Table of Contents

17 Top Bryce Canyon National Park Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for Bryce Canyon NP
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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Want to travel to an otherworldly landscape? Don’t worry about hitching a ride on a space shuttle, you need only drive to a little patch of high desert paradise in southwest Utah. Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos on the planet. This natural collection of giant rock spires will make you feel like you’re in another world. The Bryce Amphitheater brings over 2 million visitors a year to admire these stunning rock formations – make sure that you’re the most prepared visitor in the park with these Top 17 Essential Items for Bryce Canyon National Park.

Bonus Bryce Canyon National Park packing lists: Other Items Not to Forget, Essentials for Men & Women, Dressing for the Seasons, Popular Activities, and more!

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Bryce Canyon National Park –17 Essentials

  • 1. Packing Cubes

    Keep your clothes and supplies organized with these handy dandy packing cubes! These space and time savers are great for those of us who live out of our backpacks. Gone are the days of dumping the contents of your bag haphazardly in the back of your car when you want to find something or lighten your day load. Packing cubes to the rescue!

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Speaking of organization, this hanging toiletry bag is a travel necessity for overnighters, camping trips, and jet setting. Keep all your bathroom needs neatly organized, so you aren’t digging through your backpack looking for your toothbrush in the dark. Bonus, this lightweight, compact, multi-compartment bag comes with a sturdy hook to keep your goodies off questionable bathroom floors. We’ve all been there, right?

    Hanging Toiletry Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Daypack

    Whether you’re hiking, biking, backpacking, or walking the rim trail, you’ll need a daypack to store your daily essentials. Best to keep your hands free when hiking around the park. This bag is fantastic because it’s lightweight, incredibly durable, and folds up nicely when not in use.

    Daypack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Neck Wallet

    So you want to keep your important cards and documents safe while traveling, but you also want to have your hands free while hiking through the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon. Get the best of both worlds with this radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking passport holder. Plus, there’s room for your phone so you have easy access to snap pics of your trip.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Cooling Towel

    This premium cooling towel is a perfect way to beat the desert heat. Just soak the soft microfiber in cool water before your hike and get 30-60 minutes of instant cooling relief while you’re traipsing back to the top of the amphitheater. This bad boy is lightweight, ultra-portable, and comes in a convenient travel tube.

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Hydration Bladder

    Staying hydrated is a top priority in the desert, no matter the season. Lifestraw’s gravity bag with water filter is the perfect way to make sure you have safe, tasty water on dusty desert trails. Just drop it in your daypack, thread the straw through your strap, and you’ll have easy access to fresh water on your traverse.

    Hydration Bladder

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    You don’t want to be caught hiking or camping without this quick-dry travel towel. This soft microfiber towel quickly absorbs water, moisture, and sweat. It’s perfect for drying off after a camp shower and dries ten times faster than a regular cotton towel. Plus, it comes with a bonus washcloth! Say goodbye to sweat dripping in your eyes – this towel combo comes in a super portable, compact, and breathable pouch for your convenience.

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    Protect your phone from the desert dust with this nifty phone case! Waterproof cases are great for so much more than just keeping your phone dry. They protect your phone from sweat, sand, snow, and water. With this case, you’ll be prepared for anything the ever-changing desert climate throws your way.

    Universal Waterproof Phone Case

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Keep your phones and cameras fully charged with this portable charger. Let’s be real. You’re going to have your phone on full brightness under the desert sun, which drains battery FAST. This Anker Power Bank packs enough power to fully recharge your smartphone so you can continue snapping pics and taking videos of your awesome Bryce Canyon adventure!

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Staying hydrated in the desert is VITAL. While Bryce Canyon National Park provides fresh, filtered water at the Visitor Center and nearby campgrounds, a Life Straw water bottle is a great way to make sure you have clean and tasty water wherever you go while reducing waste from single-use plastics.

    LifeStraw Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Quick-Dry Hiking Pants

    Hiking in the desert is no joke. Every article of clothing on you should be quick dry material, especially your pants. You don’t want to deal with chafed thighs or wet jeans while you’re trying to enjoy the majesty of this national park. Pack smart with these lightweight, water-resistant joggers! Don’t worry, boys. I’ve listed links to similar options for you below.

    Quick-Dry Hiking Pants

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Quick-Dry Hiking Shirts

    These quick dry shirts are a must if you don’t want to be stinking up the car on your way home. It may sound crazy, but long sleeves are the way to go when visiting the desert. These UV-blocking, quick-drying shirts will keep your shoulders safe from the sun and keep you cool. Gentlemen, I’ve included some options for you as well in the section below.

    Quick-Dry Hiking Shirts

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Hiking Socks

    Blisters are the last thing you want on a hiking trip, especially if it’s a multiday trip. Avoid rubbed skin and sweaty feet with these comfortable, moisture-wicking hiking socks. They’ll help your feet stay safe and dry while breaking in new hiking boots on Bryce Canyon’s various hiking trails.

    Hiking Socks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Wide Brimmed Hat

    Hats are important for keeping the desert sun off your face, neck, and ears. Make sure you pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin, preferably one with a chin string to prevent it from being swept away by arid desert winds.

