Grand Canyon Seen Before Make Brief Stop Again

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Open to private vehicles all year, scenic Desert View Drive follows the South Rim of the canyon 23 miles (37 km) between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. There are six developed canyon viewpoints and five unmarked overlooks. This view is from Duck on a Rock Overlook. NPS photo/M. Quinn

Like many national parks, Grand Canyon has seen a dramatic increase in visitation. The South Rim experiences crowded conditions during busy periods, 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.

Below are some tips, need to know information, and suggested activities.

Entrance Fees and Passes

• At this time, Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations to enter the park, nor does it have timed entry.

• Entrance Fees are paid at the entrance stations. It is also possible to purchase a digital pass online through YourPassNow , or from third party vendors in the gateway town of Tusayan. During spring break, an entrance pass is for the South Rim. (After May 15, when the North Rim opens for the season, the pass includes both the South and North Rims.)

• Private Vehicle ($35 valid for 7 days): admits everyone traveling with you in your personal vehicle. (up to 15 people)
• Motorcycle ($30 valid for 7 days): admits motorcyclist and up to one passenger.

• Individual ($20 valid for 7 days): for bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians.

• Additional kinds of entrance passes >
  E-mail your questions here >

• At park Entrance Stations, credit and debit cards, digital passes, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. Cash is not being accepted at this time.

• Annual passes are also on sale at all park entrance stations.

The South Entrance to the park can get this busy during spring break. If you arrive between the hours of 9:30 am and 4 pm, be prepared for a wait between 45 minutes to 2 hours. Try to arrive before 9:30 am or after 4 pm.

Summer is Busy on the South Rim

• Know where you will spend the night. Campgrounds and lodges book up. If you want to stay overnight inside the park, check availability and make reservations before you arrive.

• Camping in the park is only allowed in designated sites within designated campgrounds. Camping is not permitted along roadsides, at overlooks, pullouts, trailheads or other parking areas.

• Note: the information on this page is about visiting the South Rim. If you are considering a trip to the North Rim, visit this link > The North Rim is open for the 2022 season between May 15 and October 15.

• Those planning to hike into the canyon should be prepared for extreme summer heat, winter cold, and elevation changes. Review Grand Canyon Hiking FAQ >

• Backcountry permits are required for all overnight trips into Grand Canyon. Details >

Ways to Enter the South Rim of the Park

Grand Canyon Railway train arriving. NPS/Dana Belcher

1) Take the Train

• As an alternative, to driving, depart from Williams, Arizona, and ride Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim. (Distance 59.7 miles/96 km)

• If you are able to take the train, you won't have to deal with entrance line waits, busy summer traffic and finding a parking place in the village. Details >

The East Entrance Station at Desert View

2) East Entrance Station at Desert View

Travelers arriving from the east on Interstate 40, or from Phoenix on Interstate 17, can take US 89 from Flagstaff, Arizona, north to Cameron, Arizona, then west on State Route 64, —to enter the park through the East Entrance at Desert View (for shorter wait times at the entrance station, and spectacular views of the Colorado River).

Note: when traveling through the Navajo Nation, wearing a mask is still mandatory in public, whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Approaching the entrance station, the far left lane, lane 1 is the best lane to take if you have purchased a digital entrance pass, or have an America the Beautiful pass.

3) South Entrance Station

• The South Entrance Station, near the town of Tusayan, Arizona, receives the most traffic, and experiences long lines and up to two hour wait times between 9:30 am and 4 pm.

• To help time your arrival, you can monitor the entrance station's webcam >

• If you have purchased a pass in advance – stay in the left lane as you approach the South Entrance Station and enter through lane 1 (far left)

(South Entrance Station Webcam views). Arrive early (before 9 am) to enter the park and find a good parking spot. During summer, between 10 am—5 pm entrance station lines can be long; you can expect up to two hour wait times.  Visitors arriving from the east on I-40 or from Phoenix on I-17 can enter the park through the East Entrance at Desert View for shorter wait times. As of this update, Grand Canyon National Park does not require reservations to enter the park, nor do we have timed entry.

