Have you ever heard of Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon? They are both stunning sections of Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona.
Slot canyons like Antelope Canyon are intriguing due to how deep and narrow they are. In some areas near Antelope Canyon, you might not even realize that the canyon’s there until you’re right next to it!
All sections of Antelope Canyon have something in common: striking, multicolored rock walls that have been carved by erosion. While Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between these two natural wonders. Antelope Canyon’s trademarks are its mesmerizing, twisting rock walls.
What Is Lower Antelope Canyon?
First, let’s start with Lower Antelope Canyon. This is the section of the canyon that we visit on our Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas and our 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour.
Lower Antelope Canyon is more well-known than Canyon X due to being easier to access from the main area of the canyon. It’s not the most popular section, though — that’s Upper Antelope Canyon.
Related Reading: Lower vs. Upper Antelope Canyon
Lower Antelope Canyon is famous for its swirling, colorful sandstone walls that have interesting shapes. The walls are especially beautiful when illuminated by light that filters down from above. This section of Antelope Canyon is shaped like a “V,” so lots of sunlight enters it but the canyon floor itself is quite narrow.
To enter Lower Antelope Canyon, visitors must go down a series of stairs into the narrow, winding canyon. The stairs are steep and the terrain is uneven in some parts, but most visitors are able to make their way through it easily. This is one of the unique rock formations in Lower Antelope Canyon, “The Shark.”
What Is Canyon X?
Canyon X, on the other hand, is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s further from the main area. *Visitors have to walk down a steep path, as well as down a gentle slope into the canyon. *
Canyon X gets its name from the rocks near the entrance that form an “X” shape. Once inside the canyon itself, you will notice that Canyon X is much deeper and narrower than Lower Antelope Canyon. The walls are less colorful and are instead more uniform, being a lovely, muted orange-red that is unique to this canyon.
There is a part of Canyon X that has stairs but, unlike Lower Antelope Canyon, they’re not too steep. Canyon X’s walls are not as colorful yet they’re just as beautiful.
Differences Between Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon
Canyon Length
One of the biggest differences between the two canyons is the length of the canyon. Lower Antelope Canyon is much longer than Canyon X — about 1,335 feet (407 meters) long.
Canyon X, on the other hand, is much shorter, with two main sections of the canyonthat are about 150 ft (45 m) long each.
Price
Another difference between the two canyons is the price. The various Navajo tour operators price their tours differently but Lower Antelope Canyon is almost always more expensive than Canyon X. This is because Lower Antelope Canyon is more popular.
Tour Length
Tour lengths differ as well. A Lower Antelope Canyon tour runs about an hour and a half, while a Canyon X tour is closer to one hour.
That is just the time inside the canyon, though. Once you add the hiking and driving needed to reach them, Canyon X tours can match or exceed the length of a Lower Antelope Canyon tour, sometimes reaching three hours. On our tours, the guided walk through Lower Antelope Canyon lasts about an hour.
Popularity
Lower Antelope Canyon’s popularity comes with not just an increased price tag, but also more crowds. Also, tickets may sell out if you don’t book far in advance.
Canyon X is much less popular— and is more of an alternative to Lower Antelope Canyon when it is sold out. Tours of Canyon X tend to be more peaceful and relaxed, as a result.
Related Reading: Which Antelope Canyon Is Most Popular?** **
Photography
Both Lower Antelope Canyon and Canyon X provide ample opportunities for photographers to capture memorable shots. However, the details will differ. Lower Antelope Canyon’s walls have more flowing shapes and bright colors. Canyon X’s walls are more muted and uniform.
If there’s a specific look you’re going for in your photos, keep this in mind when deciding which one to visit.
Also, you should know that, since photography tours were discontinued, visitors typically cannot bring tripods into Lower Antelope Canyon. However, you may be able to find a Canyon X tour that allows it. Check with your tour operator first.
Difficulty
Finally, one of the most important differences between these two canyons is the level of physical ability required to visit them. They’re both accessible to most visitors but neither is the easiest Antelope Canyon tour.
While Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively easy to navigate, visitors must be able to climb up and down steep steps and walk through narrow passages. *Those with mobility issues may find Lower Antelope Canyon to be challenging. *
Canyon X, on the other hand, is a bit more accessible. It also has a descent to get in, as well as a section with stairs, but overall it is not as steep. Visitors must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, but there are no very narrow passages to navigate. If accessibility is important to you, keep in mind which parts of Antelope Canyon are narrower.
FAQ Section
Which is better to visit: Canyon X or Lower Antelope Canyon?
Canyon X is quieter—on a busy day that counts for something. It is usually cheaper than Lower Antelope Canyon, and because it is further out, the journey takes longer.
Lower Antelope Canyon is the slot canyon people picture: swirling, brightly coloured walls. It is the one we visit on both our Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas and our 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour. For a first visit, that is the canyon to choose.
Is Canyon X worth it if it is less famous?
It is a real slot canyon and a good one. The walls are a muted orange-red rather than the bright bands Lower Antelope is known for, the crowds are thinner, and the walk in is gentler.
Where it loses is on getting there and on what you came for. It is further from Page, and if you have travelled a long way to stand inside a slot canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon is the one that looks like the photographs. That is why we run our tours to Lower Antelope Canyon.
Which canyon is better for photos?
Canyon X gives you more room and fewer people in the frame. Lower Antelope Canyon gives you the colour and the shapes, and it is harder to take a bad photograph in it.
Tripods are not allowed in Lower Antelope Canyon, so a phone or a hand-held camera is what you will be using either way. For the pictures most people want to come home with, Lower Antelope Canyon is the one we take guests to.
Which Antelope Canyon tour should I book?
If your priority is solitude above all else, Canyon X will give you that.
For most first-time visitors we recommend Lower Antelope Canyon, and it is the canyon on both of our tours. Book early either way. Lower Antelope Canyon sells out, and the Navajo Nation limits how many people go in each day, so in peak season three to four weeks ahead is not too early.
Final Thoughts
Both Canyon X and Lower Antelope Canyon are stunning natural wonders that are definitely worth visiting. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Lower Antelope Canyon is more popular, more colorful, more physically challenging, and longer. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the canyon in its full splendor.
Canyon X is less crowded, less colorful, and more accessible. This is the section to visit if you want a tranquil Antelope Canyon tour experience.
Rest assured, though, that no matter which section you choose to visit, you’re sure to be amazed by the beauty of the incredible Antelope Canyon.