Bryce Canyon Packing List + Free Printable

I’ve been to Bryce Canyon National Park many times, in several different seasons, and I can tell you from experience that what you pack is super important! In this article I’ll share what I’ve learned about the best Bryce Canyon Packing List items for your next trip and I’ve included a free printable.

I live in my camper van and spend a majority of my time exploring the Western half of the United States. Bryce Canyon is always one of my favorite places to return to – it’s incredible any season of the year, but especially in winter.

No matter when you’re planning to visit, this Bryce Canyon packing list has all your bases covered.

Read my complete Bryce Canyon Itinerary and Travel Guide here.

Bryce Canyon Packing List

As the saying goes, there’s no bad weather- only bad gear! So let’s make sure that you’re fully prepared for your trip to Bryce Canyon.

I’ve hiked hundreds of miles of trails and have learned a thing or two about staying comfortable while exploring National Parks. There’s a few obvious things on my must-have pack list, and there’s also a few surprising items that make a big impact. Let me share the details with you!

Clothing And Footwear

With significant temperature swings throughout the day layers are really important. It can be 40℉ cooler before the sun comes up. My preference is to layer a hiking shirt for hot weather under a jacket or windbreaker. 

For footwear, I always hike in my darn tough wool socks regardless of the temperature. Wool is a great natural fiber that helps regulate temperature and moisture so it’s perfect for cold or hot days.

Depending on the trail conditions and the heat I switch between my danner hiking boots (colder weather, rougher terrain) or my Oboz hiking shoes (warmer weather, easier terrain).

Underwear

Packing the proper undergarments will go a long way in being comfortable while hiking. I prefer moisture-wicking materials for hiking and other outdoor activities. There’s not much worse than sitting in sweating clothing all day.

I have found these quick dry undergarments from REI Co-Op are affordable and work well for long hikes.

Base Layers

Base layers are important, especially for physical activity. A good base layer is made out of material that pulls moisture away from your body and dries quickly. 

Whether you choose a synthetic or a natural fiber doesn’t matter as much as the fit. You’ll want to wear something that’s fitted to your body and isn’t loose.

If you’re visiting Bryce Canyon during the warmer months then a lightweight base layer is perfect, but if you’re visiting during the colder months, or if you are planning hikes before the sun is up then you’ll want a mid or heavyweight base layer.

I also use these base layers for sleeping while camping or backpacking to stay warm at night.

Socks

Socks are so important. This is one area I never skimp when investing in good outdoor gear. I swear by my Darn Tough socks.

They’re a bit of an investment and cost around $20 per pair but they’re outstanding quality and have a lifetime warranty – you can get a replacement pair for any reason (even if it’s completely your fault). 

For hiking I prefer a mid-weight hiking sock with some cushion for blister prevention, as well as something that comes up mid-calf. Having a taller hiking sock is good for preventing dirt and pebbles from getting into your socks as well as for avoiding ticks or brambles.

For everyday walking while traveling I invested in a few pairs of Darn Tough wool socks that are lightly padded, moisture absorbing, and ankle-height so they’re perfect with sneakers.

T-shirt

I’m the queen of packing every cold-weather related item known to man and forgetting to pack a simple t-shirt. I’ve done it multiple times and clearly haven’t learned my lesson yet.

The best t-shirts for Bryce Canyon are hot weather hiking shirts. You want something that is looser in fit than your base layer, is lightweight and doesn’t hold onto moisture (so no cotton). My favorite t-shirt that fits this criteria is the REI Co-Op Sahara t-shirt – I own it in at least 6 different colors.

Leggings

I prefer hiking in leggings because they’re incredibly comfortable and prevent chafing. Depending on the weather you’ll want tight or loose fitting leggings.

If it’s warm then tight leggings are best. They’ll help provide some protection from the sun and you don’t need the additional insulation.

If it’s cold then you want leggings that are looser. This is because the air pocket between the fabric and your leg acts as additional insulation. You’ll feel warmer in loose leggings than you will in tight leggings during the winter.

I like these REI Co-Op pants for cold weather hikes.

My favorite leggings are Lulu Lemons, but they’re quite expensive. For a fraction of the cost you can buy this dupe on amazon – they’re comparable as far as fit and comfort, but I’m not sure yet whether they’ll wear as durable as my Lulu’s (I’ll update once I know!)

Shorts

Unless it’s going to be really hot, this is optional. Frankly, I don’t personally think it gets warm enough in Bryce Canyon to require shorts unless you’re visiting in July or August.

I find I’m quite comfortable with ¾ leggings and a tank top. I also find shorts are hard to hike in because of how much they move around, so I tend to avoid them if I can.

