Parking Lot 1-South Rim Visitor Center

The go-to parking lot for viewing the south rim. If you arrive before 7AM it will be completely empty and you’ll get a view of the sunrise! Alternatively, if you want to star gaze and leave your car in a semi-lit place this is also the spot! Close enough to the rim that you can get there at night. Park your car here and leave it for the whole day. You can star your journey here and walk to all the other lookouts and take the bus back!

Once the sun is up the crowds also arrive. If you get into the park early you will not have a problem getting a parking spot. We stayed in a lodge in the park and sometimes finding parking close to our room was difficult but we didn’t mind the walk.

Plenty of parking here. Just make sure to remember which lot you were in as I realized there were 4 lots and there's no lighting after dark to easily find your car if you don't remember which lot you were in. This lot has close access to a nice viewpoint, a gift shop, and also the shuttle spot. There's accessible spots.

Get here early to get a good spot. Shuttle buses run every 10 minutes.

The Grand canyon is an amazing place to see. Be prepared to spend the day there at least.

Spotted a deer and her baby near the parking lot. Amazing view from the south rim. Highly recommended

Great Parking Lot. Arrive early for best spots. Stay between the lines. Use your mirrors. Be courteous and kind. Close walk to Mather Point and Visitors Center.

Got there just before 9am on a Thursday, no problem with finding a spot, but it is also not high travel season.