Where is that elusive parking spot?

The unofficial guide for getting out of your car

What happens when more people looking for parking than the lots can hold? A traffic jam on your vacation, that’s what! Here’s my guide to get you into a spot and out of the car as fast as possible!

Near the rim
Space is at a premium close to the rim. There are some lots in the historic district but they fill up fast. Occasionally there will be a few spots behind Verkamps Curio shop but you will be lucky to find one!

Don’t even bother trying to park next to the El Tovar Hotel or Kachina Lodge unless you have a reservation here. There's just too much competetion.

There are a few large lots that are a short distance away from the rim but that are still within walking distance. These are usually the easiest places to find a place to leave your car.

Other convenient lots
The Mather Point parking lot is small but is right on the rim and is handicapped accessible. Yavapai Museum parking lot is also right on the rim but it is a bit bigger and better hidden.

The general store/Yavapai Lodge parking lot is much larger. It’s a good half a mile to the rim if you walk and two of the three free bus routes stop there. If you park here, you can easily ride all over the South and West Rims without having to go back to your car until you are ready to leave the park.

The last large parking lot is called the Train Depot lot by the locals. I don’t know if it has an official name yet or not, but it is a dirt lot just across from the famous rim hotels. This is probably the largest lot of all and it’s the last lot that is close to the rim. If the other lots on the way in look crowded, skip them and go straight here.

Beware though; you will have to walk up 4 flights of stairs to get to the rim from here. If you are not up to that or have family members that need an easier route, you can ride the free shuttle bus around the Green loop and still end up on the rim.

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