All of that said, my favorite shorts are bike shorts that are tight through my thighs because they stay put, or a looser fit short with a longer inseam (5” or more for hiking).

Insulated Jackets

It took me a while to invest in a good insulated jacket for hiking and I wish I’d done it sooner.

Until recently half of my backpack was stuffed with a giant coat that took up way too much space for how warm it actually was. Now, I have the Patagonia Nano Puff and I love it. It’s incredibly warm, but also packs down very small in my backpack.

Pro Tip: for more expensive outdoor gear I will wait for an REI anniversary sale (20% off a single item twice a year) or stalk the REI Resupply website – which is REI’s site for selling gently used gear at a discount. This is where I bought my insulated jacket and was able to buy it for under $100 in (almost) brand new condition.

Hat

While a baseball cap is better than no hat, I highly recommend getting a brim hat for any trips to the desert. Having a full brim not only protects your ears, neck, and shoulders from the sun, but it also provides a bit of heat relief, too.

I have the Outdoor Research Oasis Sun hat and I really like it. It’s lightweight, quick drying so it doesn’t get hot or sticky on my head, and it travels well and doesn’t crumple in my bag. I also tried the North Face Horizon Breeze hat and I liked the hat, but the sizing wasn’t right for my head.

Gloves

Gloves seem like a silly thing to pack, especially if you’re going to Bryce Canyon during the spring or fall, but I promise you that you’ll want them on early morning hikes.

The desert can be deceivingly cold at night once the sunsets in Bryce Canyon. Temperatures can drop 40℉. This is made worse by any amount of wind, so I highly recommend a lightweight pair of gloves.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear, in my opinion. Having the wrong shoes will ruin your entire trip.

You want to pick a shoe that’s comfortable for you, and make sure you’ve worn it in appropriately prior to your trip (this can mean wearing it around the neighborhood for a few nights and seeing whether you have any hot spots, what types of socks go best with them, and walking a few miles to loosen up any stiff material).

My favorite hiking shoes are my Danners. I like them because they’re lightweight, waterproof, and come up to my ankle and provide some stability (especially for my knees if I’m hiking on rocky terrain). Best of all, there was literally no break-in period for me, and many other review the shoes similarly.

Having boots that cover your ankles might be unnecessary for hiking in Bryce Canyon, especially if you don’t have issues with your knees. They can also be warmer because they cover more of your foot.

For extra warm weather I like to hike in my Oboz hiking shoes. I’ve also tested Keens and Merrells and found them similar, but they were slightly tighter in the toe box which I don’t care for.

Sandals

It’s a good idea to pack sandals for when you’re not hiking. The weather can be warm and after hiking all day it feels really great to let your feet breathe.

I love my Tevas because they can be worn with socks if it gets chilly, they’re sturdy on my feet and I don’t have to worry about tripping and the soul is fairly sturdy so I can walk on rocky or uneven ground and not feel every single rock on the bottom of my foot.

There’s a few different styles of Tevas, but these have a strong sole so you aren’t feeling every rock and root. They also have two adjustable points on your toes so it’s easier to customize a perfect fit.

Daypack

Finding the right daypack for hiking is important. You want something that’s comfortable and large enough to carry your day hiking items, but not so large that you’re carrying around extra unnecessary weight.

I have found that a day pack between 10-20 liters is an ideal size. For me, around 16 is perfect.

I also look for a water reservoir system (especially the ability to pass my water straw through the top of the pack for easy access while hiking), easy access pockets (especially ones along the waste straps) and clips or bungees to easily stow a sweater or jacket.

Water Bottle Or Hydration System

This one comes down to personal preference. I love my hydration system because I can carry a lot more water (3 liters) and I don’t have to stop every time I want to take a sip. The straw mounts right onto my shoulder strap and I can drink from it while hiking.

When I’m carrying a water bottle I have to stop, take off my pack, take a drink, put it away, and then continue hiking.

It just feels like a big ordeal and I end up drinking way less water and more frequently end up dehydrated.

Water bladders come in different sizes. I have a 3 liter reservoir and I love it. It holds enough water for long hikes, but I can also partially fill it and still have easy access to water for shorter hikes.

Dry Bag

A dry bag is optional unless you’re carrying expensive equipment, like photography equipment, and the forecast calls for rain. A simple dry bag is a great way to put valuables into your daypack and not worry about them getting wet.

It also works the opposite way. If you’re planning to swim or have wet clothing you need to store in your backpack, putting it into a dry bag keeps everything else inside your bag from getting wet too.

Headlamp

I lived way too long without a headlamp and now that I have one I don’t know how I managed without it. They’re fairly inexpensive to buy. Mine is rechargeable so I never have to worry about replacing batteries. It also has different light intensity settings and are very versatile.