4) Arriving Midday? Park & Ride from Tusayan

Between May 28, and September 9, 2022, you can bypass the wait at the entrance station by parking in the gatway community of Tusayan and riding the free Tusayan (Purple) Route Shuttle into the park.

The shuttle runs at 20-minute intervals between 8 am and 9:30 pm and you must present a valid park entrance pass when boarding the bus. Entrance passes may be purchased online, or from vending machines at bus stops in the town of Tusayan. Details >

The parking lots around the Visitor Center usually fill by 12 noon. It's a good idea to arrive early (before 9 am) to find a parking spot and be able to make the most of your time here. Grand Canyon Visitor Center - Lot 2. NPS/M.Quinn

Prepare for Crowded Conditions

• Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park during summer and holiday weeks can expect long lines, full parking lots and crowded conditions.

  The parking lots around the Visitor Center usually fill by 12 noon. It's a good idea to arrive early (before 9:30 am) to find a parking spot and be able to make the most of your time here.

  The best way to tour the village is to park your vehicle once, then ride the Village (Blue) Route Shuttle around the South Rim. It connects the Visitor Center, lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (Market, deli, outdoor ATM, and U.S. Post Office).

• Two additional shuttle bus routes will transport you out to scenic overlooks. There is no extra fee to use the shuttle system. Paying your entrance fee entitles you and your vehicle's occupants to unlimited use of the shuttles. Face masks may be required while on the buses. Details >

South Rim Village Area — Overview Map

The South Rim developed area showing three zones or locations: Grand Canyon Village, including the historic district on the left. Market Plaza and the campgrounds in the center, and the Visitor Center Plaza and Mather Point on the right. Public parking lots are also shown. Lots 1-4 at the Visitor Center Plaza, and Lots A-D, at Market Plaza and in the village itself.

Map of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza showing parking lots 1-4, and the footpaths leading from the plaza and parking lots to Mather Point and the Canyon Rim Trail. The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route and the Village (Blue) Route shuttles may be boarded at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal.

Visitor Center Plaza -
and Mather Point

Visitors entering the park through the South Entrance Station, often make the Visitor Center Plaza their first stop. Canyon views are a short walk from here.

• The Four parking lots (1, 2, 3, 4) usually fill by 12 noon.

• Around the village, Lots A, B, C, D provide additional free parking. (See map above).

• For those visiting for the day in an RV, or pulling a trailer, three parking lots provide large pull-through spaces. Details >

Beginning Sunday, May 8, Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village will reopen. Hours will be between 8 am and 4 pm daily. Rangers will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Visitor Center Hours

• The Visitor Center building and information desk are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

• The Visitor Center Theater is temporairly closed for renovation.

• Trip planning and hiking information is also available through signs and exhibits outside of the building — and at other key locations throughout the park.

Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store across the plaza from the Visitor Center.

Visitor Center Plaza Services

• Within the Visitor Center Plaza, the Park Store is open 8 am to 6 pm daily. The Park Store features a wide variety of books, maps, souvenirs, and gifts.
• The park store also has a Passport Stamp Station, Junior Ranger Books/Badges, and Grand Canyon National Park B.A.R.K. Ranger Dog Tags >

• Bright Angel Bicycle Rental and Café provides rentals and guided bicycle tours. They also have a small coffee bar/café with a grab & go menu.

South Rim Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal

Shuttle Bus Service

If you have some time to explore the park, three shuttle routes serve the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal (just east of the Plaza). Arrive early and park you vehicle in one of the lots here (1, 2, 3, 4) — and leave the driving to us!

• Village (Blue) Route > Transportation to lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM, and U.S. Post Office).

• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route > Eastbound to the South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point and Pipe Creek Vista. Westbound to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum.

• Hikers' Express > Early morning shuttle with service from Grand Canyon Village and the Visitor Center to South Kaibab Trailhead.

