Tusayan, Arizona, is the level of undiscovered where they still have to explain how to pronounce their town name on their homepage (it’s Too-Say-On, and it’s very much not to be confused with Tucson). Its permanent population doesn’t even total 600 people. And it’s the place where you can have multiple iconic bucket list experiences. Do not forget to visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
This story was created in partnership with Explore Tusayan. Photos courtesy of Explore Tusayan.
Drive Route 66 through Arizona
Finally, check that bucket-list family trip off the list by cruising the most famous road trip in the country. Make an extended itinerary of it, and do what you’ve always dreamed of: curiosity-fueled detours. Tusayan is just an hour off of Route 66, the perfect proximity for a side quest. So plan that detour to a town with an interesting name, and you’ll find it leads to even more lifetime memories.
Tusayan: Grand Adventures & Natural Wonders
After you turn off Route 66, the closer you get to Tusayan, the closer you’ll also get to Grand Canyon National Park. And who doesn’t have “see the Grand Canyon” on their bucket list?
Did you know that only the South Rim of the Grand Canyon has a National Park designation? It was also entirely unaffected by the 2025 wildfire. Tusayan is the closest town to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park—just one mile from the entrance.
Make Tusayan the home base for a couple of days. You’ll need plenty of time to explore one of America’s most famous landmarks. First, dedicate a full day to the Grand Canyon. We suggest biking or hiking to Grand Canyon National Park, then hiking in the park, and taking the free National Park Service Shuttle back to town. You can purchase your National Park Pass in Tusayan and then follow the Tusayan Greenway Trail 6.5 miles (10.5 km) to the South Rim. While there, explore all that the South Rim has to offer. The best part? If you’ve worn yourselves out, you can take the shuttle back to Tusayan—bikes and all. Alternatively, you can hop on the shuttle in Tusayan, take buses to and all around the Grand Canyon, and get a free ride back.
Pro traveler trip: Experience smaller crowds and milder temperatures in the park by visiting in fall, winter, or spring. Tusayan holds community and traveler-focused events year-round, so no matter your schedule, you’ll be able to enjoy the community as well as the views.
Outside the park, you’ll find that Tusayan boasts even more bucket-list exploring.
Bucket List Scavenger Hunt in Tusayan
No two bucket lists are the same, of course, but we know a few favorites, and we’ve learned that you can experience them in Tusayan.
See the Milky Way: All year long, Tusayan hosts astronomy nights, giving you the opportunity to not only see the stars with little light pollution, but also to get a closer look with a telescope and learn about the galaxy from local experts.
Go sky diving: Take your dream up a notch and sky dive over the Grand Canyon!
See a California Condor: California condors are the largest flying land bird in North America and are an endangered species. However, reintroduction efforts have shown success, and now the birds frequent the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the summers. While you’re in the area, you’re also likely to see all kinds of local wildlife.
Ride a horse: Enjoy a guided horseback ride through the pristine Kaibab National Forest that surrounds the Grand Canyon and Tusayan. Feel the rhythm of the saddle and enjoy the sounds of hooves on the trail. If horses aren’t on your bucket list, you’ll find there’s a local tour to meet your needs, be it in a Hummer, Jeep, ATV, helicopter, plane, or hiking boots.
Though you may check more than a few major items of your bucket list in one beautiful place, we’re confident a new item will be added: Return to Tusayan.
