One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, The Grand Canyon is an iconic sight you must see to believe. Oohs and aahs are common as visitors marvel at the massive, colorful landscape carved out over millions of years with breathtaking views that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. When you stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, you’ll be just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park where most visitors go to explore this gem of the American Southwest. Before you set out on a scenic hike, Jeep sunset safari, or Grand Canyon stargazing tour in the park, you’ll want to use our Grand Canyon packing list to help you prepare for an upscale outdoor vacation of a lifetime.
What to Pack for Summer in Grand Canyon National Park
Summer is the most popular season to visit The Grand Canyon. With more daylight hours to explore this natural wonder, it’s the perfect time to visit if you like warmer temperatures. The Grand Canyon is a desert landscape, so layers are key for your adventure since daytime temperatures hover between 80-100°F and sink to around 40°F at night. You’ll want to be armed with lightweight clothing that protects the skin from the sun during the day and extra layers to keep you warm at night while you gather around the campfire for s’mores. Rest easy, as your stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon includes in-tent wood-burning stoves and king-sized beds with plush linens that keep you warm and cozy throughout the night.
T-shirts / Tank Tops
You’ll want to bring some t-shirts or tanks for comfortable wear around the camp but also during your adventures. Try to avoid cotton if possible and go for a moisture-wicking material so that your clothes dry faster after your adventures. Due to the summer heat, you will want lightweight, breathable material and possibly a long sleeve option as well to guard your skin from the sun.
If you want to grab a souvenir or just need some extra gear for your stay, stop by our store in the lobby tent and browse through our Under Canvas branded clothing or lululemon gear for your yoga session or hike.
Lightweight or Zip-off Hiking Pants
Lightweight breathable pants are perfect for horseback riding in the Grand Canyon South Rim, hiking, or biking around the national park. You’ll find that it can be chilly along the rim and the temperature rises as you descend into the canyon making layered clothing essential for comfort and sun protection.
Comfortable Hiking Shoes, Socks, & Water Shoes
With a diverse landscape, from miles of colorful rock layers to natural springs, sturdy hiking shoes and quality moisture-wicking socks are essential for Grand Canyon hiking. If you’re going to hike down the canyon, you’ll want to have water shoes or Chaco-like sandals for exploring Indian Garden, a natural spring oasis that marks the halfway point on to the bottom. For a shorter hike with rewarding views, we suggest taking the Cedar Ridge trail for a 3-mile round trip hike. For a more ambitious hike, the Bright Angel hiking trail provides a great overlook of the mighty Colorado River after the 9-mile trek.
Lightweight Fleece
It’s all about layers in the Grand Canyon due to its desert climate. A lightweight fleece is perfect for early morning adventures and nights spent stargazing around the campfire or in the park. Grand Canyon National Park was named an International Dark Sky Park where visitors can enjoy one of the most pristine night sky sanctuaries on the planet!
Sun Hat / Baseball Cap
Bring a hat that shades your head and face from the sun during the warm summer months. Also, this keeps you from having to do your hair after an all-day hike or adventure in the warm weather.
Comfortable Outdoor Shoes
After a full day of exploring, you will be ready to kick back and relax, take off your hiking boots and give your feet some air. Bring comfortable tennis shoes or Chaco-like sandals to wear around the camp while you unwind and reconnect with your family and friends outside together.
Cozy Slippers / Warm Socks
While the tents stay warm at night from the wood-burning stove and plush bedding, you will want to bring some warm socks or slippers to wear around the tent before bed.
What to Pack for Spring or Fall in Grand Canyon National Park
Our Under Canvas Grand Canyon camp opens in April and closes in October. While summer months are very warm during the day, spring and fall brings cooler temperatures all around. Many people find spring and fall the best times to visit the Grand Canyon due to its lower daytime highs and reduced crowds. In addition to the above summer packing list, we suggest you also pack the following for spring and fall visits to Grand Canyon National Park.
Long Sleeve T-shirts
Long sleeve t-shirts are a good thing to pack for chillier days exploring the park and for evenings while you walk around camp. Not only will long-sleeve shirts keep you warm from the cooler temperatures, but they will also guard your skin from the sun. While temperatures are cooler in the shoulder-seasons, the sun is just as strong, and sunburns can sneak up easily.
Sweatpants / Warm Athletic Pants
Instead of shorts, bring extra pairs of long pants, or warm athletic pants to wear while you are hiking and around camp during nighttime in spring and fall.
Puffer Jacket / Lightweight Coat / Rain Jacket
Bring an extra warm layer for your spring or fall Under Canvas Grand Canyon stay. You will want a lightweight warm jacket (such as a puffer) for chilly mornings and evenings around camp and out on your hikes.
While The Grand Canyon never receives a lot of precipitation (it’s a desert), a lightweight rain jacket or poncho is good to have on hand for sudden showers.
Beanie
Nights can get chilly especially during the spring and fall and a beanie is nice to have while enjoying locally-sourced al fresco dining options or catching up around the campfire.
Gloves
Similarly, gloves would be good to have at nighttime while you are roasting marshmallows or sipping a glass of wine at the camp’s fire pit.
What to Pack for The Grand Canyon (Non-Clothing)
Daypack / Small Backpack
A daypack or small backpack is helpful while exploring Grand Canyon National Park during the day. Pack it with your wholesome camp-prepared lunch, snacks to keep you energized, water, sunscreen, and any extra layers.
Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is important when enjoying all the Grand Canyon has to offer. When you’re hiking, biking, or riding horses around the canyon, you’ll soak up the sun most of the day, so a reusable water bottle is a must-have on your Grand Canyon hiking packing list. At Under Canvas, we have a goal to sustain and protect our environment and minimize our impact on our most precious commodity; the great outdoors. For this reason, we do not have bottled water on the property. We have filling stations for you to refill your water bottle for your adventures. If you forgot a water bottle, don’t sweat it, buy one from our lobby tent store.
Camera
The Grand Canyon makes for a backdrop like no other. Connect with nature, create memories, and strike a pose. Our camps are wifi-free to amplify your connection with the outdoors but share away when you get home! Tag us on Instagram @undercanvasofficial and Facebook so we can follow along.
Sunscreen
The sun shines bright in Arizona. Wear sunscreen, long layers, and hats during your outdoor adventures in Grand Canyon National Park to avoid the dreaded sunburn. Don’t forget to carry a lip balm with an SPF rating of 15 or higher to keep moisturized and protected. Under Canvas carries sunscreen lotion for purchase at our store for your convenience.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must in this desert environment. The year-round sun illuminates the layers of red rock landscape. Enjoy the majestic views but make sure to protect your eyes.
*This Grand Canyon Packing List is designed for stays at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, and exploring nearby Grand Canyon National Park during the days. Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers an upscale outdoor experience bringing you comforts of home with a mindful approach.
Many of these items can be bought at the Under Canvas Grand Canyon lobby tent store. Be sure to stop by and check out our gear during your stay.