What to pack for Canyonlands National Park
If you’re planning on visiting Canyonlands National Park and are wondering what to pack then I’ve got you covered.
We visited Canyonlands as part of our three-month trip driving around America and since we were in our campervan, we had everything we could have possibly needed with us. However, we definitely reached for certain things more than others while spending a few days exploring this National Park in Utah.
Knowing what to take with you when you visit a National Park, especially when they’re as remote and rugged as Canyonlands National Park is. And, if you’re doing some backpacking in Canyonlands, things can be even trickier since you’ll need more equipment, like camping gear. There are also extra considerations to bear in mind if you’re day hiking in Canyonlands.
Canyonlands is a desert environment so you want to make sure you stay cool and covered to prevent overexposure from the sun. You’ll also need things like your entrance pass, and permits (if required) and I’ve added a few other things to pack for Canyonlands that’ll make your trip there even more enjoyable.
So, check out this packing list for Canyonlands National Park that’ll help make sure you don’t forget the essentials!
A sight-seeing and hiking packing list for Canyonlands National Park
Clothing and Footwear
In the desert environment of Canyonlands National Park, sun protection is essential.
On your Canyonlands National Park packing list, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and, ideally a hat too.
The temperature in the park can change hugely in 24 hours, you should bring enough layers to adjust.
But don’t stress, this Canyonlands packing list has everything you’ll need on it so you won’t forget anything!
Underwear & base layers
I mean yeah, you can bring your usual underwear, of course, but if you’re planning on hiking a lot and want something a bit more resilient and quick-drying then you’ll want to invest in some quick-drying, moisture-wicking underwear and a sports bra.
If you’re camping or planning to do some sunrise/sunset missions then you might want to pack some base layers with you just so you’re a bit warmer.
We were traveling in our van and base layers while sleeping was the best on cold nights! You’ll definitely want base layers if you’re doing any Canyonlands winter camping during your visit; desert nights get cold!
Socks
You’re going to need some socks but the type you need depends on what you plan on doing.
I’d suggest some casual socks that you’d wear every day for when you’re chilling out, or browsing around Moab and then some thicker socks like these for hiking.
T-shirts (long & short sleeved)
You’ll want a combination of t-shirts and the amount depends on how long your trip to Canyonlands is. I personally prefer long-sleeved T-shirts over short-sleeved ones.
However, if you’re visiting Canyonlands in the summer make sure you pack some short sleeves or tank tops since it gets hot in the afternoon.
Try to avoid cotton and opt for quick-drying tees.
- T-shirts (short): These tank tops are good for keeping cool on hikes | This short-sleeved tee is super lightweight
- T-shirts (long): Long sleeves great for layering
- If you’re visiting Canyonlands in the summer, a long-sleeve t-shirt with a UPF rating (sun protection) is a great idea to prevent burning and sun damage.
Leggings and Shorts
You’re going to need something to wear on your bottom half too!
In the desert, the mornings and evenings can often be quite cold. If you’re hiking in Canyonlands at these times you’ll probably want to wear some leggings over shorts.
However, if you’re visiting the National Park during the day shorts are going to make you more comfortable. Just remember your sun cream!
Even though they’re expensive I love my Lululemon shorts and the Wunder Under train leggings on hikes.
Otherwise, just pick up a pair of good hiking leggings from any store and you’re pretty much good to go!
Insulated hooded jacket or fleece
It doesn’t have to be hooded but you’ll want to make sure you pack an insulated jacket for your Canyonlands trip.
My insulated jacket is a Patagonia down sweater and it’s so warm and cosy.
I also wear a Patagonia fleece like the Synchilla sweater or the Better Sweater.
Waterproofs
You might think it sounds stupid to pack a waterproof for the desert. But it’d be stupid not to! The desert gets some rain every now and again even if it doesn’t last for long.
Staying dry means staying warm and it’s just more pleasant to be in dry clothes than wet ones!
It’d be a good idea to pack both a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants for your trip to Canyonlands National Park.
A hat
Depending on the season you’re going to want a sun-shielding hat, a winter hat or even both if you’re visiting Canyonlands National Park in early Spring or late autumn.
Gloves or mittens
Add some gloves or mittens to your packing list for Canyonlands if you’re there in the colder months. I prefer mittens as I swear they keep my hands warmer!
A buff
Buffs are incredibly versatile. They’re good for staying both warm and cool as well as protecting yourself from the sun and the sand or dust.
Hiking boots and footwear
When it comes to packing for Canyonlands you’re most likely going to want to pack both hiking shoes with a sturdy and thick sole as well as something more casual.
With regards to hiking shoes, I love my trail runners for summer hikes where I’m not carrying a big pack. They’d be perfect for most of the easier and moderate hikes in Canyonlands National Park.
However, if you’re doing something longer where you’ll be carrying a big pack you’ll probably want hiking boots that offer more support.
You could also pack some hiking sandals like Tevas or Chacos which are great for easier walks and chilling at camp.
Personal items to pack for Canyonlands National Park
Besides clothes, you’ll also have to pack some other things to make sure you’re prepared for your trip to Canyonlands.
Some of these you’ll have already thought of, but others are fun things to pack that’ll just make your trip even more fun!
Daypack
Even on the shortest hikes having a day pack is a good idea. It’s somewhere to store your water and snacks as well as your 10 essentials for hiking.
A Couple of Water Bottles or a Hydration System
This is down to preference but just make sure you have plenty of water. Whichever National Park you’re visiting you should aim for about a gallon a day (4 liters) of water if you’re hiking it’ll be even more.
Hydration systems are useful because you can drink without having to move anything from your bag. If you’re in the market for a hydration system, this one from Platypus is fantastic and I use it every day while dog walking.
