You're not parking near the entrance cheaply on a peak summer weekend.

Nope. On a peak summer weekend, cheap parking near the entrance doesn’t exist. The premium lots are priced to reflect that people will pay anything not to walk an extra ten minutes. You can’t beat the system.

Your best bet: arrive before 8 AM. Park in the main lot at its standard daily rate (still not “cheap” but not gouged yet). If you show up after 9, they switch to overflow lots or premium pricing. The overflow lot might be free but it’s a mile hike.

If you’re set on proximity without breaking the bank, the only real hack is the shuttle. Park at the remote lot for free (or a few bucks) and ride the bus to the entrance. It’s not at the entrance, but it’s close enough and the shuttle drops you right there. Waiting in line for a bus beats paying $50 for asphalt.

Plan to walk. The extra steps are better than the extra bill.