What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (2024)

Complete Grand Canyon Guide, The Grand Canyon

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (1) Ria Borja
What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (2)

28 Aug

When it comes to exploring the Grand Canyon, comfort is key. But if you’ve never been to the Canyon before, dressing appropriately for the climate and the terrain can be a challenge.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes

Even at the South Rim, which is the most highly developed region of the Grand Canyon, the terrain can be rough and unpredictable. Running shoes, sport sandals, or hiking boots are ideal. Flip flops, high heels, or new shoes that you’re still breaking in are not.

If you’re planning on hiking into the Canyon, wear a mid-weight boot with lots of ankle support. For the Rim trail, a running shoe with good tread will do the job.

2. Stay comfortable in light layers

Light layers give you the most flexibility to adapt your outfit to the Canyon’s weather. Add a layer in the morning or evening when it’s chilly, and peel them off as the day warms up or as you hike!

In the summer, wear shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes with a light jacket or sweater. In the winter, opt for jeans, good shoes (or even boots – it does snow at the Grand Canyon!), and a long-sleeved shirt with a jacket or sweater.

If you’re taking a guided tour, read the tour description carefully in case you need to pack or wear anything special, such as close-toed shoes or a bathing suit.

3. Wear a hat

Some areas of the Grand Canyon, such as the West Rim, don’t provide much shade. No matter which Rim you visit, a hat with a wide brim is essential to protecting yourself from the hot sun.

It can also get cool in the winter, so if you’re visiting between November and April, consider packing a warmer hat to keep you nice and toasty while you explore.

4. Don’t forget sunglasses!

The sun shines brightly all year at the Grand Canyon, so bring a pair of sunglasses no matter what season you visit in. Consider leaving your designer shades at home in case they get scratched or broken.

5. Pack a mask

Face masks are required on NPS-administered lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as inside all NPS buildings and facilities.

Individuals over the age of two years must wear face masks, except when actively eating or drinking in the following locations:

  • All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to: park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants.
  • The following outdoor areas, when others are present, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained: Mather Point, Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza, all bus stops, Hopi Point, Greenway Trail from Verkamps to Bright Angel Trailhead, and all entrance stations.

The Complete Grand Canyon Visitor Guide

Find answers to all your questions about the Grand Canyon in our newly updated guide!

Rim Guides

  • Visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
  • Visiting the Grand Canyon’s West Rim
  • The Grand Canyon Skywalk
  • Visiting the Grand Canyon’s North Rim
  • Visiting the Grand Canyon’s East Rim

Before You Go

  • Grand Canyon Facts to Know Before You Go
  • Choosing Which Rim to Visit

Getting to the Grand Canyon

  • Driving to the Grand Canyon vs. Taking a Guided Tour
  • What Type of Tour Should You Take?
  • Driving Directions

While You're There

Take Our Tips With You!

Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are always recommended for anyone visiting the Grand Canyon. Find out what else you should wear with our free printable guide.

Download the Complete Grand Canyon Visitor Guidefor guides to each Rim, packing lists, travel tips and more.

Featured Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park

What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (3)

Tags:

Printable, Travel Tips

Related Posts

20 Sep

The Grand Canyon, Trip Planning Resources

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (5) Ria Borja

The Grand Canyon may be awe inspiring, but it is important to remember that awesome things can also be dangerous. Its size, geography, and location are what make the Grand Canyon so impressive, but th...

Continue reading

06 Jul

Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tips

What’s The Cheapest Time to Fly To Vegas + More Advice For How To Get Cheap Flights To Vegas

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (7) Ria Borja

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Las Vegas in the near future, you may be wondering how to save on travel expenses in order to maximize your budget for fun when you arrive. We totally get it!...

Continue reading

11 May

Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tips

How Has Las Vegas Changed? Key Las Vegas Changes To Know About Before Your Next Visit

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (9) Ria Borja

Some things in Vegas never change—lavish parties, crowded casinos, and the constant rotation of spectacular shows and concerts, to name a few. But like the spin of the roulette wheel, Vegas never stan...