    Wide Brimmed Hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon during the rainy season, you’ll want a lightweight, portable umbrella – like this one! It features resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs that are designed to withstand big wind gusts with flexible stability for reliable rain protection.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Travel Insurance

    With COVID-19 still going strong, make sure you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip interruptions, unexpected quarantines, baggage delays, theft, and more. This is especially important for visitors flying in. TravelInsurance.com can help you make sure you have the best trip insurance.

    Travel Insurance

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

  • 17. Sunscreen

    No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Bryce Canyon, sunscreen is a must. This is a high-elevation desert region, which means that UV rays are stronger. Protect your skin with this water-resistant, invisible 50 SPF spray.

    Sunscreen

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What to Wear to Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon and the surrounding area is a high-elevation desert regions. Desert temperatures are already variable, but the added element of the high elevation makes temperature swings even more extreme. Comfort and protection from the elements are paramount, so be sure to dress for the weather.

Be prepared to experience all of four seasons when visiting Bryce, especially in the spring and fall. This means packing plenty of layers – T-shirts, pullovers, sweatshirts, even coats, and warm weather accessories.

What-to-Wear-to-Bryce-Canyon-National-Park

 

What Should MEN Wear? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Hiking pants/shorts
Active leggings/shorts
Thermal Leggings
Insulated Outdoor Pants
Warm Layers
Moisture wicking T-shirts
Casual T-shirts
Cargo Shorts
Jeans
Winter Coat
Rain Jacket
Sweatshirts
Active sweatshirts
Hiking Boot
Hiking shoes
Rain Boot
Socks
Hiking Sandals
Sunglasses
fishing hats

The desert dress code is comfortable and casual. Be sure to pack layers, activewear, UV-blocking clothing, hiking clothes, and hiking boots or shoes so you can make the most of your trip. Desert temperatures vary greatly depending on the season and time of day, so layering clothing is a must. In the warmer months, bring lightweight clothing like tanks and T-shirts to layer your sweatshirts and jackets onto. Zip-off pants are always helpful with daily temperature fluctuations. In the colder months, focus on layering insulated clothing.

What Should WOMEN Wear? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Hiking pants/shorts
Leggings
Thermal Leggings
Insulated Outdoor Pants
Warm Layers
Moisture wicking T-shirts
Cute Crop Tank Tops
Jean Shorts
Sun Hats
Jean
Down Jackets and Parkas
raincoats
Pullovers
Sweatshirts
Hiking boots
Hiking shoes
Sandals
Rain Boots
Hiking Shoes
Sunglasses

Be sure to pack comfortable activewear, UV-blocking clothing, hiking clothes, and hiking boots or shoes to protect your skin and feet. Bryce Canyon is in the desert, and temperatures vary depending on the season and time of day, so layering clothing is a must. In the warmer months, start with a moisture-wicking T-shirt that you can easily throw a sweatshirt over. Pair with some snazzy zip-off pants, throw on your footgear, and you’re set! In the colder months, focus on layering insulated clothing.

Dressing for the Seasons in Bryce Canyon National Park

SPRING – March, April, May

Note that due to the high elevation of this region, it is possible for daily temperatures to fluctuate 50 degrees at any time of year. In a high desert spring, you can expect warm days, cold nights, and possibly some rain. Spring storms could even bring heavy snowfall.

Pack a coat, plenty of layers, a rain jacket, hiking pants, hiking boots, and insulated hiking socks. Plan for daytime highs averaging 55ºF and lows averaging 30ºF. Temperatures fall below freezing every night.

SPRING

SUMMER – June, July, August

Summer in the desert means monsoon season. Typically, days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures can still vary greatly due to the high elevation. Pack lightweight & moisture-wicking clothes, a rain jacket, hiking shorts, hiking shoes or sandals, moisture-wicking socks, rain boots, and a jacket or sweatshirt for those chilly nights. Daytime highs average around 80ºF and lows average around 50ºF.

FALL – September, October, November

September brings pleasant autumn daytime temperatures and cold nights. Beginning in October, nighttime temperatures will fall below freezing. Pack a coat, lots of layers, T-shirts, sweatshirts, insulated hiking pants, insulated hiking socks, hiking shoes or boots, and a rain jacket. Plan for daytime highs averaging 60ºF and lows averaging 30ºF.
FALL

WINTER – December, January, February

Winter is possibly the most dangerous time to visit the park. Expect below-freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and road closures due to weather. If you do decide to brave these hazards, pack a warm coat, lots of layers, a winter coat, hats, gloves, wool socks, and insulated hiking boots. Plan for highs averaging 35ºF and lows averaging 15ºF. Temperatures fall below freezing every night.

Dressing Appropriately for the Activity – (Click to expand)
Hiking: Hiking through the park is probably the most popular activity. There are plenty of paths to view all of the Bryce Canyon and rock formations within the park. Pack your hiking pants/shorts, moisture-wicking shirts, sun hats, moisture-wicking socks, and hiking shoes/boots.

