Hitching on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

There’s been a free shuttle bus* stopping at most TH I’ve used on the South Rim if you are already in the Park (assuming you are talking about South Rim village?).  Grandview is pretty popular for sightseers….

*Free technically though included in entrance fee is more realistic

Hmmm on the NP website the map only shows the bus going as far east as the S. Kaibab TH, couldn’t find any info about the shuttle going further. And yes, I meant the south rim village.

Molly –

There is a free “sunrise photo shoot” bus that goes to Grandview, but that’s the only one.

I’ve also taken the free shuttle to Yaki Point (South Kaibab TH), walked back to the road, and hitched from there. Never waited longer than 30 minutes.

Also, you can hire a Zantera “cab” take you direct from your place of lodging for about $25.

I believe it is against the law to hitchhike in any National Park.
Best to check.

billy

Yep. Illegal.

The in-uniform ranger that went 8 miles out of his way to drop me at Lipan Point mentioned that.

Note:All land regulated by the National Park service prohibits hitchhiking under the Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 section 4.31: Hitchhiking or soliciting transportation is prohibited except in designated areas and under conditions established by the superintendent.

This being said some parks have amended title 36 section 4.31 recently. It really depends on who’s the superintendent at the time and how strict the Rangers are. I’ve never had a problem getting a ride from trailhead parking lots or the Village markets in National Parks but I am careful to not be blatant about it or a nuisance on roadways.

Ha! Good info. I know I’ve seen on other NP sites that they specifically say hitchhiking is against the law but didn’t see anything on the Grand Canyon info pages. I’ll just be resourceful when I get there and see what shakes out.

Thanks!

So, yes – hitching is technically illegal, but in practice they are relaxed about it, at least if you look like a backpacker.  I, too, have been given a ride by a ranger.   However, I’m not quite sure whether they’d be happy about people hitching on the busy roads around the Village in peak season, where traffic control can be a problem.    I have only hitched from places like Grandview, New Hance, Lipan further out on 64.   Often, at the trailheads, you can strike up a conversation in the parking lot, and not even need to hitch at roadside.   And better if you’re a solo female, as you can assess  who you’re getting a ride with.

If you’re just going from the Village area to Grandview, honestly the simplest option is just to pay $25 for the Xanterra taxi service.  928-638-2822.   They don’t take reservations, but I’ve called them 7 or 8 times from the backcountry office and never waited more than 15 min.   They are 24-hour, but generally won’t leave the Village area for longer rides before about 7am – presumably, skeleton staff overnight, and need to maintain local availablility.

Have fun – I’m in the Grand Canyon all of March, I’ll look out for your thumb!

Sounds good, and thanks Ralph!

I had an identical experience to Greg.  Yes, hitch-hiking is illegal.  However, one of the two times I’ve done it at GRCA I got a lift from a ranger.

:)

HHing 101:

Not in a busy traffic area.

Yes in a place with a good pull-off.  And with a long sight-distance in front of you so drivers have a few seconds to decide, signal, and pull over safely.  Creating a safety hazard might legitimately annoy a ranger.

A shocked reaction and profuse apologies are a good response if told it is illegal.

Girls get picked up 7.3 times faster than boys – you won’t be there long.

A simple sign that informs people of where / how far you are going is very helpful.  Even helpful drivers like myself are hesitant to pick sketchy-looking hitch-hikers if we might have them, their body odor and their conspiracy theories for the next 3 hours.  “12 miles to Grandview” let’s them know  that they aren’t signing up for much.

Be presentable (as much as you can).  Make eye contact.  No sunglasses.  No billed hat.  Really.  And smile.

Post on forums like this and you might be able to make prior arrangements.  I’ve given 10-mile rides in the GCNP and loaned in-step crampons to a group after discussions on BPL.  Heck, I’ve given 250-mile rides to BPLers to get them to the Brooks Range.

Fedex gives out free tvyek envelopes that make excellent sign materials once you turn them inside out and doubles as a rain hat, in a pinch.