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If you’re thinking about a multi-day trek in the Grand Canyon, you’ll probably know that its an incredible popular hike, to the tune of 6+ million visitors a year. You’ll also know that you have to get a permit to do any multi-day hike in the Grand Canyon. Fortunately the winter season provides the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon with significantly less tourists. Well thats exactly what we were thinking this year and I would likely suggest it! So here is a list of some of the gear that you should bring on any winter hiking trip in the Grand Canyon.

Hiking boots

Seems obvious I know, but a lot of people do the Grand Canyon hike in runners. I think in the summer you’d be entirely fine in runners, but in the winter the trail is slightly more difficult and I’d recommend bringing supportive boots.

Crampons / microspikes

Part of the reason to wear hiking boots is so that you can wear microspikes over them. I am a HUGE fan of microspikes – they make you feel like a super hero! They are relatively cheap ($50CAD) and pretty light even if you don’t have to use them. There will almost certainly be snow at the top of the Grand Canyon and we ran into a full snow storm on the way up. 2 out of the 4 people on our trip brought these and while the other two were fine, they were defiantly jealous of super grippy shoes!

Make sure you get ones with actual spikes like these ones rather then the wire ones like I got (they broke!)

Waterproof Tent, sleeping pad, winter camping bag

Another SUPER obvious one! On a lot of summer camping trips I forgo the sleeping pad and at the bottom of the Grand Canyon its is usually warm enough that you could forgot it, but if it does get colder it is nice to have the extra insulation.

A non-disposable water bottle (possible 2)

You won’t find plastic water bottles in the Grand Canyon (and come on why are you still using them!), but you will fine place to fill your bottle up with purified water. However on the way up we did find ourself a little short on water with our single 1L water so I would defiantly suggest bringing 2 or a water bladder.

Sunscreen & sunglasses

The sun still exists in the winter!

Headlamp

We started our hike down pretty late in the day and actually ended up arriving in the dark. We had planned on starting earlier in the day, but got tied up with flights so started late, but I was actually really glad we did. Descending into the Grand Canyon during sunset was an absolutely fantastic moment, but we defiantly needed the headlamps for the last bit of the hike. Also a flash light is helpful when looking for scorpions in your boots!

Lots of food & electrolytes

Way more food and snacks then you’d think. My favourite is Snickers bars (the poor mans protein bars)

Rain jacket & backpack cover

During the winter you will almost certainly get some rain or snow. Normally it will not last long but it is a high possibility. A little rain when you’re prepared in no big deal, but if you’re not you’ll be wet and uncomfortable all day.

Blister gear

Anyone who knows me knows I love blister prevention, I have a whole article about it!. Needle, tread, blisters and maybe some baby powder will make a blister a non-issue.