Long lines, crowds expected at Grand Canyon for Memorial Day weekend
May 25, 2016, 8:42 AM | Updated: 11:37 am
(Flickr Photo: Moyan Brenn)
PHOENIX — Grand Canyon goers can expect long lines, big crowds and full parking lots this Memorial Day weekend.
Last year, the Grand Canyon’s visitation was at an all-time high and is expected to grow even more this year.
Park staff suggests visitors arrive before 9 a.m. in order to avoid peak hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Staff also recommends visitors to take advantage of the free shuttle service through the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Larger vehicles such as RVs are encouraged to park in the gateway community of Tusayan.
South Rim visitors can also purchase park entrance passes in Tusayan and use pre-paid lanes for faster entrance.
Mather Campground on the South Rim is sold out through the holiday weekend but campsites may be available in the Kaibab National Forest’s Ten-X Campground. Sites may also be available on the North Rim in the DeMotte Campground as well as some first-come, first-served sites.