This Grand Canyon packing list will help you figure out what to wear to the Grand Canyon on your national park vacation.

What to wear to the Grand Canyon includes hiking outfits like these black leggings and green top a woman wears as she stands on a rock ledge looking out into the layers of red and orange canyon ridges.

If you’re planning a trip to Grand Canyon National Park, you may be wondering what to wear at the Grand Canyon. This Grand Canyon packing guide will break down everything you may need.

We’ve included what to pack for the Grand Canyon in summer and winter, and what types of activities you should plan for while filling up your suitcase.

Keep reading for our complete Grand Canyon packing checklist and scroll to the bottom for Grand Canyon packing tips and planning guides.

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Grand Canyon Packing Checklist

Use this Grand Canyon packing list to plan your outfits and gear for your next Grand Canyon vacation. We’ve included everything from clothes and shoes to camping supplies.

What to wear at the Grand Canyon includes activewear and hiking boots, like the black and green outfit worn by this woman as she sits on a rock looking out at the canyon walls and ridges.

Personal Items

These are the necessities you don’t want to forget to bring to the Grand Canyon. I recommend printing or screenshotting reservations as phone service in this area can be spotty.

Identification cards
Credit cards
Reservation confirmations
Travel insurance info
Phone & electronics
Chargers and headphones

Sightseeing and Daytime Outfits

What to wear at the Grand Canyon during the day can range from athletic wear and hiking boots to cute outfits for posing in photos at the rim. We’ve included activewear in a separate section of this Grand Canyon packing list, but check out the ideas below for clothes to wear at the Grand Canyon for sightseeing in every season.

Summer

Shorts | Shorts are best for when daytime temps get in the 90s and 100s. If you're hiking, athletic shorts and bike shorts will fit in. The temperature gets hotter as you descend further into the canyon.

Tees and tank tops | Casual t-shirts and tank tops are appropriate for walking along the rim and hiking.

Sundresses | If you aren't hiking, summer dresses are cute for photos at rim lookouts and strolling through the historic village.

Rain jacket | Early summer is pretty dry at the Grand Canyon, but July through September can see some showers pop up. Bring a rain jacket to be prepared.

Spring and Fall

Jeans and shorts | Daytime highs in spring and fall average in the 50s to 70s on the rim but warmer in the canyon, so you may want to bring a combo of shorts and pants depending on the forecast.

Joggers | To be comfy walking along the rim, a pair of stylish joggers or leggings work perfectly in spring and fall.

Long sleeve tops and tees | It can be cool enough in early spring and fall for long sleeves on the rim, but bring a short-sleeve option too.

Light jacket | When the rim is windy, it can feel chilly in spring and summer, so a light jacket to layer may come in handy. You'll also need one for the cooler evenings.

Winter

Merino wool layers | Winter hiking outfits should start with a warm layers. Woolx has some great merino wool options for cool and cold weather. Shop Woolx

Pants and jeans | Winter highs are usually in the 40s and 50s, so long pants will keep you warm.

Sweaters | Pull out the cute sweaters for winter at the Grand Canyon.

Jackets | Since mornings and evenings can be well below freezing at the Grand Canyon South Rim, a warm insulated jacket will help against biting wind.

Winter accessories | Pack scarves, hats and gloves for winter at the Grand Canyon, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors on the rim.

Hiking and Activewear

Many Grand Canyon trips include some hiking or biking, so pack your favorite activewear to be comfy on the trails. Layers are best as you move from the cooler rim to the heat down in the canyon. This post has more ideas for what to wear hiking.

Leggings or bike shorts | Bring comfy legwear for hiking and biking at the Grand Canyon.

Athletic tops and tanks | Workout tops and t-shirts are perfect for hiking into the warm canyon for most of the year.

Sports bras | Cute sports bras can double as a top when you hike into the canyon in summer, where temps can be over 100.

Light layer | If you're hiking in the morning or one of the colder seasons, you'll probably want a track jacket, wind breaker or fleece to layer until you work up a sweat. Even in summer, low temps can be in the 50s.

Dinner and Evening Outfits

You don’t have to dress up for evenings at the Grand Canyon, but you will need to stay warm if you plan to be outside walking or stargazing. Some dining rooms at the resorts in Grand Canyon Village are a bit fancier, so you may want to clean up and pack a nicer outfit. This evening Grand Canyon packing list really only applies if you want to dress up for dinner.

