Grand Canyon Packing List: What You Need to Bring

Are you planning to visit Grand Canyon National Park? What exactly do you pack for a trip here? Well, here’s exactly what to pack for the Grand Canyon. The magnificence of this Arizona gem attracts visitors from all over the world.

Being one of the most alluring national parks in the world, the sites are amazing, and the activities available here are second to almost none.

But even with all these aspects of the park, adequate planning is always crucial before visiting. Grand Canyon is in a desert-like climate, so you must be sure of what goes into your suitcase when planning the trip.

If you want to fully enjoy the features, attractions, and activities that this place has to offer, you must carry items that will guarantee this.

That’s why we have gone the extra mile to create a detailed Grand Canyon packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful Grand Canyon vacation.

What the Grand Canyon Packing List Entails

Our packing list highlights everything you need to pack for your trip to the Grand Canyon. But, of course, this depends on the time of the year you visit, and even the activities you plan to do.

When are you visiting? The Grand Canyon experiences all four seasons: winter, summer, autumn, and spring. Our list of things to carry caters to all these weather variations. This way, whichever time you decide to visit, you pack the right stuff.
Activities—The massive and beautiful expanse of ridges, gorges, and various rock formations make the park an excellent place for hiking, sightseeing, and even rafting on the Colorado River. Therefore, the list entails the best items to pack for various activities.
Safety measures—While we always hope for perfect times, sometimes unprecedented things do happen. So, have you prepared for that? The e-book details the best way to do that.

Working with a list ensures you carry every item you need for your trip. You don’t want to arrive at the park, all excited and in anticipation, only to realize you left some essential items.

What to Know About the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most dazzling national parks, located in Arizona, USA. It offers spectacular views that you won’t find anywhere else. Due to its desert climate and air, anyone planning to visit should have a definitive Grand Canyon packing list to make the most of their voyage.

The Grand Canyon is believed to have been formed by the erosion of the Colorado River over a million years ago. This stunning natural structure varies in width, and its deepest point is said to be 6,000 feet.

Nothing compares to seeing the Grand Canyon up close and trekking the dirt trails as you explore its historical landmarks.

As you go down the south rim, you’ll learn much about the area at one of the Canyons’ interpretive centers or the park’s ranger program. Before we get to the Grand Canyon packing list, let’s explore how to get there and what activities to do.

How to Get to the Great Canyon

How do you get to the Grand Canyon? You can drive to the Canyon in your car. If you don’t have one, consider renting an RV from Outdoorsy. And if you want to rent and buy an RV, the RVT offers a great opportunity. An RV is an excellent option, especially if it’s a family visit.

After arrival, you can get guidance from a local trip leader on where to hike and fun activities, depending on your Itinerary. Another cost-effective transportation option to this breathtaking tourist attraction is a tour company or rental car like Rentalcars.com or Alamo.

It can come in handy if you’re unsure where to begin your adventures in the Grand Canyon.

Things to do in the Grand Canyon

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in the Grand Canyon. In addition to hiking, you can visit one of the viewpoints along the north and south rims.

Some travelers enjoy helicopter tours above the canyon. Others enjoy fun activities, such as horseback and donkey tours, swimming, rafting, bike rides, and train rides.

If you are traveling with kids, they can do fun activities like biking along the rim, riding the train, hiking the Bright Angel Trail, and more. If you plan to stay longer, you can get them to join Grand Canyon National Park’s Junior Ranger Program.

This provides a curriculum to train kids in different age groups about the Grand Canyon’s cultural and natural history. But how do you pack for these adventures? Here is the ultimate packing list for the Grand Canyon:

Grand Canyon Packing List

If you’re planning on hiking the Grand Canyon, it’s vital to first understand the climate during your visit and the activities you intend to participate in before deciding on what to pack.

Most items you pack for a Grand Canyon adventure must suit the prevailing weather conditions.

What is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?

The weather in and around the Canyon varies depending on the location. For example, from May to September, the upper Rim is usually warm with mild temperatures, and the floor tends to be hot.

Then, from December to March, the base is extremely cold and snowy, and the upper rim is mildly cold. It’s recommended to avoid visiting between June and August (summer), as temperatures can reach 86°F.

In addition, the place will be very crowded during this time because of the school holidays. So, summer isn’t the best time unless you have a school-going kid and want to do a family visit.

Also, take it easy between December and February (winter), as temperatures can drop as low as 35.6°F. Besides that, the northern rim is usually closed (between October and mid-May) due to heavy snowfall.

Therefore, the best seasons to enjoy the hikes are spring and fall. In these seasons, the temperatures are mild, rainfall is lower, and precipitation is lighter.

