What to Pack for Moab, Utah: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park

I went hiking at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in the hottest part of the year: July! And I loved it. If you are spending some time in Moab and aren’t sure what to bring, look no further. Here is what I packed for 3 (hot) days in Moab, Utah - including Arches National Par and Canyonlands National Park. 

My main goal in packing was to stay cool and protect my skin from the sun while wearing something functional for hiking the 2 beautiful national parks. Before packing, it's helpful to make a general plan of your activities to you know what outfits you will need.

Day 1: Travel, small hike, walking around shops in town

Day 2: Morning hiking, afternoon swimming, evening boat tour 

Day 3: Morning hiking, afternoon/evening traveling 

Unlike other trips, I do not recommend planning on rewearing any of your outfits. Being active in such a hot environment, believe me, you do not want to rewear anything! I planned a unique outfit for each activity with the exception of the outfit I wore for the entirety of the first day. Something I did wear the whole trip were my trusty hiking shoes. I have (and love) the Hoka Speedgoat 4. They now have the Speedgoat 5.

Day 1: Travel, small hike, walking around shops in town - Oversized T-shirt with bike shorts and a crossbody bag 

When I am driving, stopping to get gas or food, and just being a tourist in a new town I like to be comfy. I also like to have easy access to items in my purse, or in this case, crossbody bag! Cross body bags are so practical for getting in and out of the car. I don’t even take it off. And for having easy access to all the things you need. 

Drive to Dead Horse State Park

Sunglasses // Oversized T-shirt

Day 2: Morning hiking - Activewear t-shirt with long leggings and a baseball hat 

When I am hiking in the sun, I like to wear a t-shirt to protect my chest and shoulders from the sun. Leggings or bike shorts are my go to for hiking days (gotta protect those thighs from chafing - anyone else!?). In this case I chose leggings to also protect my legs from the sun. Top it all off with a hat to, you guessed it, protect from the sun! 

Sand Dunes Arch, Arches National Park

Baseball hat // Crossbody bag // Leggings // Hiking shoes // Apple Watch

Day 2: Afternoon swimming at the pool and an evening boat trip - Summer dress, swimsuit, and baseball hat 

Again, I am always trying to protect myself from the sun so I wore my baseball hat to the pool too! It was so refreshing after a morning of hiking. 

The evening boat tour was a highlight of the trip! I wore jeans and a T-shirt but I would recommend planning on wearing something cooler. Even in the evening, it doesn't cool down much. A summer dress or shorts and a tank top would be perfect for this!

Hotel in Moab, Utah

Baseball hat // Sunglasses // Crossbody bag // Sandals

Day 3: Morning hiking - Activewear T-shirt with long leggings and a baseball hat 

This is another version of my go to hiking outfit from Day 2! A good pair of affordable leggings are hard to find - but these leggings from GAP are my favorites!

Canyonlands National Park

Baseball hat // Sunglasses // Leggings // Hiking shoes // Apple Watch

Day 3: Afternoon/evening traveling - Tank top, sweatpants and sweatshirt set 

Layers are my best friend when it comes to traveling on a plane. Is it going to be freezing or excruciatingly hot! I never know so I like to be prepared. 

Cotton T-shirt // Crew Neck Sweatshirt // Fleece Sweatpants 

To read more about what to do at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, check out 3 Days in Moab, UT.

Packing List:

• Baseball hat

• Sunglasses

• Hiking shoes

• Athletic T-shirt x 2

• Oversized T-shirt

• Leggings x 2

• Bike shorts

• Swimsuit

• Sandals

• Summer dress

• Crossbody bag

• Day pack

• Re-usable water bottle(s) x 2

• Apple Watch to record hikes

• Sunscreen