• Between May 28 and September 9, the Tusayan (Purple) Route connects the Visitor Center with the gateway community of Tusayan, 6.8 miles/11 km to the south. The buses run every 20 minutes between 8 am and 9:30 pm.

An additional scenic shuttle route: the Hermit Road (Red) Route, does not stop at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal.

It begins at the western end of the Village. If you park at the Visitor Center, you can ride the Village (Blue) Route shuttle to the Village Historic District, then transfer to the Hermit Road (Red) Route Shuttle > ( In service March 1, through November 30, 2022. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles during this time).

Face masks may be required inside park shuttle buses.

Mather Point can become very busy during peak visitation periods.

Mather Point Overlook

If you don't have a lot of time, and just want to see the canyon, take the short 5 minute walk (0.3 miles/ 0.48 km), to nearby Mather Point.

Because it is close to the Visitor Center and parking lots, Mather Point is a busy scenic overlook.

Depending upon how many people are at the overlook when you arrive, you may or may not feel comfortable entering the area.

For less crowded canyon views, starting from Mather Point, it is possible to access the Canyon Rim Trail, which provides excellent scenic walks both to the west and to the east along the rim of Grand Canyon.

If you tire of walking, both the Village (Blue) Route and Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route shuttles can transport you back to the Visitor Center Bus Terminal.

(Leashed pets are allowed on the Canyon Rim Trail, but not below the rim of Grand Canyon. Pets are not permitted on park shuttle buses).

Additional Locations of Interest and Related Activities

The "General Store" is located in Market Plaza, next to the post office, bank, and Yavapai Lodge.  NPS/M.Quinn

Market Plaza

Market Plaza is the business center of Grand Canyon Village. Here you will find Canyon Village Market and Deli (General Store), an outdoor ATM machine, the U.S. Post Office, and Yavapai Lodge — with a gift shop, coffee shop and outdoor tavern.

Market Plaza is within walking distance of Mather Campground 0.2 mile/ 0.3 km and the adjacent Trailer Village RV Park. 0.3 mile/ 0.5 km

Market Plaza's Parking lot (B), is a large lot and is centrally located: about one mile/ 1.6 km from the Visitor Center Plaza, and one mile/ 1.6 km from the historic village. You can park your vehicle here for the day.

The Village (Blue) Route Shuttle > makes 2 stops here, and it can transport you to the Visitor Center, park lodges, campgrounds, the Village Historic District, and the Backcountry Information Center.

Map showing Grand Canyon Village Historic District with the Hermit Road Bus Stop on the left. The shaded area shows the designated "masks required" zone.

The Historic District is a Place of Interest

The village has an historic district, Verkamp's Visitor Center, train depot, lodges, gift shops, and galleries. The Historic District also has great views of Grand Canyon. Once parked, walk along the rim to explore the area.

Bright Angel Trailhead is also located here.

Parking is limited in the Historic District— if you move your vehicle you may not be able to find another parking spot until late in the afternoon. Park Rangers suggest parking your vehicle, then taking a walking tour, or riding the free shuttle buses out to scenic views and other South Rim locations.

Historic railroad depot and El Tovar Hotel in the Historic District.

Take a Walking Tour of the Historic District

• Step back in time and wander through this historically preserved village dating back to the early 1900s. Before you visit, it is possible to view the district's buildings and sites through an interactive map. More >

• An audio tour of the Historic District entitled, "Full Steam Ahead", is available here on the website. You may also download the NPS Moblie App, then navigate to Grand Canyon National Park, and toggle "save this park for offline use." This will pre-download the audio tour, and you won't have to use mobile data during your visit.

• As an alternative to driving around, park your vehicle once, then ride the Village (Blue) Route Shuttle around the South Rim. It connects lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, Visitor Center, and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM and post office).

Aerial view above Hermit Road. Photo courtesy of Aerial Filmworks, all rights reserved.

