We had a leisurely morning, waiting for our reservation time to tour Antelope Canyon X. We chose an 11:40 tour time, hoping for the best canyon lighting, and we certainly weren't disappointed.
When we arrived at Antelope Canyon X, there was a small trailer where we checked in for our tour. Masks are still required on Navajo Lands, so no mask, no tour. We checked in and got our car window stickers. There were porta-potties available while we waited for our tour, but no facilities in the canyon itself. The cost of our tour was $50 each, and we felt like that was a real bargain. The canyon was amazing, and our tour guide Sharmaine was incredible!
Once we had our car window sticker, we lined up for the 2 mile (or so) drive to the canyon parking lot. We were lead by a pilot van that you could ride in if you didn't want to take your own vehicle down.
From the parking lot, we walked down a dirt road to the top of the canyon. There, they broke us up into groups of about 8 and introduced us to our tour guides. From there we made our way down a very steep path into the canyon. We chose to walk on the dirt path, but there were also stairs available if you wanted them. We used the stairs on the way back out.
There are two parts to Antelope Canyon X, the north slot and the south slot. As we entered the north slot, Sharmaine showed us how this canyon got it's name. When you enter the canyon and look up, the silhouette reveals a large X.
Once we were in the canyon, Sharmaine give is plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the views of the canyon. She would stop at certain areas along the canyon to point things out. Everywhere we went within the canyon, the light was different and gave different perspectives of the sandstone.
These little caves were between the north and south slots.
As we were coming out of the south slot, I noticed this circle on the rock. It looked like a sunrise, yet it was somehow displayed perfectly on a slot canyon wall.
I can't express how beautiful and surreal this slot canyon experience was. The Southwest is full of hidden gems that you just can't experience anywhere else.
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