Grand Canyon day trip - El Tovar lunch reservation time

Question

We will stay in Sedona and go to GC for a day. What time should we make a lunch reservation for? We plan to get to south rim no later than 9am.

Answer

If you plan to arrive at the South Rim no later than 9am, you’ll have the morning to enjoy the viewpoints, take a short walk along the Rim Trail, or stop at some overlooks before lunch. El Tovar is a popular dining spot, so timing your reservation carefully will help you avoid the busiest lunch period.

Recommended reservation considerations:

Optimal lunch time: Reservations around 12:00pm to 12:30pm are ideal. This gives you a few hours to explore the rim in the morning and ensures you’re not rushed.
Earlier option: If you prefer a quieter experience and fewer crowds, consider an 11:30am reservation. This is before the main lunch rush.
Later option: Reservations after 1:00pm are possible, but you may encounter a higher volume of diners and limited seating choices, especially on weekends or peak season.

Additional tips for your day trip:

Arrive early enough to park comfortably and catch the scenic viewpoints before lunch.
Consider making your El Tovar reservation as far in advance as possible, especially if visiting during busy months, as slots can fill quickly.
Check the shuttle schedule or parking situation in advance; arriving at 9am should give you time to park or get a shuttle without stress.

In summary, for a relaxed day with time to explore the South Rim in the morning, aim for a reservation around 12:00pm to 12:30pm. If you want a quieter, slightly earlier lunch, 11:30am works well too.

Grand Canyon day trip - El Tovar lunch reservation time

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