If you’re heading to Arizona for the first time in summer and planning to visit the national parks, this packing list is for you.
Arizona’s national parks are breathtaking, but they need preparation.
Arizona’s desert and canyon landscapes can bring intense sun, dry heat, sudden storms, and variable terrain, so what you pack matters. Did you know the Arizona sun can heat your car to 140°F in just one hour?
Use this Arizona packing list to double-check your suitcase, so you show up prepared, comfortable, and ready to explore (rather than scrambling for essentials mid-trip).
No time right now to get your complete Arizona packing list? Pin It and save it for later:
There is a free downloadable Packing List (Arizona Summer) with everything you need, plus an item-by-item breakdown of each item. I mention when I think they are essential and when they are recommended. And, if you see something on the list that you don’t have, you can get it right here.
Table of Contents
Essentials for the Car and Road
1. Reusable large water container / hydration bladder
Staying hydrated is critical in Arizona’s heat and low humidity; think of this as absolutely necessary.
2. Cooler or insulated cooler bag
If you’re driving between parks and want to keep drinks or perishables cool, this is very helpful (especially if you’ll picnic).
3. Sunglasses (polarized)
The sun is extremely bright in the desert and reflected off rock and sand surfaces; necessary for protecting your eyes and avoiding fatigue.
4. Sun hat with wide brim or UV protection
Direct sun overhead is strong; a good hat keeps your face and neck shaded. Necessary.
5. Sunscreen (high SPF) + lip balm with SPF
You’ll be outdoors a lot; sunscreen protects you from burning and sun damage. Necessary. (Don’t skip lips!).
6. After-sun moisturizer or aloe gel
Helpful in case you get slightly overexposed to sun or your skin dries out in the desert air.
7. Paper map (or offline map app) for the park & region
Cell service is spotty in many remote parks; this is necessary for planning your drives and hikes.
8. Car charger for phone / portable power bank
Even if you don’t hike deep, you’ll use your phone for photos/navigation; helpful.
9. Spare car key & roadside kit (jumper cables, tire gauge, water)
Helpful safety item since you may drive long stretches between services, especially in remote desert areas.
10. Trash bags / “pack it out” bags
National parks expect you to carry out your trash; helpful and respectful.
Clothing & Footwear for Desert Summer
11. Lightweight short-sleeve shirts (2-3)
Go for moisture-wicking fabrics; good for daytime touring. Necessary.
12. Long-sleeve sun shirt or lightweight sun hoodie
Even in heat, long-sleeves help protect from sun and reduce the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. I always wear long sleeves when hiking in the summer sun to protect my skin. Helpful.
13. Hiking shorts and/or convertible zip-off pants
For trails where you may get hot or want flexibility; necessary if you’ll hike.
14. Lightweight pants (synthetic/quick-dry)
For early morning or if you’re visiting higher elevation areas where it might be cooler; helpful.
15. Light fleece or long-sleeve top
Even in summer, morning or shade in high elevation (e.g., canyon rims) can be cool; helpful.
16. Light rain shell or packable windbreaker
Summer monsoons or sudden storms can pop up; helpful.
17. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
Many trails in Arizona national parks have uneven rock, sand, and canyon terrain; necessary.
18. Comfortable sandals or casual shoes
For relaxing in the evening or easier terrain; helpful.
19. Moisture-wicking hiking socks (extra pairs)
Hot hikes + sweaty feet = blister risk; necessary if hiking.
20. Undergarments, sleepwear
Standard travel items; necessary.
21. Buff, bandana or neck gaiter
Can serve as sun/neck shade, dust mask in gusty desert winds; helpful.
22. Swimsuit
If you plan to visit a pool or water area. Helpful.
23. Closed‐toe shoes for canyon rim/sand/dust terrain
Some trails or viewpoints have unstable surfaces; helpful.
Outdoor Gear & Hiking-Specific Items
24. Daypack (20-30L) with water bottle pockets
Useful for carrying your water, snacks, layers, camera while exploring; necessary for hikes.
25. Hydration bladder or reservoir (in pack) or extra water bottles
Keeping water accessible is critical in desert conditions; necessary. Always take more water than you think you’ll need on hikes and drink frequently. It’s very easy to get dehydrated in the dry desert heat.
26. Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
In steeper canyon trails or uneven descents, poles can reduce knee stress; helpful. I never used to use this but since I started a few years ago, it’s hard to imagine how I got by without them. A game changer if you’re hiking up or downhill, especially.
27. Headlamp or flashlight + spare batteries
If you explore early morning, stay late, or route back after sunset; helpful.
28. Trail map & compass (or downloaded offline map on phone)
Navigation is essential in remote terrain; necessary.
29. First-aid kit and blister care items (moleskin, band-aids, antiseptic)
Desert terrain + heat + long hikes = higher risk of blisters or scrapes; necessary.
30. Multi-tool or pocket tool
Handy for minor gear shifts or fixes; helpful.
31. Sun gloves or lightweight finger protection
On granite or hot rock surfaces, gloves help; helpful.
32. Lightweight umbrella or sunshade
In extreme sun, a personal shade can be very helpful; helpful but optional.
33. Emergency whistle + small emergency shelter (space blanket)
In remote park hikes, being prepared is smart; helpful.
34. Electrolyte packets
In desert heat, you sweat more and lose more minerals; helpful.
35. Bug Spray
While many desert parks are low-bug, some trails or monsoon season bring mosquitoes; helpful.
36. Sunscreen stick for ears/face & SPF lip balm
Fine detailed sun protection; helpful.
Tech, Photo & Travel Accessories
37. Camera or smartphone with good camera + extra memory card
The desert light and canyon landscapes are spectacular – capture it. Helpful
38. Portable battery power bank
For phone, camera, maybe headlamp; helpful.
39. Binoculars or Spotting Scope
For spotting wildlife, detailed canyon views, etc.; helpful but not necessary.
➡️ For more options, read my guide to The Best Binoculars for the Money
➡️ For more options, read my guide to The Best Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing
40. Travel adapter/USB cables
For charging gear; necessary.
41. Travel journal or park log & pen
If you like to document your trip; helpful.
42. Reusable coffee/tea mug or collapsible cup
If you’ll have beverages in your car or lodging; helpful.
43. Earbuds or headphones
For downtime; helpful.
44. Dry bag or waterproof zip-lock bags
For protecting electronics from dust, heat, occasional rain; helpful.
Health, Safety & Comfort
45. Sunglasses strap or retainer
So you don’t lose them when reaching or swinging in canyon rim overlooks; helpful.
46. High-visibility layer or light if hiking near dusk
Could help in low light; helpful.
47. Cooling towel or neck wrap
I love these things! You wet them then they stay wet and cool for hours. They’re a scientific miracle! Helpful
48. Moisturizer + lip balm
Desert air is dry; you’ll thank yourself. Helpful.
49. Hat clip or carabiner for gear, sunglasses, water bottle
Keeps things handy in tight spaces; helpful.
50. America The Beautiful Pass
You can buy an entrance pass to any of the national parks as you enter, but if you’re going to be visiting more than two parks in a year, then it’s worth getting an America The Beautiful Pass.
The pass is not only valid for national parks – it also works at all sites managed by the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers.
The pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase and includes entrance for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or up to 4 adults at sites that charge per person (kids 15 & under get in free).
➡️ You can also get a sleeve here to keep your pass in that will also make it more beautiful (don’t put stickers on your pass as it can invalidate it).
Check my Guide to National Parks Passes for more pass options.
Get your Arizona summer vacation packing checklist printable
Download a free checklist version of the Arizona summer packing list so you can print it out and use to check off things as you pack to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Have a great time on your Arizona trip!
Do you have any other thing to include on your Arizona summer packing list that’s not here? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
Not ready to pack right now? Save this to your Packing Lists Pinterest board!
More Packing Lists
🥾 Day Hikes
👣 Hiking Gear for Beginner Hikers
🏔️ Winter Hikes
⛺ Tent Camping
🌲 National Parks Essentials
❄️ Winter Vacations
🚗 Road Trips
🏖️ Beach Camping
🔥 Cabin Vacations
Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
Are you starting to plan a trip to a national park? Read my National Parks Guides
Do you want an itinerary to help plan your trip? Check out my Detailed Itineraries
Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
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