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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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
Outdoor Gear we recommend! Travel Gear & Hiking Gear
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
BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps:
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!
DOWNLOAD the Canyonlands Packing List
Plan Your Canyonlands Vacation
- Canyonlands National Park Guide
- Best Time to Visit Canyonlands National Park
- Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky
- Needles Canyonlands
- Where to stay near Canyonlands
- Island in the Sky Campgrounds
- Needles Canyonlands Camping
- TOURS Near Canyonlands
WHERE TO STAY NEAR CANYONLANDS
There are no lodging facilities in the park, but there are campgrounds.
→ Where to stay near Canyonlands – these are our favorite places in Moab:
- 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 town – 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).
- Rent an RV – have it dropped off at your vacation destination!
