News Release

Grand Canyon, AZ- Grand Canyon National Park invites the public to celebrate the National Park Service's 103rd birthday by visiting the park for free on Aug. 25, 2019. 

Visitors who arrive at Grand Canyon on August 25 will be allowed to enter the park free of charge; however, those who plan to spend time in the park beyond August 25 will need to pay the regular entrance fee for the remainder of their stay. The fee-free designation does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours or use of concessions. 

Hikers are encouraged to "Hike Smart" and read our summer hiking tips, as there can be a 20-degree difference between the rim and the inner canyon. Tips are available at: www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-smart

Visitors interested in visiting Grand Canyon National Park during Founder's Day should expect large crowds, long lines at entrance stations, and full parking lots. If visitors choose to drive into the park, they should arrive by 9 a.m. to avoid the most crowded conditions. 

The Tusayan Shuttle bus route, available at 20-minute intervals between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily, provides an expedited, hassle-free entry into the park and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

To board the shuttle in Tusayan, visitors must have a valid park pass- this can be a seven-day vehicle, individual, or motorcycle pass. Parking for the Tusayan shuttle bus can be found anywhere in Tusayan, including the Best Western Squire Inn, Grand Hotel, Big E Steakhouse, IMAX/R.P.'s Stage Stop, and the park-and-ride lot on the north end of town (by the second roundabout). 

The next fee-free day will be September 28, in honor of National Public Lands Day. For more information on more national parks in the area visit: www.nps.gov/orgs/1758/arizona-parks 

The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens. Learn more about the variety of passes offered by the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series.  

-NPS-