Parking Lot 1, at the South Rim Visitor Center Plaza has pull-through spaces for large RVs and vehicles with trailers. Parking Lot 1 is also the closest to the views of Grand Canyon at Mather Point and the Canyon Rim Trail.
Parking at the South Rim Visitor Center Plaza (Lots 1, 2, 3, 4)
Map showing the four parking lots (1, 2, 3, 4) for private vehicles surrounding Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza. Access to Mather Point and the Canyon Rim Trail is a short walk on one of several paved footpaths. Important: there are No Parking Spaces for RVs and/or Vehicles with Trailers in Lots 2, 3, 4. Large vehicles should NOT pull across multiple regular parking spaces.
As you drive into the Village area from the South Entrance Station, or from Desert View Drive, (State Route 64) signs will direct you to the Visitor Center Plaza Parking Complex. Lots shown visually in the map above.
Visitor Center Plaza parking lots are numbered, 1, 2, 3, 4, starting with Lot 1.
Each lot is represented by signs with numbers, colors, and animal symbols to help you remember where you left your car. You can also take a photo with your phone of your vehicle parked in the lot.
Restrooms are located in separate buildings on both ends of the Visitor Center Building.
Visitor Center Lots by Number (1, 2, 3, 4)
During the busy season, if you arrive by 10 am, you can usually find parking in one of the four lots around the Visitor Center Plaza.
Lot 1 is the closest to Mather Point and Grand Canyon views, and has Pull-through Spaces for RVs and Vehicles with Trailers.
Lot 2 is closer to the Visitor Center Plaza. No RV spaces.
Lot 3 often acts as the overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor Center Plaza. No RV spaces.
Lot 4 is close to the Bicycle Rental/Café, GCC Park Store and the Visitor Center/ Plaza. No RV spaces.
What To Do Next:
See Grand Canyon
Walk ( 0.2 mile ) to Mather Point for your first view of Grand Canyon.
From Mather Point, you can continue walking by turning either east of west along the Canyon Rim Trail - or if your time is limited, simply return to the Visitor Center.
Explore the Visitor Center Plaza
The Visitor Center building and information desk are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, (summer hours).
Trip planning and hiking information is also available through signs and exhibits outside of the building — and at other key locations throughout the park.
Park rangers are available to answer any questions you may have.
Within the plaza itself is Grand Canyon Conservancy'sPark Store, features a wide selection of books, maps, apparel and gifts.
Also within the plaza, Canyon Adventures Bike Tours & Café, rents bicycles, and offers guided bicycle tours. They have a coffee and espresso bar, and a variety of grab-and-go food items.
Free Shuttle Bus Service
From the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, you can board a free Village (Blue) Route shuttle which connects the lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza, (market, deli, outdoor ATM, and a US. Post Office).
From the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, another option is to take the EastboundKaibab Rim Route(Orange) Route shuttle to the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point scenic overlook, —or the Westbound Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route shuttle to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum.
Overview Map of South Rim Village Parking Lots
While lots 1-4 near the Visitor Center Plaza provide for convenient parking, these lots often fill by late morning during busy periods, including spring break, summer and holidays during the fall and winter.
Additional parking is available in lots A-B at Market Plaza and C-D in the Village Historic District. The three lots that can accommodate RVs are indicated by green arrows.
Village Parking Lots by Letter (A, B, C, D)
Lots are show in the map above
Lot A – Near Park Headquarters
A short walk across the street from Market Plaza
Long parking lot, rarely fills completely
No parking for RVs or trailers
Westbound and eastbound shuttle bus stops
Lot B – Market Plaza
U.S. Post Office, General Store, Yavapai Lodge
Largest lot, may fill by early afternoon
RV and trailer parking available
ATMs available in the store and lodge
Westbound and eastbound shuttle bus stops
Lot C – Center & Village Loop Roads
Small lot in the middle of the village
May have space when other lots are full
No parking for RVs or trailers
Eastbound shuttle bus stop
Lot D – Backcountry Information Center (BIC)
Large lot near the BIC
Often has space when other lots are full
Southern section has pull-through spots for large RVs and trailers
When village is congested,.Lot D is the best lot to park in to walk to the Hermit Road Shuttle, Bright Angel Trailhead, and the Village Historic District.
Eastbound shuttle bus stop
Do Your Part
Please avoid parking along the roadside except where signs or lines on the road indicate that it is permissible.
RVs and vehicles with trailers should only park in designated areas.
Large vehicles should NOT pull across multiple regular parking spaces.
TheSouth Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide
Contains a map of the bus stops, parking areas, lodges, campgrounds and trails with distances. Download
Four shuttle bus routes are in service from May 24, through September 5, 2025. Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, right, travels to S. Kaibab Trailhead, outstanding scenic views at Yaki Point, and Yavapai Geology Museum. Village (Blue) Route, center, connects Visitor Center with lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (general store and post office). Hermit Road (Red) Route travels a 7-mile scenic road with spectacular overlooks. Tusayan (Purple) Route serves gateway town.
Visit this webpage (updated daily) for a list of what is open and closed, hours of operation.
Parking Lot 2 on a busy day - Grand Canyon Visitor Center (S. Rim)
