Antelope Canyon ~ Navajo Nation ~ Page Arizona
Trip Overview
Canyon X is a guided slot canyon hike located southeast of Page, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation and is part of the same drainage system as the more famous Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. The experience takes visitors through two separate slot canyon sections connected by a short walk through a sandy wash, with a narrow passages, undulating sandstone walls, and openings where light filters into the canyon. Many visitors consider Canyon X to be a quieter alternative to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, while still delivering the same swirling sandstone textures and color that have made Antelope Canyon famous. Guided access is required.
Type: Guided Slot Canyon Hike
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Tour Length: About 1.5 hours
Photography: Excellent
Ladders: No major ladder system like Lower Antelope Canyon
Access: Guided tour only on Navajo land
Directions to the Trailhead
This hike is located on the Navajo Reservation 12 miles southeast of Page Arizona at Mile Post 307.9 on Highway 98.
Canyon X Hike Description
Unlike Upper Antelope Canyon, which tends to feel wider and more open, or Lower Antelope Canyon with its steeper ladders and tighter passages, Canyon X feels somewhere in between. The route begins with a short ride and walk to the canyon entrance before descending into two separate slot canyon sections. Expect smooth sandstone walls, curved passageways, pockets of reflected light, and a mix of narrower corridors and wider openings.
One thing frequently mentioned by visitors is that Canyon X generally feels less congested than Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, which can make it easier to slow down and enjoy the canyon or take photographs without feeling rushed. That can vary depending on season and time of day, but the overall pace is often described as more relaxed.
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sunglasses and sun protection for the walk between canyon sections
- A phone or handheld camera for photos
- One bottle of water (carry only, no bag required)
- Any necessary medication that fits in your pocket
Travel light. Canyon X does not allow bags of any kind on the standard hiking tour, including purses, backpacks, camera bags, fanny packs, hydration packs, or CamelBaks.
NOT ALLOWED
The following items are not permitted on the Canyon X Hiking Tour:
- Bags of any kind
- Backpacks and hydration packs
- Camera bags
- Tripods and monopods
- Selfie sticks
- Drones
- Pets or service animals
- Walking sticks or hiking poles
- Large umbrellas
- Large personal items that may obstruct narrow passages
Tripods are only allowed on specialized photography tours and are not permitted on the standard hiking tour.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN
Please arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in and required waivers. Tours depart on time and late arrivals may miss their tour with no refund. During busy seasons, allow extra time for parking and check-in.
TIME ZONE IMPORTANT
Use Page, Arizona time for your reservation.
This catches visitors every year.
Page follows Arizona time (MST) and does not observe daylight savings time. If you are driving from Utah, Monument Valley, Colorado, or Las Vegas during certain times of the year, your local phone clock may be different than Page time.
Always double-check the local Page, Arizona time before heading to your tour. Missing your time slot because of a time-zone mix-up would be a spectacularly frustrating way to start a vacation.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Guided access is required. Canyon X cannot be visited independently.
- The standard hiking tour is approximately 1.5 hours in duration.
- The route includes two separate slot canyon sections connected by a short sandy walk.
- Photography is welcome, but the pace moves quicker than a dedicated photography tour.