Biking: Biking around the park is a wonderful way to see the hoodoos without tuckering out your feet. Pack your biking shorts, moisture wicking-shirts, biking shoes, and helmets to enjoy the 5 miles of vehicle-free paths through the desert landscape.

Horseback riding: Yes, horses are permitted in the park! There are 4.5 miles of trail just for horses and pedestrians that have been in use since 1931. If you plan on getting around via horseback, pack your jeans, moisture-wicking tops, jackets, helmets, and riding boots.

Camping: Bryce Canyon has two campgrounds: North and Sunset. If you want to camp, pack comfortable pants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, hiking boots, and insulated socks. Keep in mind, the nights in Bryce get cold, so pack plenty of warm layers if you plan on sleeping outside. For ambitious backpackers, backcountry camping is permitted in the summer.

What NOT to Bring to Bryce Canyon

  • 1.DON’T Bring Markers or Spray Paint

    As in every National Park, leave no trace. Protect the hoodoos for generations to come.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Brand New Outfits

    Your clothes will get dusty, dirty, and possibly even torn. Pack your most comfortable, worn-in clothes to avoid worrying about ruining your new threads.

  • 3.DON’T Bring Lots of Cash

    Wads of cash aren’t necessary. The Visitor Center accepts cards for camping, entrance, and tour fees, or if you would like to purchase a souvenir or two. Besides that, you won’t need to make any additional purchases to enjoy the park.

  • 4.DON’T Bring Jewelry or Valuables

    It’s best to leave anything valuable at home, especially if you’re camping. Focus on the scenery instead of worrying about losing expensive items!

  • 5.DON’T Bring Drones

    Drones are not permitted within the park. (Imagine knocking off the top of a hoodoo that’s been there for millions of years!)

  • 6.DON’T Bring Pets

    Pets are limited to the paved areas of the park. It’s fine to bring your pup if you’re just stopping by to snap a pic of the amphitheater, but if you want to walk the trails, you’ll have to leave your dog behind. (Cue sad puppy dog eyes.)

What NOT to Wear in Bryce Canyon National Park – (Click to expand)
When planning a trip to Bryce Canyon, avoid packing impractical or uncomfortable shoes, extremely fancy clothes, and clothes that don’t work for the time of year you’re traveling. Also, remember that national parks welcome everyone, so please refrain from offensive clothing ie. clothing depicting violence, profanity, drugs, etc. Don’t wear strong perfumes or colognes as this can irritate wildlife. See the above sections on “what to wear” and “dressing for the seasons” for more information on how to pack depending on the time of year you plan to visit.

FAQs about Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park

  • 1. When is the busiest time of year to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

    When is the busiest time of year to visit Bryce Canyon National Park?

    The most popular times to visit are June through September. Summer and early autumn are the most temperate times to visit the park, which is why these months see the most crowds. To avoid crowds and to fight over camping spots, park rangers recommend visiting in the off-season to see brilliant fall foliage or snow-covered hoodoos.

  • 2. How long does it take to visit the park?

    It takes a minimum of 3 hours to drive to the 13 viewpoints along the park’s 38-mile (round-trip) scenic drive. In addition, there are hiking trails, ranger programs, horseback rides, campgrounds, and picnic areas if you wish to extend your visit.

  • 3. What are hoodoos?

    What are hoodoos?

    A hoodoo is a pinnacle, spire, or odd-shaped rock left standing by the forces of erosion, specifically ice and rain, over millions of years. The hoodoos in Bryce Canyon are primarily composed of limestone and sandstone that dates back to the Cretaceous period (when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and shallow seas covered most of Utah).

  • 4. What are the most popular activities in Bryce Canyon National Park?

    Hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, and horseback riding are all great activities at Bryce. The Visitor Center also offers ranger programs and special exhibits to learn more about the park. If you love geology and the great outdoors, you’re gonna love it here.

  • 5. What is the park’s elevation?

    What is the park’s elevation?

    Park elevations reach 9,100 feet (2778 meters). The average elevation of the United States of America is 2,500 feet (763 meters). It takes time to adjust to higher elevations. You may experience shortness of breath, sunburns, and dehydration more easily than you would at lower elevations. People with heart or respiratory problems should be especially careful not to overexert themselves.

  • 6. What is the nearest town to Bryce Canyon National Park?

    The nearest town is Panguitch, about 30 minutes away. Panguitch has shops and restaurants and is a home base for people traveling to Bryce and Zion. According to the 2020 census, its population is 1,720 people.

  • 7. What kind of wildlife does Bryce Canyon National Park have?

    What kind of wildlife does Bryce Canyon National Park have?

    Bryce is home to over 175 species of birds, 59 species of mammals, 11 different reptiles, and four types of amphibians. You may encounter raccoons, porcupines, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, birds, and snakes. Learn more about the local wildlife at the Visitor Center, and be cautious of rattlesnakes!

  • 8. Does Bryce Canyon National Park have facilities?

    Facilities are located in the Visitor Center, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and the two camping grounds – North and Sunset. Make sure to fill up your water receptacles and hit the restroom before getting on the trails. If not, remember to pack in and pack out.