Hi. We will be visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time on Tues, May 24, and spending just 1 day. Wondering if we should take the train from Williams or just drive? I’ve heard of very long lines getting into the South Rim area in the summer months and the train would avoid this, but wasn’t sure if it would be crowded this early in May? Thanks for any advice! (We will be staying in Flagstaff)
I wouldn’t take the train on a Tuesday before kids are out of school. You’ll have more flexibility with a car. There are so many nice places to see the view. You can also stop at Sunset Crater National Park if you have time, or any number of other nice spots.
You can actually call GCNP and ask someone. They are pretty helpful there.
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Thank you!
I agree that a car will allow you to stop along the way and see many different views of the canyon.
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@showmom858 and @Lindagaf So do you think it will be quiet enough that we won’t need to use the shuttle buses either? Thanks for your advice!
Just leave early. The main gates are right outside Tusayan, and thats where the line starts.
Also make dinner and hotel reservations well in advance, they fill up quickly.
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We’ve always taken the train and enjoyed it, especially if you have kids. The train is stopped by outlaws on horses who ride fast alongside the cars, stop it, board, and (hilariously) pretend to rob it. Our son loved it. You’ll see the same scenery from the train as from a car, but the train ride is more fun, and you won’t have to deal with a car when you get to the rim.
We never saw anything along the way that would make us want to stop and get out of a car. But, we live here, so maybe we’re not that impressed by the views.
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If you haven’t already, you can purchase your pass ahead of time. When I was there last summer, there was a dedicated lane to people who already had passes, so that line wasn’t as long.
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We stayed in Williams last year at the big train hotel and wish we had stayed in Tusayan. If you drive in from Flagstaff, come in early and leave late. It’ll be a great day. The pizza place in Tusayan was solid but had quite a wait.
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Hi All! We got back from our AZ trip and had a blast! Just thought I’d come back to write in case it helps anyone else curious about Grand Canyon. We left from Flagstaff and were at the gate to the South Rim by 9am and there were no lines. We parked the car and used the shuttle service, mostly exploring the area to the west (red line) where no cars are allowed and you have to either walk from point to point or take their shuttle bus. The shuttle bus worked out well for us. Later we explored the area closer to the entrance called Mather (?) Point. It got more crowded in the afternoon but always manageable. The longest wait times we had was waiting for lunch. The GC is just incredible and I feel fortunate to have been able to experience it! One other tip – if you are doing other national monuments or parks it does pay to purchase America the Beautiful pass. We definitely saved by purchasing it. Great trip and thanks for your help!
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We are headed up there tomorrow for an overnight. Thanks for the great report! I’m going to plan on us getting up early to beat the crowds on Friday morning. 
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Great, have fun!!
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