What to Pack for Arches National Park. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials

Spring & Fall Layers

Temperatures change significantly from morning to evening. Layering is important.

Layering Guidance

Base Layer: Moisture-wicking short or long-sleeve shirts (synthetic/merino wool).
Mid-Layer: Fleece or lightweight puffy jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Lightweight, wind and water-resistant jacket.

Summer Attire

Focus on sun protection and breathability due to high temperatures.

Summer Essentials

Base Layer: Loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts with UPF.
Bottoms: Lightweight hiking shorts or convertible pants.
Accessories: Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, neck gaiter.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots or trail running shoes with good traction. Ankle support is useful on uneven terrain. Find Boots

Ideal for park trails.

Casual Shoes

Comfortable sandals or athletic shoes for relaxing in Moab after a day of hiking. See Sandals

For town and light walking.

Winter Footwear

Waterproof and insulated boots with good grip. Traction devices like microspikes greatly help on icy trails. Get Traction

For snowy/icy conditions.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Keep these documents organized and accessible for your trip.

Passport & Visa: Valid passport, U.S. Visa or ESTA approval. Keep digital copies.
Travel Insurance: Physical and digital copies of policy details for quick access.
International Driving Permit: If your license is not in English (check rental car company rules).
Health Docs: Vaccination records or health documentation recommended by your provider.

Reservations: Printed and digital copies of Timed Entry (if applicable), camping, and accommodation bookings.
Emergency Contacts: List of emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies (card in wallet, phone note).
IDs for Discounts: Student/senior/press IDs for National Park passes or local Moab discounts.
Nordace - Modern travel bags.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Prepare your devices for U.S. Power standards and connectivity challenges.

Essentials for Power

Power Adapter: U.S. uses Type A/B plugs, 120V at 60Hz. A Universal travel adapter is useful.
Portable Chargers: High-capacity power banks are useful for devices, as outlets are scarce in the park.
SIM Card: Unlocked smartphones work with U.S. GSM/CDMA networks. Local SIM cards or eSIM options are available.

Camera Equipment

Capture the stunning landscapes with appropriate camera gear.

Photography Gear

Camera: DSLR/Mirrorless Camera with wide-angle lens for landscapes; telephoto for distant features.
Tripod: Necessary for low-light, astrophotography (Dark Sky Park), and long exposures. A Lightweight travel tripod.
Extra Batteries/Memory Cards: Crucial in remote areas where recharging is limited.

Data & Digital Security

Recommended Apps

NPS App (offline content), AllTrails/Gaia GPS (offline maps), Google/Apple Maps (offline driving), NOAA Weather, Stargazing Apps (SkyView Lite, Star Walk 2).

Backup Solutions

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) or an External hard drive for photos and videos.

VPN Services

NordVPN and ExpressVPN for secure internet access while traveling.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

Assemble a comprehensive hiking first aid kit for common desert issues.

Kit Contents

Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), antihistamines.
Blister treatment (Moleskin), tweezers, safety pins. Personal medications.

Prevention & Medications

Address specific health concerns for the high desert.

Health & Safety Measures

Prescription Medications: Carry in original containers with labels. Doctor's letter for controlled substances.
Over-the-Counter: Diarrhea relief, antacids, cold/flu remedies.
Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+, Lip balm with SPF.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Remedies

Stay well hydrated.
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine upon arrival.
Consult a doctor for prescription medication if prone to altitude sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Over-the-counter options like Dramamine are available.
Insect Repellent: DEET-based or picaridin for mosquitos/biting flies.
Water Purification: Portable water filter or purification tablets for emergency.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Your planned activities dictate specific gear needs. For hiking:

Daypack (20-30 liters) for water, snacks, layers.
Plenty of water (2-3 liters/person) - Hydration reservoir or Reusable bottles.
Snacks/energy bars.
Headlamp or flashlight for early/late hikes.

Camping Gear

If you plan to camp, bring essential overnight equipment:

Tent, Sleeping bag (rated for temps), sleeping pad.
Camp stove, cooking gear, cooler, camp chairs.
General camping gear.
Rent: Rock climbing or canyoneering gear, mountain bikes from Moab outfitters.

Climbing Gear

For rock climbing or canyoneering, specific equipment is needed:

Harnesses, ropes, helmets, and protective gear.
Rent this gear from outfitters in Moab.
Specialty Items: Binoculars for distant features.
Star Chart/App for stargazing.

Gear Acquisition Choices

Benefits of Renting

Saves luggage space and avoids transport issues for bulky items.
Ideal for activities you only do occasionally (e.g., specific climbing gear).
No long-term storage or maintenance costs.
Access to well-maintained and current models.

Benefits of Bringing Your Own

Familiarity and comfort with your own trusted gear.
Guaranteed quality and fit, especially for boots and backpacks.
Cost-effective for items you frequently use (e.g., hiking clothing).
No time spent on pick-up and drop-off of rentals.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Items that improve your comfort and security during travel.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Comfort items for transportation (Neck pillow, Eye mask).
Security items (locks, Money belt, RFID protection).
Lock your vehicle; avoid leaving valuables exposed, especially at trailheads.
Consider RFID protection for your wallet.

Reusable Items

Help minimize waste and support environmental practices.

Eco-Friendly Packing

Reusable water bottle (like a Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle) for desert environment.
Reusable shopping bag for groceries in Moab.
Reusable utensils for meals on the go.
Park Map: Obtain a physical map at the visitor center, or download digital maps as cell service is unreliable.

Sustainable Travel Items

Portable Solar Charger

For charging devices using renewable energy.

LED Headlamp

Energy-efficient for night activities.

Reusable Coffee Cup

Reduce waste from disposable cups.

Biodegradable Toiletries

Minimize environmental impact in nature.

Region-Specific Essentials

Arches Park Specific

Park Map: Obtain a physical map at the visitor center, or download digital maps. Cell service is unreliable.
Timed Entry Reservation: If visiting during peak season, your timed entry reservation is necessary for park entrance.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: General items are in Moab, but selection may be limited and prices higher. Bring specialized gear if you have specific preferences.

General Desert Gear

Binoculars: Useful for spotting distant arches, geological features, or wildlife.
Star Chart/App: For identifying constellations and celestial objects during stargazing.
Extra water bottles: Beyond hydration packs, having extra bottles is a good idea.

Packing Pro Tips

Layering clothing is a simple method for adapting to changing temperatures throughout the day. Opt for synthetic or merino wool fabrics that manage moisture.

Test new hiking boots on shorter walks before your trip to prevent blisters. Pack more water than you anticipate needing. Water sources in the park are limited.

What to Pack for Arches National Park