Jeans or pants | If you're spending the evening watching the sunset, stargazing or dining at a casual restaurant, bring a pair of long pants to change into. Even in summer, nights can be in the 50s and in spring and fall it can drop below freezing.

Blouse or top | Pants and a sweater or blouse are suitable for most restaurants around the Grand Canyon.

Wrap or sweater | Bring a warm outer layer to put on in the evening, especially if you'll be along the rim where it can get windy.

Maxi dress or skirt | If you're dining at one of the nicer restaurants in the historic Grand Canyon Village, you may want to fancy up a little with a maxi dress or skirt that will still keep you warm.

Shoes for Grand Canyon

What shoes do you need for the Grand Canyon? This depends greatly on your plans, but at the least, you’ll need some comfortable walking shoes for the rim. If you plan to hike into the canyon, upgrade to a pair of hiking sneakers or boots. You don’t need to bring all of the shoes on this Grand Canyon packing list, we’re just including a few different options to pick from.

Sneakers | Even if you're just walking along the rim, wear a pair of comfy sneakers to hop between the different viewpoints.

Hiking sneakers | If you're hiking below the rim or on dirt trails, you may want to bring hiking sneakers for the traction and support. For longer hikes down into the canyon, consider upgrading to hiking boots instead.

Hiking boots | Hiking boots will give you the most ankle support for steep trails down into the canyon. Just be sure to break them in well before hiking if you buy a new pair.

Hiking socks | Thick, cushioned hiking socks help keep your feet comfortable on long hikes in the canyon.

Insoles | I like to add insoles to my hiking boots for extra comfort on longer outings.

Other Clothing and Accessories

Don’t forget to add a shady hat, sunglasses and pajamas to your Grand Canyon packing list.

Sunglasses | You'll need sun protection to make sure you can enjoy the Grand Canyon views on all those sunny days, especially hiking below the rim where there is little shade.

Hat | If you're hiking into the canyon, you won't find much shade. A cap or hat will help shield your face from the beating sun.

Daypack or backpack | Most destinations at the Grand Canyon require parking your car and walking or riding the shuttle. Bring a backpack or daypack to carry along all the water, snacks and supplies you may need.

Pajamas

Undergarments

Gear and Electronics

Water bottles are a must on a Grand Canyon packing checklist, but the rest of these items will make your Grand Canyon experience even more memorable and comfortable.

Reusable water bottle | A water bottle or two that you can refill is a must at the Grand Canyon, especially in the hotter months. Whether you're exploring the rim or hiking into the canyon, you'll often be away from a water source for long lengths of time, so you need to carry plenty with you.

GoPro | An action camera is a great way to capture memories at the Grand Canyon. GoPros are small but sturdy so they don't take up much space and can handle an accidental drop on the rocks.

Camera | Make sure you have a phone or camera with you that takes quality photos. Visiting the Grand Canyon is a once in a lifetime experience, after all.

Portable power bank | If you're using your phone as your camera, you'll definitely want to carry a portable power bank to keep it charged up, since you'll probably be away from a power source for most of the day.

Binoculars | If you're into wildlife watching, binoculars can be a great way to look for the rare California condors or spy elk up close without invading their space and endangering them or yourself. Remember to never approach wildlife!

Cooling towel | If you're hiking into the canyon in the warmer months, a cooling towel can be a much needed relief from the heat.

Dust mask | When it's windy in the canyon, the blowing dust can be irritating while you hike. Bring a bandana or lightweight scarf if you think it will bother you.

Hiking snacks and hydrating packs | If you plan to hike, remember to bring along snacks and electrolyte drink mixes you can add to your water.

Hygiene & Health

In addition to toiletries and cosmetics, your packing list for the Grand Canyon should include lots of sun protection for your face and body and a mini first aid kit if you’re hiking.

Sunscreen | Sunscreen is a must since you'll be outside at the Grand Canyon. Arizona desert sun can be intense and some sections of the rim and trails into the canyon have no shade.

SPF lip balm | Don't forget sun protection for your face and lips or they will get very dry in the desert.

Hand sanitizer | Many toilets along the more remote sections of the rim and on trails in the canyon do not have sinks, so bring liquid sanitizer or wipes to clean your hands. Remember to pack out any trash.

Toiletries | Don't forget your shampoo, conditioner, lotions, face wash, deodorant, toothpaste and any other toiletries you need.

Cosmetics | Bring and wear whatever makes you comfortable!

First aid kit | There is a clinic in Grand Canyon Village, but if you're out hiking, it's smart to bring at least a few basic first aid supplies in case you need them.

