One of the best things about staying in a glamping tent or one of our Zion National Park bungalows is that everything you need for an amazing trip is included.
On a regular camping trip, you’d have to load up the car with a tent, camp mats or air mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, lanterns, flashlights, and more. The amount of work that goes into packing can turn your fun getaway into a lot of work and hassle. When you finally get your car full of gear and arrive at your destination, you’ll then have to set up camp. At the end of your trip, you’ll repeat the process in reverse.
If you’re still hoping to enjoy a rustic experience in the beautiful nature of Southern Utah but without the stress, a glamping adventure is the perfect alternative. But while you might not need to pack your camping gear, there are a few other things you’ll want to have along for your adventures in Zion National Park. Let’s take a look at what to pack for Zion.
What to Pack for Zion National Park
As with any kind of vacation, having the right gear along can help you enjoy a fun, safe visit to Zion National Park. Whether you plan to hike or do some sightseeing, here’s what to pack for Zion.
A National Park Annual Pass
Before you can start your adventure, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee for Zion National Park. The entrance fees for Zion are:
- $35 for private vehicles with up to 15 passengers
- $30 for motorcycles
- $20 per person for those entering on foot or with bicycles. Children aged 15 or younger are admitted free of charge.
Each entrance pass provides admission into the park for seven consecutive days. But if you’re planning to stay in the best hotels Virgin Utah has to offer for more than seven days, plan to visit more than once in a year, or will visit other national parks with an entrance fee in the next year, a national park annual pass can save you money.
The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80 for one year. It is valid for two named cardholders and allows entry into the park for one cardholder and up to 15 vehicle occupants, or up to three guests on foot. Certain individuals, including veterans and seniors age 62 or older, may be eligible for a discounted annual pass.
Water
Another must-have during your visit to Zion is plenty of water. Even if you don’t plan to hike, you don’t want to face triple-digit summer temperatures without plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are going to hike during your stay in our Zion National Park bungalows, plan to carry at least one half liter of water per adult for every hour of hiking you think you’ll do. If you’re visiting during the summer or taking on a challenging trail like Angels Landing, you’ll need to bring more.
A Backpack
To stash your water as well as other items on this list, you’ll want to bring a backpack. The size or type of pack is up to you. Just make sure that it’s comfortable enough to wear while hiking for several hours at a time.
First Aid Kit
Whether you’re navigating a Top-Down hike on The Narrows or a family-friendly stroll on Pa’rus Trail, a first aid kit should definitely be on your packing list. Make sure that your kit has anything you’d need to treat minor cuts, scrapes, or ankle rolls.
Trail Snacks
Unless you’ll be spending a full day hiking a long trail, you won’t necessarily need to pack a meal for your day in the park. It’s easy to hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle and ride into Springdale for a tasty lunch or dinner. But you will want to pack some trail snacks like nuts, granola bars, and beef jerky to keep you fueled while hiking or to tide you over while you wait for the next shuttle bus.
Layers of Clothing
Visiting during the off-season can be a great way to enjoy Zion without the crowds. But what to pack for Zion during the off-season is a little different than what you’ll need the rest of the year.
One important thing to bring if you’re visiting from mid-fall to late spring is layers of clothing that you can easily add or shed. Temperatures may be cool in the early morning, hot in the afternoon, and cold by nightfall. Wearing and packing layers will allow you to add or remove clothing to stay comfortable in the park.
Planning Your 2023 Stay in Our Zion National Park Bungalows
Knowing what to pack for Zion can help you enjoy a fun, safe visit to the park any time of year. Whether you’re hiking, taking a scenic drive, doing some sightseeing on the Zion Canyon Shuttle, or even just relaxing at Zion Wildflower Resort for the afternoon, the items on this list are a great starting point for making your own packing list.
Thinking about planning a visit to Zion National Park in 2023? Now is a great time to book your visit. From now until April 30, when you book a stay at Zion Wildflower Resort for three or more nights, you’ll enjoy a 20 percent discount on your stay. Book today and use code STAYWILD3 to take advantage of this amazing deal!
