South Rim Crowding: A Survival Guide

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Note: Road improvement projects are taking place on the South Rim of the park throughout 2018. Expect delays, detours, closures, and parking modifications. More information here.

 

 

Visiting During Busy Periods

Like other national parks, Grand Canyon has seen a dramatic increase in visitation over the last few years. The South Rim experiences crowded conditions during busy periods throughout the year, including spring break, summer, and holiday times during fall and winter. You can expect:
.

• Long entrance station lines,
• Long shuttle bus lines,
• Limited parking near Grand Canyon Visitor Center,
• Large crowds at popular viewpoints.

However, there are ways to navigate and avoid some of this congestion to make the most of your time on the South Rim. Here are some tips:

 

Tusayan shuttle (Purple Route) connects the gateway community of Tusayan with the park's Visitor Center. The shuttle can bypass the entrance station in a special lane.

 

1) Park in Tusayan and Ride the Free Shuttle into the Park

During the Spring Break and Summer - Park in the Gateway Community of Tusayan

• Ride the free Tusayan Route (purple) shuttle bus into the park, and bypass the wait at the entrance gate.
• Shuttles run every 20 minutes between 8 am and 9:30 pm. (20 minutes transit time to the Visitor Center.)
• You must present a valid park entrance pass when boarding the bus.
• You can buy an entrance pass online at https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/park/grca
  An online pass will admit everyone traveling with you in your car or personal vehicle.
  .

  Or, you can buy an entrance pass in Tusayan at one of these locations:

  National Geographic Visitor Center (IMAX Theater)
  {accepts checks and credit cards}
  Vehicle ($35)
  Motorcycle ($30)
  Individual ($20)
  
  Grand Canyon South Rim Chamber of Commerce
  [phone]
  Vehicle ($35)
  Individual ($20) permits.
  Annual ($80) America the Beautiful pass
  .
  These Tusayan locations sell
  Vehicle ($35)
  Individual ($20)
  
  R.P.'s Stage Stop
  Red Feather Lodge
  Canyon Plaza Resort
  
  Learn more about annual and lifetime park passes

 

 

2) Planning to Drive Your Vehicle into the Park?

Plan on Arriving Early — By 9 am — If Possible.

• As you drive into the Village area from the South Entrance Station, or from Desert View Drive, (Hwy 64) signs will direct you to the Visitor Center complex (right side of map below)
• Arriving early will enable you to find a parking spot by the visitor center and get out walking along the Rim Trail - or riding a free shuttle bus around the Village or out to scenic overlooks.

 

 

3) After 10 am Parking Becomes Limited Around the Visitor Center.

• When visitor center parking lots 1–4 fill, proceed to village lots A, B, C, or D.
• Lots A and B are in the Market Plaza area and are closer to the visitor center.
• Lots C and D are in the village historic district.
• RVs and vehicles with trailers should park in lots B or D. The back section of lot D has dedicated RV and trailer parking. Lots A and C do NOT have room for RVs and trailers. RVs and trailers should NOT pull across multiple regular parking spaces
• Village Route (blue) shuttle bus stops are located in or near lots A, B, C, or D .
• Rim Trail access is within walking distance of lots A, B, C, or D .

3) After 10 am Parking Becomes Limited Around the Visitor Center.

 

 

4) Tips for Touring Scenic Hermit Road

• Road is closed to private vehicles between March and November
• Ride free Hermits Route (Red) shuttle to the scenic viewpoints.
• Best time to tour is in the morning.
• By late morning shuttle bus boarding lines are long. A wait of 25–30 minutes (two to three buses) is common throughout the afternoon.
• Try getting off the bus at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the rim, then get back on the bus at the next stop.

 

Park your car and take a walk along the Rim Trail.

 

5) Visiting the South Rim with 3 Hours or Less?

• Park your car at Grand Canyon Visitor Center or parking lots A or B (depending on the time of day) and take a walk along the Rim Trail.
• Wanting to ride a shuttle bus to the canyon rim? - From the visitor center, take the Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) to Yaki Point, away from the village congestion.

 

Desert View Point, 25 miles/ 41 km east of Grand Canyon Village, offers expansive views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

 

6) Arriving in the Afternoon with 4 or 5 Hours?

• Leave your car and shuttle buses behind and take a walk along the Rim Trail or cycle along Hermit Road.
• Take your private vehicle out along Desert View Drive. Grandview and Lipan points may be full, but there is typically parking available at some of the other viewpoints along this road. Desert View itself has a large parking lot and features broad, expansive views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
  
  Note: Milling, pulverizing, grading and paving are taking place from the west to the east in approximately 2 mile sections. Road work along Desert View Drive (7.5 miles from South Entrance Road to the east) is anticipated to continue through the 3rd week of July. One lane will remain open to traffic; flaggers and/or pilot cars will be used while this work is occurring. Anticipate delays of up to 30 minutes. More details and map here.

 

The Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) shuttle bus provides the only access to Yaki Point, a popular sunset location.

 

7) Less Crowded Sunset Locations

• If you are riding the Hermits Rest Route (red) shuttle bus, watch sunset from Mohave or Pima points.
• From the visitor center, Take the Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) to Yaki Point.
• Drive your private vehicle out along Desert View Drive. Park at Desert View and watch sunset from Desert View Point.

 

Photo: Grand Canyon Railroad

 

8) Take the Train

Consider taking the historic train from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. http://www.thetrain.com/