The Ultimate Zion National Park Packing List (for Every Season)

Getting ready to head to Zion National Park, but not sure what to bring with you? If you’re not familiar with the southern Utah desert, it might be difficult to figure out what you need. Sunglasses, sure! But do you need a puffy? A bathing suit? Specialized hiking gear? 

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my recommended Zion National Park packing list! As a Zion local, I spend tons of time exploring the area, and, trust me, I know what you need for any adventure at any time of year.

Your Ultimate Zion National Park Packing List

Your adventure in Zion National Park will be much more pleasant if you bring the right things to keep you comfortable while you’re exploring.

I’ve created a typical Zion National Park packing list for visiting in each season. Since the spring and fall usually feature milder weather, the list for those seasons includes the essentials, and then I’ve added on other things you’ll specifically want to bring in summer and winter.

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You’ll also find additional safety gear that I recommend for peace of mind in Zion, as well as a few extra things that come in handy when you’re exploring Zion with kids.

***Please note that you don't need to spend a bunch of money on fancy gear. I think these lists can often be very overwhelming. All these reccomendations can be purchased at second hand stores, Target or Amazon. My kids usually don't have the name brand hiking shoes or clothing and it's not a big deal at all!!! Don't let this stop you from getting outside.

Spring/Fall Zion Packing List

These are the basics that you’ll always want to bring anytime you’re visiting Zion:

• Breathable clothing layers

  • Layers are crucial as the temps can swing drastically in the desert

• Lightweight hiking shoes

  • You don’t necessarily need sturdy hiking boots, but good traction on whatever footwear you choose is key for the rocky trails in Zion

• Small day pack

  • You can use this to carry all the other things you need, like layers, water, snacks, & sun protection

• Water bottle

  • A reusable water bottle is a must when exploring in Zion. Make sure to fill it up either at your lodging or at the trailhead so you have enough water once you hit the trails.

• Snacks

  • You’ll definitely be happier if you have snacks to avoid getting hangry and to keep up your energy to explore Zion. Salty snacks are especially great when you’re sweating.

• Sun protection

  • Even in the spring and fall, you’ll want to protect yourself from the desert sun. Sunglasses are a must, along with sunscreen. A lightweight hat is a great idea, too.

    
    

Summer Zion Packing List

Your Zion National Park packing list for visiting Zion in the summer should include everything on the spring/fall Zion packing list, plus these additional items:

• Extra water

  • The desert is HOT in the summer, and shade is often hard to come by in the open landscape, so bring more water than you think you need.

• Electrolytes

  • Expect to sweat when exploring Zion in the summer, so be sure to bring electrolytes to put in your water and replenish the minerals you’re losing. Water isn’t enough to keep you properly hydrated in the desert heat.

• Lots of sunscreen

  • The summer sun in the desert is so intense! You’ll need to reapply your sunscreen multiple times throughout the day, so bring plenty of it.

• Sunshirt

  • If you don’t want to worry about constantly reapplying sunscreen, a lightweight sunshirt is a great option to protect yourself from the sun.

• Swimsuit

  • Summer is the perfect time to explore all the awesome water hikes in Zion, and you’ll want a swimsuit to enjoy splashing around in the river.

• Hiking sandals or water shoes

  • Many trails will have water crossings, so hiking sandals or water shoes are super useful to keep your other hiking shoes (and socks) dry. I wear my Teva's every day from May - October.

• Hiking umbrella

  • A hiking umbrella is a lightweight umbrella you can hold or attach to your pack to reflect the sun’s rays and provide some shade wherever you are. It’s a game-changer when hiking in the desert heat!

Winter Zion Packing List

Your winter Zion National Park packing list should expand on the spring/fall Zion packing list with these extra items:

• Puffy jacket

  • A lightweight puffy jacket is usually the perfect outer layer to keep you warm while visiting Zion in the winter.

