01Good to know
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Late Mar–May & Sep–Oct for mild weather; arrive before 9 am in summer to avoid parking congestion
Open
Open 24 hours; individual businesses vary
Price Range
$–$$$ (budget motels to full-service hotels)
Time Needed
2-3 days to explore the area and visit the Grand Canyon.
Parking
Free hotel lots, street parking, and a large Park-and-Ride lot for shuttle users
Ideal For
Hotels, dining, groceries, fuel, visitor information, medical services
Stay Type
Overnight Stay Available
Why Visit Tusayan, Arizona
Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, offering lodging, dining, fuel, and visitor services only a mile from the park gate. With just over 600 residents, it functions almost entirely as a gateway community for Grand Canyon travelers.
Highlights
Gateway Convenience – Sleep, eat, and refuel minutes from the South Rim entrance.
Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) – Scenic flights and limited commercial service right in town.
IMAX® Theater & Visitor Center – 34-minute “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” film plus trip-planning exhibits.
Description
Founded as a service stop for early canyon visitors, Tusayan officially incorporated in 2010, becoming Arizona’s smallest town by land area (0.23 sq mi). Despite its size, it hosts over a million overnight guests each year. The town sits at 6,612 ft (2,015 m) elevation, giving it cool summer highs around 80 °F (27 °C) and snowy winters. Nearly every business—hotels, restaurants, tour operators—caters to Grand Canyon tourism, making Tusayan the de-facto base camp for travelers who prefer full services outside the park.
History
1920s
Roadside service stations appear on the South Entrance Road.
1965
Grand Canyon National Park Airport opens south of present-day Tusayan.
1984
Grand Canyon IMAX® Theater debuts, drawing international visitors.
1990s
Multiple attempts to incorporate the community are proposed.
2000
Ten-X Campground (USFS) expanded to meet rising demand.
2010
Tusayan officially incorporates as a town (March 9).
2014
First mayor and town council sworn in.
2020
Census counts 603 permanent residents.
Features
Hotels: The Squire at Grand Canyon, The Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Red Feather Lodge, Canyon Plaza Resort
Campground: Tusayan – Montane (USFS, May–Sep)
Dining: Steakhouses, Mexican, pizza, coffee shops, fast food
Groceries & Souvenirs: General store, trading posts, gift shops
Fuel & EV Charging: Chevron, Shell, Tesla Superchargers (16 stalls)
Visitor Information: Grand Canyon Visitor Center (Tusayan)
Transportation: Free seasonal Purple Route shuttle to South Rim, taxi, guided tour buses
Medical: Urgent care clinic (seasonal) and pharmacy counter in general store
Public Restrooms & Wi-Fi: Available at Visitor Center and most hotels
Getting There
Follow I-40 to Williams, then AZ-64 N for 54 mi (87 km). From Flagstaff, take US-180 N then AZ-64 N (80 mi/129 km).
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
02Be prepared
Enter town before 9 am or after 6 pm to avoid traffic and secure parking.
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
What to Expect
- A bustling gateway community with various services for Grand Canyon visitors.
- Access to shuttle services and nearby attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tusayan inside Grand Canyon National Park?
No. Tusayan is outside the park boundary, about one mile south of the South Entrance Station.
Can I leave my car in Tusayan and take a shuttle to the canyon?
Yes. From mid-May to mid-September, the free Purple Route shuttle connects the Tusayan Park-and-Ride lot and major hotels with the South Rim Visitor Center. A valid park pass is required.
