If Zion isn’t already on your bucket list — it should be. Towering red cliffs, emerald pools, and hikes that make you forget your phone exists. Whether you’re biking through the canyon, tackling Angels Landing (permit required), or just cruising the ...
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Top 10 Zion Must-Bring Items
Tours/Hikes
Food
Shopping
Traveling with your dog 🦮
Top 10 Zion Must-Bring Items
These are the things I actually found useful visiting Zion. A mix of hiking essentials, desert sun protection, and a few small items that ended up being surprisingly helpful during long days in the park.
Zion hikes get hot and long. A hydration daypack lets you carry water plus snacks, sunscreen, and an extra layer without stopping constantly to dig through a bag.
(1.) Hydration Daypack (Water + Gear Storage)
Between the heat and elevation gain, electrolytes are almost mandatory for longer Zion hikes. LMNT is my favorite.
(2.) Electrolytes
Zion trails are rocky and uneven. Trail running shoes provide better grip and stability than regular sneakers, making long hikes more comfortable and reducing the chance of slipping on sandstone or loose gravel.
(3.) Trail running shoes
Good hiking socks help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry during long hikes. Merino wool socks are breathable, moisture-wicking, and much more comfortable than regular cotton socks on rocky desert trails.
(4.) lightweight Merino wool socks
A tinted sunscreen protects your skin while evening out your complexion so you don’t feel like you’re hiking with a full face of makeup. Great for photos and long sunny days in Zion.
(5.) Sunscreen!
Many Zion hikes have very little shade, especially mid-day. A wide-brim hiking hat helps protect your face, ears, and neck from direct desert sun and keeps you cooler on long trails.
(6.) Wide-Brim Hiking Hat
This one is the BEST one I’ve ever owned. Rapid charger! Phones drain quickly in Zion from photos, maps, and GPS tracking during hikes. A portable charger ensures your phone doesn’t die when you need navigation, park information, or emergency access.
(7.) portable power bank/charger
I used these every single day for everything. A simple bandana is surprisingly useful in Zion. It can help wipe sweat, cool your neck, protect from sun, or even filter dust on dry trails. Lightweight and easy to keep in your pocket or pack.
(8.) Cotton bandanas
Zion has incredible photo spots, but it’s not always easy to find someone to take a picture for you. A small selfie stick or phone tripod makes it easy to capture photos and videos on hikes and scenic overlooks.
(9.) Selfie Tripod
Zion hikes often take longer than expected, especially in the heat. Keeping a small emergency snack or energy bar in your pack can help prevent fatigue and keep your energy up on longer trails.
(10.) Emergency Energy Bar / Hiking Snack
Tours/Hikes
Really enjoyed the e-bike tour and the narrow tour. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Great experience great way to learn about the area.
Zion Adventures®
Enjoyable walk. Pups allowed. No one on the trail.
Mill Creek Trail
Need a permit for this! Can do it the day before up to 3pm. It is a lottery though.
Angels Landing Trail
Very neat experience. I strongly recommend going with a guide and having the right gear
The Narrows - Zion National Park (U.S. ...
Everything we had was delicious and comfort food. We did salmon sliders, side salad, and tots. All excellent.
George's Corner Restaurant (American fare)
Food
Murder burger after a day of hiking hits just right. Also, I’m not a big sweet potato fry girlie, but they were excellent.
Oscar's Cafe - Springdale (American fare)
Don’t be fooled that it’s next to a gas station. Excellent/fresh food and very polite staff
La Fonda Grill (authentic Mexican)
12/10 recommend! Blueberry fritter is amazing, apple fritter, s’more, Nutella, Biscoff, everything we had was insanely good.
🍩 PinkBox DONUTS
Shopping
Great groceries and clothes. I’m usually not a Walmart fan, but this place was well stocked!
Walmart Supercenter in St George, UT | Grocery, Electronics, Toys
Traveling with your dog 🦮
Zion is dog-friendly in some areas like the Pa’rus Trail and nearby towns like Springdale. If you’re bringing your pup, these items make hiking and travel days much easier.
Makes it easy to give your dog water on walks or short hikes without carrying a separate bowl.
Foldable Dog Water Bottle
Lightweight and easy to pack. Perfect for giving your dog water or food during stops, walks, or breaks in the park.
Collapsible Dog Bowl
Zion heat can be intense. A cooling vest helps keep dogs comfortable on hot days.