Planning a stay at Gooseberry Lodge this summer? Our resort, located in Apple Valley, Utah, is the perfect basecamp for exploring all that Southern Utah has to offer. Whether you’re planning to spend your trip in Zion National Park or want to check out some of the region’s other state and national parks, staying in Gooseberry Lodge puts you in the middle of the action.

While you could spend your entire visit relaxing in our modern, rustic-inspired cabins, odds are that you’ll want to venture out for a fun day trip or two. This means that you’ll want to have the right gear along. Keep reading to learn what to pack for Zion and other adventures you can take from Gooseberry Lodge.

A Daypack

With so many adventures to enjoy during your stay at Gooseberry Lodge, one item you’ll definitely want to have along is a daypack.But before you grab that old backpack in your closet, consider the weight of your gear and how long you’ll need to carry it. Even if you pack only the essentials, your backpack is still going to be heavy, assuming you pack enough water. If it isn’t comfortable, you’re looking at a long, miserable hike.

When deciding what to pack for Zion and other adventures, opt for a backpack that’s designed for hiking. Ventilated panels on the back will keep you cool, while comfortable padded straps will keep your shoulders from aching just a few miles in.

Before your trip to Zion, consider running a few practice hikes. Even loading up your pack and taking a walk through your neighborhood can help you get accustomed to the weight and keep you from getting sore on the real hike.

Plenty of Water

Perhaps the most important thing that should be on your list of what to pack for Zion is plenty of water, water bottles, or a hydration pack. During the summer months, the daily temperature in Southern Utah regularly hits triple digits. Add in the hot sun and hiking and even the most experienced hikers may dehydrate faster than you’d expect.

Whether you’re setting off on a quick hike or a long-distance adventure, it’s always good practice to pack more water than you expect to use. The average, active hiker needs to drink at least one half-liter of water for every two hours of hiking. But if you are unexpectedly delayed on the trail, hike slower than you thought you would, or simply get thirsty, you’ll be glad you packed extra.

Hiking Boots

Whether you’re planning to take on Angels Landing or headed to Snow Canyon State Park to explore the sand dunes, one item that’s always a must is a good pair of hiking boots.

A comfortable pair of hiking boots with tread should be the first thing on your list of what to pack for Zion. Besides a few paved trails, most of the park’s hiking will have you on rocky, uneven surfaces. Sometimes you’ll need to climb steep switchbacks. Or in the case of the hike to Angels Landing, you’ll cross a narrow rock bridge with 1,000-foot drops on either side. A little bit of water on the rocks can make them as slick as ice, particularly on the smooth sandstone rock faces.

The type of hiking you plan to do should determine which boots you buy or bring along. For instance, high-top boots are great for preventing ankle sprains on rugged trails, while lightweight hiking shoes might be more comfortable for the casual hiker on some of the park’s less-strenuous trails.

Heavy-Duty Water Shoes

If you’ve set your sights on hiking The Narrows, going river rafting in a nearby park, or enjoying any other water sports, even the perfect pair of hiking boots isn’t going to cut it. Even waterproof GoreTex boots aren’t ideal for summer hikes through the water of The Narrows. They’re often heavy and bulky, and not designed for water that’s higher than the tops of your boots.

Instead, what you need is a pair of water shoes and not just the kind you can pick up at a corner store. Instead, you’ll want a pair with some rugged tread to help you grip slick rocks. You’ll also want to make sure that they are comfortable enough to wear over a long distance, as you won’t want to constantly switch back and forth between them and your hiking boots.

Other Items to Pack for Your Gooseberry Lodge Stay

Good hiking boots and plenty of water are must-haves, no matter how you plan to spend your time during your Gooseberry Lodge stay. But there are also plenty of other items you’ll want to have along. Whether you’re going to be hitting the trails or just doing some sightseeing, some other things that should be on your list of what to pack for Zion include:

• Sunscreen
• A rain jacket
• First aid kit
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• A backup phone charger
• Extra socks
• Lip balm
• Bug spray
• binoculars

Deciding What to Pack for Zion and Other Adventures

From a good pair of hiking boots to a comfortable daypack, knowing what to pack for Zion and other adventures during your Gooseberry Lodge stay can help you enjoy a safe, fun Southern Utah adventure.

Ready to start planning your summer vacation? Book your cabin at Gooseberry Lodge today!