Tour Scenic Hermit Road
on Free Shuttle Buses

Starting from the Village Historic District, the Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle bus follows the Hermit Road for 7 miles (11 km) and has spectacular views of the canyon and Colorado River. Note: Hermit Road is closed to personal vehicles from March 1 through November 30.

• In the morning, park in village Lot C or Lot D, and walk 0.4 mile/0.65 km to the Hermit Road Transfer Station to tour scenic Hermit Road on the free Hermit Road shuttles.
• You can get off at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the Canyon Rim Trail, then get back on the bus at the next stop.
• Hermit Road is best experienced in the morning. During spring break, expect long shuttle boarding lines and wait times (between 10 am and 4 pm).
• As an alternative to riding the shuttles, bicycle rentals are available from Bright Angel Bicycles located in the Visitor Center Plaza. Hermit Road is also accessible by foot or your personal bicycle. Shuttles have front loading bicycle racks, if you tire of riding.

DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially from May to September when temperatures can reach over 110°F (43°C). Check with the Backcountry Information Center when you arrive, for current trail conditions.

Bright Angel Trail

• If you can set aside 4 to 8 hours, take a day hike into Grand Canyon on Bright Angel Trail. The trailhead is just west of Bright Angel Lodge and is clearly marked. It is also shown on the map above.

• If you are not able to find a parking spot near Bright Angel Trailhead, continue driving around the Village Loop Drive to Parking Lot D — a large lot by Maswik Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center. From Lot D, it is about a 0.4 mile/0.65 km walk to the canyon's rim and Bright Angel Trailhead.

• If you park at the Visitor Center, the Village (Blue) Route shuttle will bring you to Hermit Road Interchange. From there it is just a short walk to the trailhead.

• Before starting down the trail, review our
  Hiking FAQ > and, depending upon the season:
  Summer Hiking Tips > or Winter Hiking Tips >

• Bright Angel Trail is considered the park's premier hiking trail; the best trail for first-time hikers. Between November and April, water is only available at the trailhead in the village, and at Indian Garden.

The Trail of Time begins with (1) The "Million Year Trail". It transitions from human time scales to geologic ones. The "Million Year Trail" is immediately followed by (2) the main Trail of Time where each meter equals one million years of Grand Canyon's geologic history. 1.4 miles/2.3 km each way.

Walk the Trail of Time

• Park in the Village and Walk East along the Canyon Rim Trail from Verkamp's Visitor Center to Yavapai Geology Museum. (1.4 mile/2.3 km). This section of the rim trail, called the Trail of Time, is a geologic timeline with a series of exhibits that explain how Grand Canyon formed.

• It is also possible to park at Yavapai Geology Museum and Walk West along the Trail of Time to Grand Canyon Village, spend some time exploring the village, then return to your starting point at the Musuem.

• If you tire of walking, shuttle buses can return you to your starting point

Scenic 23mile (37 km) Desert View Drive features 6 developed canyon viewpoints, 5 unmarked pullouts, and 4 picnic areas. NPS/M.Quinn

Desert View Scenic Drive

There is only one scenic drive on the South Rim that is open to private vehicles all year. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. There is parking at every viewpoint.

V isitors can enter and exit the park through the East Entrance at Desert View. Details >

Most Desert View services are open at this time. However, when touring the park, it is always a good idea to bring enough food, snacks and water for everyone in your group.

Detailed infromation about what is open at Desert View >

South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide

Contains a map of the bus stops, parking areas, lodges, campgrounds and trails with distances. Download it here >

Three shuttle bus routes in operation between March 1, and May 27, 2022, in the village developed area. The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, on the right,  transports visitors to the S. Kaibab Trailhead and outstanding views at Yaki Point. The Village (Blue) Route, in the center, connects the Visitor Center with lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM, and post office). The Hermit Road (Red) Route, travels a 7 mile scenic road for great views.

Due to the pandemic, public health measures are in place, including temporary closures, and modified operations.

Visit this webpage (updated daily) for the current list of what is open, hours of operation, and COVID-19 updates.

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Source: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/sr-tips.htm

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