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Grand Canyon expecting long lines this spring

Grand Canyon National Park is expecting long wait lines this summer because of increased visitation to the park. File photo

Grand Canyon National Park is expecting long wait lines this summer because of increased visitation to the park. File photo

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - In 2015 Grand Canyon's visitation hit an all-time high. This year Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) is telling visitors to expect long lines and full parking lots.

Based on visitors coming to the park this spring, 2016 will probably set another record, according to the park. As a result of increased spring break visitation, traffic regularly backs up at all entrance stations, with the longest wait time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots, especially near Grand Canyon Visitor Center, start reaching capacity around 11 a.m.

"Warm sunny weather, low gas prices, and the National Park Service's Centennial year make Grand Canyon a perfect spring break destination," said Fee Business Manager Marlon Avantyr. "There's no reason not to expect more visitors this year than ever before."

Avantyr and other park staff encourage visitors to arrive to the park early, take advantage of the free shuttle bus system, and consider parking in Lot D at the Backcountry Office or parking lot C on Center Road.

Once in the park, visitors have many opportunities to experience Grand Canyon and learn about its natural and cultural history. Kids between seven and 12 years old can attend a ranger-led day camp on weekends starting March 18-19, 25-26 and April 8-9. Parents can drop their children off at park headquarters for a day full of games, discovery, and activities with park rangers. To register for the free program, call (928) 638-7924 or visit www.nps.gov/grca/learn/kidsyouth/day-camps.htm

On the weekends of March 19-20, 26-27, and April 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors are invited to attend the Desert View Cultural Demonstration Series at the Desert View Watchtower. Jewelers, weavers and carvers from several of Grand Canyon's Traditionally associated tribes will be on hand demonstrating their work. These presentations and demonstrations are free and open to the public.

Grand Canyon's visitors are also encouraged to explore neighboring national parks and monuments, such as Petrified Forest National Park and Wupatki National Monument to help celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service. More information about planning a trip can be found at www.findyourpark.com. This site has a list of park sites, experiences, events and opportunities throughout Northern Arizona and across the country.


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