Utah What to Pack

  Some of the elevation gain going to...
by mikehanneman
 
  • Some of the elevation gain going to delicate Arch.
      Some of the elevation gain going to...
    by mikehanneman
  •   What to Pack
    by goodfish
  •   What to Pack
    by goodfish
  • Full Load of Gera Needed
      Full Load of Gera Needed
    by BruceDunning
  • Other Added Benefits
      Other Added Benefits
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

pack for the great Utah outdoors

by richiecdisc

If planning on doing a multi-day trip you will need a suitable backpack. We did the West Rim in Zion with a regular one but if doing the Subway you'll need a water-proof one. Most hikes in the state are day hikes and a day pack will suffice. You will need that for extra clothes, snacks and lots of water. A wide brimmed hat and sun glasses come in handy in this very sunny state. Long light pants and shirts are best for sun protection. Though generally warm during the day, the nights get chilly so you'll need a fleece, warm hat, and rain gear which doubles as a wind breaker. It did rain one or two night in the month we spent in Utah! Good sturdy hiking boots and padded socks are a must. Sunscreen and lip moisturizer. It's very dry here. Wide angle for big expansive shots of the amazing Utah landscapes. A zoom for animal photos and a polarizer if shooting during the midday wash-out...

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Pack for Desert & High Altitude

by LauraWest

Most of Utah is desert. It is not only dry & hot, at night the Summer temperature can drop 40 degrees or more. Dress is casual. Even in Salt Lake City, people wear sport clothing if they want. Hiking boots are a must outside of the city. Use sunscreen lotion & a lip protection. Don't use Chap Stick brand or other with petroleum. They dry your lips more than help them. Drink plenty of water. You'll sweat, but won't notice it, because the air is so dry. Pitching tent in the sand is a challenge! I've seen the bigger ones blow away if you don't have it anchored with lots of stuff inside, or some other technique. Beware! If you're not used to exercise or just walking in a high altitude, take it easy the first day or so. Even in the urban Salt Lake City, it is 4500 feet abbove sea level! You may find you tire easily. Or get light-headed. But you should adjust soon. Remember to drink lots...

Packing List

by KimberlyAnn

Sturdy hiking boots and a good telescoping hiking stick are invaluable if you are planning hikes into the more difficult terrain. Even for short easy hikes, comfortable walking shoes are mandatory at all times. A good sun hat can be of value at any time of the year. The photo is of my husband hiking in Park Avenue, an easy trail in Arches National Park Be prepared to carry your camera equipment; so do not pack along anything you are not willing to carry while hiking. A zoom telephoto lens such as a 28-200 or 28-300 is good to carry. If you do not wish to carry a tripod, a hiking stick with unipod capabilities will add some extra stability for that shot.

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Summer Fun

by dlj8248

Cotton clothing is your best bet in the summer, synthetics get too hot and sticky. Good hiking boots are a definite plus if you plan to go beyond the overlooks. Sudden, heavy rains are not unusual in July and August (their monsoon season), don't forget your rain gear. Hats are a necessity, preferably those with a brim all around to protect the back of your neck. Bring plenty of sunblock. I found the prices a little steep in some areas. A good camera (I prefer a manual SLR) is a must. A polarizing and/or enhancing filter are a definite plus to keep the colors truer -- strong sun can wash out color, especially in the middle of the day. Film is readily available at reasonable prices.

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Packing List

by dzni

PACK LIGH For the desert areas of Utah.... in the summer, the days are pretty hot and dry, so bring light, loose clothing. The nights are cool, so you'll want a pair of long pants and a light windbreaker or fleece jacket. I'd reccommend some chapstick. Your lips will get dry out here, especially if you're not drinking enough water! Yeah... drink water, avoid pop and sugary things... they'll just dehydrate you.

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by KLomaskin

Bring your hiking gear in the spring/summer. Bring your ski gear in the winter! There are a lot of ski areas within 1-2 hours of Salt Lake City. Here you see Park City. Be advised that they close for Spring Break (Apr-Jun) depending on the weather.

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Packing List

by american_tourister

Leave your skis at home and rent demos from the various pro shops on State Street. Some of the world's finest ski techs live in SLC and they have the best slection of custom and off brands that you have ever seen. I really enjoy trying out all the different types, especially the powder skis. These are real fatties that you would never buy because no one gets powder like they do here.

Packing List

by temaj923

For a September stay, layers are a necessity. Mornings and evening temps can drop dramatically--40's and 50's so fleece jackets and long sleeve tees are a good start. Days can warm up so shorts should be included as well LOTS of film...everywhere you turn there is a picture! Waterproof bag and shoes are a neccesity if doing the Narrows trail

Packing List

by aussie79

Pack your personal stuff (clothes, etc) as light as possible. Your ski gear will seem like it weighs more than you do. While skiing only wear one pair of socks. It seems odd to suggest this, but actually I have found when I wear more than 1 pair, my feet will get too hot, sweat, and then I'll be really cold. That is the worst. Make sure to wear lots of layers if the temperature outside is less than 25F. Anything warmer than 25F you can get away with only your long underwear under your ski pants. A turtleneck is ideal while skiing, it helps to avoid snow down your shirt if you fall. Make sure your ski jacket has multiple zippers that open up (under the arms, chest, etc) Venthilation is very important while skiing. If you get too hot, again you will sweat. Sweating is bad because it freezes and then you are miserable. Chapstick, sunblock, lotion. These 3 items are essential. You can...

Packing List

by Chris_Dahlia

There's a saying here in Utah: 'If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.' The weather is as varied as our terrain. Some of the mountains receive over 500 inches of snow in the winter. In the summer, parts of the state can reach temperatures well over 100F! Spring and fall bring every type of weather imaginable. Be prepared for anything!

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Top 3 Hotels in Utah

Grand America Hotel  Salt Lake City

 2 Reviews and 275 Opinions  This is the nicest hotel in the city located in Temple Square amid all the attractions. 

 Hotels in Salt Lake City

Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand  Bryce Canyon National Park

 3 Reviews and 642 Opinions  It's more like a motel that a hotel but it's nice and it's the best place to stay in vicinity of the... 

 Hotels in Bryce Canyon National Park

Devil's Garden Campground  Arches National Park

 8 Reviews and 19 Opinions  The only campground inside the park is the Devil's Garden Campground which offers 52 sites and... 

 Hotels in Arches National Park

Questions and Answers

Dester profile photo

Q:  Looking for a lodge, cabin or similar accommodations which would also provide guided flyfishing and trailriding along with similar... 

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A: I should have added that I am planning this for late Spring/Early Fall. 

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