Antelope Canyon X
Tucked away in the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon X offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the crowded Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. For photographers, it’s a dreamscape of swirling sandstone, dramatic shafts of light, and sculptural textures. But for those seeking more than a quick snapshot, the Photography Tour at Canyon X is the golden ticket.
And yes, you MUST book the photography tour in order to have your camera gear with you!
Booking the Antelope Canyon X Photography Tour
Unlike standard tours, the Photography Tour at Antelope Canyon X is designed specifically for serious photographers. It allows extended time, tripod use, and fewer people per group, giving you the space and silence to compose your shots.
Tour Provider: Taadidiin Tours (the exclusive operator for Canyon X)
Tour Name: Antelope Canyon X Photography Tour
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Tripod Use: Allowed and encouraged
Group Size: Smaller than standard tours (often capped at 6–8 people)
Booking: Must be done online in advance via the official Taadidiin Tours website. Select the “Photography Tour” option—not the general sightseeing tour. (Links are above!)
Pro Tip: Bring your confirmation email and arrive at least 30 minutes early. The tour includes a short shuttle ride to the canyon entrance.
Photographic Tips for Antelope Canyon X
Lenses: Bring a wide-angle lens (14–24mm) to capture the full sweep of the canyon walls.
Tripod: Essential for long exposures in low light. Use it to bracket shots for HDR processing.
Settings: Shoot in RAW, use manual mode, and adjust white balance to bring out the canyon’s natural reds, oranges, and purples.
Compositions to Try:
The “X” skylight from below
Abstract close-ups of sandstone textures
Light beams cutting through dust-filled air
Now, your guide will likely be a photographer too, so they will help you out with the best locations and compositions. If you ask nicely, they’ll even take some photos of you in action! (I definitely asked nicely, and got one of the coolest photos ever of me - check the gallery below!)
Geology: The Art of Erosion
Antelope Canyon X is carved from Navajo Sandstone, a sedimentary rock formed from ancient desert dunes over 190 million years ago. The canyon’s narrow passageways and flowing walls are the result of flash flooding, which sculpts the rock into smooth, wave-like forms. You may even see a guide doing a mini-demo!
What makes Canyon X unique is its dual-slot structure—you’ll explore two separate canyons, each with its own character. The “X” refers to the cross-shaped skylight visible from within one of the chambers, where intersecting erosion patterns create a natural cathedral of light and stone.
Native American History and Cultural Significance
Antelope Canyon X lies within the sovereign lands of the Navajo Nation, and its significance goes far beyond its visual beauty. Known in Navajo as “Tsé bighánílíní” (“the place where water runs through rocks”), these canyons have long been places of spiritual reflection, ceremony, and storytelling.
Your Navajo guide will often share legends and cultural insights during the tour. For example, the canyon’s curves are said to represent the flow of life, and the light beams symbolize spiritual guidance. Photography here is not just about capturing beauty—it’s about honoring a sacred space.
Final Thoughts
Antelope Canyon X is more than a photo op—it’s a journey into the heart of the desert, where light and stone dance in silence. The Photography Tour offers a rare chance to slow down, connect with the land, and create images that resonate with depth and meaning.
Whether you're trying to be the next Peter Lik, or simply chasing the perfect shot, Antelope Canyon X delivers an experience that’s as soulful as it is stunning. And remember, be a solid human and tip your guide - they’re working hard in the scorching desert heat for you!
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