What to Pack for Zion National Park—And What to Skip

by | Mar 31, 2023

The summer season is rapidly approaching. If you’re lucky enough to have a visit to Zion National Park planned in summer 2023, you’re no doubt diving into planning your trip. From reserving your Zion bicycle rentals from Greater Zion E-Bikes to deciding where to stay, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into planning an amazing getaway at this popular national park.

One item on your to-do list is deciding what to pack for Zion National Park. Having the right gear along can help you enjoy a fun, safe visit to Zion with your family.

Keep reading as we dive into what to pack for Zion National Park, as well as a few items to leave at home.

What to Pack for Zion National Park

Let’s start by taking a look at some of the most important things to put on your list of what to pack for Zion National Park.

Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are a must-have for any national park adventure and should be at the top of your list of what to pack for Zion National Park. Even if you plan to stick to the park’s easier trails, you’ll want to have a comfortable pair of boots with good tread to help you keep your balance on the slick rocks.

Need to buy new boots? Look for waterproof and breathable pairs. These features can make all the difference in comfort while hiking. If someone in your family has a birthday coming up before your trip, a great pair of boots can be one of the best gifts for outdoor lovers.

Worried that a pair of hiking boots won’t be comfortable while enjoying your Zion bicycle rentals? Don’t fret—our rentals come with a front or rear basket or rack where you can store your hiking gear while you ride.

Water Bottle

Another important piece of gear, whether you’re hiking or cruising the park on your Zion bicycle rental, is a water bottle. If you are hiking, it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle with a clip to attach to your backpack or opt for a backpack with a water bottle pocket. The last thing you want to do is drop your water bottle on a steep hike! One water bottle per person won’t be enough if you plan to take on some of the park’s more challenging trails.

Sunscreen

The next thing to put on your list of what to pack for Zion National Park is sunscreen.. Regardless of whether you burn easily or are visiting on a cloudy day, the UV rays in Southern Utah can be harsh, and you’ll definitely want to protect any exposed skin.

A First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is something many visitors don’t think to pack. But if someone in your family winds up with a scraped knee or a blister from hiking, you’ll be happy to have it along. 

Your kit should contain a comprehensive guide to dealing with the most common injuries in the wilderness and crucial medications and supplies like painkillers and antiseptic wipes. You should also include allergy medicine (especially if you’re allergic to bees or other bugs), insect repellant, sunscreen, and eye drops, which can help relieve dry, itchy eyes on a dusty hike.

A Camera

A camera is the perfect way to capture memories of your visit to Zion that you can enjoy for years to come. Your smartphone camera can be great for capturing some quick shots on the trails. But if you want to be able to share action shots and videos of your adventures on Zion bicycle rentals or while hiking, a sports video camera like a GoPro is a great choice. This is another great idea for gifts for outdoor lovers!

What Not to Pack for Zion National Park

The items above are just a few of the most important things that should be on your list of what to pack for Zion National Park. But there are also a few things you’ll want to leave at home.

Items that aren’t permitted in Zion include:

  • Drones
  • Fireworks
  • Firearms
  • Metal detectors

Other items are allowed but come with some strict restrictions. For instance, while you can bring a Bluetooth speaker into the park, you can’t blast music on trails or in picnic areas loudly enough to disturb other guests. Smoking is prohibited in most areas of Zion, except for in enclosed vehicles and designated smoking areas.

Planning a Visit to Zion National Park

These are just a few of the things that should—and should not—be on your list of what to pack for Zion National Park. This list is a great starting point if you’re planning a visit to Zion in 2023!

Another item that should be on your to-do list is to reserve your Zion bicycle rental from Greater Zion E-Bikes. Check out our available e-bikes, then reserve your rentals for your visit!