Continue reading

03 Apr

Red Rock Canyon, The Southwest

How Far Is Red Rock Canyon From Las Vegas + 14 More Questions We Know You Have About Red Rock Canyon

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (11) Ria Borja

Red Rock Canyon is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Las Vegas—and for good reason. Its blazing red rock formations are iconic, there are numerous stunning viewpoints to explore, and ...

Continue reading

10 Feb

Rim Guides, The Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Activities – What To Do At The Grand Canyon South Rim

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (13) Ria Borja

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is often the go-to destination for first-time explorers—and for good reason. Home to the most developed region of the Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim is the most...

Continue reading

31 Aug

Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tips

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (15) Ria Borja

Las Vegas isn’t best known for being a family- or kid-friendly vacation spot, primarily catering to the 21 and over crowd. While many attractions and activities in Vegas are designed to appeal to adul...

Continue reading

28 Jul

The Southwest

How Was Bryce Canyon Formed + 6 Other Questions We Know You Have About Bryce Canyon National Park

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (17) Ria Borja

Beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park is best known for its incredible natural arches and iconic hoodoo rock formations. It also boasts awe-inspiring night skies and was officially recognized by the In...

Continue reading

01 Jun

The Southwest

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (19) Ria Borja

The American Southwest is a family road trip classic for a reason. Home to an ample array of things to see and do and multiple deserts that span several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and part...

Continue reading

28 Apr

The Grand Canyon, Trip Planning Resources

Your Guide to Grand Canyon Sunset Times

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (21) Ria Borja

While the Grand Canyon is awe-inspiring no matter what time of day you take it in, many visitors believe there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sun setting over the iconic Canyon’s red rock...

Continue reading

16 Mar

The Grand Canyon, Trip Planning Resources

What to See at the Grand Canyon in One Day

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (23) Ria Borja

The Grand Canyon is renowned for its expansive largeness—its grandness, if you will—so fitting everything into one day is an impossible task. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to see everythin...

Continue reading

03 Nov

The Grand Canyon, Trip Planning Resources

What to Wear to the Grand Canyon in the Winter

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (25) Ria Borja

When most people picture the Grand Canyon, they imagine it in high summer—hot and sunny, full of tourists wearing shorts, and long days with late sunsets. It’s easy to imagine The Grand Canyon as a...

Continue reading

05 May

The Grand Canyon

13 Best Places to Watch the Grand Canyon Sunset

  • Posted by What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (27) Ria Borja

You’ve probably seen some beautiful sunsets at home or in your travels, but have you ever seen the sun set at the Grand Canyon? The majesty of a beautiful sunset casting its impressive colors and shad...

Continue reading

    What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours (2024)

    FAQs

    What to Wear When you Visit the Grand Canyon - Canyon Tours? ›

    Wearing long sleeves and pants is a good idea to limit the effects of the sun. Sunglasses and hats are also strongly recommended. The bigger the brim, the better. If there's ever a time to sport that Indiana Jones sable fedora, it's during a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.

    What do you wear to the Grand Canyon tour? ›

    Grand Canyon Day Trips & Bus Tours

    A very light set of clothing for the daytime and a light sweater for the cooler mornings and evenings will suffice for most days. In the summer, for your average person, a pair of shorts, good walking shoes and a light tee shirt will suffice for bus tours and basic walking tours.

    What shoes to wear in Grand Canyon tour? ›

    Running shoes, sport sandals, or hiking boots are ideal. Flip flops, high heels, or new shoes that you're still breaking in are not. If you're planning on hiking into the Canyon, wear a mid-weight boot with lots of ankle support. For the Rim trail, a running shoe with good tread will do the job.

    Should I wear shorts or leggings to the Grand Canyon? ›

    Shorts | Shorts are best for when daytime temps get in the 90s and 100s. If you're hiking, athletic shorts and bike shorts will fit in. The temperature gets hotter as you descend further into the canyon. Tees and tank tops | Casual t-shirts and tank tops are appropriate for walking along the rim and hiking.

