What to Wear in Zion: Neoprene Socks & Canyoneering Boots for The Narrows, Trail Shoes & Layers

Packing for Zion comes down to preparing for two opposite environments on back-to-back days: wading for hours through cold, rocky river currents in deep canyon shade (The Narrows) on one day, and climbing sun-baked, sand-dusted Navajo sandstone steps (Scout Lookout, Angels Landing and Canyon Overlook) on the next.

1. What to Wear for Hiking 'The Narrows'

• On Your Feet (All Seasons): never hike The Narrows in flip-flops, open-toe sandals or flimsy mesh beach shoes. Either rent the Canyoneering Boots, 4mm Neoprene Socks and Wooden Stick package right outside the park gate in Springdale, or wear your own broken-in trail-running shoes with wool or neoprene socks and rent just the wooden walking stick.
• On Your Body (June to Mid-September): even when outside air is 36°C, inside the deep, sunless slot of Wall Street it is 8°C to 10°C cooler and the water is 15°C to 18°C. Wear quick-dry nylon shorts or synthetic leggings (no cotton or denim), a moisture-wicking shirt, and pack a light fleece jumper in a dry-bag.
• On Your Body (October to May): when water drops to 3°C to 12°C, rent Waterproof Dry Trousers (or a full Drysuit) from the outfitter so you stay dry and warm.

2. Four Packing Essentials for Dry Trails

1. Trail Runners or Hiking Boots with Sticky Rubber Grip: on the sloping sandstone ledges of Angels Landing and the Canyon Overlook Trail, loose red quartz sand makes smooth trainers slip, so wear lugged trail shoes.
2. Waterproof Phone Pouch & Roll-Top Dry Bag: in The Narrows, keep your phone on a waterproof lanyard and put cameras inside a dry bag in case you slip into waist-deep water.
3. Morning Layers & a Warm Jacket for Bryce Canyon: while Zion sits at 1,200m, Bryce Canyon sits at 2,700m, where it is 10°C to 12°C colder and windy.
4. A 2-to-3-Litre Hydration Bladder, Sun Hoodie & Wide-Brimmed Hat: desert humidity is under 15%. Check seasonal weather.