Place

Backcountry Information Center - Village (Blue) Route

a white and green bus is parked in front of a rustic building with gabled shake roofs.
The early morning Hikers' Express bus at the Backcountry Information Center bus stop.

NPS/M. Quinn

Quick Facts
Significance:
Shuttle Bus Stop — Village (Blue) Route

Bus/Shuttle Stop, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Nearby: 

  • Backcountry Information Center
  • Parking Lot D (standard and RV spaces)
  • Bus Stop for the Hikers' Express Shuttle

The Backcountry Information Center has restrooms, water, exhibits, maps, trail information, and helpful park rangers ready to answer your questions, issue backcountry permits, and help you plan your trip.Open Daily: 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm (closed 12 pm to 1:00 pm). There are several picnic tables outside.  

On both sides of the Backcountry Information Center building, Parking Lot D provides 150 standard parking spaces and 30 sized for RVs or buses. Those planning to hike on nearby Bright Angel Trail, often will park here in Lot D when parking lots are full near the trailhead. It is approximatery one quarter-mile (0.8 km) from Bright Angel Trailhead to Parking Lot D. 

The early morning Hikers' Express shuttle also departs from this bus stop with service to South Kaibab Trailhead. Scroll down for the schedule. 

Village (Blue) Route - Winter Schedule

December 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025
50 minutes round trip (without getting off the bus)

First bus is at 8:00 am, and the last bus is 8:00 pm.

  • Every 20 minutes: 8:00 am to 10:30 am
  • Every 10 minutes: 10:30am to 3:30 pm
  • Every 15 minutes: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
  • Every 20 minutes: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Be at a bus stop no later than 8:00 pm

Route Information

The Village (Blue) Route is a loop route that takes approximately 50 minutes to return to the same location. From the Backcountry Information Center, the bus travels east, making stops at:

  • Center Road
  • Village East
  • Shrine of the Ages (Eastbound)
  • Mather Campground
  • Trailer Village
  • Market Plaza (Eastbound)
  • Grand Canyon Visitor Center
  • Market Plaza (Westbound)
  • Shrine of the Ages (Westbound)
  • Train Depot and El Tovar Hotel
  • Bright Angel Lodge
  • Hermits Rest Route Transfer
  • Maswik Lodge
  • Backcountry Information Center

The Hikers' Express Shuttle also stops here

This early morning shuttle transports hikers from Grand Canyon Village to South Kaibab Trailhead. 

Shuttles depart from Bright Angel Lodge on the hour, stopping at the Backcountry Information Center several minutes later. 

  • 8 am, 9 am in December, January, February
  • 8 am, 9 am in March
  • 7 am, 8 am in April
  • 6 am, 7 am, in May
  • 5 am, 6 am - May 25 through September 6, 2025

Shuttle Bus Rules

  • No eating or open drink containers

  • No pets allowed on shuttle buses. Service dogs are permitted (as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act).

  • Shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers in wheelchairs. Please note that wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 cm x 122 cm) cannot be accommodated on shuttle buses, and most motorized scooters will not fit.

  • Collapse strollers before entering the shuttle bus. No oversized or jogging strollers. Remove baby-back carriers when seated.

  • Shuttle buses can accommodate two or three bicycles, but not tag alongs, baby trailers, or children's bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches (41 cm). Riders must load and unload their bicycles from the front-facing rack.

  • Shuttle buses only stop at designated bus stops.

Backcountry Permits - Additional Information

Additional information about backcountry permits and the application process for obtaining permits can be found on the park's website at: 
www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry-permit.htm

Grand Canyon National Park

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Last updated: December 1, 2024