What to Pack Based on Season

The weather is extremely variable in the Grand Canyon, including cold temperatures in winter and extreme desert heat in summer.

What to Pack in Summer

Consider light layers during summer. Light-layered clothes can protect you from the sun and are versatile for hikes. During the warmer months of summer, pack:

Light T-Shirts and Shorts

A light T-shirt and shorts will be perfect for a hot day trek. These attires, suitable for males and females, aren’t too heavy and allow enough flexibility to enjoy the walks and hikes.

Also, they let you stay cooler and hydrated.

Sturdy, Comfortable Shoes

You must invest in sturdy, comfortable shoes for your Grand Canyon adventures. While some areas are pretty developed, especially in the South rim, most parts still have rugged terrain.

Some good choices include sports sandals, running shoes, and mid-weight warm-weather hiking boots with lots of ankle support. If you plan to go rafting, then pack a pair of good water shoes.

Heels and flip-flops aren’t recommended when visiting the Grand Canyon.

Light jacket/hoodie

You should consider packing a jacket just in case it gets cold in the evening.

Swimsuits

If you plan to go swimming, you shouldn’t leave your swimsuit behind. Nothing is better than a hot tub or swimming after a long day of hiking.

Sun Protection Items

If you visit during summer, you’ll need protective items like a hat with a wide brim. Sunscreen will protect your skin from the intense sun rays. Also, pack sunscreen with an SPF of over 30 to avoid sunburns. Sunglasses are ideal as the sun shines brightly throughout the season.

What to Pack in Winter

During the cold months of winter, pack:

A warmer hat will keep your head warm, especially in the morning and evening when temperatures drop.
Jeans are ideal as they protect your lower body from the biting cold.
Gloves are great for winter, as the cold can be fierce. They keep your hands warm and protect you from frostbite.
Long-sleeved blouses, shirts, and warm jackets or sweaters will keep you warm if you visit the Grand Canyon when it’s too freezing.

Grand Canyon Day Hike Packing List

In addition to the items you pack based on weather, here are more items to pack for a short day hike in the Grand Canyon:

10. Travel Insurance at the Grand Canyon

If the Grand Canyon is more than 100 miles from your home, consider getting travel insurance from a reliable firm to cover your visit.

Travel insurance coverage will protect you if you get medical emergencies, flight cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other valuable items.

In addition, this offers you peace of mind throughout your adventure. Some fantastic travel insurers include SafetyWing, TravelInsurance.com, and VisitorsCoverage.

11. Map

A map will help you navigate the trails. But if you cannot acquire one to pack, there is no need to worry. You can get a map of the Grand Canyon’s North and South Rims from a park ranger at the entrance. A compass and guidebook are equally crucial when visiting the Canyon.

12. Snacks

Packing snacks like granola bars or trail mix is a good idea to remain energized throughout the trip – especially if you’re traveling with kids. Therefore, hop into Walmart and buy a few things you would enjoy to snack on the trip and even hiking.

13. A Non-disposable Water Bottle

The air in the Grand Canyon can be really dry. Therefore, it’s crucial to pack enough water to avoid dehydration. Plan to have at least a liter per hour at any given time.

Therefore, consider packing reusable bottles to refill with water in the Grand Canyons’ refillable points. Research the trails with fountains and their locations before leaving for the canyon to plan your water intake.

14. Camera

A camera comes in handy when traveling as it captures beautiful moments of the excursion. If you plan to swim or go underwater, get an excellent portable camera like SonyRX 100 or a waterproof camera like Akaso EK 7000.

This will help you preserve and share good memories with friends and family after the trip.

15. Bandages or a Small First Aid Kit

When walking through rugged terrain, you may get scrapes, bites, blisters, or scratches. Therefore, it’s important to always be prepared with a first aid kit like the Johnson and Johnson all-purpose first aid kit.

This can come in handy to get you out of immediate danger before you get specialized treatment. Also, ensure you have insect repellant like Buzz away. You can use it to repel those nagging insects around you.

16. A Small Backpack

You will need a small backpack to carry water, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a cell phone, toiletries, and other personal items while enjoying different activities.

A backpack also comes in handy as it helps keep your hands free for taking photos or for gripping for support (if need be).

17. Bicycle

If you enjoy biking or mountain biking, bring it! The south rim has a network of traffic-restricted roads and off-street paths connecting Hermits Rest to the Yak Point.

This is an area where you can enjoy great rides, with a stretch of about 10.5 miles one way from Grand Canyon Visitor Center to Hermit and 3.5 miles one course from the center to Yaki Point.

