Zion National Park Packing List for Summer and Winter
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, you’ll need to know what to pack. Here’s our Zion National Park Packing List for summer and winter so you’re prepared no matter when you go!
You’ll also want to use our Zion National Park travel guide that includes other helpful tips and resources to plan your trip.
The climate and altitude in southern 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 Zion National Park
Take a visual tour through Zion National Park to see the stunning landscapes you’ll see when you visit!
Packing For a Trip to Zion National Park
Season and weather are important to consider when packing for your Zion National Park trip. Weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!
Spring Weather at Zion National Park
Springtime at Zion varies quite a bit from month to month. When visiting Zion National Park in the spring, it’s important to pack for all types of weather because you never know when the weather will change.
- Zion National Park in March: Highs 66 | Lows 39 degrees F
- Zion National Park in April: Highs 75 | Lows 45 degrees F
- Zion National Park in May: Highs 86 | Lows 50 degrees F
Summer Weather at Zion National Park
At Zion National Park in the summer the temperatures will be HOT HOT HOT! Since the temperatures are brutal this time of year, plan your outdoor activities for the cooler mornings and evenings!
- Zion National Park in June: Highs 95 | Lows 63 degrees F
- Zion National Park in July: Highs 100 | Lows 68 degrees F
- Zion National Park in August: Highs 100 | Lows 68 degrees F
Fall Weather at Zion National Park
The weather at Zion National Park in the fall starts to cool down making it a great time to explore the park because it will be cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot compared to the summer.
- Zion National Park in September: Highs 70 | Lows 48 degrees F
- Zion National Park in October: Highs 62 | Lows 40 degrees F
- Zion National Park in November: Highs 55 | Lows 30 degrees F
Winter Weather at Zion National Park
The temperatures really drop at Zion National Park in the winter so it’s the least busy season. We don’t mind the colder weather for enjoying outdoor activities, which makes the winter the best time for us to visit to escape the crowds!
BUT the cold winter weather may not be for everyone.
- Zion National Park in December: Highs 48 | Lows 24 degrees F
- Zion National Park in January: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F
- Zion National Park in February: Highs 50 | Lows 25 degrees F
Zion National Park Packing List
The US National Parks Pass is a good deal and should be the first thing you pack! 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 Zion National Park
Wear sturdy hiking shoes when Visiting Zion National Park because sneakers and sandals aren’t the best when walking along the trails in the park.
- HIKING SHOES – our favorite are Merrell Moab hiking shoes of course!
- WINTER BOOTS – you’ll want Insulated boots for winter hiking – there won’t be much snow, but it will be cold!
- HIKING SOCKS – Darn Tough socks are the BEST socks ever – really!
- TREKKING POLES
Clothing to Wear at Zion National Park
Wicking clothing is important because 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 is best year-round. It lets you break a sweat without feeling clammy or chilled, and it’s perfect for the desert climate at Zion.
It’s all about the LAYERS when doing outdoor activity.
- CLOTHING – 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
- HEAD WEAR – bandana, buff headband or brimmed sun hat
- WINTER HAT – insulating hat
- WINTER GLOVES – Insulating gloves, photographer gloves
Daypack Items to Pack for Zion National Park
Hydration is KEY at Zion National Park due to the climate and altitude in southern 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 at Zion!
- 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 for Zion
- Cell phone
- Portable charger
- Zion guide books & maps
- Blister balm – you won’t need this if you wear Darn Tough socks (just sayin’)
- Moleskin
Camera Equipment to Pack for Zion Photography
For taking pictures at Zion, be sure you have all the camera gear necessary to capture the stunning landscape!
Grab our Zion National Park Photography Guide with tips and best times to take pictures at each point of interest!
FREE DOWNLOAD: Zion National Park Packing Lists
BUY ZION GUIDES & MAPS AT AMAZON
Plan Your Vacation To Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Itinerary
- Zion National Park Packing List
- Best Time to Visit Zion National Park
- Things to do at Zion National Park
- Zion National Park Tours
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
You definitely want to stay in Springdale which borders the entrance to Zion.
- Places to Stay at Zion National Park
- Camping in Zion National Park
- RV Parks near Zion National Park
- Holiday Inn Express – our favorite place to stay with an outdoor pool and amenities you’d find in a high end hotel
- Zion Lodge – we haven’t had a chance to stay here yet, but you can’t go wrong staying right IN the park!
- Under Canvas Zion – if you want to experience a less crowded part of Zion, this is the place! It’s in the Kolob section of the park.
- Vacation Rentals in Springdale – you’ll want to stay in Springdale so you’re close to the park entrance and can walk to shopping and restaurants.
