The Grand Canyon in December is quiet, dramatic, and snow-dusted. While the South Rim remains open and accessible, winter brings icy trails, chilly winds, and stunning views without the crowds. Whether you’re day hiking, road tripping, or just soaking in the vistas, you’ll need to dress warm and smart.
The weather can shift quickly—snowfall one day, sunny skies the next. Layering is essential, as mornings are freezing, but midday hikes can still warm you up. You’ll want practical clothing, sturdy footwear, and safety-focused packing.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for the Grand Canyon in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- South Rim: -6°C to 7°C (20°F to 45°F)
- Phantom Ranch (Inner Canyon): 4°C to 17°C (40°F to 62°F)
- Snow likely at the rim, dry down in the canyon ❄️
- Short daylight hours & possible trail ice 🥾
What to Pack for the Grand Canyon in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Duffel or hiking pack – rugged for outdoor gear 🎒
- Daypack – hydration-compatible 🥤
- Packing cubes – separate cold vs hike gear 📦
- Dry bag – for snow or sudden rain 💦
- Toiletry kit – cold-weather skin needs 🧴
- Document pouch – park permits, ID, passes 📁
- Headlamp – early sunsets = dark trails 💡
- Laundry bag – for sweaty or damp gear 🧺
- Compression sack – pack bulky fleece smart 🧊
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2–3) – must-have insulation ❄️
- Fleece or mid-layer tops (2–3) – warmth without weight 🧥
- Insulated puffer or parka – snow & frost resistant 🧊
- Waterproof shell jacket – for snowy wind 🧥
- Hiking pants – fleece-lined if possible 👖
- Thermal leggings – base for cold mornings 🧦
- Wool sweater or flannel – cozy cabin wear 🧶
- Pajamas – warm and breathable 🛌
- Undergarments & sports bras – comfort first 👙
- Wool socks (5–6) – multiple layers 🧦
- Gloves, scarf, hat – mandatory for rim walks 🧤🧣🧢
💆 Skincare
- Heavy moisturizer – desert + cold = dry skin 🧴
- SPF – high altitude = stronger UV 🌞
- Lip balm with SPF – cracking wind protection 💋
- Face wipes – quick trail clean-up 🧽
- Hand cream – cold + hiking gear = dry hands ✋
💄 Makeup
- Tinted SPF moisturizer – quick base 🌞
- Concealer – for wind-chilled skin 👁️
- Cream blush – natural flush 🌸
- Waterproof mascara – snowproof 👁️
💇 Hair Care
- Comb – tames wind-whipped hair 💇
- Dry shampoo – trail-friendly 🌬️
- Leave-in conditioner – post-hike recovery 💁
- Hair ties – bun it and go 🌀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof hiking boots – insulated soles 🥾
- Camp shoes – for relaxing post-hike 🥿
- Snow spikes/microspikes – for icy trails ❄️
- Wool socks – layered for warmth 🧦
- Beanie – thermal lined 🧢
- Gloves – touchscreen & insulated 🧤
- Sunglasses – snow glare is real 🕶️
- Neck gaiter – doubles as face mask 🧣
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Park pass or America the Beautiful pass 🏞️
- Photo ID – required for permits 🛂
- Hiking permits – needed for overnight trips 📝
- Trail maps – offline and physical 🗺️
- Credit card & cash – not all areas accept card 💳
🚑 First Aid
- Blister plasters – hiking must 🩹
- Ibuprofen – soreness and altitude 🤕
- Electrolyte tablets – dry air dehydrates 💧
- Bandages & tape – minor trail injuries 🩺
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush/paste 🪥
- Deodorant – layering = sweating 🧼
- Feminine care – carry-in/carry-out 🩸
- Toilet paper & trowel – backcountry rules 🧻
- Wet wipes – quick clean-up 🧽
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger 📱
- Portable power bank – no outlets on trails 🔋
- Camera – epic views await 📸
- Headlamp – hands-free and essential 💡
- Offline maps & GPS watch 🧭
🎧 Entertainment
- Book or Kindle – starry night reads 📚
- Journal – write by firelight 📝
- Music/podcasts – download offline 🎧
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – protein bars, trail mix 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – insulated 💧
- Thermos – warm drinks during hikes ☕
- Hand warmers – finger saviors 🔥
- Binoculars – wildlife spotting 🦅
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer smart: base, fleece, shell 🧥
- Always check trail and weather updates 📋
- Sunsets are early – start hikes early 🌄
🛂 Visa Tips
- No visa needed for U.S. citizens 🛂
- International visitors: ESTA or tourist visa 📄
⭐ Must-Haves
- Waterproof boots 🥾
- Thermal layers ❄️
- Hiking permit if needed 📄
- Headlamp 💡
- Sunglasses 🕶️
- Map + backup battery 🔋
👍 Good-to-Have
- Hand warmers 🔥
- Binoculars 🦅
- Snow spikes ❄️
- Journal 📝
- Extra thermos ☕
