If you're headed up to the Grand Canyon for the Memorial Day weekend, you'll want to plan ahead and be extra patient. Park officials are expecting a really busy weekend.
Officials said guests should expect to wait in long lines (up to an hour just to get into the park during peak times), large crowds and full parking lots and campgrounds.
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Mother Campground at the South Rim and the North Rim Campground are already sold out for the weekend, officials said. There are other campgrounds nearby in the Kaibab National Forest and in the town of Tusayan, but some are on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, to help with the congestion, officials have a few tips to make it a little easier:
- Try to arrive to the Grand Canyon before 9 a.m. (if you arrive between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., you can expect to wait in line for at least an hour)
- If you can, park within Tusayan and take a shuttle into the park. Guests with RVs and trailers are asked to do this.
- If you drive in through the South Rim, park and use the free shuttle system.
- Park entrance passes can be purchased in Tusayan: Best Western Squire Inn, Cayon Plaza Resort, Red Feather Lodge, Grand Canyon Trading Post, National Geographic Visitor Center, R.P.'s Stage Shop. You can than use the pre-paid lanes.
Throughout the weekend, the Grand Canyon has a bunch of events going on. View their full calendar here.
