What to Pack for Zion National Park

Congrats on your upcoming trip to Zion National Park! Not to brag, but it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’ll be able to enjoy every second if you are prepared. You don’t want to be on Angels Landing worried if you have enough water for the hike down, do ya? 

This Zion National Park packing list is for day hikers headed to Zion Canyon, but it's a good starting point for backpackers and other adventurers heading into the Zion Wilderness.

Choose Your Adventure

Before you arrive, decide which activities you want to do, then pack accordingly. If you change your mind, that’s OK, too. There are outfitters and guides in the area that offer equipment rentals.

• Hiking
• Canyoneering
• Rock climbing
• Biking
• Wading
• Guided horseback riding

The Elements

A few meteorological facts about Zion that will help you get your bearings.

• Elevation: The elevation of the park varies between about 4,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level.
• Sun: The elevation and dry desert air are a perfect conduit for UV rays, no matter which season. 
• Humidity, or lack thereof: Zion is a semiarid desert. The dry air dehydrates you faster than you think.
• Sunset and sunrise: June 21 is the longest day of the year and December 21 is the shortest. 
• Temperature: Temps can swing as much as 40 degrees in one day. Layers of clothing are your best bet.
• Monsoon season: Expect sunny mornings and afternoon rainstorms in July, August and September. It’s peak flash flood season as well. 

Footwear

Footwear may be the most important packing decision you make, so choose wisely. Most moderate Zion hikes are on dirt trails that meander through sand and slickrock. Sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support or trail runners are a great choice. Traction cleats are a smart add-on for the winter in case there’s ice on the trail. 

Water Shoes

One of the most famous hikes in Zion is The Narrows, which involves walking in the Virgin River through the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. Some people do well with a hiking sandal, but a closed-toe shoe offers the most protection from wobbly stones on the riverbed.

Neoprene Socks

The Virgin River is chilly. Most people find it refreshing in the summer but downright uncomfortable in the fall. Before you get cold feet, try neoprene socks. The wetsuit material holds in heat to keep your feet warm while walking in cold water. Highly recommended if you plan on spending a lot of time in The Narrows.

Comfy Shoes

It’s lovely to take off wet, sweaty shoes at the end of the day and slip into something more comfortable. Bring a pair of slip-ons to give your feet a rest after hiking. 

Layer Up … or Down

The secret to enjoying the outdoors in Utah is layering. Wearing clothing in layers allows you to respond to changing weather without getting too hot or too cold. So instead of bringing a single heavy coat, you bring a base layer, an insulating layer and then an outer layer. That way you can mix and match according to your comfort. 

Cotton is not a good candidate for layering as it retains moisture, so look for moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Same goes for summer sun-protective layers.

Drinking Water Availability

Day drinking in Zion is encouraged —  we mean water, of course. The National Park Service recommends that visitors drink one gallon (3.8 liters) per person per day. Bring multiple water bottles so you can have plenty of water on hand. In Zion Canyon, fill your canteen at:

• Zion Canyon Visitor Center
• South and Watchman Campground
• Zion Human History Museum
• Zion Lodge
• The Grotto
• Temple of Sinawava

Water from any natural source must be boiled, filtered or treated chemically before it is safe to drink. Bring a water filter if you plan on visiting the backcountry. 

Spring Packing List | March, April and May

Spring weather in Utah is capricious. It can’t decide if it wants to be warm, cold, wet or dry. Just lean into mother nature’s fickleness and go with the flow. Note: Hiking The Narrows in spring is not recommended as snowmelt makes the river painfully cold and dangerously fast. 

• Water bottles
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Buff or bandana
• Light-colored sun-protective shirt
• Rain jacket
• Daypack
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• First-aid kit
• Fleece or light jacket
• Comfortable, quick dry hiking pants or shorts
• Long underwear for layering, if needed
• Trekking poles
• A few pairs of hiking socks
• Hiking shoes

Summer | June, July and August

Summer in Zion is hot —  but don’t shirk your shirt. You’ll want all the sun protection you can get. Look for light-colored clothing with a UPF rating. The name of the game is to stay cool and not sunburned. June is usually the driest month, but mid to late summer is when the afternoon rain storms roll through. If there’s no flash flood warning, summer is the best time to hike The Narrows.

• Water bottles
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light-colored sun-protective shirt
• Buff or bandana
• Rain jacket
• Daypack
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• First-aid kit
• Comfortable hiking shorts
• Trekking poles
• A few pairs of hiking socks
• Hiking shoes
• Drybag if hiking The Narrows

Fall | September, October and November

Autumn might be the best time to hike Zion. It’s not too hot, not too cold. But like spring, this transitional time can be unpredictable. September is more like an extension of summer, with wintery weather possible in November.

• Water bottles
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Light-colored sun-protective shirt
• Rain jacket
• Daypack
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• Trekking poles
• Drybag if hiking The Narrows
• First-aid kit
• Fleece or light jacket
• Light gloves
• Comfortable, quick dry hiking pants or shorts
• Long underwear for layering, if needed
• A few pairs of hiking socks
• Hiking shoes
• Neoprene socks if hiking The Narrows

Winter | December, January and February

Clear, beautiful, sunny days but also … snow? Yes. Be prepared for ice, snow or mud on the trail. Short days make for short hikes, unless you want to night-hike by starlight. Brrrr. Beautiful though!

• Water bottles
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Rain jacket
• Daypack
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• First-aid kit
• Fleece or light jacket
• Insulating layer
• Comfortable, quick-dry hiking pants
• Long underwear for layering
• Trekking poles
• A few pairs of hiking socks
• Gaiters 
• Winter hiking shoes
• Gloves
• Beanie
• Traction cleats

Now that you have all your hiking essentials for Zion National Park, lace up those wisley-chosen shoes and get going. Check out our favorite hikes or get the rundown on ZNP.