I’ll typically have a water bladder and a 1-litre bottle too.
Dry bags
Having some dry bags in your backpack while you’re out hiking in Canyonlands National Park is a great idea. You never know when it’s going to rain!
I’d recommend some varied sizes, one for your phone and your camera as well as a separate, larger one for your clothing layers.
A headlamp
Even if you don’t plan on camping or staying in the park after dark it’s important to always have a headlamp with you.
You might get distracted watching the sunset and have to hike back to your car and a headlamp is super useful for that! Or, if you’re heading to a ranger talk this will help you get to and from them safely.
I like this headlamp (partly ’cause of the color), but also because it’s super bright, can be dimmed, and doesn’t weigh much at all.
Quick-drying towel
These ones are very light, pack up small, and dry quickly!
Toiletries
You’ll want these items whether you’re backcountry camping in Canyonlands NP or not.
If you are camping then be sure to check out my post on how to stay feeling clean without a shower. It’ll come in handy!
- Toothbrush with cover and biodegradable toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizers
- Women’s hygiene items – I swear by Diva cups and yes you can totally use them while hiking and camping, they only need wiping and rinsing. Way better for the environment too.
- Personal wipes
- Any medications you’re on
Sun protection
I’m fair-skinned so sun protection is something I’m used to thinking about. When you go to Canyonlands you’ll need to think about it whether you usually do or not.
In the summer in Canyonlands, it’s going to be hot during the daytime (unless it’s winter) and there’s often little shade.
Sun protection isn’t just sun cream. You’ll also need your hat from above, sunglasses, and, ideally, some SPF-rated lip balm.
Read more: What to pack for hiking in hot weather
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Suncream: is it weird to have a favorite sun cream? I totally do. I started wearing Sun Bum this past summer while out dog walking all day and I love the smell and how it feels. It makes me actually want to wear suncream rather than do it out of need.
First-aid kit
This is one of your 10 essentials and you should always have a first aid kit when you hike. It doesn’t matter whether you’re overnighting or not.
These first-aid kits are super lightweight and have pretty much everything you need. You might just want to add some blister care.
Bug Spray
Add bug spray to your Canyonlands packing list. People always recommend bug sprays high in deet but personally, these don’t seem to work that well for me. The ones that work best for me are citronella-scented bug sprays that are deet-free. They also smell a lot better!
Bug-repellent wipes can also work really well.
Camera
Trust me, you’re going to want to take photos!
Money
You’ll need it at some point!
National Parks pass
You can buy a yearly pass at REI.com which I think it’s by far the best value if you plan on visiting a few, or the same National Park more than 3 times in one year. Otherwise, Canyonlands entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for up to a week.
A Star Chart or Star App
This is by no means essential but it will be fun. Canyonlands has super dark skies and if you stay at night you’ll be grateful you packed a star chart or added a star app to your phone.
SkyView® has a free app for iPhone or Android, which my husband has on his phone. You simply move your phone around the sky and it’ll show you the constellations. I love it! It’s one of my best hiking apps!
Canyonlands backpacking packing list
If you’re exploring the backpacking Canyonlands trails then you’ll need some camping gear! Below is the camping gear I use when out in the backcountry.
A tent
We used our MSR tent for the whole 6 years that we were living in Canada. It’s lightweight, has plenty of space for two people, and is super easy to put up.
Sleeping mat and sleeping bag
Thermarest does some of the best sleeping pads you can get. If you’re camping overnight in Canyonlands and backpacking during the day they’re a great option since they’re so lightweight, keep you warm when camping and make things super comfortable.
If you’re winter camping in Canyonlands you’ll want a good sleeping bag as deserts get very cold at night. I use my sleeping bag from MEC, but the link will suggest an alternative that’s equally as good depending on the country you’re in.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you can often get away with something like a Rumpl blanket or a quilt, but I like to have my sleeping bag anyway – just in case! If you’re backpacking then be sure to use a compression bag to get more space out of your backpack.
Camping cooking gear
For cooking in the backcountry you’ll need a stove, some pans, something to eat out of like this bowl, and some cutlery.
If I’m eating dehydrated meals (this Pad Thai is my absolute fave!), then I love my long spoon which gets all the way to the bottom of the bag without my hand being covered in sauce. Otherwise, this camping utensils set is great.
We also have a Jetboil which is useful since it boils water super quickly and you can just the container on the top to eat and cook from.
A backpack
Of course, you’ll also need a backpack to put everything in if you’re hiking in Canyonlands National Park.
Osprey is my favorite brand for backpacking backpacks since they’re comfortable, long-lasting, and have some great features like hip belt snack pockets!
However, I recommend you go into a store and try a few on as their comfort depends on your back size and personal body shape.
About Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is just one of the many Utah National Parks (see this Utah parks map). It’s 337,598 acres of colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches, spires, and rivers in southeast Utah’s high desert.
It’s close to Arches National Park but the scenery is very, very different.
The park is split into four districts (The Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Rivers, and The Maze) and Horseshoe Canyon. All these areas are divided by the Green and Colorado Rivers. You’ll find a desert atmosphere in each district, but they’re all different too in their own way. The Rivers can only be seen by boat and the Maze is the most remote area of the Canyonlands.
Getting to and from each district can be difficult. You can’t get from one to another from within the park. You need to go back out of the park and drive around it to get to another district. Because of this, it can take 2 – 6 hours by car to get from one district of Canyonlands National Park to another.
Since the Maze requires a lot of experience and backcountry expertise and the Rivers is boat access only, this packing list for Canyonlands National Park focuses on the Island in the Sky and the Needles districts.
Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
