Should We Visit Antelope Canyon X?
Many people choose to visit Antelope Canyon X because it is less expensive and less crowded than other sections. These sections are located within the same overall slot canyon as the iconic Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon sections.
The Physical Canyon
At Antelope Canyon X, you actually go into 2 canyons: North and South Canyons. The walls are the same Navajo Sandstone you see in the other sections of Antelope Canyon, but these walls are 125 feet tall. So, they are much taller than upper and lower sections, and a bit shorter in length.
The canyon isn’t extremely narrow, about 3-10 feet apart in most places. It shows darker colors, because of its depth. There are a couple of areas with little lights.
You have to walk about 100 wooden, railroad-tie steps to get in and out of the canyons. If you prefer, you can walk beside them on the sandy road. There are no ladders or climbing involved.
The Tour
Antelope X is run by Taadidiin Tours. This company also offers tours of Cardiac Canyon. The tour operates with a maximum of 800 people a day, which will be less crowded than other sections.
Guests arrive and check in at the dirt parking lot. A 16-passenger van will drive visitors on 10-minute ride to the canyon, where the guide meets the group. Guides try to be helpful with sharing the history of the area, assisting with photo tips, and helping to make the journey enjoyable. The total time including the van ride, the two canyons, and the short hike connecting the two, takes about 90 minutes total.
What is Antelope Canyon X?
Located in the American Southwest, near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon X is a part of the Navajo Nation and is often referred to as the “little brother” of the more famous Antelope Canyon sections. This lesser-known slot canyon offers many of the same features that have made Antelope Canyon famous. It includes the narrow passageways, colorful rock formations with hues of orange, red and purple that change with the light throughout the day and the season.
The canyon was formed over millions of years by the natural forces of water from flash flooding. Wind erosion also refines the shapes and patterns. This process continues to create the narrow, twisting corridors and beautiful curves that draws visitors from around the world.
Why Visit Antelope Canyon X?
When comparing Antelope Canyon X to other sections of the canyon, there are a few notable differences to consider. Antelope Canyon X stands out for:
1. Lower Visitor Numbers: Antelope Canyon X is far less visited compared to busier sections of Antelope Canyon, making it a great choice for those looking to experience the canyon with less crowds.
2. Great Photo Opportunities: While any section of Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, Antelope Canyon X offers some breathtaking photo opportunities with its unique, softer light, and intricate textures of the canyon walls, and unique formations, such as the Lady in Red.
3. More Intimate Experience: Unlike the more commercialized areas, which can host dozens of people at once, Antelope Canyon X offers a more intimate, tranquil experience, where you can spend time taking in the beauty without feeling as rushed.
4. More Accessible Routes: Antelope Canyon X features slightly larger passageways and more accessible routes compared to the tighter corridors of other sections. This can make it easier for those who may feel a slightly claustrophobic in the narrower sections.
Characteristics of Antelope Canyon X
Antelope Canyon X strikes a comfortable balance between the characteristics of all the areas. The terrain is somewhat easier to navigate compared to Lower Antelope Canyon, and it doesn’t have steep stairs or ladders. And it is a bit more challenging to walk through than Upper Antelope Canyon. The path through the canyon is fairly smooth, with some areas requiring slight scrambling over rocks, but it is much easier to walk through than Lower Antelope Canyon. This makes it an ideal choice for visitors who want the natural beauty of Antelope Canyon without the physical strain of Lower Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon X offers exceptional photography opportunities. The light here is softer, with fewer intense beams of sunlight, and the light and shadows provide a beautiful backdrop for incredible photos. The smaller group size will help to make it easier to capture amazing photos.
Antelope Canyon X features similar rock formations as other sections of Antelope Canyon, including a variety of colors, shapes, shadows and formations. The light conditions are often less intense which help to create a softer, less harsh visual experience. When walking through Antelope Canyon X, visitors will find incredible angles and points of view which will be memorable and beg for multiple photos.
The experience includes both an “A” and “V” shape. Upper Antelope Canyon is known for its “A” shape and Lower Antelope Canyon is know for its “V” shape. Antelope Canyon X provides both shape types for visitors to enjoy.
