Explore Canyon X’s deep, photogenic slot canyons on a guided 90-minute hike (with an optional 2.5-hour photo upgrade). Fewer crowds than Upper/Lower Antelope Canyon, plus guided 4×4 access and Navajo Nation permits included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off Highway 98 where the red sandstone flanks the road and guides load you into a 4×4 for a short, bumpy run to the canyon mouth. The air tastes of sun-warmed sand; wind-etched grooves stare back like handwriting left over millennia. Inside, light threads down narrow walls and the slot narrows to a corridor that demands careful footing and quiet awe.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours (90 minutes); 2.5 hours for photo tour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people comfortable walking short distances on uneven terrain; not for those with severe spinal, heart, or pregnancy restrictions
Wildlife
History
Canyon X sits on Navajo Nation land; the slot canyons formed in Navajo Sandstone over millions of years through episodic flash floods and wind, and local guides share cultural context during visits.
Conservation
Visits are guided and permitted to limit impact; stay on established paths, avoid touching fragile sandstone surfaces, and carry out all trash to protect the canyon’s delicate formations.
Reserve your spot on the Antelope Canyon X Hiking Tour (with Option Upgrade to Photo Tour) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time your visit for light shafts
Midday in summer produces the strongest light rays in the canyon’s upper bowls — book the central time window for the best shafts if timing matters.
Watch the weather — flash flood risk
Monsoon storms can close the canyon quickly; tours are canceled in dangerous conditions so monitor forecasts and arrive prepared for delays.
Bring a small tripod if on the photo upgrade
Tripods are allowed on the photography tour and will make a big difference for low-light interior shots; pack a compact model.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
The floor is sand and irregular sandstone—shoes with traction and ankle support reduce slips and make tight sections easier.
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
Provide grip on sand and uneven sandstone surfaces.
Reusable water bottle (at least 1 L)
Staying hydrated is essential in desert heat; water is included but carry your own for before/after the tour.
summer
Compact tripod
Useful for the photography upgrade to stabilize long-exposure and low-light shots inside the slot.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Protects against strong desert sun while waiting or during transfers.
summer