How to Avoid the Crowds at Antelope Canyon

The Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon are some of Arizona’s top attractions thanks to social media! Hikers and tourists flock to Page, Arizona to experience the popular slot canyons with their vibrant orange rock walls and the sunbeams shooting in from above. These slot canyons are located on Navajo nation land between Lake Powell and the border of Utah.

Visitors join guided tours to the well-known slot canyons of Antelope Canyon but due to their popularity, you’ll be sharing those narrow passageways with lots of other tours full of people. It also means sold-out tickets, a higher price tag on those tickets, and a rushed tour experience.

But I bet you didn’t know that you could have the same, or even better, experience at Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours. Here’s all your FAQ’s and guide to Visiting Canyon X in Arizona. Have more questions? Drop a comment below!

How to Avoid the Crowds at Antelope Canyon by going to Canyon X in Arizona

Will I still have the same experience as visiting Antelope Canyon?

Yes! Antelope Canyon X is part of the same famous Antelope Canyon Upper and Lower, you’re just exploring a different section of the slot canyons. You’ll visit 2 slot canyons, a “V” and an “A” shape which are shown and explained on your tour.

Why have I never heard of Canyon X before?

Taadidiin Tours is the only tour operator of Canyon X, so it is much less popular and less crowded. They also haven’t been around as long as many of the tour companies that go to the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

When are the best times to see sunbeams?

The summer months are the best times to see the sunbeams or between 11am-2pm during the winter months.

When is the best time to visit?

Antelope Canyon is open year-round. However, during the summer months, it can be too hot and tours may be canceled. In the winter months, you may encounter snow which offers a beautiful contrast against the red rock canyons. Ultimately, spring and fall are the best times to visit Antelope Canyon as it offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

I’m traveling solo, how will I get pictures with no tripod?

The guides stopped in places that offer the best photo opps, offered to assist with photos, and I never felt rushed. They are super friendly and even though I wasn’t traveling solo, they offered to take pictures with the right angles.

Is this kid and elderly-friendly?

Definitely! As long as they can walk unassisted. There are no ladders or climbing like the Lower Antelope Canyon, just a 200 ft staircase that is manageable. I took my 66-year-old dad and he was a champ!

Hiking Antelope Canyon in Arizona with my Dad

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots and dress appropriately for the season. A light jacket may be required during the cooler months and sunscreen during the warmer months.

Tour Information

Ticket prices include parking and the cost of an $8 permit required to enter the Navajo lands. Tickets are $39 for a 90-minute Hiking Tour of Antelope Canyon X. If you would like to book the 3-hour Photography Tour of Antelope Canyon X it’s $120 and you must obtain a valid Special Use permit issued by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department in advance.

On both tours, drones and video recording are not allowed. The photography tour allows a bag and tripod but the hiking tour does not. A water bottle is highly advised and a camera and/or phone for pictures. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required at all times on Navajo Nation land.