    What do you wear to the Grand Canyon Skywalk? ›

    All GCW guests are required to wear shirts and shoes at all times. Swimsuit tops are allowed when worn with other appropriate clothing. Most of the terrain at GCW is rugged. We strongly recommend wearing either hiking shoes or tennis shoes during your visit to prevent ankle injuries.

    Should I wear pants to the Grand Canyon? ›

    Planning what to wear hiking in the Grand Canyon in April through October tends to be a little more predictable. Warmer temperatures during the day allow for t-shirts and shorts but come prepared with long pants as the weather cools as you move towards fall.

    What things I need to carry when going to Grand Canyon? ›

    The heaviest items in your pack should be food and water.

    Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a map, compass, signal mirror or whistle, first aid kit, and water purification tablets. Keep in mind that all trash (including biodegradable) needs to be carried out of the canyon.

    Can you wear sneakers to Grand Canyon? ›

    Make sure to pack comfortable athletic shoes or hiking boots. These don't have to be anything fancy an old pair of sneakers is perfectly appropriate, as long as they still have some decent tread on them.

    Can you wear sandals to Grand Canyon? ›

    There is rarely any humidity. However, you are much closer to the sun and will burn quickly. Puh-Puh-Puh-lease DO NOT wear sandals or open-toe shoes at all. Always wear comfortable, walking or hiking shoes.

    Will shoes get dirty at Grand Canyon? ›

    Running shoes will be fine. They may get a little dusty but they won't be stained. The upper parts of the trails are a combination of rocks and hard packed dirt.

    What is not allowed at the Grand Canyon? ›

    Feeding, touching, teasing, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited. Throwing or rolling rocks or other items down hillsides or mountainsides, into valleys or canyons, or inside caves is prohibited.

    What day of the week is best to visit Grand Canyon? ›

    Based on my 3 trips to the Canyon, for whatever reason Sunday morning seems the least busy with Sunday afternoon the most busy as far as crowds go! Check the forecast as you really do want a little sun if at all possible. Mondays and Tuesdays are least busy with Wed being next you should be fine.

    Why can't you take pictures at the Grand Canyon? ›

    There are a few reasons why the Hualapai Tribe has implemented this policy. First and foremost, it's a matter of safety. You don't have to worry about the glass floor of the Grand Canyon Skywalk breaking, but the possibility of scratching it is a concern. It's not easy to repair the scratched glass.

    Can you take your phone on the Grand Canyon Skywalk? ›

    When you arrive, you'll receive booties to cover your shoes to protect the glass as you walk on the sky. Guests cannot bring anything with them on the skywalk: no purses or backpacks and definitely no cell phones or cameras.

    Does it cost money to walk on the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon? ›

    Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter, boat tours and zipline tours can be purchased at an additional cost.

    Does the Skywalk cost money? ›

    Skywalk Costs

    As of June 2023, the cost to experience the Skywalk is $64 per person for a ticket. There is a Grand Canyon entrance fee to Grand Canyon West for $49 and an additional $15 fee for the Skywalk, it is called the Sky Experience Bundle.

    What do I need to know before visiting the Grand Canyon? ›

    Pack sunscreen and water – you will need both

    Preparation will either make or break your Grand Canyon National Park trip. Some of the park's most popular hikes, like The South Kaibab Trail, do not have water stations en route. Bring more than enough to stay hydrated amid the desert heat.

    How long does the average person look at the Grand Canyon? ›

    The typical visitor takes a brief look into the Grand Canyon and departs pumped full of wonder. The typical stay lasts from five to seven hours, according to park surveys, and the average time spent looking at the canyon is 17 minutes. This means most of the travel along the south rim is by motor vehicle.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Aracelis Kilback

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5643

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

    Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Aracelis Kilback

    Birthday: 1994-11-22

    Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

    Phone: +5992291857476

    Job: Legal Officer

    Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

    Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.