Prescriptions | Bring whatever prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip.

Camping Gear

If you’re camping at the rim or in the canyon, check this Grand Canyon packing list for what you may need.

Tent | The South Rim has two campgrounds with tent sites, Mather and Desert View.

Sleeping bag, pad and pillow | Nights at the Grand Canyon are cold, so bring appropriate sleeping supplies for temps in the 50s in summer and 20s in winter.

Quick dry towels | Don't forget bath towels and kitchen towels to dry dishes.

Camp chairs | Family sites have a picnic table but you may want extra seating.

Tablecloth or picnic blanket | Your table cloth can double as a picnic blanket when you go on hikes.

Coffee percolator | Cold mornings will be better with a warm cup of coffee!

Camp stove and lighter | In campsites, fires are only allowed in designated fire rings and grills. Below the rim, open fires are not allowed and you will need a cookstove instead.

Cooler | There is a general store in the Grand Canyon Village's Market Plaza where you can buy ice and restock supplies.

Camping cookware | If you're cooking at your campsite add a pot, frying pan, mixing bowls and cutting board to the packing list.

Camping multitool | One tool that can function as a can opener, corkscrew, bottle opener and knife is handy for saving space.

Camping dishes and utensils | To create less waste, pack reusable mugs, plates, bowls, forks, spoons and knives. You can grab disposables from the general store if you need to.

Flashlights and lanterns | Night skies can be very dark in national parks. You'll probably want a lantern for your campsite and flashlights or headlamps for any outings in the dark.

Water purifier | Campsites at the rim have potable water, but if you're hiking to the river, you might want a LifeStraw or water purification tablets as potable water isn't always available on the trails.

Camp sink | These come in handy for washing dishes.

Sponge and biodegradable soap | You can grab dishwashing supplies from the market on the rim if needed.

Trash bags and food storage bags | Remember to only dispose of trash in designated areas and pack out anything you take on the trails.

Grand Canyon Packing List Tips

Below we’re answering all of the questions you may have about packing for the Grand Canyon.

This packing list Grand Canyon includes gear and outfits to wear in Arizona. Pictured is a woman in jean shorts and a white top standing by the road in front of a big sign that says “welcome to Arizona the Grand Canyon State.”

Grand Canyon Activities

What to wear to the Grand Canyon will largely depend on what you plan to do there. The most popular Grand Canyon activities include hiking, biking, camping and visiting viewpoints along the rim.

If you only plan to visit the Grand Canyon lookouts or walk a couple of miles along the rim, you can simply wear weather-appropriate outfits for the Grand Canyon without needing any special gear.

For hiking or biking, you’ll need appropriate footwear and activewear. For longer hikes into the canyon, I recommend a pair of hiking boots for traction and ankle support. Hiking sneakers or trail runners may work better for some people and in summer as they’re typically lighter and cooler.

Camping at the Grand Canyon will add a lot of items to your packing list. Our camping gear section above includes items you may need for camping both at the rim and down in the canyon.

Grand Canyon Weather and Seasons

No matter the season, you’ll encounter a variety of weather conditions from day to night and between the rim and lower canyon. Even in boiling summers, cool nighttime temps mean you should bring layers if you’re visiting for longer than a day trip. And as you move further down the canyon on hikes, the temperatures increase by 1 degree for about every 200 feet in elevation.

Summer is the busiest season, and daytime temps average in the 80s at the rim and the 100s in the canyon. Nights cool off into the 50s at the rim. Early summer is dry but monsoon season starts toward July and August, so add rain gear to your Grand Canyon packing list.

What to wear at the Grand Canyon for spring and fall should include a mix of warm and cold weather outfits, as average high temps can range from the 50s to 70s at the rim and the 70s to 90s in the canyon. Nighttime lows can drop into the 20s in early spring and late fall, so jackets are essential, especially for morning hikes. Spring at the Grand Canyon is very dry and fall can transition from occasional rain showers in the early months to some snowfall by November.

Winter can be frosty, with an average of 58 inches of snow each year at the South Rim. What to pack for the Grand Canyon during this time should include warm clothing for daytime highs in the 40s at the rim and 50s in the canyon. Winter low temps at the rim average in the 20s.

If you hike into the canyon in winter, you will probably need crampons for the ice and snow that accumulates on the upper trails. Phantom Ranch at the canyon floor averages less than 1 inch of snow yearly, though.