Antelope Canyon, AZ Tour Information
Last spring break our family spent a week in Arizona, Nevada and Utah and made a point to visit Antelope Canyon X because of beautiful pictures I had seen online. And let me tell you, it lived up to the hype. There are several tours available, but we chose to go with Canyon X because of its availability and price (the other tours fill up fast and cost more!). But I want to reassure you that just because this cost less, it did not disappoint one bit. You’ll love the spectacular views inside this slot canyon. Before your visit, you may want to research several things first, like Antelope Canyon X’s best time to visit, Antelope Canyon weather, Antelope Canyon X vs Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon and more. Below, I’ve given you a comprehensive guide on Antelope Canyon X tours. So, keep reading!
Antelope Canyon X vs Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon
Before our trip I did some research to compare Antelope Canyon X vs Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyons, and found that the major difference is that the former is not as popular as the latter. Given that Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are so well-known, you can expect bigger crowds and less availability. Meaning you may end up sharing narrow passageways with several tour groups.
Antelope Canyon X, is a quieter option as it has only been open for a few years. You’ll likely encounter fewer people and smaller tour groups so you can enjoy snapping pictures and taking in the scenery without feeling rushed. Taadidiin Tours is the only company that offers Antelope Canyon X tours and it seems you can even score Antelope Canyon X tickets at the last minute. And because it is located on a Navajo Indian reservation, you can only tour Canyon X with a local Navajo guide.
You’ll enjoy the same towering walls, breezy labyrinth trails, and dramatic lighting found in the popular Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons but with less people and a smaller price tag.
Antelope Canyon X Tour Details
Taadidiin Tours offers two options: the Antelope Canyon X Hiking Tour and the Antelope Canyon X Photo Tour. The hiking tour, which lasts an hour and a half, costs $39.62 for adults. Admission for children under the age of 18 is only $30.19. You will also have to pay $8 for the hiking permit for children above eight years old.
The photo tour costs $124.53 and gives you three hours in the canyons. You’ll be able to visit two slot canyons and be accompanied by experienced Navajo guides.
Antelope Canyon X’s Location
Located in Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon is just two hours away from the Grand Canyon South Rim so it’s a great add on to a Grand Canyon vacation. The meeting point of Antelope Canyon X tours is on Highway 98, southwest of Page. Once you get past the parking lots for the other Antelope Canyon tours, you’ll come across a “Canyon X” sign and another parking lot with a trailer. You’ll need Navajo Nation hiking permits, which should already be included in the ticket package, since the area is part of the Navajo Nation Reservation.
From the parking lot, you’ll line up in your vehicle and follow a guide to a parking lot further into the Canyon. From there you will walk to the entrance and be accompanied by a guide as you embark on the Antelope Canyon hike. The area is filled with gravel and sand, so be cautious when parking to avoid getting your vehicle stuck. As for the address, you can enter the address MP 308 Highway 98 #3784, Page, AZ 86040 into your GPS.
Tips and Reminders for Your Antelope Canyon X Experience
Antelope Canyon X tours are based on Arizona time, or the Mountain Standard Time (MST), not Daylight Savings Time (DST). They have the same time as Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Page, Arizona. If you get confused, you can contact Taadidiin Tours to verify the time.
Busy seasons include summer break and holiday weekends, so it’s best to book ahead during this period to avoid any issues. However, walk-ins may be accepted depending on availability.
The first tour’s departure is at 9 AM. Midday tours, which are around 11 AM are usually popular, so expect a larger crowd. Making a reservation online is preferable. You should arrive 30 minutes before the tour, in order to fill out the necessary waivers and check in.
On the day of your tour, wear comfortable shoes. Dress accordingly and take into account Antelope Canyon weather too. If it’s winter, you may have to dress warm (we visited in March and it was very cold in the canyon), but in the summer make sure to wear sunscreen and cooler clothing. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, as well.
There are portable toilets close to the area where you’ll be dropped off for the hike. Since Page is around 15 minutes away by car and the tour is about an hour and a half, you’ll want to be sure to use the bathroom before you start!
How to Book Your Tour
I found the best way to book your tours for Antelope Canyon X was through the official Taadidiin Tours site. Their site has lots of information on the Canyon and each specific hike that they offer. At this time this is the only way to book tours for Antelope Canyon X. Not only do they offer a variety of group tours but they also offer private tours if you want a more one on one experience in the Canyons.
Book with Points
If you want to save some money and cash in some of your Chase Ultimate Reward points, you have the option to book tours for Antelope Canyon X with Chase Travel℠. When I last checked, tickets can be purchased for 4,984 points per person. Just be aware that tickets purchased this way are non-refundable.
I also compared the Chase price to the price on the Taadidiin Tours website and it seems to be about $10 cheaper to purchase directly from the tour company. So just be sure to compare before deciding.
Final Thoughts
Antelope Canyon X may not be as popular as the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons, but this is a great alternative that is equally beautiful and less expensive. This stop was a highlight of our trip and if you’re anywhere in the area I wouldn’t skip it!
Family vacations were a near impossibility for us not that long ago. But about 5 years ago we discovered credit card points and miles and now traveling several times a year is the norm for us! If you want to learn more about how our family travels for next to nothing, I would love for you to check out my Quick Start Guide to Traveling with Points and Miles. It is a hobby that has forever changed our lives and given us the opportunity to see the world!
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