Spring Break at the Grand Canyon
Spring break is very busy at the Grand Canyon and we want to help you make the most of your time while at the park. Here are some tips on how to navigate:
• Get to the park early – by 8:00 a.m. if possible
• The Hermit’s Rest (Red) Route is best experienced in the morning; by late morning, the shuttle bus lines are long to access this route – waiting two to three buses is not uncommon
• By 10:00 a.m, parking is limited around the visitor center, so proceed to lots A-D
o The Rim Trail and shuttle bus stops are a short walk from lots A-D
o Parking lot D is great for those with RVs and trailers
• If visiting the South Rim for three hours or less:
o Park the car at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center or parking lots A or B (depending on the time of day) and take a walk along the Rim Trail
o Wanting to ride a shuttle bus – take the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route
• If arriving in the afternoon and have four to five hours:
o Leave the car and shuttle buses behind and take a walk along the Rim Trail or cycle along Hermit Road
o Take your private vehicle out along Desert View Drive; Grandview and Lipan Points may be full, but there is typically parking at other viewpoints along this road; Desert View Point almost always has available parking
• If you are looking for more of a tour bus experience, Xanterra South Rim offers those services; the shuttle buses are not tour buses
• DON'T go to Hopi Point for sunset – Mohave and Pima points are great for sunset on Hermit; Yaki is good along the Kaibab Rim Route; and Desert View Drive is also great
• Engage in recreational opportunities (walking, cycling) – not everyone needs to ride the bus or drive in their car (more intimate, quieter experience); there is 13 miles of Rim Trail from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest with lots of great views
Twitter feed that outlines current parking, road and camping conditions: @GRCAconditions
More tips: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/sr-tips.htm