Zion National Park is a beautiful site in Utah with massive sandstone cliffs, stunning forest trails, wondrous wildlife and flowing waterways. This park experiences weather changes throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty in all four seasons. If you are planning a trip to Zion, it is important to know what items you will need to bring so you can get the most out of your experience while staying comfortable and safe. Below, you can discover what to pack for a trip to Zion National Park, depending on the time of year you visit and the activities you plan to do.
Packing Essentials Based on Activity
Your activities can significantly impact the gear you need. For example, hiking visitors will need different apparel than those who plan to spend their days in the water. Of course, there are several items that will likely be on your list, regardless of your intended activities. Items like sunscreen, hats, water bottles, snacks, a first-aid kit, a backpack and your park pass will be essential for nearly any activity. However, one of the best things about Zion is the many activities available, which can clue you in on additional gear you will need to bring. Consider the following activities and essential gear:
- Hiking: Many hiking essentials stay the same throughout the year, but you will likely need different clothes and protection if you plan to go when the temperatures are cooler. Typically, you will need a waterproof jacket, sunhat, sunglasses, neoprene socks, quick-drying pants, hiking boots and shorts or pants, depending on the weather.
- Rock climbing: A wind or rain jacket, lightweight and comfortable pants, or shorts and a light fleece are great for rock climbing. You may also want to bring gloves, a puffy jacket, a knit hat and similar warm items if you rock climb during the colder months.
- Biking: If you are going to navigate the many beautiful paths on a bike, you will need comfortable pants or biker shorts, a rain jacket and a helmet. Consider elbow or knee pads for additional safety, and plan to bring warm gloves and a hat if you are navigating the trails between October and May.
- Horseback riding: Several businesses offer guided horseback riding excursions in Zion National Park. You can take a relaxing hour-long ride or a longer trip if you are feeling adventurous. Bring sunglasses, a bandana, long socks, pants, a water bottle and boots.
- Kayaking: Visitors with a wilderness permit can enjoy the watercourses at Zion. Expert paddlers can kayak on the Virgin River but should pack items and prepare to navigate the area without assistance. Essential items include a paddle, dry bag, water bottle, sunscreen, a change of clothes, warm layers and footwear that can get wet.
Consider the Season When Packing
Essentials when packing for Zion National Park can vary by season. Although some items may stay the same based on your various activities, you may need to include a few more as temperatures change. The dry air can dehydrate you quickly, especially in the summertime, and temperatures can change a lot over the course of a single day, making it essential to prepare for the warmest and coldest conditions you might experience. Here, you can learn a little bit more about what to bring, depending on when you visit the park.
What to Pack for Zion National Park in the Spring
Spring can be an interesting time in Utah. People often experience a variety of weather conditions, ranging from warm and dry to cold and wet and virtually everything in between. If you are visiting during springtime, you should bring a range of clothing items and gear to account for all types of weather. You may also need to adjust your activity list. For example, you should not hike The Narrows if there is snowmelt because this can make the river very cold and dangerously fast.
Here are some items to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket or fleece
- Hiking socks and shoes
- Snacks
- Headlamps
- Daypack (a smaller version of a backpack)
- Protective shirt
- Bandana and hat
- First-aid kit
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof shoes
What to Pack for Zion National Park in the Summer
Zion National Park summers can be hot, so sun protection is vital. Light-colored clothing and items to prevent dehydration and sunburns are also essential. June is often very dry, but mid to late summer visits can come with afternoon rain storms. The summer is an excellent time to hike at Zion, as long as there is no flash flood warning when you start your trek.
These are some summer essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- First-aid kit
- Hiking shoes
- Headlamps
- Rain jackets
- Light-colored shirts
- Daypack
- Hiking pants or shorts
- Drybag
- Sunglasses
What to Pack for Zion National Park in the Fall
September, October and November offer cooler temperatures that make many activities ideal. However, the fall can be unpredictable as the temperatures start dropping. September often feels like an extension of summer, but November sometimes comes with wintery weather. Plan to bring these items on your fall trip:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats and bandanas
- Water bottles
- Light jacket and fleece
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Daypack
- Snacks
- First-aid kit
- Hiking shorts or pants
- Neoprene socks
- Trekking poles
- Rain jacket
- Gloves and knit hat
- Headlamps
- Quick drying clothes
- Sun-protective shirt
- Layering like long underwear
What to Pack for Zion National Park in the Winter
The winters at Zion are often sunny and clear, but snow, ice and low temperatures can make for a more chilling experience. The shorter days allow for quick hikes through the trails if you have the right gear. It is essential to be extra careful during this time, as you might face ice, snow or more mud than usual. Bring these items for your winter trip:
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Hats and bandanas
- Fleece jacket
- Heavy jacket
- Gloves
- Traction cleats
- Quick-drying pants
- Layering like long underwear
- Insulating layers
- Snacks
- Trekking poles
- Winter hiking boots
- Hiking socks
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About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
