Canyonlands Packing List for Summer and Winter
Here’s our Canyonlands National Park Packing List for summer and winter so you’re prepared no matter when you go!
Use our Canyonlands National Park guide with other helpful tips and resources to plan your trip.
The climate and altitude in southeast Utah can be harsh if you’re not prepared with the right clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear.
Keep reading to see the full list of items to pack. You can download the checklist below!
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A Photo Tour of Canyonlands National Park
Take a visual tour through Canyonlands National Park (and Dead Horse Point) to see the stunning landscape in the parks!
Packing For a Trip to Canyonlands National Park
Season and weather are important to consider when packing for your Canyonlands National Park trip. Weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!
Spring Weather at Canyonlands
Springtime at Canyonlands varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Canyonlands National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.
- Canyonlands in March: Highs 59 | Lows 30 degrees F
- Canyonlands in April: Highs 67 | Lows 37 degrees F
- Canyonlands in May: Highs 78 | Lows 46 degrees F
Summer Weather at Canyonlands
At Canyonlands National Park in the summer the temperatures will be HOT! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!
- Canyonlands in June: Highs 93 | Lows 60 degrees F
- Canyonlands in July: Highs 100 | Lows 67 degrees F
- Canyonlands in August: Highs 97 | Lows 66 degrees F
Fall Weather at Canyonlands
The weather at Canyonlands National Park in the fall starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cool in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.
- Canyonlands in September: Highs 84 | Lows 51 degrees F
- Canyonlands in October: Highs 70 | Lows upper 30 degrees F
- Canyonlands in November: Highs 55 | Lows high 20 degrees F
Winter Weather at Canyonlands
We love visiting Canyonlands National Park in the winter! But there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Visitor services are reduced and you’ll need to be more self-reliant in the winter.
BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.
- Canyonlands in December : Highs 45 | Lows 23 degrees F
- Canyonlands in January : Highs 44 | Lows 22 degrees F
- Canyonlands in February: Highs 52 | Lows 28 degrees F
Canyonlands National Park Packing List
Below are the clothing, hydration, food, personal items and hiking gear we recommend you pack when visiting Canyonlands National Park.
America the Beautiful Pass
The first thing your packing list should be the US National Parks Pass!
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. For the most current information on passes, reference the National Park Service website.
The pass allows two signatures so it can be shared, and the two people don’t have to be related. You will need to show photo ID each time you use the pass.
Order passes online or get them at any of these Federal Recreation Areas. We like to BUY THE PASS AT REI because we can get it right away… and they will donate 10% of sales to the National Park Foundation.
Hiking Gear for Canyonlands
Sturdy hiking shoes are best for all Canyonlands hikes. Sneakers and sandals aren’t the best when walking on the slickrock at Canyonlands.
- Merrell Moab hiking shoes – spring, summer and fall
- Insulated boots – winter hiking – there won’t be much snow, but it will be cold!
- Darn Tough socks are the BEST socks ever – really!
- Trekking poles
Clothing to Wear at Canyonlands
Wicking is important for any clothing that touches skin. The awesome thing about wicking fabric is it pulls moisture (sweat) away from you and moves it to the fabric’s outer surface, where it can dry quickly.
This type of clothing lets you break a sweat without feeling clammy or chilled, and it’s perfect for the desert climate found at Canyonlands. It’s all about the LAYERS when doing outdoor activity.
- Wicking, quick-drying clothing: underclothes, long sleeve UV shirts, pants or shorts
- Fleece jacket is a staple clothing item for outdoor adventure!
- Rain jacket
- Winter insulated jacket
- Bandana, buff headband or brimmed sun hat
- Winter insulating hat
- Winter insulating gloves, photographer gloves
Daypack Items for Canyonlands
Hydration at Canyonlands is so important due to the climate and altitude in the southeastern part of Utah. READ: Hydration Basics by REI
- Reusable water bottle
- Hydration system
- Healthy snacks
- Map of Arches National Park
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm – you’ll feel the dry air!
- Hand lotion – your skin will be happy!
- Sunglasses
- Toilet paper
- Disposable urination device & feminine hygiene products
- Toilet bags
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- First aid kit
- Bags to pack out trash
Other Items to Pack
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Blister balm – you won’t need this if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)
- Moleskin
Camera Equipment to Pack for Canyonlands
Be sure you have all the camera gear necessary to capture the stunning landscape!
Grab our Arches & Canyonlands Itinerary and Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each point of interest!
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps
DOWNLOAD the Canyonlands Packing List
Plan Your Canyonlands Vacation
- Visiting Canyonlands National Park
- Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
- Needles Canyonlands
- Canyonlands National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
There are no lodging facilities in the park, but there are campgrounds:
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- Where to Stay Near Canyonlands
- Hotels Near Canyonlands National Park
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab – we enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this hotel due to its location close to Canyonlands.
- Purple Sage – our all-time favorite place to stay in Moab – walking distance to shopping, full kitchen, and only 8 units so you don’t feel lost in a large hotel.
- Red Cliffs Lodge – rooms up to 6 people – located 17 miles from Moab, this lodge is known for its beautiful location, winery and activities like horseback riding, fishing and more!
- Townhomes south of Moab – we really like the townhomes in Spanish Valley with kitchen, washer and dryer in the unit and a swimming pool/hot tub (just a 5 minute drive south of Moab).
