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Grand Canyon early morning parking

Hello,

at the end of the March I want to visit Grand Canyon (on Monday, not weekdays). I will drive there with private car and will be there around 9AM. I am little worried about parking. I want to go on Hermit Rd shuttle bus, so I would like to park somewhere near Bright Angel Lodge or Maswik Lodge. Are the parking slots full around 9AM during weekdays or there will be no problem to find free space?

Visiting the Grand Canyon at the end of March is generally a good time in terms of crowd levels. It is before the peak spring break season, so while there will be visitors, it’s not as busy as late April or May. Arriving around 9AM on a Monday gives you a good chance of finding parking near the lodges.

Regarding parking near Bright Angel Lodge or Maswik Lodge, here are some important points to consider:

  • Bright Angel Lodge has a limited lot, and it tends to fill up fairly quickly, especially in spring and summer. However, on a Monday morning in late March, you should still be able to find a space around 9AM, though it may require a short walk if the closest spots are taken.
  • Maswik Lodge offers a larger parking area, and it’s often easier to find spaces there. From Maswik, you can walk or catch the park shuttle to reach the Hermit Road shuttle stop.
  • The Grand Canyon Village parking areas generally start to fill around 10AM–11AM, so arriving at 9AM gives you a comfortable buffer.

Additional tips for parking and using the Hermit Road shuttle:

  • Consider using the South Rim shuttle bus system: The Village Route connects major lodges and parking areas, so if your preferred parking lot is full, you can park a bit farther and ride the shuttle to Hermit Road shuttle stops.
  • Plan to park early to minimize walking and secure a spot near the trailheads or shuttle pick-up points.
  • Have alternative lots in mind, such as the Visitor Center parking or Yavapai Lodge parking, both of which connect via shuttle to Hermit Road.

In summary, arriving at 9AM on a Monday in late March should allow you to find parking without major issues. Prioritize Bright Angel Lodge or Maswik Lodge if you want proximity to the Hermit Road shuttle, but be prepared for a short walk if the closest spaces are full.

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