Zion National Park Hiking Guide

The X Ultra 4 GTX is the gold standard for technical day hiking in national parks. The Contragrip MA outsole provides exceptional grip on dry slickrock and wet rock alike. Gore-Tex keeps your feet dry on creek crossings on the way to The Narrows trailhead. The low-cut design keeps weight down while the torsion system adds stability on the chain section's uneven footing. Widely considered the best all-around hiking shoe for mixed park terrain.

The most popular hiking boot in the US national park system for good reason. The Vibram TC5+ outsole grips slickrock reliably, the waterproof membrane handles puddles and shallow crossings, and the mid-cut ankle collar adds support on the steep descent from Angels Landing. At $130 it costs $40 less than the Salomon and delivers 90 percent of the performance for the typical day hiker.

Purpose-built for slot canyon and river hiking. The sticky rubber sole compound grips algae-coated rocks where standard outsoles slip immediately. The neoprene upper insulates feet from cold river water (the Virgin River runs cold even in summer) and drains quickly between wading sections. These are what the rental shops in Springdale stock — there is a reason they chose this design.

0.5mm neoprene socks that add warmth and protection inside any river shoe or bootie. The Hydroskin material stretches to fit over most footwear and keeps feet insulated when wading water that runs 50 to 60°F year round. Lightweight, packable, and inexpensive enough to keep in your day bag as a backup on any canyon hike that might involve wet crossings.

The TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation keeps water cold for 24 hours — genuinely important when the canyon floor hits 100°F and your pack has been in direct sun for 4 hours. The wide mouth makes filling from park spigots easy and fits standard ice cubes. The 32 oz size is the sweet spot for a half-day hike; carry two for a full-day Angels Landing effort in summer.

Collapses flat when empty so it adds no bulk to your pack on the shuttle ride in. Fill it at the trailhead as backup capacity — 2 liters of water weighs 4.4 lbs, so you only fill it when you actually need the extra volume. The Platy material is BPA-free, durable over years of use, and easier to squeeze than a rigid bottle when you need to drink on the move on a steep section.

UPF 50+ protection with a 3.5-inch brim that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck — the areas that burn fastest on Angels Landing's exposed ridge. The vented crown prevents the heat buildup that makes wearing a hat miserable in 95°F canyon heat. The chin cord keeps it on during the chain section where your hands are occupied. Machine washable.

UPF 50 sun protection in a lightweight woven fabric that breathes significantly better than synthetics. The Silver Ridge is Columbia's most popular sun hoody for hot desert hiking because it manages sweat without the clammy feeling of polyester. The vented back panel and underarm gussets keep airflow moving on the shadeless Angels Landing switchbacks. Available in a wide range of sizes.

The Talon 22 is the most widely recommended daypack for national park hikes. The AirSpeed suspension keeps the pack off your back for ventilation in canyon heat, the integrated hydration sleeve fits a 3L reservoir, and the 22L volume handles a full day of gear without the bulk that creates problems on exposed ridgeline sections. Hipbelt pockets are large enough for a phone. Several side pockets keep sunscreen and snacks accessible without stopping.

Best option for hikers who want a lighter, lower-profile pack for shorter hikes like Emerald Pools or Canyon Overlook. The 16L volume is enough for 3L of water, sunscreen, a layer, and food for a half-day hike. The minimalist design keeps weight down and the slim profile is less of a factor on the chain section. Gregory's fit and finish quality consistently exceeds what you get at the same price from competitors.

The Trail Ergo Cork is Black Diamond's collapsible aluminum pole with an ergonomic cork grip angled 15 degrees to reduce wrist fatigue on extended climbs. Cork absorbs sweat without becoming slippery — important during sweaty Angels Landing ascents. The FlickLock Pro adjustment system locks securely and releases fast for stowing during the chain section. Reliable, affordable, and durable over years of park hiking.

The best collapsible carbon trekking pole for national park day hiking. Collapses to 15 inches for pack storage, deploys in under 10 seconds, and weighs under 9 oz for the pair — meaningful when you carry them stowed through The Narrows. The SpeedLock 2 adjustment mechanism is the most secure quick-lock system on the market. Carbon absorbs vibration from rocky terrain better than aluminum. Worth the premium if you hike frequently.