My favorite thing about having a headlamp is that I can still hike with poles because I don’t need one hand for a flashlight. Freeing up my hands for hiking is so nice, especially early in the morning when not all cylinders are firing yet.

Towel

This is another optional item. I love my lightweight hiking towel from Nomadix – it takes up very little space in my backpack and it dries really well. While there isn’t much in the way of water in Bryce Canyon, if you hike Mossy Cave Trail there is a waterfall many people take a swim in.

Toiletries

Don’t forget the basics – makeup, shampoo, dry shampoo, and deodorant! I have a hanging toiletry bag for when I travel. It’s really easy to keep all of my travel products in this and grab it whenever I’m packing. It also makes it easy to keep everything in my hotel room in one place so I don’t leave anything behind.

If you’re camping at Bryce Canyon, this is also the perfect bag for campground showers.

Sun Protection

Do not forget sunscreen! Bryce Canyon gets a lot of sun, and it’s also at higher elevation so sun protection is super important. Be sure to pack enough so you can reapply every few hours. I also recommend getting something that’s sweat proof.

Sunglasses

I forgot my sunglasses one time and I will never make that mistake again. Be sure to pack your sunglasses!

First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is a must-have. Even if you aren’t hiking long distances or overnight, it’s a non-negotiable. You don’t need a huge kit, but you do need the basics and a small kit is great for day hikes. Hopefully, you’ll never need them – but if you do you’ll be glad you’ve packed them. 

Pro-Tip: First-aid kits are typically approved FSA expenses, so if you have an FSA account this may count as a qualifying purchase and you can use tax-free dollars. Same for sunscreen.

Bug Repellant

Bug repellant is one of those things I frequently forget and regret not having packed. For particularly buggy places I bring bug repellent with deet, like 3M ultrathon. I don’t love putting deet on my body any more often than I have to, so I also pack Murphy’s natural repellent for times when I don’t need something super powerful.

Camera

Cell phones are getting so good at photography that I don’t always pack my camera, but if I want to take RAW photos or do more than what I can with my cell phone I pack my Sony A6000 and tripod.

Blister Pads

This is a must-have. You can buy them on amazon for a few dollars (which is far less expensive than buying them on your trip).

These little guys are game savers, and they work far better than band aids. At the first sign of a blister you put this pad on and it prevents the blister from getting worse. You can leave them on for a few days.

During my last trip to Italy I walked 10-miles in one day and had a MASSIVE blister on the entire bottom of my foot. It was probably the worst blister I’ve ever had and it was only the first day of my trip.

I bought some of these blister pads from a local pharmacy (for about 10x what I now buy them on amazon for), and was able to walk around Rome for another week without any problems!

National Parks Pass

If you’re planning to visit 2+ National Parks within a year the National Parks Pass is the most cost effective way to get entry into the parks and save yourself money.

Most parks cost between $30-$35 per vehicle to enter (generally good for 7 consecutive days). The America The Beautiful National Parks Pass is $80 and good for a full year. The parks pass gets you into 2000+ federal recreation sites, including all of the National Parks.

About Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park sits at the top of the Grand Staircase Monument, which means it’s at very high elevation- anywhere from 8,000-9,000 feet. With higher elevation comes cooler temperatures. This is important to consider when deciding what to pack for Bryce Canyon National Park because even during summer months the park can still be quite cool.

If your road trip includes stops like Zion or driving from Capitol Reef you’ll need to pack a variety of warm weather clothing as well as some layers for cold nights in Bryce Canyon.

There’s so much to do that you’ll want to get an early start, maybe catch a sunrise at Bryce Canyon before hiking into the canyon to see the hoodoos up-close.

Weather In Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is a high desert, which means the temperatures can fluctuate a lot from sunrise to sunset. Even during the hot summer months, Bryce Canyon doesn’t typically exceed 90 degrees.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Bryce Canyon is a time of transition, with weather conditions changing rapidly. Early spring can still be quite cold, especially at night, with snow possible. As the season progresses, temperatures rise, but evenings can still be chilly.

Average high temperatures range from the 40s to 60s°F (4 to 15°C), while lows can drop below freezing.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the warmest season in Bryce Canyon, but due to the high elevation, it’s not excessively hot. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, bringing brief but heavy rain.

Daytime temperatures typically range from the 70s to 80s°F (20 to 27°C). Nights are cooler, often dropping to the 40s and 50s°F (4 to 15°C).

Fall (September to November)

Fall sees a gradual cooling from the summer heat. Early fall can still have warm days, but temperatures drop significantly towards late fall. Nighttime temperatures can fall below freezing, especially in late fall.

