Tusayan at the Entrance to the Grand Canyon

Tusayan is located at the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park, on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. When planning your trip, you can consider a variety of activities: a film at the IMAX Theater, trails heading toward the park, seasonal horseback rides, scenic flights or stargazing in the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Tusayan, you might first consider whether you’re especially interested in film and history, outdoor activities, a scenic flight or the night sky.

Tusayan and the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

The Grand Canyon IMAX Theater is located in Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. It features IMAX with Laser and a 12-channel sound system. The film “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time” covers the canyon’s geology, early civilizations and the history of its exploration. It also explores Indigenous peoples and the first photographs taken in the Grand Canyon around 1872. The film thus combines natural history with human history and early photographic documentation. If these topics are a priority for you, please note that the film schedule may change.

Trails and seasonal horseback rides

Arizona Trail Passage 37 follows the Tusayan Bike Trails toward Tusayan and then enters Grand Canyon National Park. Another route description covers the trail from Tusayan to the edge of the national park near Mather Point: it is 6.6 miles (10.6 km) long and runs in one direction. This information helps with different planning questions: Passage 37 describes the route along the bike trails and its continuation into the park, while the Mather Point route has a one-way distance listed.

At the north end of Tusayan, seasonal one- and two-hour horseback rides through Kaibab National Forest are offered on horses or mules. Wagon rides and a campfire at dusk are also available. For the horseback rides, you can choose between the two durations and the animals listed; wagon rides are another option. Confirm seasonal availability and reservations in advance.

Starry skies and events

Light pollution is very low in the area around Tusayan. The Milky Way, constellations and shooting stars are visible there. Tusayan holds its Astro Adventure Nights every year starting in May. For this specific event, check the city’s events calendar for dates and locations. These involve two distinct planning considerations: stargazing relates to the low light pollution in the area, while the Astro Adventure Nights are tied to specific dates and locations.

Tusayan’s Cinco de Mayo Festival, scheduled for May, celebrates local cultures and is free and family-friendly. The program includes Mexican food, live mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, piñatas, face painting, games and prizes. Since plans and individual activities may change, check the details before your visit.

Scenic flights from Tusayan

Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan serves as a local hub for large groups of tourists who experience the Grand Canyon on scenic flights. If a scenic flight is part of your trip, keep in mind that operator availability may change.

Discover more destinations

Sedona, Page, Williams, Tuba City, Grand Canyon Village, Bellemont, Flagstaff

For the broader travel overview: Coconino.