Grand Canyon traffic/crowds/parking Wed before Thanksgiving

Question

I'd like to get a better understanding of what to expect regarding crowds and traffic getting into the Grand Canyon on Wed, Nov 27. We will be driving from Sedona to GC - leaving Sedona no later than 10am. I had been thinking we could make stops along the way at Sunset Crater and Wupatki, get food at Cameron, use the East Entrance - and enjoy stops along Desert View before reaching our lodging at Thunderbird Lodge. My goal was to arrive at Thunderbird Lodge by 3-4pm. However, lately I've been reading warnings about crowds, wait times at GC entrances, and full parking lots during Thanksgiving week. Wondering if we should skip the sights/stops along the way and try to get into GC as early as possible that day?

Not sure what full parking lots mean if we have lodging - no parking at all? - or does it mean we need to drop luggage and park far away? If anyone has experience with traffic/entering Grand Canyon just before Thanksgiving, I'd appreciate your thoughts/advice.

If we skip these sights along the way, we could likely pick some of them up on our way out of GC on Friday - enroute to Winslow.

Thank You!

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon the Wednesday before Thanksgiving means you should expect a busier-than-usual day. This is a popular travel period, and traffic from Sedona to the South Rim can be heavier, especially around towns like Flagstaff and Cameron. Leaving Sedona by 10am is reasonable, but you may experience slower speeds than usual due to increased visitor traffic.

Stopping along the way at Sunset Crater and Wupatki is possible, but keep in mind these detours will add time. Both parks are not very far off the route, but if your goal is to reach Thunderbird Lodge by 3-4pm, you’ll need to be selective with how long you spend at each stop. Food at Cameron is a convenient option, but expect lines or limited seating since many travelers use it as a stopover.

Regarding entrance and parking at Grand Canyon during Thanksgiving week:

“Full parking lots” generally refer to popular trailheads, viewpoints, and shuttle stops. Since you have lodging at Thunderbird Lodge, you typically can drop off luggage directly at the lodge and then park your car at the designated lodge parking, even if general public lots are full.
Plan for extra time to find parking at crowded viewpoints along Desert View Drive, especially if you want to stop at multiple overlooks before reaching your lodge.
Consider using the park shuttle service where available; it reduces stress about finding parking and allows you to enjoy the viewpoints without circling for a spot.

If you skip the stops along the way and head straight to the park, you’ll have more flexibility with timing, and you can still see many sights along Desert View on your way out on Friday. Balancing sightseeing with arrival at your lodge is important, as traffic can be unpredictable on these busy travel days.

Option 1: Depart Sedona by 10am, make a quick stop at Cameron for lunch, head directly to GC East Entrance, arrive Thunderbird Lodge by 3-4pm, and do limited stops along Desert View that day.
Option 2: Depart a bit earlier (e.g., 8:30-9am) to allow for longer stops at Sunset Crater and Wupatki, but accept the possibility of encountering slower traffic and some delays at the East Entrance.
Option 3: Skip detours entirely on Wednesday, arrive earlier at GC, and enjoy Desert View and East Rim stops on the return drive Friday, which may have lighter traffic.

In summary, since your priority is timely arrival at Thunderbird Lodge, the safest approach is to minimize detours on Wednesday and focus on sightseeing either inside the park after arrival or on the way out Friday. Carry water and snacks, and check park updates for any shuttle or parking alerts closer to your travel date.

Grand Canyon traffic/crowds/parking Wed before Thanksgiving

More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions