GRAND CANYON PACKING CHECKLIST
A season-aware packing list you can check off — essentials, clothing, sun, hydration, footwear, and permits. Saves in your browser.
Essentials
0/7Clothing
0/6Sun & Heat
0/4Hydration & Food
0/3Footwear
0/3Safety & Trip Planning
0/3Optional
0/4This is a general guide for a high-elevation South Rim climate with big day-to-night temperature swings and an even bigger swing below the rim. Conditions change — always check the current forecast and any permit rules at nps.gov/grca before your trip.
Packing for a hike below the rim specifically? See our Bright Angel Trail guide for what the elevation swing actually feels like on the way down and back up.
Grand Canyon Packing FAQ
What should I pack for Grand Canyon National Park?
Pack for a high-elevation South Rim climate with big day-to-night temperature swings: plenty of water, sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sturdy hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, a packable rain jacket, trail snacks, and a headlamp. If you're hiking below the rim, remember the canyon floor runs 20-25°F hotter than the rim, so bring more water than you think you need. Use the interactive checklist above to tailor the list to your season.
How much hotter is it below the rim than on top?
The inner canyon typically runs 20-25°F hotter than the South Rim, so a comfortable 80°F rim afternoon can mean 100°F or more near the Colorado River. Pack extra water and electrolytes for any hike below the rim, and plan to be climbing back up before the hottest part of the day.
Do I need a permit to pack for a Grand Canyon hike?
No — day hikes anywhere in the park, including all the way to the river and back, need no permit at all. A permit is only required if you plan to camp overnight below the rim; Phantom Ranch lodging is booked through a separate 15-month advance lottery and also needs no permit.
What do I need to pack for Grand Canyon in winter?
Winter visits call for warm insulated layers, a hat and gloves, waterproof boots, and microspikes or traction devices for icy trails like South Kaibab and Bright Angel, which stay shaded and icy for weeks after a storm. Add hand and toe warmers and trekking poles for stability, and expect the Rim Trail to stay the most accessible route when snow closes other areas.