What To Pack For Zion National Park- There are so many different trails to experience in Zion National Park, you may be wondering what to bring and pack when visiting Zion. When visiting Zion, and especially planning to complete some of their must see hikes, such as Angel’s Landing, The Narrows and Observation Point don’t leave without these items on this checklist.

We spent Two Days in Zion National Park, you can read about what we hiked, where we ate and where we stayed in this article. Our time in Zion was paired with visiting Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, you can ready about out entire one week itinerary, One Week in Out West National Parks.

Hiking Gear

Day Pack

A light backpack like Osprey’s or REI daypacks would be great. You want it to be big enough to fit a water bladder and some snacks but nothing too heavy to weight you down.

Hydration Bladders

I suggest having a water bladder for the trail to keep you hydrated. If enjoying some of the longer hikes at Zion you want to make sure you stay plenty hydrated. Hydration bladders are the best way to go. They are lightweight, fit well in most hiking backpacks and can be easily be refilled. I would suggest getting a 3L bladder. Although this seems like a lot the water it will go fast, especially if hiking during the summer months. Zion has a few areas to refill but they are not at every bus stop, so it is better to be prepared.

Hiking Poles

I hardly ever go on long hikes without my hiking poles. I think they make a huge difference on my speed and knees when going on uphill and downhill climbs. These Collapsible Hiking Poles as great as they are fold-able up easily to pack and fit in your backpack, and they are super lightweight.

These are a must if wanting to hike The Narrows, but they also came in handy during other hikes as well. The Narrows can get quiet slippery, these will give you more stability when trying to maneuver the river and slick rocks. The poles also helped when trying to figure out the depth of the river at varying points. Hiking poles which fold up are nice during hikes like Angel’s Landing in which you don’t need them.

Waterproof Bags

If planning to hike The Narrows you want to make sure your gear is protected. If bringing anything valuable with you (cameras, cell phones, etc) make sure you have a waterproof bag. I used a friends waterproof backpack as I had my camera with me, but Dry Bag Sack, Waterproof Floating Dry Gear Bags for Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Rafting, Swimming, Camping and Snowboarding (Black, 5L)“>these pouches are great for cellphones.

Dry Bag Sack, Waterproof Floating Dry Gear Bags for Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Rafting, Swimming, Camping and Snowboarding (Black, 5L)

Shoes

Hiking Shoes

Bring your favorite well broken in hiking shoes. Brig something with a hard sole and good tread for the Narrows and Angel’s Landing especially. And it’s best to have a thicker sole to maneuver the rocky terrain areas. I love my Ahnu’s and recently bought Vasque’s and I am enjoying these as well.

Hiking Socks

I never was one to think I needed hiking socks, I purchased some on a whim at REI and Amazon and I have never looked back. Buy have some in multiple thickness and height to wear in different temperatures. I like these taller ones for the colder hikes and these short cut ones for when I am wearing shorts and its warmer.

Clothes

Hiking Shorts

This is another item I never thought was necessary, but do make a difference. I found some pairs at T.J.Maxx and favor them over the standard gym shorts. They don’t ride up and are much more waterproof and breathable. They also are very elastic around the hips to make movement easier. This Columbia pair is great to have and comes in many colors.

SPF Shirts

Again found at an outlet mall these Columbia long sleeve button ups are great. They are light enough to wear a layer underneath and thin enough to put a coat over. Great to keep you warm on chilly mornings and also light enough to use as sun protection on the hot sunny days. They have some more fun plaid styles for men as well.

Tanks

After the morning cool wears off it gets extremely hot in Zion, in the summer months. I always had a moisture-wicking sports tanks under my long sleeve shirts. Almost every hike we went on I ended up in just a tank as I worked up a sweat. Here are two options that have great reviews and are cheap, cute and will go with anything, here and here.

Food/Snacks

Some of the hikes in Zion can be pretty lenghty, make sure you pack some snacks to give yourself an energy boost. Getting back to the Lodge to get lunch can be hard to do with their busing system. We packed things such as jerky sticks, peanut butter crackers, applesauce pouches, granola bars, tuna packets, fruit strips, etc.