The North Rim also offers excellent off-road biking. However, if you don’t have a bike, there is no need to worry. You can borrow one from Bright Angel Bicycles.

18. Cell Phone

With a cell phone, you can communicate well with your family and friends. It can also come in handy when you want to connect with the rest of the team if you go off-trail or off-path. You can also use it to call for help if an accident occurs.

19. Binoculars to Watch the Parks’ Rock Formation

Pack a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of the Canyons’ faraway rock formations and condors. Invest in a suitable hiking pair of binoculars that aren’t too heavy to carry, and avoid those with limited features. SKY Genius is a perfect pair to buy.

See Related: National Parks to Visit in November

Grand Canyon Hiking Packing List for a Multi-day or Overnight Hikes

If you take more than a day in the Grand Canyon, you need the all-day hiking equipment listed above, plus several others listed below.

20. Tent, Sleeping Bag and Foam Mat, Camping Gears

If you enjoy camping, find a suitable site on the rim or in the developed camping ground to set up your tent. For that, you’ll need to pack a sleeping bag, foam mat, and all the other camping gear. But if you don’t have them yet, get them from a reliable supplier like Tentrr.

Find lodges or hotels inside the park for those not prepared to camp. It’s more convenient, and you will maximize your time exploring the magnificent park.

Most tourist hotels and accommodations are along the Grand Canyon South rim.

21. Backcountry Permit

If you plan to hike overnight, you need a backcountry permit. To apply for a backcountry permit, mail the application to ‘Grand Canyon National Park, Permits Office, 1824 S. Thompson St., Suite 201, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.15.’

Alternatively, you can fill out an application form and fax it to the Grand Canyon’s Backcountry Information Center at 928-638-2125.

22. Whistle

A whistle like LuxoG ear Emergency whistles comes in handy when you get lost or need assistance, and no other means of calling for help seems to work.

23. Pocket Knife

Whether you want to get rid of something on your path, cut fruits, or prepare your meals, a pocket knife like RoverTac can be handy.

24. Torch or Flashlight

A torch or flashlight like LED Tactical Flashlight will be ideal if you take more than a day. That’s because scorpions and other strange creatures may emerge when it darkens. With a black light, you’ll easily spot and get rid of them.

25. Stove, Matches, and Fuel

To start a fire for cooking while camping, a stove, fuel, and matches will come in handy.

26. Food

When planning for extended hikes, you may pack already made food. A good thing with already-made meals is you’ll only need to warm them. However, pack all the necessary ingredients if you plan to cook meals on your camping site.

27. Plates and cutlery

You’ll need a few utensils like plates and cutlery for serving and eating.

Other personal items you need to pack:

See Related: The Ultimate Scottsdale Itinerary

What NOT to Bring to the Grand Canyon

Uncomfortable shoes.
Full-size towels as it takes up unnecessary space when packing
Too many electronics… It’s the Grand Canyon! Get outside, enjoy the scenery
Do not assume it will be warm if you are coming from a cold-weather state. The Grand Canyon gets snow and can be very cold.
Excess amount of valuables. Visiting a national park doesn’t mean bringing valuables. Less is more at parks.

FAQ

How do I prepare for the Grand Canyon?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your trek down into the Grand Canyon. First, ensure you are physically fit and have been walking or hiking in the weeks leading up to your trip. You should also pack appropriately—make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, sturdy hiking boots, and clothing that will protect you from the elements. Finally, be aware of the potential dangers posed by trekking in such a rugged landscape, and always heed the advice of park rangers to ensure a safe journey.

What should I pack for the Grand Canyon in the summer?

Pack lightweight clothing, warm-weather hiking boots, and hiking socks that are breathable and lightweight. A rain poncho isn’t necessary but is nice if you visit the area during the wetter side of summer.

Pack a warm sleeping bag rated for colder weather if you plan camping or hiking in the Grand Canyon.

If you are packing a tent and pad, remember that weight adds up quickly, so try to find the lightest combo that will be comfortable for you. Pack a stove and fuel of your choice, cookware, utensils, and food/snacks to fit within the confines of your bear canister (if applicable).

If you plan on hiking on the rim or into the lodge area in the summertime, a selfie stick is a great way to get amazing pictures without an extra person in it.

What should I bring to the Grand Canyon?

Bring a quality camera to take photos (you’ll be happy you did). Also, consider bringing snacks, sunblock, and drinking water if you plan hiking. You should also bring comfortable, breathable shoes to hike the trails, a cap for shielding your eyes from the sun, sunglasses, light clothing, and personal items (such as your camera’s batteries and spares).