Grand Canyon over Labor Day?

[Anonymous]

We have never been and are interested in just going for a weekend and this is the only one that works. Will it be insanely crowded?

[Anonymous]

Yes, it will be insanely crowded.

Probably worth going anyway if you (or someone you are taking) has never seen it. But be prepared to be frustrated with things like parking/crowds/etc.

[Anonymous]

I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

[Anonymous]

I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

+1 It's a long drive and if you don't have rooms it will be painful (and I'm sure they are totally booked up).

[Anonymous]

We went over spring break and it was busy but not too crowded. We arrived at the park early and the line wasn’t too bad. I don’t recommend arriving later in the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

They’re not. Just searched and there is lots of availability. Many in the park with space. Lots of schools (all of AZ and lots of southern states) are already back by Labor Day so that may cut down on crowds a bit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

OP here and I actually saw some openings at El Tovar which prompted the question. I was surprised the hotel had openings.

[Anonymous]

You only need one night there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You only need one night there.

Agreed. Clark Griswald wasn’t wrong; you see it and you leave. Unless you’re planning on some major hiking, a few hours is all you need. You can see it from the different viewpoints, but after a while, it all looks the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You only need one night there.

Agreed. Clark Griswald wasn’t wrong; you see it and you leave. Unless you’re planning on some major hiking, a few hours is all you need. You can see it from the different viewpoints, but after a while, it all looks the same.

One night at El Tovar, if you can get the Presidential suite - take it. Eat at their restaurant (book ahead) right after watching the sunset outside. Wake up early for the sunrise and some hikes.

It's gonna be hot in September.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have never been and are interested in just going for a weekend and this is the only one that works. Will it be insanely crowded?

Also incredibly hot. The best time to go is in October.

[Anonymous]

You'll be fine. And you should go - it's wonderful. You don't have to stay in the Grand Canyon itself. Look in Williams, AZ. It is a very cute town, many hotel options, and an EASY drive to the Grand Canyon - flat, no traffic, fast. If you have kids this is where Bearizona is too.

[Anonymous]

I forgot to mention. If you prefer not to drive, there is an old-fashioned train that leaves out of Williams and takes you into the Grand Canyon and back. It has entertainment too. You can, but don’t have to, stay in the hotel affiliated with the train. Lunch at El Tovar in the Grand Canyon I highly recommend. You just need to call 30 days ahead and make a reservation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

OP here and I actually saw some openings at El Tovar which prompted the question. I was surprised the hotel had openings.

So park hotels are booked through Xanterra. It's a weird, archaic system. It will LOOK like El Tovar has availability, but it may not. (Ask me how I know!) You basically use their online system to select your order of preference and then a person emails you back with what they actually have. We ended up at the Thunderbird with a partial canyon view even though when I booked online I thought we were getting El Tovar. Bottom line is none of the hotels are luxe/upscale/etc, but you are going for the experience and the access.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I imagine all the in-park hotels are already booked, which honestly is the only way to visit the Grand Canyon.

OP here and I actually saw some openings at El Tovar which prompted the question. I was surprised the hotel had openings.

So park hotels are booked through Xanterra. It's a weird, archaic system. It will LOOK like El Tovar has availability, but it may not. (Ask me how I know!) You basically use their online system to select your order of preference and then a person emails you back with what they actually have. We ended up at the Thunderbird with a partial canyon view even though when I booked online I thought we were getting El Tovar. Bottom line is none of the hotels are luxe/upscale/etc, but you are going for the experience and the access.

Hmm - thanks. Will have to go back and see if there is actual availability.