a guided tour with Taadidiin Tours, the exclusive operator for this part of the canyon. 

Why Should You Visit Antelope Canyon X?

What makes Canyon X worth visiting over the more famous Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons? A few things:

Fewer Crowds: Unlike Upper Antelope Canyon, where you’re packed in like sardines, Canyon X offers a much more relaxed experience. You get more time to wander around without feeling rushed.

Awesome Photo Opportunities: The canyon has a variety of wider and narrower sections, giving you tons of photo angles. While Upper Antelope Canyon is famous for its light beams (and its price tag!), Canyon X still has some gorgeous light play, especially at the right time of day.

A Mix of Features: Lower Antelope Canyon is known for its tight, ladder-filled passageways, while Upper Antelope Canyon is more open with its iconic sunbeams. Canyon X has a little of both!

Easier to Book: Because it’s lesser-known, you don’t have to scramble for tickets months in advance (though it still sells out, so book early if you can!).

Antelope Canyon X Tour Options

The only way to visit is by booking a tour through Taadidiin Tours, the official provider. Prices might vary, so check Taadidiin Tours’ website for the latest rates. If you have a specific date in mind, book early! Tours are released a few months in advance, so keep an eye on availability.

Here are the tour options:

Antelope Canyon X Hiking Tour: This is the standard tour (and the one we did). It’s a 1.5-hour guided tour suitable for all ages, priced at $44.34 for adults (18+), $34.91 for children (8-17), and $34.91 for young children (0-7). An additional $8 hiking permit is required for those aged 8 and above.

Antelope Canyon X Photo Tour: If you’re a photographer, this tour gives you extra time to get the perfect shot. It’s 3-hours long and priced at $133.96.

Cardiac Canyon Tour: This one sounds epic! It’s a longer (6-hour), more strenuous hike through a remote part of the canyon. Priced at $228.30, this tour is definitely on our list for next time!

What to Expect on the Antelope Canyon X Hiking Tour

When you get to the tour office, you’ll check in and wait for your group to be called. Once it’s time for your tour, you’ll hop into a 4×4 vehicle for a short, but bumpy ride to the canyon entrance. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes down a dirt road before you reach the starting point.

From there, you’ll hike down a short trail into the canyon, where your guide will lead you through two sections of the slot canyon. The walk isn’t too difficult (about 1-mile round trip), but there are some sandy and uneven spots. Overall, it’s a pretty easy walk, with no ladders or major climbs required. Expect to spend about an hour and a half inside the canyon.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon X?

There’s no guarantee you’ll see light beams during your visit (it all depends on the weather and time of year). But if you want the best shot at catching them, aim for a sunny day between 11:30 AM and 1 PM from May through early August. That said, don’t plan your whole visit around the light beams. Even if you don’t see them, the canyon itself is absolutely stunning and 100% worth the trip!

Best Time of Year

Summer: Expect intense heat, cause it gets HOT (think 100°F and up). If you’re visiting in summer, book a morning tour to beat the heat, wear light, breathable clothes, and bring plenty of water.

Fall: A great time to visit! Temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and the lighting inside the canyon is still fantastic.

Winter: This is the least crowded season. It can get chilly, but daytime temperatures are usually comfortable. You won’t see light beams, but the soft winter light brings out gorgeous colors in the canyon walls.

Spring: Another fantastic time to visit. The weather is pleasant, crowds start picking up, and lighting conditions inside the canyon are excellent. We visited in April and it was perfect!

Important Things to Know Before Your Antelope Canyon X Tour

Rules: You must stay with your guide at all times (no wandering off).

Parking: The lot has plenty of space for cars, RVs, and motorcycles.

Arizona Time (MST):  Arizona doesn’t observe daylight savings, but Utah does! If you’re coming from Utah, check the time difference so you don’t miss your tour. The canyon operates on the same time as Flagstaff, Sedona, Phoenix, and Page.

Bathroom Situation: There are no bathrooms inside the canyon, so be sure to use the restroom at the tour office before you head out.

Physical Requirements: The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and some elevation changes, but there are no ladders involved. Walking sticks are allowed if needed. Pregnant women are strongly discouraged from participating due to the terrain.

What’s NOT Allowed on the Tour: No drones, pets, smoking, or strollers. You also cannot bring bags of any kind (purses, backpacks, fanny packs, and even camera bags). Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are also not allowed. 

What to Wear & Pack

ID Required: You’ll need a driver’s license, passport, or another form of ID for check-in.

Shoes: The canyon floor is sandy, so you should wear closed-toe shoes. We recommend Altras!

Clothing: Dress for the season! In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, while in winter, layers will help keep you warm without overheating. 

Water: Bring water, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months. It’s dry and can get hot quickly. We love using a 3 liter Camelbak because you can drink and walk at the same time. 

Hat & Sunscreen: There’s not much shade outside the canyon entrance, so a hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.

Camera Gear: If you want great photos, bring a camera with adjustable settings. A higher ISO helps in the shaded areas, and shooting in RAW will let you edit for the best colors later! Check out our photography gear here. 

Cash: Bring cash to tip your guide, they do a great job!

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit

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About the Author

This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!

After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.