Star party June 2024 amazing event! Will come back next June for sure!
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00, especially April–October
Open
MON–SUN 00:00‑24:00 (open 24/7)
Price Range
$ (Free)
Parking
On-site paved lot, free; no RV or trailer spaces
Some of the closest parking to the Visitor Center. The lot was clean and mostly full but I did find a space when visiting near mid-day on a Friday.
By far the best of the 4 parking lots.
Very large, well-organized parking lot. We were there during the off-season, so it was very empty.
Why Visit Parking Lot 4 – South Rim Visitor Center
Free, paved parking steps from the South Rim Visitor Center, shuttle hub, and the short walk to Mather Point.
Highlights
Closest lot to Bike Rental & Café and Park Store.
Direct pedestrian path to Mather Point and the Rim Trail.
Clearly signed “P 4” lot—easy to find your vehicle later.
Description
Parking Lot 4 is one of four main visitor lots surrounding the South Rim Visitor Center Plaza. It offers free, first-come parking for standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles, with designated accessible spaces near pedestrian walkways. Because it sits beside Bright Angel Bicycles & Café and the Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store, Lot 4 is a convenient launch point for canyon viewpoints, shuttle routes, and services. Signs use a green “P 4” icon to help visitors remember their spot. During peak season the lot often fills by mid-morning, so early arrival or late-day visits are recommended.
Features
Standard car and motorcycle spaces
Accessible parking bays (ADA compliant)
Paved, well-lit surface
Short, accessible path to Visitor Center, restrooms, and shuttle stops
Adjacent to bike rental, café, and park store
Wayfinding signage with color, number, and animal symbol
Getting There
Car: Enter via South Entrance Station (AZ-64); follow signs to Visitor Center Plaza, Lot 4. Shuttle: Village (Blue) and Kaibab Rim (Orange) Routes stop at the Visitor Center, a 2-minute walk. Bike/Foot: Paved Greenway Trail connects Market Plaza, campgrounds, and Mather Point.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Take a photo of the Lot 4 sign to remember where you parked.
02Be prepared
Arrive by 09
30 in summer; lots often fill by mid-morning.
03Local tip
Use the Orange Route shuttle from the Visitor Center to reach Yaki Point (no private cars allowed there).
04Save time
Pack water
nearest fountains are inside the Visitor Center.
05Stay connected
No overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles is permitted.
06Good to know
EV charging is not available in Lot 4; the nearest chargers are at Maswik Lodge.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are RVs or trailers allowed in Lot 4?
No. RVs and vehicles with trailers should park in Lot 1 or the Backcountry Lots A & B.
Is overnight parking permitted?
Overnight parking is allowed only with a valid backcountry permit displayed; otherwise vehicles must leave by 22:00.
Where are the nearest restrooms?
Accessible restrooms are inside the Visitor Center Plaza, a 2-minute walk from Lot 4.
Does Lot 4 have electric-vehicle charging?
Not at this time. The closest public chargers are at Maswik Lodge, about 2 miles west.
