The Ultimate Zion National Park Packing List
An adventurous trip like Zion National Park takes a little extra preparation and organization—especially when you’re visiting with kids.
We recently explored Zion as a family, and I can honestly say I was so glad I took the time to create a thorough packing list before we left.
From long hikes to surprise weather swings, being prepared made all the difference and saved us from a lot of potential headaches along the way.
If you’re wondering what to pack for Zion National Park, this guide breaks down everything we brought with us (plus a few things we wish we had).
This Zion National Park packing list will help you feel ready, confident, and a lot less stressed once you’re out there exploring.
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Essentials for Everyone
A few things made every day in Zion go more smoothly, no matter which trail we were on.
These are the items we packed daily and made sure were always ready to go the night before.
👉 Tip: Keep a short checklist by the door of your Zion vacation rental to ensure you have what you need each time you head out!
Hydration Packs
We highly recommend using hydration packs for everyone in your family. We’ve found them much less cumbersome than carrying water bottles around.
The ones with extra room for snacks and daily essentials (like sunscreen and wipes) were especially helpful for us.
➡️ These are our favorite hydration packs for adults ⬅️
➡️ These are our favorite hydration packs for kids ⬅️
Sun Protection
The sun in Zion is no joke—especially midday. We packed:
- UV-protective clothing for the longer hikes
- High SPF sunscreen
- Hats for everyone
- Sunglasses (with straps so the kids didn’t lose theirs!)
National Parks Pass + ID
Make sure to bring your America the Beautiful pass if you have one—or be ready to purchase a park pass onsite. You’ll also want your ID on hand.
The standard entrance fee is $35 per vehicle or $20 per person.
👉 You can check the National Park Service website to see if you qualify for a free pass—there are options for military members, veterans, people with permanent disabilities, and even families of 4th graders through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Credit Card or Cash
A lot of spots near the park are cashless, but we kept a small amount of cash with us just in case. You may need to pay for things like food, gear rentals and parking.
Rescue Medications
Don’t forget any essential medications—like EpiPens, inhalers, or allergy meds. Keep them easily accessible in your daypack.
Go ahead and take a minute to download our FREE complete Zion packing list here! ⬇️
What to Wear in Zion
Hiking Boots or Shoes
A solid pair of broken-in hiking boots or shoes made a big difference on the longer trails. Our kids did great in theirs—even on more rugged or slippery terrain.
Every day, I was grateful we wore hiking shoes instead of sneakers!
➡️ These are our favorite hiking shoes for men ⬅️
➡️ These are our favorite hiking shoes for women ⬅️
➡️ These are our favorite hiking shoes for kids ⬅️
👉 Tip: If you’re getting new hiking shoes for your Zion trip, be sure to break them in with a few neighborhood walks before you go—it’ll save your feet on the trail!
Layered Clothing
Think moisture-wicking base layers, a lightweight fleece or hoodie during the cooler months, and a packable rain jacket if rain is in the forecast.
Hats and Sunglasses
We already mentioned them above, but they deserve a second shoutout here—they were non-negotiables for every hike.
What to Take Hiking
Even on the shorter hikes, we liked to be well-prepared. Here’s what we carried in our packs each day:
- Plenty of snacks (must-haves when hiking with kids!)
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray (especially early morning or near water)
- Sunscreen for reapplying
- A small first aid kit (Band-Aids, moleskin, blister care, antibiotic ointment)
- Trekking poles (especially helpful on steep or slippery sections)
- Phones with downloaded AllTrails routes
- Phones and/or Cameras—we love capturing the views and moments along the trail!
What to Pack for the Narrows
The Narrows was easily one of the most memorable hikes we’ve ever done as a family—but it does require some specific gear to be safe and comfortable.
We rented waterproof boots, neoprene socks, and hiking sticks from Zion Outfitter, located right outside the park. This made it easy to gear up without overpacking. They also offer dry bibs and pants for cooler weather.
In addition to the general hiking list above, to hike the Narrows you’ll also want to bring:
- Dry bag to keep clothes and electronics safe
- Waterproof phone case (we used this one)
- Waterproof boots and neoprene socks (we rented these from Zion Outfitter)
- Dry bibs or pants (in colder weather–these can also be rented)
- Swimsuits or quick-dry clothes
- Snacks/lunch—I recommend packing something high in protein–you’ll want the energy!
- A towel and change of clothes
Must-Haves for Kids
Bringing kids along adds a few more essentials to the mix. Here’s what worked well for us:
- A couple small items for entertainment during downtime (like a mini notebook, small toy, or binoculars)
- Their own hydration packs—so they didn’t have to keep asking for water
- Tons of snacks
Download a FREE printable version of this packing list here! ⬇️
Extra Tips for Preparing to Visit Zion
These last-minute prep steps made a big difference for us:
- Check the weather and water conditions daily.
This is especially important if you’re planning to hike the Narrows. Water levels and bacteria alerts can close the trail unexpectedly. - Download Google Maps and AllTrails maps ahead of time.
You’ll likely lose service in and around the park. Having maps available offline made navigating so much easier. - Pack groceries for cooking in your vacation rental.
Visiting southern Utah has been one of our favorite family adventures so far—it’s a place that truly lives up to the hype. Even a short day trip is worth it, though we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Zion to see all the highlights.
That said, it also took more planning and preparation than many of our other trips, especially with kids in tow.
But every bit of that effort paid off once we were out on the trails, soaking in the views and making unforgettable memories.
I hope this Zion National Park packing list helps you feel more confident and prepared so you can spend less time stressing and more time exploring!
More Southern Utah Resources
- The Ultimate Zion National Park Packing List
- Our Complete Guide to Hiking the Narrows with Kids
- Our Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sandboarding and Sledding Adventure
- 3 Days in Zion National Park: An Epic Itinerary for Families
- The Best Way to Spend One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Our Favorite Hiking Gear for Kids {17 Must-Haves}
- Epic Kid-Friendly Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary
- The Best Way to Spend One Day in Zion National Park
- Where to Stay Near Zion National Park with Kids
- How Many Days Do You Really Need in Bryce Canyon?
