CANYON X

If you have been to Antelope Canyon during the tourist season then you understand why it is less than a thrilling photographic experience. It is hard to imagine being there without hoards of flash popping tourists walking into your view finder and tripping over your tripod. Not to mention the 30 to 40 other serious photographers clogging up the floor of this spectacularly photogenic crack in the earth. A real primeval freeway. Oh, the frustration.

Not to fear. Help is at hand.

We are calling it CANYON X and of course it is not really 'new' since it is several thousands of years old. It is a premium slot canyon and seldom visited before now by anyone other than the Navajo.

CANYON X will not become another "over visited" Antelope. It is five miles off a paved road, over reservation land. A distance of 16 miles from Page makes it a one-way drive of 45 minutes to an hour. The dirt road in is too difficult and even dangerous for the average unescorted, unguided and in-a-hurry tourist driving a rental car. In addition there is a locked gate. The length of the tour will discourage all but the tenacious "have-to-get-the-shot" serious photographer.

A careful and deliberate climb both in and out is required. The entrance is a short walk from the drop off point and then about 30 yards down a crevasse
(ropes not required) over some medium sized talus to the dune just above a giant sandstone alcove. The first of three slots begins here with a deep non-slot canyon with numerous photo ops between the slots. Deeper than Antelope, about 150 feet in spots, this is a very photogenic and extremely unique canyon. There is some scrambling here and there over two small pour offs but for a person with average mobility and physical skills this should present only slight difficulty.

Scheduling only one tour per day with a maximum of six photographers. Children or pets are not allowed due to the length of the tour and the ruggedness of the area.

This is currently an exclusive photo-adventure with access and transportation by Licensed Navajo Nation Guide Charly Moore, owner of Overland Canyon Tours. You will be accompanied by experienced slot canyon photographer and guide Jackson Bridges.

Departure and return times vary.

This tour is by prior arrangement only.