Many people don’t know this, but there are multiple alternatives to Antelope Canyon (near Page, Arizona) that are just as beautiful, if not more beautiful – and often much cheaper. In this blog, I show you the best alternatives to the famous Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. All within half an hour’s drive!
Contents
TL;DR
Antelope Canyon is beautiful, but expensive and crowded. Luckily there are 3 beautiful alternatives near Page, Arizona:
- Antelope Canyon X – from $40, quieter AND cheaper than the famous canyons.
- Cardiac Canyon – 6-hour tour for those who really want to take their time.
- Cathedral Wash – free hike without a guide, perfect if you want to hike on your own.
You save up to 50% AND have more peace. All info, tips and links below!
Why Antelope Canyon is so expensive
Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the US. It is located in the southwest of America, on Navajo land. Due to the sunlight streaming in and the orange-red rocks, you see magical light beams and shapes here. For the average tourist, this means you can simply take fantastic photos, and the locals know that too. So popularity has disadvantages: it’s often very crowded, expensive (you pay quickly $150 per person!) and you must go in with a guide. Luckily there are beautiful alternatives – with fewer tourists and a lower price.
By the way, you have little choice, because Antelope Canyon is on private land. That means you are not allowed to hike on your own.
- It’s on Navajo land, so you can only enter with a guide
- You pay quickly $150 per person for a 1-hour tour
- You have to book weeks (sometimes months) in advance
- It’s often extremely crowded
- Bad weather can ruin your visit (think flash floods)
Everything goes with guided tours in Antelope Canyon
I myself went looking for alternatives to the tours through Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. Luckily there are beautiful places nearby where you have more peace, pay less AND still get that ‘wow’ feeling.
I hate guided tours and crowded areas where tons of tourists come in such areas (you probably do too). And when you don’t book in advance, there’s a good chance there’s no space on the day you’re there. Luckily there are enough places like Antelope Canyon nearby and these are often much cheaper. Do keep in mind that you always have to enter the terrain with a guide.
Comparison: 3 alternatives within 30 minutes of Upper Antelope Canyon
- Antelope Canyon X.
- Cardiac Canyon
- Cathedral Wash
| Name | Duration | Price (from) | Guide needed? | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Canyon X | 1.5 hours | $40 – $50 | Yes | Less crowded, beautiful light beams, X-shape in rocks |
| Cardiac Canyon | 6 hours | $240 | Yes | Lots of peace, more intensive hike, unique terrain |
| Cathedral Wash | 5.3 km hike | Free | No | No tour needed, self-guided, lots of freedom |
1. Antelope Canyon X – cheaper and quieter
About 1.5 hours – from $40 $50 (2024 update)
Antelope Canyon X gets its name from the ‘X’ visible in the Canyon. You can see this in the photo above. I myself did the Antelope Canyon X by Taadidiin Tours. This can be booked from $50 per person (2024). A considerable saving on your budget compared to Upper Antelope Canyon. This tour is comparable to the more famous tours, but has only existed for a few years. You drive in your own car behind the guide to the Canyon. Then you hike into the canyon together with the guide.
You will encounter less crowds here and you get all the time to take your unique photos. I expect Antelope Canyon X to become much more popular in the coming years due to the attractive price.
Via Taadidiin Tours you cannot cancel. Want to be able to? Via GetYourGuide – Antelope Canyon X tours you can simply pay with iDeal and cancel up to 7 days in advance. You do pay a bit more per person though.
2. Cardiac Canyon – for those who really want to take their time
About 6 hours – from $240
Most tours last only 1 to 1.5 hours. Often you’re out again before you’ve really been in. Cardiac Canyon is different: this tour lasts almost 6 hours and is intended for people who really love peace, space and nature.
This canyon is also near Page. You do need a reasonable fitness level for it. Because you really go into the depths, over rocks and through narrow passages. But: you get a unique experience in return. This tour can also be booked via Taadiddin Tours.
3. Cathedral Wash – free hike without a guide
5.3 km hike without a guide – perfect addition to an Antelope Canyon day
Want to see a beautiful slot canyon without a tour or tickets? Then Cathedral Wash is perfect. This canyon is near Lees Ferry and is a hike of about 5.3 km. You don’t need a guide, and can therefore do everything at your own pace.
Cathedral Wash is a bit less known, but certainly no less beautiful. You walk between high sandstone walls, along bends eroded by water. My tip: combine this with a shorter tour on the same day – for example Antelope Canyon X in the morning, and Cathedral Wash in the afternoon.
Want a good impression of the canyon and the exact hiking route? Check the hike via All Trails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Antelope Canyon
When is the best time to go?
The best months are March through June and September through October. Then the light is beautiful AND it’s not too hot.
Is Antelope Canyon X suitable for children?
Yes. The walk is fairly flat and not too long. Children from 5 years old can usually join.
Can I visit the canyon without a guide?
Only Cathedral Wash can be done without a guide. The other alternatives are on Navajo land, there you must book a tour.
What do I bring on a tour?
Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, camera or phone. Drones are usually not allowed.
