Tusayan: Gateway to the Grand Canyon

Tusayan is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. The village, about 7 miles south of the South Rim, holds hundreds of motel rooms, restaurants, several shops, gas stations and a first-rate visitor center, making it a popular stop for visitors on their way to the Canyon, as well as providing an alternative place to stay. Some Tusayan highlights:

Lodging

All motels are on Arizona 64, the highway that runs through Tusayan.
• Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. 928-638-2681 or www.grandcanyonsquire.com.
• Grand Canyon Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. 928-638-3000 or www.hiexpress.com.
• The Grand Hotel. 928-638-3333 or www.the-grand-hotel-grand-canyon.pacificahost.com.
• Red Feather Lodge. 928-638-2414 or www.redfeatherlodge.com.
• Quality Inn and Suites Canyon Plaza. 928-638-2673 or www.grandcanyonqualityinn.com. <
• Seven Mile Lodge. 928-638-2291. (Walk-ins only.)

Campgrounds

• Grand Canyon Camper Village Campground. This commercial campground has tent and recreational-vehicle sites with hookups, as well as restrooms and coin-operated showers. Open year-round. 928-638-2887.
• Ten-X Campground. Situated about 2 miles south of Tusayan and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the campground has pit toilets and drinking water, but no RV hookups or showers. Open May through September, weather permitting. First-come, first-served. 928-638-2443 or www.fs.fed.us/r3/kai/recreation/campgrounds/TenX.shtml.

Dining

• Cafe Tusayan. Next to the Red Feather Lodge. 928-638-2151.
• Canyon Star, at the Grand Hotel. 928-638-3333.
• Coronado Room, at the Grand Canyon Squire Inn. 928-638-2681.
• J.J.K.'s Restaurant, at the Grand Canyon Quality Inn & Suites. 928-638-2673.
• The Steakhouse. 928-638-2780.
• We Cook Pizza & Pasta. 928-638-2278.

There also are several fast-food places.

Other activities

• The National Geographic Visitor Center is loaded with information on the Canyon and other area attractions. Its IMAX theater, with a 60-foot-high screen, provides a thrilling and thoroughly entertaining introduction to the Canyon, with eye-popping images of hiking, rafting and flying through its depths. You also can learn about tours at the center, as well as pick up sightseeing ideas and lodging and dining suggestions. 888-355-0550 or www.explorethecanyon.com.
• If you're interested in an air tour of the Canyon, stop by the Grand Canyon Airport. Helicopter and fixed-wing-plane tours are available.