• Warm layers

  • Underneath the puffy, you’ll want other warm layers like a cozy fleece.

• Winter hat/beanie

  • Keep your head protected from the winter chill with a wool beanie or fuzzy winter hat.

• Gloves

  • You’ll want gloves to keep your fingers warm, and you might even want to add some handwarmer packets if it’s really cold.

• Winter boots

  • This is the season to wear heavier hiking boots to keep your feet from freezing while you hike and explore in Zion.

• Wool socks

  • Wool socks will keep your toes toasty (just make sure they aren’t too thick to fit in your boots).

• YakTrax/microspikes

  • It snows in Zion in the winter which can lead to icy trails, especially in shadier areas. Traction for your shoes, like YakTrax or microspikes, are crucial to keep you from slipping on the icy sections.

Safety Essentials to Add to Your Zion Packing List

• External battery

  • You’ll probably be using your phone a lot while exploring Zion, for photos and for GPS directions, so don’t risk running out of power and bring an external battery pack (don’t forget to bring the charging cable, too!).

• Trail map/GPS

  • While you can bring a paper map, I highly recommend a GPS app on your phone to navigate the trails in Zion—AllTrails is my fave! But be aware that many areas in and around Zion National Park have no cell service, so you need to download your maps ahead of time.

• Satellite communication device

  • If you get lost or have an emergency while you’re out of cell service, a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini or Zoleo allows you to text your emergency contact or press an SOS button for help.

• First aid kit

  • A simple first aid kit will help you deal with minor injuries while adventuring. Include bandages, pain relievers, any other medications you might need, and an Ace bandage for potential twisted ankles.

• Headlamp

  • Just in case your exploring keeps you out later than you expect! A headlamp is small and easy to throw in your pack or pocket, just in case.

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Zion National Park Packing List Extras with Kids

Honestly, what I would recommend adding to your Zion National Park packing list when hiking in Zion with kids is extra everything! Extra snacks, extra water, extra layers…everything you might need to keep them comfortable. Because, believe me, dragging cranky kiddos down the trail is no fun for anyone!

In the winter it is helpful to bring a few trash bags in your car or backpack incase the hiking boots get muddy. A mug for hot water to do hot chocolate on those chilly hikes is also nice to have.

In the summer make sure to bring a swimming suite for the kiddos with you everywhere you go. Trust me, you will find water to play in everywhere you go.

When to Visit Zion National Park

Now that you know what to bring to Zion in each season, you might be wondering when is the best time to visit Zion National Park? While I think any time is a great time to visit Zion, you might have more fun in certain seasons based on your preferences, so here’s a quick rundown of what to expect.

SUMMER IN ZION

Summer is when I think  Zion is at her most beautiful because everything is so green and lush in the canyon and if you like water, this is the best time to play in the Virgin River. However, you’ll also have to deal with the biggest crowds in the summer, as well as the sweltering desert heat. Also, be aware that summer is monsoon season, which can lead to dangerous flash floods.

FALL IN ZION

Fall colors in Zion are absolutely stunning against the soaring sandstone cliffs, especially if you catch the changing leaves at their peak. The fall foliage starts around the end of October at higher elevations, and the colors typically make it to Zion Canyon and the lower elevation areas of the park at the end of October and can even last into November.

WINTER IN ZION

If you can brave the cold temps, you’ll find Zion to be the emptiest of crowds in the winter, though that also means the shuttle won’t be running and some shops and restaurants might be closed. Visiting Zion in the winter can be absolutely gorgeous when the red rocks are dusted in snow, but you’ll also have to deal with muddy or icy conditions on the trails.

SPRING IN ZION

The great thing about visiting Zion in the spring is that you won't have to deal with intense temps, and the crowds won't be quite as bad.  Spring is also when the southern Utah waterfalls are running at their most spectacular.

Hope this post has helped you prepare and pack everything you need to have an awesome visit to Zion!

Happy Adventuring,

Arika

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