Average highs range from the 50s to 70s°F (10 to 21°C) early in the season, dropping to the 40s to 50s°F (4 to 10°C) later.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Bryce Canyon is cold, with a high likelihood of snow. Snowfall adds to the park’s beauty but can impact hiking and travel. The park remains open, but some facilities and roads may be closed due to snow.

Daytime temperatures often hover around the 30s°F (-1 to 4°C), while nights are well below freezing.

FAQs – Bryce Canyon Packing List

What should I pack for Bryce Canyon in summer?

There are a few essential items you need to pack for Bryce Canyon in summer, including sunscreen, a brimmed hat, lightweight breathable tops and pants, a jacket for layering in the evenings, a good pair of hiking shoes, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen and a rain jacket.

Do You Need Bear Spray In Bryce?

The chances of encountering a bear in Bryce Canyon are small – only about 10-12 black bears live in the park. However, it is always a good idea to carry bear spray in Bryce Canyon.

The best thing to do is to check with park rangers regarding any recent bear activity. Chances are you won’t even see a bear while you’re visiting the park – black bears are fairly timid and because there aren’t many of them in the park to begin with bear spray is generally unnecessary.

Do You Need Bug Spray In Bryce Canyon?

Yes, it’s a good idea to bring bug spray when visiting Bryce Canyon National Park, especially during the warmer months. While Bryce Canyon, due to its higher elevation and dryer climate, may not have as many bugs as other parks, you may still encounter mosquitoes, flies, and other insects, particularly if you’re hiking near wooded areas or water sources.

What Shoes To Wear To Bryce Canyon?

You’ll want to bring two pairs of shoes to wear to Bryce Canyon – one pair of sandals and one pair of hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are necessary for many of the trails, especially the ones that descend into the Amphitheater because they can be fairly steep. Sandals are great to wear during the rest of the day when you aren’t hiking.

Do I Need Hiking Boots For Bryce Canyon?

Yes, if you plan to hike the trails in Bryce Canyon you will need hiking boots or shoes. A majority of the trails in Bryce Canyon start from the rim and descend into the Amphitheater which means there’s steep inclines that require proper footwear.

What To Wear In Bryce Canyon In September

Visiting Bryce Canyon National Park in September means experiencing a transition period between summer and fall, where the weather can be quite variable. Here’s a guide on what to wear during your September visit:

• Layered Clothing:
  • Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, especially if you plan on hiking. This will keep you dry and comfortable.
  • Insulating Layer: A fleece or lightweight down jacket is ideal for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Outer Layer: A breathable, windproof, and waterproof jacket for unexpected rain showers or windy conditions.
• Pants and Shorts:
  • Convertible Hiking Pants: These are versatile as they can be converted into shorts if it gets warmer during the day.
  • Long Pants: For cooler mornings and evenings or protection against the sun and brush on trails.
• Footwear:
  • Hiking Boots or Shoes: Ensure they are comfortable, well-fitted, and broken in. The trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Breathable Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking materials to keep your feet dry.
• Headwear and Eye Protection:
  • Hat: A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection or a lighter beanie for cooler mornings.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection is important, especially at higher elevations where UV exposure is greater.
• Sun Protection:
  • Sunscreen: High SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to reapply during the day.
  • Lip Balm with SPF: To protect your lips from sunburn and dryness.
• Accessories:
  • Lightweight Backpack: For carrying water, snacks, and extra layers.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves can be useful for chilly mornings.
  • Scarf or Buff: Versatile for warmth or additional sun protection.
• Optional Items:
  • Rain Gear: Depending on the forecast, pack a lightweight rain poncho or umbrella.
  • Camera Gear: For capturing the stunning landscapes.

September in Bryce Canyon can have warm days but significantly cooler mornings and evenings. It’s essential to check the weather forecast close to your visit and adjust your clothing choices accordingly. Layering is key to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

How Hot Is Bryce Canyon In July?

In July, Bryce Canyon National Park typically experiences its warmest weather of the year, but due to the park’s high elevation, the temperatures are generally more moderate compared to lower elevation areas. 

During the day, temperatures in Bryce Canyon in July can reach highs of around 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). However, it’s important to remember that these are average highs, and occasionally temperatures can exceed these ranges.

Despite the warm daytime temperatures, the nights at Bryce Canyon can still be relatively cool, often dropping to the 40s°F (4°C to 9°C). This significant temperature drop from day to night is a characteristic feature of the park’s climate due to its elevation.

Given this range in temperatures, if you’re planning a visit to Bryce Canyon in July, it’s advisable to prepare for warm days with appropriate sun protection and hydration, as well as cooler evenings, possibly requiring a light jacket or extra layers.